5 Top Destinations

If you had to choose 5 top destinations which ones would you recommend? Where is it you want to travel to and why?  Do you want to head to off the beaten track places, places full of culture, somewhere renowned for their cuisine or perhaps it’s adventure you chase?

The more I travel, the more I want to travel and the easier it becomes to add to places I want to visit… or to revisit.  So when I was invited to join this campaign through Booked.net – Top Destinations to Go There” I jumped at the chance to share the 5 Top Destinations that have left me wanting to go back. Here they are in no particular order.

Paris

Not many lists would be complete without the inclusion of Paris famed for its beautiful, iconic landmarks. We experienced the culture and had our senses stimulated in this beautiful city. The culture in the museums, arts and fashions we saw. The sights of the opulent Sacre Coeur, colourful lead lighting at Sainte Chapelle and that magic moment at dusk when they turned on the lights of the Eiffel Tower. The aroma of coffee, freshly baked breads and pastries wafting in the air and the taste of the buttery, flaky croissants. The sounds of the traffic, dogs barking, buskers playing their harmonica or piano accordion. The romance of sailing down the Seine late at night. The simplicity of strolling on the cobblestones in the beautiful tree lined streets of Montmartre. Looking at the old buildings with their ornate balconies where bright red geraniums grow in pots. The dense rooftops, graffiti on the cream walls, slate coloured roofs and terracotta chimneys. Sure I have heaps of photos and my memories of this trip, but this truly is one place that I long to return to.

Budapest

One of the most beautiful cities of the world, breathtaking with sights of the Parliament building from the Buda embankment is one of Europe’s finest capitals, Budapest. The panorama offered over the Danube from the Fisherman’s Bastion is also breathtaking and a great vantage point. The magnificent Royal Palace dominates the Buda skyline and houses the National Library, National Gallery and Museum and looks absolutely magical at night when the floodlights are turned on. Budapest is the city of bridges and the first bridge than spans Buda and Pest is the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. On the Pest side of the Danube Promenade is the most emotional monument of all. The Shoes on the Danube, a memorial to honour the Jews who were killed during WWII. Ordered to take off their shoes, they were shot at the edge so their bodies were carried away after falling into the water. The 60 pairs of shoes cast from iron represent those left behind on the bank. Such an emotional experience to to go back to, to stop and reflect how lucky we are and embed the hope this never happens again.

Prague

Definitely worth another visit is the grand city of Prague, with its extraordinary historic and cultural sights. The Old Town Square located in the centre of the city is surrounded by baroque buildings, street performers and vibrant cafes. The most visited place is the centuries old Astronomical clock where tourists gather to watch its hourly chime where 12 apostles move through the window of the old tower. Charles Bridge, a short walk away is another beautiful sight with 30 statues lining the walk across the Vltavar River. You will find amazing architecture, shops and hotels in Wenceslas square, a wonderful place with plenty of atmosphere. This is the most popular meeting place for citizens and tourists as they sit on the pedestal at the base of Prague’s best known statue, St Wenceslas on a horse at the top of the square in front of the National Museum. Prague is a very walkable city with many vantage points offering amazing views you won’t regret, just make sure you don’t get lost.

Bali

This is by the far the easiest place to return to for me as it’s only a 3hr plane flight from Perth (Perth is so far away from just about anywhere) and I have recently returned from my 4^th visit there. Bali was my first overseas trip (see My first overseas holiday) so also holds memories of my first plane flight, and my first glimpse of life outside Australia (yes I went overseas before I went interstate). For a small island it has so much to offer, the culture, the genuine friendliness of the Balinese and the relaxing beaches making Bali an ideal winter getaway. There is so much to see from the many temples, rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of Ubud to Kuta beach where the sky is bursting with massive colourful kites and the beach lined with graceful, colourful Jukung, traditional fishing boats. The fishermen venture out in the evening, returning before sunrise to sell their catch at the local markets. Which brings me to the cuisine, colourful, vibrant food, full of intense flavour, fresh, simple ingredients, yet so delicious which always includes their staple, rice.

Singapore

Singapore never disappoints whether staying for a while or passing through for 12 hours on a layover between flights. When we stay we choose to be in Clarke Quay which is a great spot with an array of brightly lit restaurants along the banks of the Singapore River. It is a beautiful city by night, all lit up over Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, the iconic Merlion Statue and Sentosa’s spectacular Crane Dance on the waterfront. With its modern skyscrapers and bustling business areas Singapore has a very westernised façade. The mix of cultures is evident too, with Little India, Chinatown and the Colonial District. No matter how long our stay we always head to the Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling. We make our way to the Long Bar where the floor is littered with peanut shells. In contrast to the spotlessly clean city this is the only place you can litter in Singapore and always worth the visit.

These are my Top 5 Destinations, but regardless of where you are heading I suggest you put away your map and just saunter and wander a while. After all it’s not about ticking places off on a map, it’s about getting out and finding our own authentic experience in a city, discovering things that you never thought you would find.

So tell me, where are your top 5 places?

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