While travel has been on the upswing lately, thanks to ever-increasing numbers of Americans getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, most of us have stayed close to home for well over a year. This has fueled our desire to travel considerably and many of us are just itching to get up and go. Domestic leisure trips have taken center stage in recent days but that hasn’t quelled our wanderlust as we continue to dream about those once-in-a-lifetime trips to exotic, far-flung destinations. With this in mind, let’s have some fun by taking a look at a number of magical journeys that just might help to satisfy some of the restlessness you’ve been feeling of late. This is the first in a two-part series.
Russia and the Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world at 5,772 miles. It begins in Russia’s capital city of Moscow and goes all the way to the Far Eastern portion of the country, ending in the Pacific Port of Vladivostok. Government ministers personally appointed by Tsar Alexander III and later by his son Tsar Nicholas II, supervised the building of this railway between 1891 and 1916. Even before its completion, the line attracted adventurous travelers who chronicled their experiences. Expansion of the railway system continues to this day with connecting rails going elsewhere into Asia, namely Mongolia, China and North Korea. There are also plans to connect the railway to Japan’s capital city of Tokyo. Spanning eight different time zones, featuring extraordinary landscapes, and having a rich past makes this a journey of a lifetime. To travel on the Trans-Siberian train, from Vladivostok to Moscow, it costs around $1,600 for a first class sleeper compartment, and $820 for a second class sleeper compartment. f you’re on a tight schedule, it makes sense to book your tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be issued up to 45 days in advance and many travel agencies can do this for you. Real Russia is highly recommended and they can also help with obtaining a letter of invitation for visa purposes. It’s also possible to book online yourself at www.rzd.ru or www.poezda.net if you can read a little Russian.
Chile and the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia
Just imagine crystal-clear turquoise waters, immense glaciers, icebergs and towering granite horn-like peaks! The jaw-dropping landscapes of this eighth wonder of the world are humbling indeed. An otherworldly panorama awaits you at the Torres del Paine National Park. Trails and some campsites are maintained by Chile’s National Forest Corporation and mountain huts provide shelter and basic services. The centerpiece of the park is the Cordillera del Paine, a mountain group. The best way to explore the amazing landscapes of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is by trekking, so pack your bags and wear your most comfortable pair of hiking boots as you traipse, sail and kayak your way around this incredibly fascinating part of the globe which receives about 250,000 visitors annually. Take advantage of the seventeen hours of daylight in the summer and don’t miss out on sunrise , when the Torres del Paine glow purple and red. The adventurous among us can sail on Grey Lake to admire glaciers or paddle a kayak through its colossal blue and white icebergs.
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
If the thought of being at the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution doesn’t make a trip to this once-in-a-lifetime locale exciting enough, perhaps it being a wildlife haven and nature lover’s paradise will. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, the protected Galapagos Islands are chock full of friendly and fearless animals, making it one of the only places in the world where you can get up close and personal with wild animals. Close encounters include sailing with killer whales, swimming with sea lions, and observing giant tortoises and marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Besides immersing yourself in the rich and varied wildlife, count trekking in the Sierra Negra Volcano as a uniquely memorable activity to be experienced here. This archipelago of about nineteen islands formed out of molten lava spewed up by underwater volcanoes some four million years ago, are sprinkled some 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos are a double World Heritage Site (both land and sea are protected) and each island boasts its own unique landscape. These range from barren black, volcanic rocks to swaths of white sand beaches melting into gemstone-like blue waters.
Iceland and the Northern Lights
Getting to see the Northern Lights may be one of the most sought-after items to check off a bucket list when in Iceland, but that’s not the only spectacular experience this captivating country has to offer. Known for its otherworldly landscape on land, underground and beneath the sea, Iceland is a place for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure. You can hike on glaciers, visit crystalline caverns and fascinating underground caves. You can even snorkel in the Silfra Rift, an underwater lava field located in the historic Thingvellir National Park as the activities here for the thrill-seeing explorer are many. But that doesn’t mean it’s all heavy-duty physical activity. There’s nothing quite like an Iceland road trip. Rent a car and take in the Ring Road. Also known as Route 1, this is a national road that runs around the island and connects most of the inhabited parts of the country. The total length of the Ring Road is about 821 miles and traveling it will expose you to bubbling geothermal springs, sparkling rainbows, beautiful horses, icy glaciers, massive waterfalls and rugged mountains. Iceland also boasts some natural hot springs and the Blue Lagoon is the most well known. The light blue, milky waters are the perfect temperature (102-110º F) and this attraction has been named one of “The Top 25 Wonders of the World” by National Geographic. This lagoon is world-famous and the most impressive spa resort in Iceland. It features several restaurants, cafés, an in-water bar, hotel, gift shop and a relaxing area with massage facilities.
Tanzania and The Great Migration Safari
To be witnessing the magnificent Great Migration Safari with your own eyes is truly an experience of a lifetime. Considered by many to be the most thrilling spectacle in the animal kingdom, this is a must-see African wildlife event that should be added to your bucket list. An annual mass migration with normally over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 300,000 gazelles in attendance, it’s a breathtaking and mind-boggling experience anyone would be privileged to witness. A better representation of the circle of life probably can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The journey starts in the Southern Serengeti when wildebeest calves are born. Predators like lions and hyenas are constantly hunting for these babies and many thousands of calves are born within a few weeks of each other - a feast for the eyes of true wildlife enthusiasts. When the drought comes in May, the herd moves north, towards Kenya chomping down the high grass, quickly followed by gazelles and zebras. The migration is not without risk as crossing numerous rivers means facing about 3,000 crocodiles patiently waiting for a kill. Not to mention the famous Serengeti lion population; by far the largest in Africa. Although variations occur from year to year the Serengeti migration follows a reasonably predictable annual cycle. Those interested in exploring Tanzania and The Great Migration with private guides and a tailor-made itinerary, may wish to contact Kensington Tours, an award-winning company offering custom journeys.
Romania and Rural Transylvania
The charm of rural Transylvania, with its medieval citadels and revered traditions, will whisk you away into a real-life fantasy. In this historical region, discover fairytale castles and fortified churches, get to know the blacksmiths, truffle-hunters, beekeepers, and botanists who keep the local traditions alive and go on an enchanting horseback adventure in the forests and woods. Of course, Dracula might just be the most famous “resident”of Transylvania and Bram Stoker’s story has never been out of print since it was first published in 1897. Count Dracula is a big draw for tourists to Romania in general and Bran Castle in Transylvania in particular. This is considered to be Dracula’s Castle because it it the only one fitting Stoker’s description. The sinister vampire has been portrayed in numerous films and television series, even inspiring several children’s TV characters, including Count von Count on Sesame Street. Beyond Dracula, Transylvania is the land where folk tales and magical creatures foster the region’s storytelling tradition. For animal lovers, you might also opt to explore the Carpathian Mountains to enjoy worthwhile encounters with European wildlife. In fact, the mountains are Romania’s greatest natural gift. Therefore, the fertile valleys of the Transylvania Plateau make for great wine growing conditions and the area has been producing wine for centuries with some wineries dating back to the 1600s. If you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll quickly come to appreciate the exceptional quality of their wines.
If I’ve helped to stir your imagination, the next step is to start making some plans to turn those thoughts into reality.
Until next time…travel safe.
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