I don't refrain and regret later. I'd rather take action now!
India
In India, you'll encounter a diverse range of people, landscapes, and colours. India is unlike any other country; it is a dynamic place with magnificent scenery, a deep history, and distinct colours. As a traveller, I have visited many parts of India, from north to south, east to west. We enjoyed Ladakh a lot more due to the group's amazing personalities, our driver's cheerful attitude, and the stunning landscape. Also, I had a great time in Uttarakhand, where I visited the temple Kedarnath. It was calm, peaceful, and breathtaking.
In India, you'll encounter a diverse range of people, landscapes, and colours. There's a surprise waiting to be uncovered everywhere you look. The country's allure is hard to ignore.
Tibet
What sets Tibet apart from other countries is its unique culture. The culture's focus on spirituality is huge. A Tibetan mastiff, considered to be the guardian dog supreme, was the highlight of my trip. They are Watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating. Additionally, It was a wonderful experience to travel with people from different countries like the US, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Our travel group included people from many different countries and we became a family by the end of the trip. Tibetans are conscientious and friendly people, according to the overall impression I got from the trip.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a land of serenity, simplicity, and organic beauty. Bhutan is a Buddhist country, and its people are committed to world peace, and a feeling of unity and order. Our group of four took a cab from the border of Bhutan to Thimpu, Paro. I regularly encountered rows of prayer flags throughout my journey. People carrying prayer beads marched clockwise around the stupas, chanting the entire time. Visitors are treated with kindness and consideration in Bhutan.
Everywhere you walk in Bhutan, you will see a portrait of the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This is not a requirement; rather, it is done out of reverence for the monarch.
Nepal
Nepal, despite its economic woes, is a great place for anyone looking for peace and tranquilly since it has a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and gives off a homely vibe. As I travelled on a bus, I saw clouds passing through the hills. It was so serene!! In Kathmandu, I visited Pashupatinath Temple, which was closed when I arrived. But to my luck, the gates opened for a few minutes while I was there, allowing me to admire the pagoda architecture and Pashupatinath, the patron deity of Nepalis.
Then I visited the Thamel commercial neighbourhood located in Kathmandu, known for its constantly ongoing music and bright lights. It is unquestionably the place to go if you want to have fun.
Indonesia
Everyone who visits Bali is moved by the country's tremendous spirituality. Our favourite part of Indonesia was visiting Gili island, a natural and relaxing place for visitors. The resort we stayed at was a beautiful and modern hut. My heart jumped out of my mouth when we rode "Slingshot", which threw us in the air within a fraction of a second.
Additionally, I discovered that the Indonesian word ''Hati'' means ''take care'' or ''take it easy'', which means to slow down. Such a beautiful language!!
Sadly, our increasingly busy lifestyles do not allow us to stop and smell the roses, enjoy a moment or immerse ourselves in our surroundings. People of Bali practice “Hati” and apply it to their lives. Living in the moment is their way of life. There is no such thing in life as rushing, regardless of how disorganized the road infrastructure may be.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has a unique geographical location; the Caucasus is a vital link between Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. Together with a friend, I visited Baku and Sheki. I was captivated by the beauty of Baku. A beautifully planned city with wide and clean roads, green gardens, and elevated buildings with amazing architecture. Small alleyways, open cafes, and purple taxis punctuated the streets. I stayed at a guesthouse in Sheki, and the owner was an elderly woman who was friendly and welcoming. My favourite host ever. Azerbaijan is a warm and welcoming nation with a lot to offer.
Georgia
Georgia is a fabulous sight of snow-capped mountain peaks soaring toward the sky. Your time here will be spent listening to music, watching people dance, and taking part in unending festivals. I did a lot of shopping in this nation since everything is so reasonably priced. I also got an opportunity to visit the Black Sea coast.
Everything is quite ancient, and the city is dotted with historic churches.
Kazakhastan
Kazakhstan has a great culture and everything to entice international visitors. My best memory of Kazakhastan was the cold, -9 degrees, and snow everywhere. Huge buildings, friendly people, light blue coloured sky. My heart was captivated by Noor Sultan, Kazakhstan's capital city! It was very unique to see places such as the Baiterek Tower, Nurzhol Boulevard, and Hazret Sultan Mosque. I was quite impressed with the modesty and warmth of the locals. The natural landscape is stunning, with canyons, mountains, lakes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural history.
Uzbekistan
People in Uzbekistan, particularly in Samarkand, take tremendous pride in their heritage and religious beliefs. Because of time constraints, I was only able to see a glimpse of each of the stations on the metro, but it is an art piece.
Never in my life have I come across architecture so mesmerizing that it left me speechless. Every step I took left me flabbergasted; the folks were so kind and welcoming that it felt like home.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a nation with pristine natural beauty that welcomes travellers from many different countries. This little country has a lot to offer. The highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka was riding the train from Kandy to Ella while. As you pass through the streets, you may come across woods draped in mist, as well as tea plantations with endless rows of crops. A ride on this train should be on every traveller's itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka.
In addition to being home to hills, streams, and the ocean, this area has a rich history to explore.
UAE (Dubai)
As a man-made metropolis, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) is one of the most impressive examples of taming nature. Luxury, aristocracy, and ornate interiors are well-known features of the city of Dubai. This trip was a special one as it was my only trip abroad with my family. I loved Burj Khalifa, especially when it illuminates in the evening. You are treated to a 30-minute light display. The waterworks and light show was magnificent, so the wait was worthwhile. Another work of art is the massive Dubai mall. On various floors, you can find many luxurious brand outlets.
