Wonderlusting around the world

Posted on by Miriam

I need another lifetime to travel to all the places I want to see. To experience even a fraction of the wonders in the world.

Though I’ve traveled widely I’ve yet to see even half of my own country (hopefully that will be rectified next year) yet still the allure of overseas cultures and countries is strong.

Recently I was asked by fellow adventurer from A Wandering Memory what my top destinations I’d love to visit are. So here they are, together with the bloggers who inspire and bring these places to life for me.

Sit back, grab a cuppa and prepare to be transported around the world.

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Photo Courtesy OldPlaidCamper

1. Rocky Mountain High

Call me Heidi reincarnated but since I was a little girl I’ve loved the mountains. The spectacular vistas of Canada have always held enormous appeal particularly  when I read the adventures of my Canadian bloggers.

Like Old Plaid Camper who paints such a vivid picture. In his post Taking a very Deep Breath he writes  “The roar of the wind blasting in our faces straight off a glacier at 8,000 feet was quite the noise. Elemental, in your face, but in a good way … We had space to think, room to breathe, and the chance to tune into a different set of sounds. Sounds that heal, promote calm, and encourage a positive mindset …”

When I asked him about his homeland this is what he told me: “…If you’re properly dresed, you honestly don’t feel the cold …Western Canada is beautiful in all seasons, but personally, I think it is most beautiful in the mountains in winter. Summer is perfectly warm … great for camping and paddling but the glacier fed lakes are too cold for swimming.”  His mountainous adventures often makes me want to pack my bags.

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Canadian beauty photo courtesy OldPlaidCamper
Patrick from Pix to Words holds me in raptures with his stunning landscape photography and evocative poetry that transports me.

When I asked him to describe his love for Canada this was his reply. “In 1981 I came to Canada, as a 20 year-old, for the big mountains and deep snow of Whistler, British Columbia. I hadn’t thought further ahead than a single ski season. In fact, I returned ‘home’ to the USA the following summer, but quickly realised where I needed to be … Part of what brought me back was the epic beauty of British Columbia. I mean … look!  But there was something more. Mostly it’s the kindness …”

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Photo courtesy Patrick Jennings @ Pix to Words
And then he penned this poem, his recent one on Canada which summed up his feelings for his adopted homeland.

I came
For big mountains
And the deep deep snow

I stayed
For the kindness
And the deep deep grow

So if I win the lottery, watch out guys. Canada is definitely number one on my list.

2. Alowa from Hawaii

This is a recent edition to my top five but after friends visited twice in consecutive years and seeing their gorgeous photos I can understand why.

Just recently I’ve loved reading the Hawaian adventures of Alba10 including a spectacular helicopter ride that captured all the magic and beauty from above.

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Na Pali coast photo courtesy Alba
I always imagined Hawaii was just about Waikiki beach. Who knew about the stunning cliffs of Na Pali that look straight out of a Jurassic Park movie, coastal vistas that rival those of anywhere in the world and the natural beauty of Oahu and the north shore.

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Kauai Photo courtesy Alba
Carol The Eternal Traveller also wrote about her adventures in Hawaii a year ago in a series of posts that evoked all the senses. Beaches, mountains, waterfalls …it sounds like paradise, yes please.

3. Icelandic Adventure

Iceland is apparently the fourth happiest country in the world. My hub reckons it’s because they spend half their time in bed!

During summer the sun rarely sets and in winter when it gets too cold outside you hop into the hot springs. Sounds good to me.

Iceland has long been on my bucket list. The grandeur of icebergs, the stunning scenery and the adventures that await make it one of my definite to visit places.

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Photo courtesy Two Brown Feet
Think reindeer, black and white majestic horses and breath taking northern lights and it conjures up magical scenes.

But if you thought it was all elves and mythical creatures, think again. Apparently Iceland is the most web-savvy country in the world.  You can read more here about why Iceland is so special.

hallgrimskirkja

Cheryl and Basil, a talented writer/photographer team explore the grandeur in glorious detail on their gorgeous travel blog TwoBrownFeet.

As Cheryl writes: “With an eclectic capital city, rolling hills, vast stretches of barren land running parallel to glaciers and ugly stretches of mounds; Iceland can be both captivating and terrifying. Elves, Vikings, sagas, skyr, and Salmon on rye bread; what’s there not to love about Iceland? …”

There’s no doubt Iceland absolutely intrigues me.

4. Trekking in India and Tibet

Ah, the colors and flavours of India. As well as loving the cuisine I’ve always been fascinated by the culture, vibrance and colors.

Justin from  Eating Snow around the world enthralls me with his adventurous tails. Most recently I read about his latest trek in Ladakh, a mountainous region in northern India sandwiched between Pakistan, Tibet, and Kashmir.

