“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.” And what makes my soul happy is…. Travel.
My travel journey really started in 2017, and even though I had travelled places before, 2017 was when I wrote a list of destinations that I wanted to visit and explore. That famous line of ‘life is too short’ awakened me then as I had a life changing incident in 2012 which made me realise life really is too short. Within minutes my life was turned around, pulled around and thrown around. It took me a good few years to recover from this incident and once I went through the tackle of getting myself back up, I said to myself I want to travel, travel and travel more (as well as YOLO became my signature saying). So, I went out and made that happen. I still have two more destinations to tick off my list but below I have ranked my destinations top to bottom that I have explored so far - I hope you find it helpful.
1. Punjab (India)
The city of Sikhism - this city has a lot of personal attachment for me hence why it has made my number one destination. There is always something more about a destination that has a personal attachment, right? Amritsar is the home of Harminder Sahib (the Golden Temple) which is why this city carries rich culture and pride for Sikhism. As well as visiting Harminder Sahib, we explored Jallianwala Burgh to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. We visited another Sikh Gurdwara (temple) called Anandpur Sahib located on the edge of the Shivalik Hills. From there we went to visit the Virasat-e-Khalsa which is the first Sikh museum that I have visited; and it was a very proud masterpiece to have explored. As well as exploring heritage we explored the busy, hustle-and-bustle Punjab markets for shopping.
Recommendation: if you’ve never been then definitely visit Harmindar Sahib!
2. Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
By far there is no place like this city - it has such a royal, lavish, sophisticated and glamorous (the words could go on!) style that definitely makes this my most unique city visited so far. Everything is so luxurious; from embracing the Arabic culture to then soaking in the ultramodern fusion that this city offers; I loved it! We did so much this holiday exploring wise; from the Dubai Marina and the JBR Walk where you can find cool street art as well as walking down Jumeirah Beach. We visited the Al Arab and as it was at night we were able to see it lit up in its purplely blue colour. We visited the Dubai Mall which was 'wow' within itself and from there we went up the Burj Khalifa which was an amazing experience to see the city from its highest point. We then watched the Dubai Mall Fountain show; this was a spectacular effort for a show especially in the evening with the pretty lights and the Burj Khalifa’s lightening. We visited Dubai’s Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo, but before that we had a lush dinner at Dubai’s Cheesecake Factory (it was a must!). We visited the stunning Madinat Jumeirah; wondered around the cultural markets with the signature Arabic lanterns everywhere. This place had the feel of Aladdin throughout. We then adventured out to explore Dubai’s very own Bollywood Park; being the biggest Bollywood fan that I am I couldn’t leave Dubai without going to this amazing jaw-dropping experience. Having a jam-packed holiday we allowed ourselves to see the Dubai Frame from the metro view and the Atlantis Dubai from Jumeirah Beach but nevertheless our ‘to see’ list was well and truly fully ticked.
Recommendation: for the Bollywood lovers definitely check out the Bollywood Park!
3. Rome (Italy)
The beautiful iconic capital city of Italy - it is full of history, beauty and culture! This city made me fall in love with Italy at first instance. From the cobblestone streets, to the lush herb tasting food to then the outstanding architecture. We done around 23,000 steps in one day of our trip in Rome and those were the best 23,000 steps ever! We started one day of our trip by getting a tram into central Rome; the last stop of the tram was at the famous 'Wedding Cake' building and we then walked our way to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We walked our way back to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and my very favourite the Spanish Steps. And another day of our trip we visited the St. Peter's Basilica and enjoyed the beauty of the world’s largest Church.
Recommendation: the only way to really see the city is by walking the city only!
4. Santorini (Greece)
This is one breath-taking iconic Greek island – it is a very stunning, beautiful, heaven like destination. From the beautiful island itself to the lush food, crumbly cliffs, tiny donkeys and the picturised sunsets. We explored Oia which is the coastal town in Santorini; we strolled through the cliff-top town, the beautiful cultural streets with cute boutique shops and bars and restaurants as well as saw the Church of Panagia. We then spent a day exploring the pretty capital called Fira. The capital gave us a taste of the traditional Santorini experience. We then spent one day of our trip hiring a yacht and enjoying the see views around the Greek island.
Recommendation: Watch the sunset from the town of Oia!
5. Jaipur (Rajasthan, India)
The Pink city - the most mesmerising and glamorous destination visited in India so far for me. It has such a Bollywood vibe which is maybe why I loved it but there definitely is a romantic feel in this city. From handmade, traditional crafts and designs in vibrant markets, to then the golden and colourful architecture. We visited the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jai Mahal Palace and the stunning Jal Mahal from a distance floating in the water.
Recommendation: get entry tickets to explore the inside of the Hawa Mahal and City Palace!
