Many Ottawans, by now, are ready for the snow fall to cease and for the sun to shine down upon our city… especially after a day like yesterday that looked and felt like spring had finally arrived… Mother Nature’s cruel joke, that she plays every year on the gullible folk of Ottawa.
Unfortunately, we have at least another month, if not more, of trudging, slushing and wet-socking our way through winter until spring has actually arrived. So as you are sitting at your cubicle, watching the snow blunder down beneath a grey sky, below is at least a few minutes of escapism.
In the last decade or so, iconic backpacking destinations like Machu Picchu and Australia have slowly turned into tourist traps that are now sometimes avoided by voyagers who are seeking the path less traveled. Not that I’m knocking either of these places. I’ve visited Australia myself and loved every minute of it and I deeply envy the pictures I’ve seen of friends, towering above the Inca trails with patches of fog below them. But as the Inca trail and the Gold Coast of Australia become worn down with time and travelers footsteps, a new set of destinations have arisen and are creating quite a reputation for themselves among backpackers and 5-star travelers alike.
Below, a list of destinations that would top any other in my books. And although a trip down south is probably all I can afford at the moment, a girl can dream… right?
1. Turkey: The land where east meets west, is my number one pick overall. With some of the most inspiring sights to behold, Turkey can’t be beat for a traveler hungry for culture, architecture, history and delicious cuisine.
One of the most unique and beautiful standing pieces of architecture lives in the heart of Turkey, in Istanbul. The Blue Mosque (also known as Sultanahmet Camii or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a historical mosque known for the blue tiles surrounding the walls. Besides being a tourist attraction, it’s also a active mosque, so it closes to tourists for about half an hour, five times every day.
2. Croatia:
Croatia has been on my radar for a long time, but it seems to have gained momentum in the last five years, garnering praise from party-goers around the globe. Ibiza, once a destination for wild parties and incredible DJs has taken a back seat to Croatia (ever heard of Yacht Week??). On top of an unbeatable nightlife, Croatia is a beautiful country, specifically Island Hvar and especially Hvar town. Filled with vegetation like olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields, the agricultural landscape can leave any traveler in awe.
3. Senegal: One of the most beautiful countries on the West African coast, Senegal truly seems to have it all, complete with incredible wildlife, 3,000 hours of sunlight a year and an abundance of secluded beaches.
Despite everything Senegal has to offer, one of the most thrilling experiences would have to be a day spent in the Dakar markets, taking in the sights and sounds. Find everything from art, food, jewelry and clothing in the expanisve markets of Dakar- the perfect opportunity to engulf yourself in the culture of the country.
4. Cricova, Moldova: This spot is of particular interest to a wine lover like myself. This town is the home of the second largest underground wine cellar in the world! A short time after the Second World War, the empty space of this underground world was converted and made into a gigantic wine storage facility. The temperature of this underground cavern is consistent, making it perfect for the storage of wine. The long-winding paths in the underground cellar are even named after wine varietals: Cabernet Street, Pinot Noir Street and Sauvignon Blvd. The paths/streets are even large enough for a vehicle.
Comment below and tell us where in the world you’ve traveled or what countries are on the top of your list!
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