As a traveler, I believe that traveling is one of the most enriching ways to experience the world. I have been to many places, some famous among travelers, others practically unknown.
Places like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, which many don’t even know how to locate on a map.
And, of course, iconic destinations like France, Paris, New York and Greece.
Each of us experiences these places differently. Our cultural and emotional background shapes the experience. But there are destinations that are so special that it is impossible to visit them and return the same.
The impact may vary, but the transformation is guaranteed. This list does not rank these impacts, but each experience here will last a lifetime.
Visit Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is a destination that moves anyone, even those who don’t know much about history.
When you see the ancient Inca city, on top of the Peruvian mountains, a mix of mystery and beauty takes over.
Built in the 15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its stone walls, fitted together with precision, without mortar, are impressive.
Highlights include the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana, a stone used in astronomical observations.
To get there, there is the famous Inca Trail, challenging and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. For those who prefer something less adventurous, there are train and bus options.
Whichever route you choose, the experience is unforgettable.
Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Türkiye
Flying in a hot air balloon is an incredible experience anywhere, but nothing compares to Cappadocia.
At dawn, as the sun gilds the rock formations and valleys of the region, dozens of balloons float in the sky, creating a surreal spectacle.
The flight reveals the “fairy chimneys” and caves carved into the mountains, offering a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
The gentle wind guides the balloon, providing views that change every moment
Island hopping in Croatia
Island hopping in Croatia is a unique experience. The crystal-clear blue sea and the proximity of the islands make it easy to explore several destinations in just a few days.
The journey begins in Split, and continues on to Hvar, with its popular beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Vis is perfect for diving and exploring caves, such as the Blue Cave.
Korčula enchants with its historic center and traditional wines.
For those seeking tranquility, Mljet offers a national park with salt lakes and dense forests. And Brač is home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach.
Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway means embarking on one of the world’s most iconic train routes, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok.
There’s also the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which runs through Mongolia to Beijing.
It’s around 9,000km and crosses eight time zones, giving you the chance to experience different cultures and explore fascinating cities.
During the journey, passengers have the opportunity to see the transition between Russian and Asian cultures, passing through stunning landscapes such as the dense forests of Siberia, the vast Russian steppes and the immense Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, as well as exploring small towns and villages along the way.
The route varies depending on your destination, but is around 9,000km and crosses eight time zones, taking on average seven days to complete without long stops.
I took the Beijing-Moscow route, which connects the capital of China to that of Russia, passing through Mongolia with stops in Irkutsk and Novosibirsk.
The train journey is a true cultural immersion, allowing you to learn about the daily lives of Russians and appreciate the vastness and diversity of this incredible country, all with the comfort and tranquility of traveling on rails.
My trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, which was part of my trip around the world.
Exploring Petra and camping in the Jordanian desert
Many people know Petra because of the Indiana Jones movie, but few know that the famous Treasury is just a small part of this incredible place.
Petra, in Jordan, is one of the most impressive wonders of the world. Known as the “Pink City”, it was carved into the rocks around 300 BC by the Nabataeans.
The sensation of entering the Siq, a narrow and winding canyon, is like crossing a time portal. And, at the end of the walk, the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) appears, with its monumental façade carved into the rock — one of those moments that takes your breath away.
But Petra is much more than that. The archaeological site is home to temples, tombs, a vast theater and trails that lead to amazing landscapes, all carved into the sandstone mountains.
Sunrise and sunset are magical moments: the sunlight transforms the rocks into golden and pink tones, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Wadi Rum Desert.
A few kilometers away is the Wadi Rum desert, known as the “Valley of the Moon”. The scenery is surreal, with dramatic rock formations, canyons carved by time and dunes that disappear into the horizon.
The sunset in Wadi Rum is a show in itself, dyeing the desert with warm shades of orange and red.
And, when night falls, camping in Bedouin tents under a starry sky is an experience that connects you to the essence of nature, in a deep and inspiring silence.
The trip to Petra is part of the 7 wonders of the modern world project.
Dog sledding in the vastness of Alaska
Few experiences for travelers will bring such a pure and simple connection with nature as being in the frozen wilderness of Alaska with your dogs and nothing else.
Imagine yourself gliding through snow-covered landscapes, being pulled by a team of agile and strong dogs, while feeling the cold wind on your face and the sound of the sleds cutting through the ice.
This vision may seem romantic, but nature soon shows you what it is made of.
The Siberian or Alaskan huskies used for this activity are highly trained and passionate about running. They work as a team to pull the sled through snowy forests, mountains and frozen lakes.
To have the complete experience, the ideal is to learn how to drive the sled, known as “mushing”.
The connection with the dogs is something unique, as they are full of energy and very friendly.
In addition to the adrenaline, dog sledding provides a complete immersion in nature, far from civilization, with a silent and peaceful setting.