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Beginning the Markha Valley trek  Photo courtesy Eating Snow around the World
I love the idea of being immersed in a culture.  As Justin says “Ladahk is a great place to trek, especially if you connect with desert environments, but mostly for the cultural experience. The Ladakhi people are so welcoming and there’s something very special about sharing a meal with someone you’ve just met.”

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Photo Courtesy Louise @ The Year I touched my Toes
Trekking the mountains of nearby Tibet and climbing to Everest Base Camp is something I’m not sure I’ll ever do in my lifetime but it’s a dream that local blogger Louise at The Year I touched my Toes achieved.

She’s proof that if you’re healthy, trained and mentally fit you can do anything.

As Louise says: “In 2013 I trekked with husband to 4020 metres, two thirds of the way to Everest Base Camp. During the training sessions before we left, Sam kept saying, “Remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”

He was right. It was about the whole journey, not only the trek towards Everest Base Camp. I also discovered fitness for the first time as a fifty something year old woman …”

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Photo courtesy The Year I touched my Toes
In 2015 she went back and conquered it. In her words, “Climbing Kala Pattar, looking at Mount Everest at sunset, sunrise or even at noon or standing at Everest Base Camp could possibly be one of the best things you will ever do in terms of travel experiences. It might even rate on one of the best things you do in your life. Certainly it will be an achievement you will be proud of. Guaranteed.”

You can read her inspiring story here.

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Louise and her trainer on top of the world.  Photo courtesy The year I touched my Toes 

5. Cycling New Zealand

From trekking to cycling … perhaps this one is more achievable for me!

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Australia is New Zealand, a country that’s long been on my bucket list. Spectacular scenery of glaciers and lakes, ancient rainforests and landscapes straight out of Middle Earth make this a dream destination and I can’t think of a better way to experience the sights and sounds of a country than with with good old fashioned pedal power.

Recently fellow Aussie Deb enjoyed just that … a cycling tour through the South Island.

cycling-tour_debs-world

As Debbie wrote “The Central Otago Rail Trail on New Zealand’s South Island, has been on our to-do list for quite some time now. It’s simply a disused rail corridor which has been turned into a trail for cyclists and  walkers. 

The land was owned by the railways, so years later after the trains had stopped running,  a plan was made to turn the track into a recreation pathway and encourage people to ride or walk and help keep the history of the railways alive. 

It’s now managed by the Department of Conservation. There are many fantastic bridges and tunnels along the 152km section that would otherwise be left to rot …”  

Read her series of posts here.

Perhaps after the Red Centre next year New Zealand should be next on my list.

There are other destinations I’d love to visit and revisit. But for now they’ll have to stay in my dreams.

I hope I’ve been able to transport you to a few places. A huge thanks to my blogger buddies who kindly allowed me to use their beautiful photos and words to compile this post.

And add even more wonder to my wonder lusting dreams.

explore-quote

Remember life is to be lived so keep enjoying the journey, where ever you are.

135 thoughts on “Wonderlusting around the world”

  3. You know how lucky you are to be in Australia and so much closer to so many spectacular places than I am wayyyyyy over here in Texas? lol I’m thinking I might go to Melbourne for my next vacay. I just got back from Greece and Istanbul last night. I’m already wanting more and that’s with the whole getting stranded in the airport experience too lol. I’m addicted!

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    1. Hey Eric, I’ve just finished reading your post on Greece, what an amazing time you had over there. And yeah, I think you need to start planning your trip over here too. I guarantee if you come to Melbourne, you’ll find lots to love here too.

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  4. Thanks for sharing my blog in this post Miriam! It’s a great way to travel the world in just a few minutes with a great selection of places to visit and new bloggers to follow. I’ll re-post it on my blog too. Nicely done:)

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  5. Reblogged this on Deb's World and commented:
    My blogging buddy Miriam has compiled this list of places around the world to visit featuring posts from fellow travel bloggers. I’m thrilled to have my recent New Zealand cycling trip included in her post. Have a read and maybe add some of these places to your list of ‘must see’ travel destinations!

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  6. Thanks for including me on your list of inspirational bloggers, Miriam. One of the things I love most about blogging is connecting with kindred spirits. I’ll be popping over to all your featured writers and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the world through their posts. My elder daughter is living in Canada now, and at the moment she is working in a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains. Her photos are incredibly beautiful.

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      1. This is true. But by the time we get organised who knows where she’ll be. She is planning to stay in the ski resort, where she is working in a restaurant, until the end of the season in April but after that she’s going to move elsewhere. I suggested Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables is set, would be nice.

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        1. Oh, that does sound nice. Reminds me of my stint working in a restaurant and lodge in the snow fields of Falls Creek many years ago … not quite as romantic sounding as the Rockies but still memorable.

