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11 Best Things to do in Congo in 2024

Alyssa Ramos

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I’ve just returned from a two week solo travel adventure, and am excited to share the 11 best things to do in Congo in 2024!

Before I begin, I just want to specify that this is for the Democratic Republic of Congo (there is also the “Republic of Congo”). And that these recommendations are all in areas considered safe for tourists.

If you’re concerned or wondering if D.R. Congo is safe for tourists, please check out my post, “Is D.R. Congo Safe?”

Also be sue to check out my “Ultimate Honest D.R. Congo Travel Guide”!

Top Best Things to do in Congo: Go Gorilla Trekking

best things to do in congo mylifesamovie.com

For me, and most visitors, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is at the top of the best things to do in D.R. Congo! It was actually one of the most incredible experiences in my life, and I can’t wait to do it again in 2022 with my group trips!

The permit for gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo costs $400 on its own, but you also need to pay for a guide, the lodge, transport, etc. You can book all of that with my friend Obed of Kumbukumbu Tours, or join one of my trips!

Essentially the trip consists of a ride in a safari vehicle on bumpy roads through beautiful villages for 1.5 hours first. You have armed guards, but please don’t be alarmed, as this is protocol. Then you’ll climb a lot of stairs up to the gorgeous lodge! The actual gorilla trekking usually takes 1 hour (moderate difficulty) there and back, and you get 1 hour maximum to see them.

See my full blog post about gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo here!

Visit Local Villages in Virunga

d.r. congo

After you’ve finished gorilla trekking, you will have the rest of the day free at the lodge. You’ll want to shower and relax for a bit, but later you should explore the local villages outside of the National Park’s fence!

There’s tons of beautiful farms and nature, plus the inevitable crowds of cute little kids that will come to say hi. You can give a monetary donation to them through the advice of your guide. I also gave some of my clothes to some women, in case you have some you’d like to donate!

This area is where people do not have clean drinking water. I am working on fundraising for water filters that will be brought with my group trips in 2022. If you’d like to donate to those, please send an email to info @ mylifesamovie.com .

Best Things to do in Congo Besides Gorillas: Stay on Tchegera Island

best things to do in congo tchegera island

Tchegera Island in D.R. Congo is the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking! It’s a beautiful island (technically a caldera) formed from the rim of an extinct volcano that is sunken in Lake Kivu.

To get to Tchegera Island, you also drive through beautiful farmlands and villages, then you board a small boat for a 15 minute ride. Tchegera Island is part of Virunga National Park, and it is very well taken care of, and safe.

tchegera island camping

You will stay in chic glamping tents, all along the lake, and have the option to hike, kayak, paddleboard, or just relax!

Paddleboard on Lake Kivu

best things to do in congo lake kivu

You can paddleboard on Lake Kivu either from Tchegera Island, or straight from Goma! It’s definitely another thing at the top of the best things to do in D.R. Congo because not only is it fun, but you get really great views of the volcanoes!

The lake is usually pretty flat, so it’s the perfect place to paddle! And don’t worry, there are NO crocodiles or hippos in there!

If you’d like to paddleboard from Goma, there is a place next door to Terrasse restaurant and bar that rents them! 

Relax at Goma Serena Hotel

Goma Serena D.R. Congo travel guide

The Goma Serena hotel is the first and only 5 star hotel in Goma! I had the pleasure of staying there for 6 days when I abruptly had to do an early arrival into Goma due to flight cancellations!

If you have any worries at all about staying in Goma, you will find comfort and safety at Goma Serena. I’d recommend staying there a night or two to relax, but you can always go there regardless to have drinks by the pool or a meal, or to book a service at their spa!

There’s even a nightclub at Goma Serena! Just be sure to check the current rules and regulations for curfew!

Shop Locally in Goma Markets

One of the best ways to support locals in Goma is to shop at the local markets. There are TONS of them, some more chaotic than others! I purchased a few locally made dresses in the Goma markets, which means the profit goes directly to the women who made them. 