Visit the largest salt flat in the world in Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni, located in southwestern Bolivia, is the largest in the world. It covers an impressive area of around 10,582 km², making it larger than some cities.
Formed by the evaporation of ancient prehistoric lakes, the Salar de Uyuni is an immense salt flat that, during the rainy season, turns into a gigantic natural mirror, reflecting the sky in a surreal way.
In addition to being an incredible tourist attraction, it is also an important source of salt and lithium, an essential element for batteries.
The place is visited mainly for its unique landscape, the opportunity to spend the night in a hotel made entirely of salt and the islands of giant cacti that appear in the middle of the salt desert, giving the traveler the feeling of being in a setting from another planet.
Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Visiting Angkor Wat is like entering another world.
At dawn, the sun rising behind the towers and reflecting on the lake creates a magical scene.
The grandeur of the temple is impressive, with its five towers symbolizing Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu mythology.
Walking through the corridors, carved with ancient stories, makes you feel part of something bigger.
The details of the carvings, with figures of deities and battle scenes, show the incredible skill of the artisans.
The complex is huge, and it is easy to get lost in time exploring every corner, from the open courtyards to the more secluded areas.
Climbing the steep stairs to see the view from the top is challenging but rewarding.
The silence in some parts of the temple makes you reflect on the history and spiritual power of the place.
Trek to Everest Base Camp
For mountaineers, visiting Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is an unforgettable and very special experience.
However, it is impossible for any traveler to see this mountain and not be impressed by its grandeur and imposing nature.
From the moment you leave Kathmandu until you arrive in Lukla, you have an unforgettable experience, flying over the mountains and landing at one of the most picturesque and dangerous airports in the world.
The trek to Everest Base Camp is a unique and challenging experience. In November, the weather is cold, but the sky is usually clear, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.
During the trek, which lasts about 12 to 14 days, you will pass through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries and incredible landscapes, such as pine forests and rocky fields.
The trail follows the Dudh Kosi River valley, passing through Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa “capital”, and continues on to places such as Tengboche and Dingboche, climbing higher and higher in altitude.
Travelers must take care to acclimatize, as this is essential to avoid altitude sickness, and slower walks are recommended.
Temperatures in November can reach -10°C at night, but mornings and afternoons are milder, perfect for walking. The trail does not require great technical skills, but is physically challenging due to the altitude.
When you reach the base camp, the feeling of achievement is indescribable.
Surrounded by the highest mountains in the world, you feel like you are on another planet, right in the heart of the Himalayas.
Walking the Great Wall of China
Everyone has a vision of China and no matter how little they know about it, the Great Wall of China is always a well-known fact.
The wall is the largest human construction and the only one that can be seen from space.
Taking a trip along the Great Wall of China is an impressive experience.
The grandeur of the wall, which stretches for thousands of kilometers, transports you back in time. As you walk along its steps and towers, it is impossible not to imagine the ancient warriors and guards who protected the Chinese empire from invaders.
Each section of the wall offers different landscapes. In Badaling, you will find a well-preserved section full of tourists.
In Mutianyu, the scenery is more peaceful, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation.
For more adventurous travelers, sections such as Jinshanling offer a more challenging hike, with parts of the wall in ruins.
In addition to the history, the panoramic view is breathtaking. The horizon seems endless, with the wall winding through mountains and valleys.
Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines culture, nature and a deep sense of connection with the past.
Experience living in your favorite movie.
Game of Thrones (Dubrovnik), Indiana Jones (Petra), Lord of the Rings, Avatar (New Zealand), Harry Potter (London).
Modern life has given us the fantasy of living in other places and times.
Cinema transports us to places and times outside our reality and makes us experience impossible situations in our lives.
The closest we can get to these stories told by cinema is visiting the locations of famous films, as it is like entering a fantasy world, where reality and fiction meet.
Imagine crossing the iconic platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station in London, where Harry boards the train to Hogwarts.
Or walking through the streets and houses of the Shire (New Zealand), with its green hills and stunning landscapes from The Lord of the Rings.
Sitting on the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Stroll through the gorge and arrive at the entrance to the Grail Temple (Petra) in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
See the impressive floating mountains of Pandora in the film Avatar, in Zhangjiajie National Park, in China.
Each place brings a feeling of familiarity mixed with emotion, as if you were inside the story you love so much.
These visits connect the traveler and their fantasies to the cinematic universe in a concrete way.
In addition to reliving unforgettable scenes, it is a chance to discover new destinations and cultures.
It is like a treasure hunt, where each location revisits memories of films that marked your life, making the trip even more special and full of meaning.
Visit one of the most famous temples of love
Few places in the world are as connected to love as the Taj Mahal in India.