6. Paris (France)
The city of love - there is definitely something in the air in Paris that makes you feel free, relaxed and have that spring in your footsteps. It wasn’t difficult to get around in Paris transport wise, especially if you know a tube system then using the metro system in Paris won’t be difficult for you, but otherwise I would recommend to walk the city. We spent our first day walking around visiting the Eiffel Tower and embraced our view whilst relaxing on the gardens in front of the Eiffel Tower. We then grabbed the metro to the Louvre Museum and walked our way to the Pont des Arts (famously known as the Love Lock Bridge), making sure that we locked our name lock onto the bridge and then continued to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. We then went back to the Eiffel Tower on our last day and grabbed tickets to go up the tower which had a wonderful high city view.
Recommendation: make your visit known to Paris by locking your lock onto the Lock Bridge!
7. Amsterdam (Netherlands)
A unique city full of things to see and do. From exploring the beautiful canals, seeing bikes everywhere, the iconic architecture of narrow houses, to all the different experiences and activities and then not to forget the red light district. This city has two different ends; let’s say you have the museum end and then you have the red light district end - this makes this city one of a kind. We explored the area called Jordaan, a traditional canal area and then visited the historical Anne Frank’s House. We walked our way to the Red Light district to see what it was all about for ourselves. We visited the famous Rijksmuseum as well as the quirky Moco Museum. Our hotel was located in Zaandam (Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam); it had a beautiful canal with high street shops as well as boutique shops - I recommend this hotel not only for it's quirky appearance but also to explore a location away from central Amsterdam.
Recommendation: make a visit to the famous Pancake Bakery to indulge in a lush Dutch pancake!
8. Toronto (Canada)
A big city with tall shiny glass buildings and wide roads, alongside a modern, urban and multicultural city. We explored Downtown, starting with Union Station and then the Kensington Market which was full of colourful wall art. We grabbed lunch in Toronto’s very own China Town. We visited and went up the CN Tower where you can see some amazing views of the city. We went to CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square which was buzzing and felt like Toronto’s version of Piccadilly Circus for us Londoners. We walked our way to Nathan Phillips Square where you will find the TORONTO sign. And not to forget we went to see the beautiful breathtaking Niagara Falls and from there we went to Clifton Hill which is definitely something to visit if you like arcades. Toronto is very known for its shopping malls and outlets; we went to Yorkdale Shopping Centre and from there we had a lavish dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (located in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre).
Recommendation: indulge in some lush food at the Cheesecake Factory!
9. Lanzarote (Canary Islands)
A volcanic landscape destination - this island isn’t very big and you could easily see both ends of the island in one day if you are a ‘get-goer’ traveller. As well as the volcanic, rough, rustic landscape you will find a beautiful beach wherever you go on this island. We visited the beautiful breathtaking Jameos del Agua and the volcanic adventure at Cueva de los Verdes. We then went to visit the Museo de Aloe de Lanzarote which is a museum where you are able to see how aloe vera plants grow and aloe vera products are made. We grabbed a stunning view of the Lanzarote sunset over La Graciosa island at Mirador Del Rio which a famous lookout platform and restaurant to grab beautiful views for the island. Not to forget, we visited the Puerto Calero marina and took a submarine safaris trip which was a wonderful experience (this is definitely something for anyone who is into sea-life adventure).
Recommendation: make sure you visit the beautiful Jameos del Agua!
10. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, India)
The city is a hidden gem - the capital of Uttar Pradesh; the city has a calm and sweet vibe and open and wide roads, stunning Islamic architecture and beautiful dressed horses. We travelled to Lucknow from Punjab on an over-night train which was an experience within itself but it definitely was worth it. We visited Baba Imambara and explored the inside of the Bara by trekking all the way to the top for a stunning rooftop view of the city. We explored the Chota Imambara, The Residency, Rumi Darwaza and the Janeshwar Mishra Park.
Recommendation: try and grab a drink of their fresh coconut water!
11. Lisbon (Portugal)
A colourful, pretty and lively capital city of Portugal - a cosmopolitan city with historical culture yet a very upcoming vibe which made the city an exciting place to be in. We visited the grand Praça do Comércio and walked down the beautiful coast and then walked up to visit Santa Justa Lift and Rossio located in the Downtown of Lisbon. We visited the Belem Tower, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Lisbon Cathedral and explored the very medieval steep alleyways of Alfama. Lastly, we got the most amazing view of Lisbon city by visiting Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Recommendation: if you are a view capturer then visit Miradouro das Portas do Sol!
