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| From blog photos |
I’m looking for a new travel destination, and I need your help.
Now, in a perfect word, I’d board my own Austin Powers-esque 747 and tell the captain to take me someplace where:
- there’s enough people to be convenient and friendly, but not enough to be crowded
- I can see all sorts of awesome creatures (and possibly eat a few of them)
- there are glaciers for me to explore
- I can eat all sorts of weird-but-tasty foods
- volcanoes rumble and geysers splash
- the scenery never stops boggling my mind
- I can enjoy a few bizarre activities
- there’s enough city life for the nighttime hours to be as fun as the day
- I can explore vast caves
- At least several times per day, I turn to my wife and say “Did I really just see that?”
Basically, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica and the state of Washington would have to crash together in a collision to shake the world. And I probably shouldn’t hold my breath on that.
I’ve done a little of my own homework. Iceland is full of geothermal and glacial playgrounds, not to mention a Nordic smorgasbord of whacky foods. Japan, to a westerner, is frankly the land of WTF?, so I could really see that as an option. I’m not sure there’s enough isolated rural feel to slake my thirst for solitude, but I’m still willing to consider it.
So, my friends … where should I go next?
These are off the list because we’ve been there recently.
Australia
Belize
Canada
Costa Rica
Mexico
New Zealand
We’d prefer to avoid Europe unless you can make a really strong case for it … the wife’s uprooted most of Europe already, along with a chunk of the Middle East. Parts of Africa could be cool, but getting there is really trying.
Well, the most “exotic” place I’ve been is The Philippines. It’s got some things going for it, such as some great diving spots (and awesome beaches in general), a volcano within a volcano, and the disputed world’s longest underground river. It’s also amazingly cheap once you’re there.
Then there’s the bad. Certain areas are stunning, but you’re usually leaving civilization for them. The big cities (Manila in particular) are easily the most crowded places I’ve ever been, and much of them are pretty dirty. Air pollution is also pretty nuts. But each also has their own areas which are actually pretty nice.
Speaking of nice, the people over there (outside of the cities) are extremely warm and friendly. If you’re looking to eat something weird but tasty, chances are you’ll be invited in to eat by someone you don’t even know. That’s just their thing. I was completely taken aback by how happy everyone was, despite the fact that their “standard of living” was pretty low compared to ours.
I’m definitely going back one day, and hell, I’ve even thought about retiring there.
I have to say, the Philippines is exotic, alright! I have a good Filipino friend who can attest to that. Good ideas!
Hi Justin, This is Laurie. I am a good friend of your mom’s. I told her about this site, and she suggested that you and Sarah should go to Hawaii. She also wants to know how the kittens are doing? Take care.
Hi, Laurie. The Big Island has a lot of volcanic stuff, and lots of lava tubes – my favorite! Great seafood, too. But I’ll tell you what – that’s one expensive destination. By the way, be sure to check out the series of New Zealand posts. Look on the right side of the screen for the New Zealand category. Great photos!