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  7. Loved this post, Miriam! Thanks for introducing me to many wonderful bloggers. We share a lot in common in our bucket list. Surely, someday we will make it there. And thanks so much for featuring us! Hugs, Cheryl

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  14. So fantastic! I enjoyed the tour and the beautiful description on why you want to visit the places. Talking about trekking in the Himalayas – I am from Nepal – but I left for Finland when I was just 18, I badly want to explore some of the beautiful trek routes in the mountains in Nepal the next time I go back home. And this post has made the desire even stronger. Although I seriously doubt my stamina hmm..

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  15. Such an inspiring post!! And yes … western Canada in the winter is fantastic … as long as you are dressed for it!! My girlfriend and I bundled up a couple days ago and walked in the -25 Celsius Temps… made some snow angels in the vast white expanses of untouched Plains of fluffy snow … it was heavenly!! ☺

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    1. Oh Karen, your words painted such a beautiful image of winter over there. And yes, I can imagine it’s all about wearing the right gear. How lucky you were. Thanks for reading and your lovely comment.

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  17. Some fabulous shares here, Miriam! I especially love that photo of Patrick’s. Much more world than I’ll ever see. Wishing you a wonderful festive season and many happy travels in 2017. 🙂

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    1. Thanks Jo. It’s probably more world than I’ll ever see too but hey, a girl’s gotta dream! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas too and happy walking in 2017. xo

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  19. Knew you would take the challenge head on and show off an incredible repertoire of writing and dreaming. Also lovely shout out to those who inspire you. Some great choices… Tibet is on mine and I will make Everest bc I swear.. as always beautiful piece… a Wandering Memory holding a beautiful new baby boy

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        4. Remarkably. She’s been the biggest surprise adapted like it was everyday life. Just need to make sure she is supported through all the coming days. Hope you and your family are ok and looking forward to the festive period.

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        5. So glad to hear she’s doing well. All good here. Hub and I are going into the city this weekend for an overnight stay for our wedding anniversary. I’m looking forward to it.

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  21. Great post, gets the mind going. Iceland intrigues me. But NZ will always be my other love. After hitchhiking and driving a clapped out car around it for a year as a teenager then going back twice in recent times to show Woody how good it is in a motor home. The whole world rolled up into one tiny country with a great sense of humour. After all we do live in the West Island don’t we?

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    1. Absolutely! Well now you’ve gone and made me want to go there even more. I love your description of NZ “the whole world rolled up into one country with a great sense of humour.”

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  24. HI Lovely Miriam,

    What a lovely idea for a post and thanks for featuring my blog.

    I hope that you do make it to Nepal one day to trek. It is magic. You still have plenty of time and it is not that expensive. The set up is expensive in terms or back packs , boots, trekking gear but as want to go to Canada etc you can use the same hiking clothes.

    I also have have Iceland on my list and Canada is tempting. Looking forward to checking out the other bloggers.

    Louise x

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    1. Ah Louise, how could I not feature your blog, you and your trip so inspires me. I’d love love love to go one day but I don’t have a trainer, somehow my hub doesn’t quite fit the model. I’d need to borrow yours! But seriously, who knows, stranger things have happened.
      Hope you have a lovely weekend and get a chance to slow down a bit. xo

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  27. Reblogged this on The Year I Touched My Toes and commented:
    Wow! By virtue of a very relaxed typo I have coined a new word. Can you coin a new word or only a new phrase? Anyway I’m doing it. I have added Hawaii to my Luist. After reading Miriam’s Out and About’s post. That is the new word. I think a List of all the places you might like to go combined with the word LUST is just about perfect. Sounds a bit En_Z to our friends across the sea xx.

    Thanks to the beautiful, generous Miriam for sharing her bloggers friends posts of lovely places including mine. Anyway winding down here in Aus to a end of working year and Christmas season and dreams of that LUist. :), Louise
    PS I have IP is Intellectual property over the word- LUist.

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    1. Haha I absolutely LOVE the new word you’ve coined Louise, it’s just perfect. Thank you for reblogging and thank you especially for allowing me to share your very inspiring blog. Enjoy the weekend and dream on my friend. Happy Luisting.

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  29. Thanks so much for pulling together a post like this! Relatively new to the blogging world, I’m just beginning to find others I’d like to follow. Thanks to this post, I’ve now found a few more like-minded bloggers to follow who will inspire me, and who love the landscapes that I do… fellow adventurers who want to share their passion for this amazing world in which we live. Thank-you, thank-you.