The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She died after giving birth to the couple’s 14th child, and her death devastated the emperor. In honor of the great love they shared, Shah Jahan decided to build a grand monument that symbolizes his mourning and the beauty of Mumtaz.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is like entering a fairy tale. As soon as you arrive, the grandeur and beauty of the monument impresses you. The sparkling white marble adorned with details encrusted with precious stones, the beautifully manicured garden, and fountains that reflect the sun’s glow create a magical atmosphere.
The interior is equally magnificent, housing the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal and Emperor Shah Jazam, thus sealing their love for eternity.
Visit the cradle of modern civilization.
The culture widely considered to be the birthplace of modern culture is that of Ancient Greece.
The ancient Greeks pioneered many areas that shaped Western civilization, including philosophy, science, theater, politics, and the arts.
Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle profoundly influenced Western thought, while Greek city-states such as Athens developed the first concepts of democracy.
A visit to Athens is like immersing yourself in ancient history.
As you explore the Acropolis, with the majestic Parthenon at its summit, you’ll feel the weight of thousands of years of culture and civilization.
The city’s streets blend the ancient and the modern, with cozy cafes nestled alongside historic ruins.
The Acropolis Museum reveals fascinating artifacts, while the Ancient Agora transports you to the heart of ancient Greek political life.
Climb the highest mountains
This experience is not for all travelers, as many are not willing to undertake this feat.
However, those who do venture out will have an experience that is inexplicable.
Only those who have reached the summit know what it means and there is no way to convey this feeling.
Reaching the summit of a great mountain is a profoundly transformative experience.
When you finally reach the top, you feel an intense sense of accomplishment and euphoria, the result of months or even years of preparation, effort and overcoming challenges.
There is a feeling of personal triumph, mixed with relief for overcoming physical and mental obstacles.
The panoramic view and vastness of the landscape awaken a feeling of admiration and reverence for nature, providing a spiritual and introspective connection.
Each summit is unique, regardless of altitude or difficulty.
Many describe a mental clarity and inner peace, the result of the tranquility at the top of the mountain.
In addition, there is a sense of belonging and camaraderie, especially when the achievement was shared with fellow adventurers.
Pyramids of Egypt
Another great civilization that has shaped our present times is that of Egypt.
Visiting the pyramids of Egypt is an experience that impresses from the very first moment. Upon arriving at the Giza plain, the pyramids rise majestically against the sky.
The Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Menkaure) are the oldest and the only one that remains standing of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The proximity of the Sphinx, with its enigmatic gaze and lion-like body, adds a touch of mystery to the visit.
In Egypt, it is estimated that there are more than 130 pyramids, with the Great Pyramids of Giza being the most famous.
Very close by are the pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara.
In addition to the pyramids, Egypt offers other impressive monuments.
The Temple of Karnak in Luxor is a vast array of columns and obelisks that tell stories of gods and pharaohs.
The Valley of the Kings, with its ornate tombs, provides a glimpse into the funerary splendor of the pharaohs.
The Egyptian Museum houses a priceless collection of artifacts, including the famous masks of Tutankhamun. Each site contributes to an in-depth look at Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, Chile
It seems unbelievable, but in our modern life we can’t really see the stars.
The city lights are very distracting and we only see a small portion.
We imagine that the sky is the same, but in each place on Earth we notice the differences in the visible stars.
Seeing a night sky full of stars is like diving into an ocean of infinite possibilities.
The vastness of the universe makes you feel small.
However, it is almost comforting in a way, as if you were connected to something much bigger.
To be able to appreciate this feeling we have to go as far away from the city lights as possible.
Today there are few places far enough away to appreciate the beauty of the sky.
Deserts are a great option, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile, Wadi Rum in Jordan and others.
Stargazing in the Atacama Desert is a surreal experience, and the vastness of the desert makes the sky seem even bigger.
The aridity and altitude create an incredibly clear sky, where each star shines brightly in an infinite blanket of lights.
The constellations appear clearly, and the Milky Way reveals itself with impressive clarity.
The feeling is of total isolation, as if time has stopped, leaving only you and the universe.
The peace and beauty of this starry sky in the Atacama are unforgettable, almost magical.
See the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights are one of the most well-known natural phenomena among travelers.
However, only a privileged few gets to witness it.
In 2019, I tried to see it in Alaska, during my dog sled training.
Unfortunately, however, I was unsuccessful.
Still, I didn’t give up. In November 2024, I traveled to Norway and, to my delight, I was lucky enough to witness this spectacle five times.
It is difficult to put into words the feeling of seeing the Northern Lights.
However, I can assure you that it is something simply wonderful. Witnessing this almost supernatural phenomenon is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Suddenly, the lights begin to appear in the sky. Shades of green, purple and blue mix and dance before your eyes, as if the sky itself were in motion.
In addition, the silence makes everything even more impressive. The vastness of the horizon illuminated by vibrant colors creates an indescribable feeling of enchantment.
To top it off, the intense cold and the snow all around make the landscape even more magical. At that moment, you feel totally immersed in the beauty and grandeur of nature.