Beware of boutiques that sell “western clothes” though, becaue most of those come from China!

If you want to be super adventurous and really support locals, purchase some fruits, veggies, or street food from the markets! All of these items come directly from the farms in Congo, and benefit the locals who grow and sell them!

Visit the Lava Field in Goma

goma lava field

To truly understand the devastation that the recent eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano caused in Goma, go take a walk on the lava field that it caused.

It’s a sad sight to see miles and miles of black lava rocks where thousands of houses used to be. When I was there (2 months after the eruption), the lava rocks still had steam coming from them, and were hot even through my shoes! That meant that it was still too hot and dangerous for the locals to even begin removing it and reconstructing their homes.

If you’d like to make a donation to a local organization helping to restore people’s homes in Goma, please contact:

Chill at Terrasse

I’m not going to lie, Terrasse is largely a foreigner/expat place, especially on the weekends. Most of the people you see there are from the United Nations, and other NGO’s, or foreigners working in Goma. There’s a good chance you’ll meet at least one person from the UN there, as they are very friendly!

The place is very cute, and has tables and chairs right on Lake Kivu, making it a perfect place to relax. You can also rent paddleboards or jetskis next door!

Other Best Things to Do in Congo: Take a day trip to Masisi

best things to do in congo masisi

If you have a full day or two, and a lot of patience, consider doing a trip to Masisi! Masisi is a gorgous, lush, mountaintop area, carpeted with vibrant green grass, farms, and dotted with cows and horses!

It’s hard to believe that Masisi is where a recent civil war took place, because it seems so peaceful and tranquil. If you really want to shake any negative stereotype you had about Congo or Africa in general, definitely go to Masisi.

If you’d like to stay the night in Masisi, I can recommend Aubergene***. It’s definitely a bit of a drive (one hour on a really bumpy road from the main area of Masisi), but you can stay in a restored colonial home on a working dairy farm! You’ll even get to try the locally made gouda cheese, and visit the free-roaming cows that it comes from!

Go Horseback Riding on the Countryside

horseback riding in masisi

If you go to Masisi, one of the best things to do in D.R. Congo is to go horseback riding on the countryside! There are TONS of horses in Masisi, and they are all extremely well taken care of!

Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before, the local guides will walk with you the whole time. You’ll get to go down into the valleys of the rolling green hills, and up to the top of them for some truly spectacular views!

Climb Nyiragongo Volcano (if it’s open again)

Hopefully by 2022 Nyiragongo volcano will be open again to climb. I was supposed to climb it and camp at the rim (one of the most popular and ultimate best things to do in D.R. Congo), but as I mentioned, it recently erupted.

One of the main highlights about climbing Nyiragongo volcano was seeing the molten lava lake at the top. You probably won’t get to see that for a while, as it will need to fill back up, but I will keep you posted!

Book a Tour to See the Best Things to do in Congo!

D.R. Congo travel guide

Obviously I am biased because I absolutely loved my guide Obed from Kumbukumbu Tours, but I really do believe he is the perfect guide for your trip. Obed has made a great name for himself in the small tourism industry in D.R. Congo, and is one of the young leaders there.

You can get the best of both worlds and book one of my group trips with him and other like-minded travelers on certain dates (October 2021, or the first or second week of July 2022). My trip is longer, and includes 7 days 6 nights, including stays at the Serena, market shopping, a donation for water filters, and also airport assistance.

However if you can’t go on my dates, or want to go on your own, below are his prices, and I have a discount code for you as well!

Kumbukumbu Gorilla Tour:

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Cost: $1630/person (for 2 or more people) or $1810 for solo travelers

*Get 10% off using the code ‘AfricAlyssa’

Includes:

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Gorilla trek & associated fees
  • 2 nights at Virunga lodge
  • 1 night on Tchegera Island
  • Tchegera Island transport and entry
  • Ground transport
  • Full time guide
  • Obed’s Book!