12. New Delhi (India)
The capital of India - this is were the beeping, hustle-and-bustle (and staring!) starts for most people who visit India as most people usually land there. We explored Meena Bazaar (shopping market) rather than Chandni Chowk; we heard that Chandi Chowk can be pointless because of the ridiculous hustle-and-bustle. We visited the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) called Bangla Sahib in the evening which was a lovely experience. We visited Qutub Minar, India Gate, Akshardham which had the most amazing architecture and then we visited the Lotus temple; this temple leaves you feeling at such bliss. Lastly not to forget we went to the new and upcoming shopping mall in Delhi called Pacific Mall.
Recommendation: visit the Lotus temple!
13. Prague (Czech Republic)
A very medieval, gothic vibe yet a very pretty city. We went during the Christmas period so there was the festive season in the air; from the Christmas markets to the Christmas carols and the festive food and drinks. Prague works in zones which again for the 'get-goer’ travellers you could explore the city in one day but our focus was exploring zone 1 which is the main centre. We visited the Charles Bridge and then walked our way to the Old Town Square where the Church of Our Lady before Týn is found as well as where you will find the unique historical Prague’s astronomical clock. This clock was built in the 1400’s and it is the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still working. We were able to see the clock perform its theatre show that happens every hour on the hour which was something really different. From the Charles Bridge you are able to walk across to Prague Castle. Lastly we then went to explore Wenceslas Square which is in Prague’s New Town.
Recommendation: try and make a visit to Prague’s astronomical clock on an hour to see the clock’s theatre performance!
14. Copenhagen (Denmark)
A very surprisingly modern city, the capital of Denmark with quirky stylish food places and bar plus high street brand shops everywhere you go in this city. It has the look of a town but the buzz of an upcoming modern city. We visited and wondered around the Tivoli Gardens during daytime which went through to the night so we were able to catch the firework show and see the garden lite up with beautiful lights. We explored the famous Nyhavn, Amalienborg and trekked our way to see the The Little Mermaid. We then walked up the Round Tower for a rooftop city view and explored the Strøget high street.
Recommendation: visit the Tivoli Gardens!
15. Venice (Italy)
The charming, historical and a hugely different city from them all. The city that I took my first water taxi in and it was a brilliant experience. And as people told me before my trip that you can get lost in the great alleys of Venice, it is very true - you can definitely get lost in the great alleys of Venice! We went in July, it was around 42 degrees and Venice is an open city so grabbing some shade was a little difficult but nevertheless that didn’t stop us from exploring. Our hotel was located on the Grand Canal, right near St. Mark’s Square so getting around was easy by walking. We visited Saint Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and we took a trip to Murano known as the glass island.
Recommendation: make sure you don't leave Venice without taking a Gondola ride!
16. Mykonos (Greece)
Another Greek city that lets you soak in a stunning sunset - this city is famous for their windmills and the beautiful cobble streets with the boutique shops and lively food places and bars. We visited the famous Mykonos windmills, the Little Venice and Elia Beach. One thing about this holiday that was a first for me was that we experienced a storm – a storm that made us see our hotel sun lounges gush into the hotel swimming pool; that was a 'can't always rely on the weather' amount.
Recommendation: visit the Negrita Bar Mykonos, especially at sunset time!
17. Edinburgh (Scotland)
A city full of heritage, cobbled streets and a gothic feel with the gothic and medieval buildings. A very hilly city so if you walk around then be prepared to face some hill streets. This city is a very pleasant city; everyone was very nice and friendly. We visited the Edinburgh Castle which is located on a high hill so it did feel like a trek to get there but it was a nice walk up capturing the views. We walked up to Calton Hill and visited Edinburgh Old Town alongside wondered the shops on the famous Princess Street.
Recommendation: check out the famous Indian restaurant called Khushi’s - the food was absolutely lush!
18. Budapest (Hungary)
A very fascinating city. We arrived to Budapest via a train from Prague which was an amazing train journey; even with it being a 6 hour journey, it was one of the best train journey view wise. As some might know, Budapest is divided into half - ‘Buda’ (west) which is the hill district and then ‘Pest’ (east) which is the river district of the city. We stayed in the Pest side of the city; full of unique art nouveau architecture and buildings. We explored the Chain Bridge and the quirky art of the Shoes on the Danube whilst walking up to the Hungarian Parliament. We grabbed an indulging lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in central Budapest. As well as we went on to visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and the St. Stephen's Basilica, alongside exploring the Christmas markets along the way. One place we didn’t do/visit was the Thermal Bath but maybe for next time!
Recommendation: visit the New York Café for a lavish afternoon tea!
That's my ranking from top to bottom of my holiday destinations so far and it is this travel experience that has gained me the title of the "little explorer" by my Uncle, who is always ready to here my travel stories. Hopefully it has been insightful as well as given something for you to add onto your travel list maybe? And, as you may remember I mentioned at the start that I have two more destinations on my list; they are Madrid and New York but until then I'm going to keep inspiring to learn cultures, explore new cities and book more flights. I hope you are too!
