Wanderlust Wednesday

I’ve traveled to 6 continents and over 30 countries, yet my “to-go” list continues to grow. So to keep learning about new places and inspiring myself and you to keep traveling, I’ll add a new awesome place each week for Wanderlust Wednesday!

Siquijor, Philippines

Photo by: WengWengWonders.com

While doing my research for my upcoming trip to the Philippines, I saw a photo of what I thought couldn’t be…but it was! A slide going into the ocean! I found out it’s part of a hotel called Saladoong that’s located on an island near Bohol called Siquijor. WengWengWonders.com has a great write up on the island, and tons of awesome photos like the one above!

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Better known as the “Bolivia Salt Flats”, this is the world’s largest salt flat, and also one of the world’s best photo opportunities! During the “wet months” (rainy season) from January to April the salt flats look like one big huge mirror, but they still make for an incredible view when dry as well! To get to the salt flats, you’d take a tour from the nearest town called Uyuni, which is an overnight bus ride or flight from La Paz, Bolivia, or you can go the reverse way and come from San Pedro de Atacma, Chile.

Transylvania, Romania

When I think of Transylvania, I immediately think of either Dracula, or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. That’s why I was so intrigued when I found this beautiful photo of a peculiar looking waterfall that’s located in Transylvania. Upon reading more on the blog I found it on, I learned that it’s called the Bigar Waterfall, and it’s located in the Caras-Severin Country.  It’s actually hidden in the Anina mountains, and lies exactly on the 45th parallel.

What’s unique about it is that it’s covered in moss, which is what makes the hanging umbrella effect when the water pours over it.

Palau, Micronesia

Palau is an archipelago of more than 500 islands, part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean, well known for its scuba-diving and snorkeling sites. Some of the sites you can see underwater are WWII wrecks, blue holes, shark-infested channels, and a freshwater lake with stingless jellyfish – all of which help make it one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World”.

Karijini National Park, Australia

**UPDATED PHOTO** The photographer himself showed me his awesome un-cropped version of this beautiful photo, and an entire gallery of other gorgeous ones – PaulPichugin.com.

Uhm, yes please. This awesome waterfall in Karinjini National Park in Australia is called The Upper Spa Pool, located in the North West where it’s all about adventure. If you visit this area of Australia, you can expect to find ancient tunnels, plunging gorges, crystal clear waterways, and stunning waterfalls to swim near!

Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located on the South Pacific side of Costa Rica (as opposed to the Caribbean side), and you can hike, walk, swim, climb, JUMP, and even ride horses around them! Waterfalls in general get wanderlust cred, especially if they’re in a tropical jungle in Costa Rica! Here’s some more info and pretty pictures: Cataratas Nauyaca.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Everyone gives so much attention to the Maldives for its “glow in the dark” shores, when Puerto Rico is home to one of the biggest bioluminescent bays in the world in Vieques! The bright blue light is caused by disrupting the Dinoflagellates (little microorganisms) in the water with your hand, boat, paddle, etc., which causes them to create the burst of light in response to the disruption. To see them best, go during a New Moon (when there’s no moon) and it’s darkest!

Tianzi Mountains, China

Can’t say I’ve seen mountains like these before! The Tianzi Mountains are located in the northern part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Tianzi (which means ‘Son of Heaven’) Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the four scenic spots in the area and typically has a cable car that goes up to these awesome mountains. You can also take an elevator to a nearby mountain called Yuanjiajie (where I’m pretty sure Avatar was filmed) then take a sight-seeing bus to get to Tianzi Mountain.

 Mayotte, Comoro Islands

Mayotte is a teeny tiny little French island off the East coast of South Africa, that is a part of the Comoro Islands, although the people chose to remain politically part of France. It is very densely populated for such a tiny island, and also very beautiful just like many of it’s surrounding island neighbors like Seychelles. To get there you’d have to fly into Joberg or Cape Town, and take a smaller plane or boat to the island.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Contrary to its name, Iceland is actually mostly green! It’s also very diverse – you can see gorgeous cascading waterfalls, volcanic lava rocks, and yes…even some glaciers! Reykjavik is the main city, but there are plenty of places to venture off to nearby that are worth a visit, like the Blue Lagoon (pictured above), and the South Coast!

Palawan, Philippines 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was recently named one of the new seven wonders of nature, and it’s obvious why with these stunning pictures of the seemingly luminescent waters that glide into an exotic cave. The park is a 2 hour-ish drive from the main port and airport on Palawan in the Philippines, and from there you’ll have to take a boat to see the subterranean river!

Guam, Micronesia

Guam is actually officially part of the U.S.A., so if you’re looking for a tropical location with familiar touches, this is definitely the place to be! Aside from beautiful and exotic beaches, Guam also has a lot of historical sites from its involvement in WWII, authentic villages, scuba and snorkeling sites, and even WATERFALLS!

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Iguazu Falls is one of the Wonders of the World that I absolutely MUST see! The name “Iguazu” literally means “Big Water” and the waterfalls are so massive that marks the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay!