Click Here to Fill Out a Booking Form!

Please don’t forget! I work extremely hard to produce these free travel guides and posts! If it helped you, or you enjoyed it, PLEASE give it a share on social media, and follow me to keep up with more posts! You’re two minutes of effort truly helps keep my business running! Thank ya!

xx, Alyssa

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Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry.

I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand.

I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so…

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media!

I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work.

Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!)

I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going.

Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world.

So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year.

Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips.

Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new!

To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
  • I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳

But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!!

I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend)

The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!)

I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world.

Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many!

Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck?

For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio!

———————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers  in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
  • D. R. Congo and Silverback Gorillas both have reputations for being extremely dangerous, and that’s true, to an extent. But hear me out.

First a disclaimer: I am one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, and I also have a degree in Animal Science plus extensive experience with wild animals. All of my animal encounters are ethical, researched, and done with professionals. My goal is to promote responsible animal tourism that actually benefits and protects the animals, Don’t try to do any of them on your own!

Ok so the Mountain Gorillas! Yes, they can be extremely dangerous! However, many of them have been socialized, and are therefore accepting of human visitors (and very curious)

Gorilla trekking tourism is what protects these beautiful animals, because it generates more money to have them alive, so it forces the govs and other orgs to implement strict rules and anti-poaching efforts!

In fact, these gorillas were almost poached to extinction before trekking became popular, and now most of the trackers (people paid to find the gorillas to trek to) are former poachers! 

I’ve gone gorilla trekking 5 times and it’s always a safe and beautiful experience (the trek is difficult though and can be up to 8 hours through thick jungle)

Now about D.R. Congo…. Shortly after my first solo travels there, Virunga National Park closed and remains closed due to armed conflict with rebel groups..:

I still went to visit Goma several more times, and I truly love Congo, but I will be waiting with anticipation for the safety to increase, because the gorillas in DRC were my top favorite see! 

For more info on DRC or the other 150 countries I’ve traveled solo to, please check out my blog linked in bio!

———-

Please follow me @mylifesatravelmovie for more extreme adventures with purpose 💖

#alyssaramostravels #mylifeisatravelmovie #mylifeisatravelmovie
  • I have a “bucketlist tattoo” that I add to when I complete a major bucketlist check! This one was a double check: seeing a wild Polar Bear and reaching my farthest latitude north (so far): 82 degrees North!

For reference, the geographic North Pole is at 90 degrees North, so we were very close to it! Maybe one day I’ll reach it!

There’s only one tattoo shop in Longyearbyen, therefore it’s officially the northernmost tattoo shop! And I also have tattoos from the Southernmost tattoo shop in Ushuaia for my 4 trips to Antarctica!

Anyone else have cool tattoos?

——————-

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
  • This is my 3rd year being an American living on a vineyard in Italy (married the owner!) and I def have a lot of tea/wine to spill about it 😂

People have this dreamy or glamorous “Emily in Rome”-esque idea about traveling to Italy, falling in love, preferably with someone who owns a vineyard, and living happily ever after…well I did that, and it can be a bit more “difficile vita” than “dolce vita” at times!

Shall I give the full interview for the “real Netflix documentary about an American living in Italy”?? 😂
  • I’ve swam with Orcas, a crocodile, and my for-fun hobby is shark diving, but I draw the line at poisonous swimming snakes. 🙅‍♀️🐍 It really just came up to me like that when I was sitting on the beach on an island in New Caledonia! 

I had been contemplating going swimming with the turtles nearby, but changed my mind after I saw this!

This was a “Blake-banded Sea Krait”, common to this area in the South Pacific Islands, I’ve heard several divers say they’ve seen them! But no thanks, I prefer sharks. 😂

Animal safety tip: as an experienced animal encounteress, i never ever suggest provoking or trying to “fight off” any dangerous animal that isn’t actively trying to attack you. Stay calm and still and let it pass like I did in this video. Then, feel free to run. (Jk I’d still suggest carefully and slowly backing a way, keeping an eye on it).