Vietnam
Despite the fact that the country is recovering from a prolonged war, Vietnam is a warm and friendly place. I went there with a pair of friends, and we had a great time. The people are really nice, and they are always willing to help you no matter what. On the first day of the trip, we went to the Bana Hills, in Da Nang, where we found a golden bridge.
The next day, we were going to go to Hoi An. But it started raining, and we had to change our plans. We were lucky because our accommodation was on the beach, and we could still enjoy some time at the beach in the rain. We visited some of the most popular places in Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. We were also lucky enough to see some traditional Vietnamese art performances, which were really interesting to watch. We also went on a boat ride on Ha Long Bay, which was one of my favourite things about our trip. The food was great too! I loved eating pho for breakfast every morning before we set out for another day of exploring. The best thing about it is that it’s so cheap!
Combodia
The Cambodian people are very calm, they have their own history of the Cambodian War, which has now ended, but they still need to work hard for the future. The main attraction was Angkor Wat, which was huge and magnificent, although in ruins. This is a temple and one of the most important religious monuments in Cambodia. It is estimated that when it was built and consecrated in the 12th century, it housed over 100,000 people. The temple is a very popular tourist attraction. The sunrise and sunset at the temple are amazing. People usually spend 3-7 days on the spot, but due to lack of time, we completed the whole of Angkor Wat in one day. Although it was tiring, it was worth every moment.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is a lively city, especially at night. People come to the streets, and spend time around the open areas skating, dancing, and even playing games. The streets are full of life. There are people everywhere you look: skateboarding on the sidewalks, walking in groups or alone, eating food from street vendors, or chatting with friends over coffee. Many people come to Phnom Penh just to enjoy the nightlife and explore all that this city has to offer.
Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant and diverse city-state that offers a plethora of beautiful experiences for travelers, whether in a group or as a lone traveler. I was alone, but I encountered friendly locals who were proud of their country and eager to share their culture with visitors. The city-state is known for its harmonious and multicultural society, so it isn't easy to find out who is a tourist and who is local. Everybody knew English, and all the instructions were in English as well. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and buses offer a convenient and affordable way to get around.
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Some of the highlights of my travel to Singapore included Gardens by the Bay, a magical oasis in the city's heart, which boosted my leisurely strolls. Marina Bay Sands is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to capture Singapore's skyline in all its glory. What about the food? I tried mouth-watering cuisines, like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Char Kway Teow, from both hawker centers & high-end restaurants.
The culmination of my trip was part of the Singaporeans' cultural festivals & events, which provide a unique opportunity to experience the city's cultural diversity and vibrancy.
Philippines
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. The natural wonders, such as the Underground River in Palawan, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Hanging Coffins of Sagada, give the Philippines abundant natural beauty. The country boasts some of the world's best diving and snorkeling spots. And despite having a severe backache during my visit, I enjoyed canyoneering, where I even jumped from 15 meters, yes, yes, with a live jacket on.
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As a beginner in swimming, I made a lifetime memory after encountering whale sharks and thousands of fish species while snorkeling. I could go under the gushy waterfall, which usually is not the case elsewhere. The guides would take the photos and help us with poses.
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Sunsets and sunrises were breathtaking, especially from a beach, atop a mountain, or on a boat. I had a magical experience of witnessing the changing hues of the sky.
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Filipino food is a delightful mix of flavors influenced by various cultures. I tried all I could & I could not get enough. The country’s history and indigenous cultures make it an unforgettable destination for me and anyone seeking beautiful experiences and special memories.
South Korea
Though South Korea is still struggling with a tense relationship with North Korea, which can cause concerns for residents and visitors alike, we had exciting and authentic encounters. Yes, we experienced it all.
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Yes, it is the land of BTS, skincare & fashion. Men and women were seen sporting elements of each other's clothing styles.
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I loved the fun of exploring South Korea. We had a fascinating and enriching experience wearing a hanbok. This is the traditional Korean attire while visiting historical sites or palaces like Bukchon Hanok Village. We did not have enough time to visit the many beautiful temples and palaces.
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South Korea is a shopper's paradise with modern malls & trendy boutiques. We shopped for fashionable clothes, cosmetics & and unique souvenirs. The fascinating thing we did before we left South Korea was to visit Jimjilbang – a Korean Bathhouse – where Koreans relax in saunas, soak in various pools, and even get a scrub-down by a professional attendant. Locals and tourists alike love the experience.
Japan
Would you have ever imagined people not talking over their phones in public? This was a unique thing for me in Japan. It is viewed as being a disturbance to others. Despite the language barrier, we were treated with respect and kindness & it felt like home for me. We felt safe because Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, which makes it an ideal destination for solo travelers.
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Talking about the public transportation system, it was not only efficient but also punctual. I sat on the bullet train for the first time and had butterflies in my stomach. The diverse landscape was magical, from stunning cherry blossoms to picturesque mountains, traditional villages, and beautiful coastlines.
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The evenings used to be bright, and it was also very easy to notice the aging population, where the older people did menial jobs.
Japan has developed well ahead of time & we can witness cutting-edge innovations and futuristic experiences. Trying local dishes, like fresh sushi, ramen, and tempura, was a delightful experience.
Canada
I first moved to Canada as a student but was lucky enough to get a job and start working right away. To date, I have lived in Toronto, Brandon, and Winnipeg. I am lucky enough to have a good friend and a great job. I went to Niagara, which was mesmerizing. I saw the rainbow light show and it was amazing. Winters are black and white.
We only see colors in the summer, which is short because of global warming. The winters are shorter and there is less snow. Toronto has the maximum population and some of the best attractions such as the CN Tower in Canada. The summer in Canada is beautiful when you see the different colored leaves on the trees. It was a unique experience. I live in Winnipeg, my work place is in Winnipeg. It is smaller than Brandon but larger than Toronto.