Pig Island, Exuma, Bahamas

For some reason, I really want to see the pigs that swim around in the Bahamas! Apparently they live on an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays and just swim around in the crystal clear water or run around the warm sunny beach all day long! Sounds like the life to me!

Veradero Beach, Cuba

No matter how many beaches you’ve seen in your life, Veradero Beach in Cuba will still take your breath away! It’s only about 2 hours from Havana and consists of a peninsula beach town with tons of hotels, restaurants, and little souvenir shops. The purely white sand makes the turquoise waters seem crystal clear, and of course, it’s the perfect temperature to splash around in!

Have an authentic Cuban meal and a “Cuba Libre” afterwards at one of the many little restaurants or food shacks tucked away in the streets!

El Nido, Philippines

With over 50 beaches, tranquil lagoons, islands, and caves that lead to hidden beaches, El Nido definitely appeals as the ideal place to travel. You can learn to scuba dive, practice your photography skills, or just relax at one of the many resorts on the islands. You can also go visit the main island of Manila, and volunteer there for a week or more as well!

Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are a sought after spot for extreme wanderlusters, because they are one of the few untouched places in the world. The string of islands between India and Southeast Asia only allow 12 out of 30 to be visited, and are one of the only places that still is home to indigenous people who have no contact with the outside world. To get there you have to fly into Chennai or Dehli (where you can also volunteer) then take a boat or a very expensive small plane over to the islands.

Fiji, Melanesia

Fiji is a gorgeous tropical island location near New Zealand, and the perfect vacation spot for those who can afford it. You can also go for cheaper by volunteering in one of the many IVHQ programs including Teaching, Kindergarten, Sports Education, Construction and Renovation, Turtle Conservation and Organic Farming.

Machu Picchu, Peru

These famous hilltop ruins are from 15th century Incas and consist of several structures and terraces. It kind of looks like they were quite fancy! Located near Cusco in Peru, where there are several volunteer programs you can also take part in nearby including Teaching English, Childcare, Medical, Construction and Renovation, Jungle Conservation, Special Needs and Andean Immersion.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is part of a beyond gorgeous string of islands in Indonesia, and is known for its lush, tropical landscape. It has many luxury resorts, villas, restaurants, and even yoga retreats! But even better, IVHQ has a volunteer program there including Teaching English, Kindergarten, Environmental Education, Healthcare Education, Construction and Renovation and Turtle Conservation!

Madagascar, Africa

The tropical jungle island you saw in the animated movie ‘Madagascar’ is pretty much exactly what the actual island looks like. Madagascar is the largest of the islands of East Africa, and stretching over almost 600,000 square kilometers and also comprised of other small islands! The economy relies on tourism and textiles

**You can also volunteer in Madagascar through the international program I did called IVHQ.org, which offers programs in Marine Conservation (you get to scuba dive), Forest Conservation (you get to observe lemurs), Teaching (you get to teach cute kids), and Construction (you get to help build houses and schools). Visit IVHQ.org or ask me because I love IVHQ and want to go too.

Seychilles, “Africa”

The only reason why I know what this tiny, hidden string of islands is, is because one of my connecting flights from South Africa to Thailand was on Air Seychilles – which I almost missed because Ethiad failed to mention that they were using a partner airline. Seychilles is in the middle of the Indian Ocean, just East of Africa. It’s crystal clear waters and tropical island fauna make it an ideal travel spot for jetsetters who can afford to take the journey there. (aka not me).

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica

Yes, I am a crazy person, and I really want to go to Antarctica. It would be my 7th continent, not to mention an insane adventure! Unfortunately it will cost about $5000 to go. To get to the Antarctic Peninsula you have to fly to the southern most tip of Argentina called Ushuaia, then take a large boat to get to Antarctica. Once you’re there, the blissful white atmosphere is supposed to be breathtaking…if you can even feel your breath, that is.

Sestri Levante, Italian Riviera

While writing an article for a travel magazine called Geochic, they showed me some photos of the place they had just done a photo shoot in in the Italian Riviera. After overcoming a wave of jealousy, I was left with a severe case of wanderlust for this tiny seaside city. Sestri Levante is a hidden gem amongst its famous neighbors like Portofino and Santa Margherita. It offers an authentic Italian feel, not to mention a visually alluring atmosphere.

Samoa Islands

These are another string of gorgeous tropical islands in the middle of the ocean, that I also accidentally discovered during my travels. On my way home from Sydney to LA, I had several layovers (it was the cheapest flight) which stopped in Fiji and Hawaii for layovers. You can imagine my terrifying confusion when my plane started to land four hours before it was supposed to in Hawaii.

But what I discovered from my window seat was these tiny pieces of land surrounded by crystal clear water, and when we landed it was like I was in The Jungle Book. If someone were hijacking our plane like I assumed, I wouldn’t have been mad at all that it was there.

Maldives, Republic of Maldives

You’ve probably seen this famous photo where the shore lights up with neon blue lights at night. This is because of a certain type of plankton that glows at night and only exists in the Maldives. You can visit the most popular island of Male’, and get there through Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Europe.