Our Top 10 Unforgettable Travel Experiences--So Far

Editor's Pick Award

Our Editors awarded this travel blog entry for providing relevant information that may be useful and inspiring for other travelers.

At the request of the Real Travel Editors, we have compiled a list of our "Top 10 Unforgettable Travel Experiences" -- so far.  This of course is subject to change as we journey further into Europe and Africa in October. 

And here they are:

10.  Climbing Mount Whitney

Being told that you need to book several months in advance to climb the tallest peak in the continental United States is disheartening.  Being told that they just received 2 cancelations is exhilarating.  This spur of the moment experience will always be remembered as triumphant and exhausting, marking the first summit of our climbing days to come.  By the way, the views are excellent.

9.  Camping on the Beach at Redwood National Park

With a planned itinerary of gawking at giant conifers, ending up at a frothy beach to watch the surf and dazzling sunset (while sleeping in a tent), was a pleasant  surprise.  Being from a landlocked state like Minnesota affords you little opportunity to camp on the beach while listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean.  Additionally, nice little surprises such as nearby Fern Canyon were an added bonus to this already perfect experience.

8.  Wine Tasting in Martinborough, New Zealand

We stumbled onto this one.   Martinborough is located just north of Wellington and is one of the lesser known wine regions of New Zealand -- many of the wineries being small, family owned operations.  The town of Martinborough is small and easy to navigate on foot, making it easy to walk from winery to winery.  We spent the afternoon sampling the flavors of the region which are almost always poured by the winemakers themselves.   After sampling several of the different vinos, we found ourselves stumbling once again--this time back to our campervan. 

7.  Cruising the Galapagos

If you ever wanted to enter this wildlife wonderland, you better do it now.  Threats of a tourist lottery system will create further escalating prices at a place where you can come face to face with sea lions, tortoises, and other prehistoric creatures that have evolved through the millenniums.  Seeing these creatures, many of them endemic, in their natural habitat is a great way to spend your life savings. 

6.  Mini-van Purchase in New Zealand

This is a hassle free (ok, not really) and affordable way to see New Zealand in its entirety.  Nowhere else in the world, especially in the United States, would it have been cool to live in a 20-year old van down by the river.  In addition to having the freedom to explore New Zealand's diverse topography, it was a great way to make some extra spending money upon sale of the van.

5.  Working on a Dive Boat over Christmas

Although a unique and unforgettable experience,  this is something that we probably would never volunteer to do again.  Cleaning toilets, washing dishes, making beds, and being bossed around by an angry cook, I mean chef, was not how we envisioned spending our Christmas.  However, escaping the stresses of the holiday season by being 26 miles out to sea (with the bonus of 82 degree weather), earns this the number 5 position on our list.

4.  Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu

Hiking the trail which an ancient civilization once migrated across was an exhausting 4-day history lesson, as well as a great introduction to the ruggedness of the Andes mountain chain.  Several summits and valleys were finally rewarded with an arrival at well preserved ruins that rank among the very best.  This experience can be shared by just about everyone, as an easier route via bus can take you to Machu Pichu, foregoing the exhaustive 4 day trek.  Despite our difficult start due to a food borne illness, we were happy to continue through the full 4-day adventure.

3.  Enjoying a Sunset in the Australian Bush

People may be surprised with the high ranking of this experience.  It is simple in nature, but extremely difficult to replicate--an "in the moment" sort of thing.  We drove deep into Australia's desolate landscape, and then shared a bottle of wine on a remote plateau with a native Australian.  This of course, was done while watching kangaroos, wild horses, and solving the world's problems while watching a sunset that can be matched by no other.  The conversation with our new Australian friend, Stewart, only added to the uniqueness of this unforgettable evening.

2.  Diving with Manta Rays, Thailand

Neither of us have been visited by beings from outer space, but we now understand what it would feel like.  Having sea creatures, with wingspans in excess of 12 feet, engage and show active curiousity at your presence is an alien experience.   After surfacing from this memorable dive, one of our dive buddies was crying, one was laughing so hard that her dive mask filled with water during the dive, and both of us experienced  something similar to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".   

1.  Quitting Our Jobs, Selling Our Stuff, and Traveling the World

Some people may argue that this is not an "Unforgettable Travel Experience"...we beg to differ.  After spending over 10 years in the grind of Corporate America, and taking a leap of faith to make this life changing decision, this took all of the courage we possessed.  And make no mistake, there have been no regrets.  Sure some days are better than others, but this experience has been the most liberating, educational, and humbling event to take place in our lives.  We highly recommend it.

bkh and Anne