What would you do if you saw a swimming snake?!

——————

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the very first travel “influencers” and now one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations (and animals). Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
  • I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
  • Yes, that is a real, wild Crocodile. Yes, I swam with him (several times) Would you dare?

This is Panchito the Crocodile, he lives alone in Casa Cenote which is close to Tulum. Crocs are not commonly found in cenotes (pronounced “seh-note-ay” and are deep fresh water reserves throughout the Yucatán peninsula ) and no one is really sure how he got there.

Panchito is allegedly “friendly”, but it’s more like “unbothered until provoked”.

Recently for the first time ever Panchito attacked a swimmer because some unintelligent people were throwing rocks at him to try to provoke a reaction for a video 😡

Even this last time when I was there, while I was freediving in the cenote, other tourists were loud and slashing at Panchito, causing him to interrupt his tanning session, jump into the water, and dive under the mangroves until the people were gone (I watched all of it and was honestly a bit scared when he came swimming towards me underwater).

Anyway! If you want a unique wildlife experience, check out Casa Cenote but do not disturb Panchito!!! Or any wildlife! Animal karma is real!

I live in Tulum half-time and have lots of posts and tips about it and also this cenote, all on my website along with tips for over 140 countries - MyLifesAMovie.com

—————————

For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
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Before the term “influencer” or “content creator” existed, I was one of the original travel bloggers, unknowingly helping pioneer what is now a multibillion dollar Creator Industry. I helped transform solo female travel from taboo to trendy, and taught thousands of people how to work remotely and build a brand. I’ve done so much more than just create content, although hardly anyone sees the behind the scenes. And it’s been 14 years that I’ve owned the title of travel bloggers/influencer so… Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Alyssa Ramos, the founder of My Life’s a Travel Movie brand, one of the very first travel “influencers” and one of the pioneers of the creator industry, of normalizing solo female travel today, of influencer-hosted group trips, and of getting paid to travel via social media! I started my blog in 2012, then started using social media to promote it in 2014, earning me the title of “influencer”but what was never fully seen was the entrepreneur behind it who helped create an entire new industry with no money and when hardly anyone believed it would work. Soon after I became one of the first travel blogger/influencers to make a full time living from it, I was asked to speak at conferences, interviewed in the press, and I was one of the very first people to make the courses about how it’s done (they didn’t exist when I started!) I had a big dream to get paid to travel the world, and to normalize solo female travel, and once I succeeded, I kept going. Today I am not only a travel influencer, but also a humanitarian, animal activist, a trailblazer, an author, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and…one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world. So far I’ve been to over 150 countries (off the 197 list), all 7 continents (Antarctica 4x), and I average 20 countries per year. Now I’m going bigger. I’m launching a travel show, more speaker events, writing another book, and I’ve started the Travel Tribe Foundation to give back through my group trips. Thank you everyone who has been here with me for so long, and welcome to anyone new! To follow along with my updates, please comment “travel
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I thought I was going to shipwreck trying to get to an existing shipwreck in the Solomon Islands…and I was traveling solo with just a fisherman driving me on his small boat. 😳 But! We made it, even with a massive storm approaching, and I experienced one of the most incredible “my life’s a travel movie” moments in my 12 years of continuous solo traveling!! I truly felt like I was in a movie! The ship is an old cruise ship that hit rocks and slowly sank as it washed ashore on Roderick’s Bay. It’s only half sunk, so you can swim around it (it’s super creepy and dangerous, don’t do it alone), and since it’s completely unregulated, you can also climb it and zip line into the water (also dangerous, can’t recommend) The angle of the ship also created one of the most vibrant marine sanctuaries I’ve seen in a while, with lots of actual colorful coral and fish (including clown fish!) I went to Solomon Islands after my second trip to Papua New Guinea, on my quest to slow solo travel to every country in the world. Would I go back to the shipwreck? Probably not. That boat ride was terrifying. But I’d go back to see more of the islands in the Solomon’s, there’s so many! Would you brave the ride to get to this shipwreck? For any fellow extreme adventurers, my Solomon Islands travel tips and itinerary is on my website linked in bio! ———————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
