Dream destinations you visit once in a lifetime. From exotic islands to places that captivate lovers of history and adventure alike.
There are the trips we take to escape, even for a while, from everyday life and recharge our batteries. And there are the experience trips to destinations we dream of visiting that require months of preparation. This article is about the second category of trips. From Patagonia to New Zealand, these are some of the dreamiest destinations for trips of a lifetime.
Patagonia: Journey to the edge of the Earth
A trip to Patagonia is a journey to the end of the world. You will first need to fly to Buenos Aires in Argentina or Santiago in Chile- which undoubtedly deserve a few days- before reaching Patagonias alpine lakes and glaciers, at the southernmost tip of South America. The wild landscapes and the mystery surrounding one of the planets last virgin places exert enormous allure on travelers who love adventure. The most famous parts of Patagonia are Los Glaciares National Park with its 48 glaciers and Torres del Paine National Park, which belongs to the Chilean section, with its trademark the Les Torres mountains and their granite peaks.
Galápagos: Where «nature runs wild»
The Galápagos, lying to the northwest of South America, are a little paradise made up of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 smaller ones, and around 107 islets. It is not a destination for everyone, as the journey there is long. However, anyone who decides to go will witness unique beauty. In this remote archipelago, many of natures «secrets» are safeguarded. The Galápagos are famed for their vast number of endemic species and for the studies Charles Darwin conducted there in 1835, which led to the theory of natural selection. Ecotourism has been gaining ground in recent years, and this is also where the worlds first green airport is located, operating exclusively on solar and wind energy.
New Zealand: Endless
The land of the «long white cloud», Aotearoa, as it is called in the language of the indigenous Māori, is a paradise for travelers seeking adventures in nature. New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries, while Auckland, the largest and most cosmopolitan city, often features on lists of the best cities in the world to live in. Breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers and fjords, golden beaches, untouched islets, and thrilling activities such as sailing, kayaking, surfing, bungee jumping, as well as wine tastings will enrich your experiences.
Iceland: Chasing the Northern Lights
With landscapes of unique beauty- from glaciers to volcanoes and from waterfalls to geothermal springs- Iceland is a very special travel destination. It is also one of the places where you can observe (if youre lucky) the Northern Lights, natures most spectacular show. The dazzling colors that «dance» across the night sky of the polar regions are the best excuse for a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The months with the best chances of spotting the phenomenon are from September to April, and one of the best locations to observe it is the Hofdabrekka area in the south of the country, 2,5 hours of driving from Reykjavik.
Faroe Islands: Like a fairytale
The 18 little islands of the North Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, resemble nowhere else in Europe. Narrow fjords, small wooden houses with grass on their roofs, lighthouses, roaring waterfalls, and colorful villages inspire photographers andcaptivate true travelers. The Faroe Islands are among the destinations that have set a limit on visitor numbers to protect themselves from the impacts of overtourism. So, if you want to see the famous Moυλαφόσουρ waterfall plunging directly into the wild waters of the North Atlantic, with a backdrop of colorful little houses and sheep grazing carefree, you will need to organize your trip well in advance.
Angkor Wat: Cambodias mystical paradise
A true monument to human ingenuity and dedication, the temples in the Angkor region of Cambodia inspire awe in every visitor. The Angkor Wat temple complex is a symbol of Cambodia, as it has appeared on the countrys flag since 1863, and it is the countrys main tourist attraction. It lies within the jungle and was built for the Khmer king Suryavarman II in the 12th century. It has been a sacred place for several religions, such as Hinduism, as it was dedicated to Vishnu, as well as Buddhism.
