Wooosh! 2017 was a rollercoaster y’all. We covered the beautiful country of Japan (which is totally a random trip), as well as the much-awaited Machu Picchu which Linda has been dreaming of setting foot on since she was 13 years old. Let’s strike that off from our bucket list, shall we?
There are however, other amazing countries that we have visited along the way. We have met alot of new friends, went to the depth of Earth, got stuck in a strike in Turkey and a natural disaster in Philippines, bask in the beauty of Mother Nature, learn about humility and respect. You will learn more about yourself as you open your mind to unfamiliarity. So try not to limit yourself to just your bucket list.
To add to this, if you feel like travelling solo, just go for it! Don’t wait for anybody. You will be able to meet new travel companions who will turn to lifelong friends throughout your destination. That’s an opportunity for another post. We’ll leave you tips on travelling solo in the next article!
As for now, here’s our recommended places to go for 2018.
Numero Uno
GREECE
Santorini. Athens. Mykonos. Rhodes. These are the favourite places that one will visit when in Greece. No doubt you have to see those majestic ancient Greek temples. However, Eudaimoniacs recommend something, abit more ‘off the beaten track’.
METEORA
Yes guys, this is in Greece. Looks like a painting isn’t it? Wait till you go there and see it for yourself. The landscaping in Meteora is exquisite. Be sure to visit the monasteries that are perched high up on some of the rock formations.
Fun facts: For our Singaporean readers, do you know that our 11-hour flight from Singapore to Athens, is only SGD 245 (all-in)? Check out SCOOT!
Numero Due
EGYPT
Sail around the river Nile and explore the chambers of The Great Pyramid of Giza. There are alot to do and see in Egypt than just the pyramids. Check out the Library of Alexandria or the Temple of Karnak. Wherever you are in Egypt, it will take your breathe away.
If you are in Cairo, there will be chaos. You just cannot escape it. But what you can do is enjoy the experience, find your zen which you’ve been practicing during your yoga sessions. You are surrounded by hoards of touts. As long as you don’t take out your wallet, you’ll be fine. Use that moment, to talk to them. Learn more about them. You’d be surprise at how easy they will put aside their persistent-selling and have a conversation with you without trying to rip you off.
Egypt is mad cheap and the country is trying to build its economy through tourism again. So know that you are doing a good deed in contributing help and support towards the livelihood of the locals.
Numero Tre
JORDAN
The mystical land of Jordan leaves us speechless everytime we talked about it.
That is a photo of the famous Treasury taken at Petra. Just like most of the ancient sites in Egypt, Petra showcases ancient architectural art etched into its reddish rocks. At night, this treasury is the backdrop of a candle-lit stage for a musical performance and stories on the origin of Petra and The Bedouin. Isn’t this just Instagram-worthy?
Numero Quattro
MARRAKECH
Get lost in the busy souks of Marrakech, as it’ll leave you with a sensory overload. Be in awe by this bustling market. You’ll be experiencing the smell of Moroccan spices and herbs, while intoxicated by the motorbike fumes under the hot sun. The shouts of stallholders will probably drive you crazy as you try to admire the potteries and woven baskets.
But hey, this is the Marrakech souk experience. You will actually find that there is peace in all those chaos.
Don’t forget to try the plethora of flavorful local delicacies.
Just be wary of your belongings as you wander through its souk.
Numero Cinque
ARGENTINA
I mean c’mon. Just look at this photo. How can it not be in your bucket list? This is like the Mother of all waterfalls. It’s so big that it borders two countries: Argentina and Brazil. Iguazu Falls is taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide.
Numerous islands along the 2.7km long edge divide the falls into many separate waterfalls and cataracts, varying between 60 and 82 m (197 and 269 ft) high. The number of these smaller waterfalls fluctuates from 150 to 300, depending on the water level. About half of the river’s flow falls into a long and narrow chasm called the Devil’s Throat.
3 ways to view the Iguazu Falls
- From the Brazilian side, you can take in better panoramic views of the falls from all directions. There are also lookout points from the Argentinian side as well.
- From the Argentinian side, you can literally walk into the heart of the falls at the Devil’s Throat and take a boat ride under the tumbling waters.
- Helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the massive waterfall.
Eudaimoniacs Singapore 