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3/9
D. R. Congo and Silverback Gorillas both have reputations for being extremely dangerous, and that’s true, to an extent. But hear me out. First a disclaimer: I am one of the most experienced solo female travelers in the world, and I also have a degree in Animal Science plus extensive experience with wild animals. All of my animal encounters are ethical, researched, and done with professionals. My goal is to promote responsible animal tourism that actually benefits and protects the animals, Don’t try to do any of them on your own! Ok so the Mountain Gorillas! Yes, they can be extremely dangerous! However, many of them have been socialized, and are therefore accepting of human visitors (and very curious) Gorilla trekking tourism is what protects these beautiful animals, because it generates more money to have them alive, so it forces the govs and other orgs to implement strict rules and anti-poaching efforts! In fact, these gorillas were almost poached to extinction before trekking became popular, and now most of the trackers (people paid to find the gorillas to trek to) are former poachers! I’ve gone gorilla trekking 5 times and it’s always a safe and beautiful experience (the trek is difficult though and can be up to 8 hours through thick jungle) Now about D.R. Congo…. Shortly after my first solo travels there, Virunga National Park closed and remains closed due to armed conflict with rebel groups..: I still went to visit Goma several more times, and I truly love Congo, but I will be waiting with anticipation for the safety to increase, because the gorillas in DRC were my top favorite see! For more info on DRC or the other 150 countries I’ve traveled solo to, please check out my blog linked in bio! ———- Please follow me @mylifesatravelmovie for more extreme adventures with purpose 💖 #alyssaramostravels #mylifeisatravelmovie #mylifeisatravelmovie
6 days ago
783
View on Instagram |
4/9
I have a “bucketlist tattoo” that I add to when I complete a major bucketlist check! This one was a double check: seeing a wild Polar Bear and reaching my farthest latitude north (so far): 82 degrees North! For reference, the geographic North Pole is at 90 degrees North, so we were very close to it! Maybe one day I’ll reach it! There’s only one tattoo shop in Longyearbyen, therefore it’s officially the northernmost tattoo shop! And I also have tattoos from the Southernmost tattoo shop in Ushuaia for my 4 trips to Antarctica! Anyone else have cool tattoos? ——————- For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo female travelers in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
1 week ago
3
View on Instagram |
5/9
This is my 3rd year being an American living on a vineyard in Italy (married the owner!) and I def have a lot of tea/wine to spill about it 😂 People have this dreamy or glamorous “Emily in Rome”-esque idea about traveling to Italy, falling in love, preferably with someone who owns a vineyard, and living happily ever after…well I did that, and it can be a bit more “difficile vita” than “dolce vita” at times! Shall I give the full interview for the “real Netflix documentary about an American living in Italy”?? 😂
1 week ago
13
View on Instagram |
6/9
I’ve swam with Orcas, a crocodile, and my for-fun hobby is shark diving, but I draw the line at poisonous swimming snakes. 🙅‍♀️🐍 It really just came up to me like that when I was sitting on the beach on an island in New Caledonia! I had been contemplating going swimming with the turtles nearby, but changed my mind after I saw this! This was a “Blake-banded Sea Krait”, common to this area in the South Pacific Islands, I’ve heard several divers say they’ve seen them! But no thanks, I prefer sharks. 😂 Animal safety tip: as an experienced animal encounteress, i never ever suggest provoking or trying to “fight off” any dangerous animal that isn’t actively trying to attack you. Stay calm and still and let it pass like I did in this video. Then, feel free to run. (Jk I’d still suggest carefully and slowly backing a way, keeping an eye on it). What would you do if you saw a swimming snake?! —————— For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the very first travel “influencers” and now one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations (and animals). Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
1 week ago
17512
View on Instagram |
7/9
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!!

Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!)

I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁

The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island…

Check out my Shebara blog post for full details!

Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while..

You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too.

I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!)

I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!!

These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy?

One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget!

The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi!

One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide!

Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! 

An incredibly u
I’ve stayed at over 500 hotels in my 12 years of traveling to around 20 countries per year, here’s 20 that absolutely blew my mind and I cannot forget!! Swipe to see each caption for the name and location of these beauties (and some just bizarre!) I have a full list with links of the hotels here and ones I’ve posted about, linked on my bio! Please use those links if you book these places bc most don’t pay me to give this free publicity so the way I can monetize is using the links, it costs you nothing, and helps me a lot, thanks!! 😁😁😁 The currently viral @shebara resort in Saudi Arabia with UFO looking over-water bungalows! Costs around $2-4k per night and doesn’t include the transfer to get to the island… Check out my Shebara blog post for full details! Probably the most bizarre hotel I’ve ever stayed at is this one in Turkmenistan. It’s known as “the wedding hotel” bc it’s where most people have their receptions, but the ground floor wing behind me is open for tourists….except, I was the only one there and it seemed like it had been empty for a while.. You can’t book hotels on your own in Turkmenistan, you have to take a tour and have a letter of invitation. Full blog post with that info too. I’m scheduled to return to Turkmenistan in October and also next year with @mylifesatraveltribe (sold out though, join the waitlist!) I never would have guessed I’d end up living on a vineyard and recalling @pacheca.group The Wine House as inspo for a future rental project!! These wine barrel rooms are in Portugal. Who thinks I should try to build some on our vineyard in Sardinia Italy? One of the bougiest hotel experiences is at @anantaramaiaseychelles ! The villas are beautiful but it was the 24/7 butler service that I can’t forget! The Seychelles was my 100th country, and they brought me enough wine bottles to write out the number in my private jacuzzi! One of my all time favorites is @tulia_zanzibar 😻 it’s one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed, sustainable resorts I’ve experienced, AND it has a water slide! Scotland surprised me a lot with its incredible hotel options! Namely, all of the castles! There’s so many of them!!! An incredibly u
2 weeks ago
21317
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8/9
Yes, that is a real, wild Crocodile. Yes, I swam with him (several times) Would you dare? This is Panchito the Crocodile, he lives alone in Casa Cenote which is close to Tulum. Crocs are not commonly found in cenotes (pronounced “seh-note-ay” and are deep fresh water reserves throughout the Yucatán peninsula ) and no one is really sure how he got there. Panchito is allegedly “friendly”, but it’s more like “unbothered until provoked”. Recently for the first time ever Panchito attacked a swimmer because some unintelligent people were throwing rocks at him to try to provoke a reaction for a video 😡 Even this last time when I was there, while I was freediving in the cenote, other tourists were loud and slashing at Panchito, causing him to interrupt his tanning session, jump into the water, and dive under the mangroves until the people were gone (I watched all of it and was honestly a bit scared when he came swimming towards me underwater). Anyway! If you want a unique wildlife experience, check out Casa Cenote but do not disturb Panchito!!! Or any wildlife! Animal karma is real! I live in Tulum half-time and have lots of posts and tips about it and also this cenote, all on my website along with tips for over 140 countries - MyLifesAMovie.com ————————— For anyone new here: Hi! I’m Alyssa Ramos of @mylifesatravelmovie - one of the most traveled and most experienced solo travel women in the world! I’ve been to 146 countries so far over 12 years, and love rare destinations and animals! My goal is to inspire you to travel off the typical path and to shatter negative stereotypes about “dangerous” destinations. Follow me for expert tips and inspiration!
2 weeks ago
10.5k173
View on Instagram |
9/9

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