- Hike the Inka Trail: It’s more of a workout than you’d expect, but wow. The views are stunning, the history is amazing…it’s the most rewarding hike I’ve ever been on.
- Adventure through Alaska: Climb a glacier, explore an ice cave, go on a few hikes. Alaska is wild and beautiful…not to be missed.
- Marvel at Igauzu Falls: I’ve been to many waterfalls around the world (Niagara, Victoria), but none of them compare to Iguazu. Surprisingly, it’s not very touristy and still feels extremely authentic. The towns near the falls are very backpackerish and laid back. And you can spend hours upon hours walking around the falls – every view is different.
- Go on a safari in Africa: Self-explanatory. Search for the Big Five – lion, elephant, water buffalo, leopard, and rhino (but please don’t kill them!)
- Party at Yacht Week Croatia: Disclaimer – I’m not much of (read: not at all) a partier, but Yacht Week Croatia is SO. MUCH. FUN. Everyone is fun and down to earth. It’s a great way to meet friends from around the world. Added benefit – it’s not all partying, and Croatia is gorgeous. Also, cliff jumping is a great hangover cure.
- Take a roadtrip through the Southwestern U.S.: Go see the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon, Zion, if you’re lucky enough to get a permit – the Wave. It’s amazing how many beautiful and diverse places there are in this area.
- Find your inner peace in Nepal: Go on a trek, do some yoga, there’s something spiritual about Nepal and you can feel it even in the bustling city of Kathmandu.
- Take a trip back in time in the Middle East: The Middle East has history like nowhere else. And people are more friendly than American news would have you think. Oh, and go sandboarding!
- Take a roadtrip up Highway 1: U.S. roadtrips really are something else. And California is simply gorgeous. The towns and cities along Highway 1 are laid-back, beachy, and everything you would expect of California.
- See…everything in Brazil: From the party see in Rio to the stunning lagoons at Lencois Maranhenses, Brazil truly offers a little bit of everything.
- Explore Turkey: Spend some time in Istanbul – it’s one of my favorite cities. Then check out Pamukkale and Cappadocia. Don’t forget to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia!
- Take a roadtrip around Ireland: Drive the Ring of Kerry. Go to Northern Ireland to see the beautiful volcanic formations at Giant’s Causeway. See the Cliffs of Mohr. Irish people are so friendly! And if you happen to be in Macroom, check out my dad’s cousin Con’s shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKLHqREAFR8 He is one of the sweetest and most knowledgeable people I know! He’s sure to tell you a good story or…ten. Haha.
- Check out the Virgin Islands: From the tranquility of St. John to the hustle-and-bustle of St. Thomas to the the baths at Virgin Gorda…the Virgin Islands are diverse and it’s easy to get from one to the other.
- Go to Yellowstone: See Old Faithful erupt. Swim in the Boiling River. Check out the Grand Prismatic Spring. Watch wolves run down the hills. America’s first national park is not to be missed. Bonus: Grand Teton is close by, and well worth the visit.
- Scuba dive the Blue Hole in Belize: It’s a deep dive (130 feet), and you’ll likely feel a little out of it, but wow it is gorgeous! Make sure your underwater camera is made for the depth though. I learned that lesson the hard way. The other dive sites close by are equally amazing. I’ve never been around so many sharks while scuba diving.
- Hike in Vermont and New Hampshire: New England is a special place and the hiking is outstanding. If you’re a skiier or snowboarder, check out this area in the winter.
- See more green than you’d ever imagine in Hawaii: Hawaii is lush, to say the least. Go on a few ridge hikes, relax on the beach, drive the Road to Hana in Maui, cage dive with sharks – or swim with sea turtles if that’s more your style, surf…Hawaii is a wonderful place.
- Walk around Amsterdam: Go look at the IAmsterdam sign. Walk around the red light district at night. Check out the house Helen Keller hid in. I’m not a city person, but I LOVE Amsterdam.
- Explore Switzerland: Go hang gliding in Interlaken. See some small towns. Switzerland is stunning and those Swiss Alps can’t be missed.
- Hike Gros Piton in St. Lucia: St. Lucia is one of the more pristine islands I’ve been to. It has a reputation of being romantic, but I went alone and had the time of my life. I met two incredibly sweet girls hiking Gros Piton, went ocean kayaking with locals, saw a black sand beach, and ate amazing food.