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    1. Hi Sheri, firstly welcome! I’m so glad you’re here and that I’ve been able to lead you to other like minded bloggers. There’s a lot of us out there who love sharing our patch of this big beautiful world. Happy blogging and look forward to seeing you again …

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  30. Thanks for sharing these blogs with us, Miriam! The photos look fascinating, and if you are recommending them, they must be good. I know what you mean about wanting to visit far more places than I will ever be able to. I was lucky enough to go to Hawaii a couple of years ago, and I think you will like it. New Zealand is also high on my list, and I’m hoping to go there and Australia, probably on the same trip (one my hubby retires and we save the money.) But the world is full of so many places to see, it’s a shame we can’t spend months each year just traveling! Excellent post, Miriam, and I really hope you make it to each of these locations. And then write about it in your blog….

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    1. Wouldn’t that be wonderful! Spending months each year just travelling and then writing about it… I love the sound of that. But the reality is we can’t afford it at the moment and our youngest has still three more years of school. BUT you just never know what’s around the corner. For now I’ll be content with one night away in the city to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Thanks for your lovely comment Ann. Enjoy your weekend.

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  31. I am really pleased to see our great Canadian Rockies up there. The sights and sounds and just the feeling of being in all that grandeur blew me away on our trip this past summer. It also took such a big bite out of me, Maggie and I are moving their next summer. My recent blog on ‘new horizons’ contains a number of pics of that trip. If you get a chance, please drop by. Cheers.

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    1. Hi Dan, there was never a doubt that the beauty of Canada would be first on my list. I’ve always dreamed of going there. And yes, I’ll definitely stop by to check out your post. Thanks for a lovely comment. Cheers to a great weekend.

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  33. A great list, Miriam, and such fabulous photos! I particularly enjoyed the Canadian shots, and the little poem. I’ve lived in Canada and been to Hawaii, but the other three are on my travel list as well. I can’t believe I lived so close to NZ and did nothing more than pass through on stopovers! Ah well… I hope you get to visit all these places one day 🙂

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  34. This was a lovely tour. I too hope to travel now that I have hung up my scalers (dental hygiene scalers). I’d love to see parts of Europe, mainly Italy and France. I’d also love to see more of Brazil. This is food for thought. Thanks for a great “trip.”

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    1. You’ll love Europe Karen. Italy especially holds a very special place in my heart. And yes, Brazil was another place that nearly went on my list. So many places, just need more $$. 🙂

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      1. The husband is more of a US kind of guy, but I think will travel abroad if I really want to see other places (and, yes, ma’am, I do). 😉 I’ve been to Brazil twice but really want to see Europe. It will boil down to $ here, too. Where will you go first? 🙂

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        1. Nowhere abroad probably, at least not for a couple of years. Next on our radar is the Red Centre of Australia in June next year. That’ll be an epic road trip in itself. Beyond that, who knows?

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  36. Great post and great list. The only one I know well is Canada, I lived in Alberta for few years and I was always travelling by car to the mountains, they are gorgeous in all the seasons. And the lakes are breathtaking. Hawaii is on the top of my list! Have a lovely weekend!

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  38. I would love to see all that you have presented in this post, Miriam 🙂
    But… As you said, we need 2 or 3 lives to do it. So… I will thank God for what I already have seen and for what I will see.
    Have a beautiful weekend, my friend!
    xo ❤

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  39. Pingback: Wonderlusting Around The World – Blog of Hammad Rais

  40. Miriam, What a beautiful post, the earth is full of wonders and yes need a few life times to see it all. Traveling really gives us space just to be and learn and understand – come back a new and changed. Thanks for sharing this.

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  41. Awesome post Miriam!! Just having the list is the first step to getting to all those places! They all look especially beautiful– hope you see them all ahead. I have my own list, I made when I retired– just waiting on my husband to retire to, so we have the time! Such a fun post! Hope yo have a marvelous memorable Christmas time there. hugs!

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    1. Hi Rhonda, I’m impressed that you have your list all ready to go. Hopefully it won’t be too long before your husband is retired and you can hit the road. In the meantime hope you and your family enjoy a lovely happy Christmas. xo 🎄

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  42. So many beautiful places, and so little time! Thank you for including bits of OldPlaidCamper as part of the Canada segment, that was a thrill. Can’t wait to read more from the blogs you chose.
    Add Australia to the list you’ve got, and that looks a lot like our wish list for future travels.
    Thanks again, and I hope your week is going well!

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    1. Hey PC, it was an absolute pleasure to include your blog in my wonderlusting post, your travels always inspire me. I’m having a good week, hope you are as well. Cheers!

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  44. Ahhh, breathing deep that mountain air! I can almost smell how fresh and clean it must be!

    Thank you for sharing your lovely wander-dreams – I hope one day soon you’ll get to realize them!

    *hugs*

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