Day 8 - May 31, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 8 - May 31, 2012

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Today we are heading to Africa! The Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana has been on hundreds of to-do lists, such as 1000 Places to See Before You Die, Conde Nast Traveler, etc.. I first learned of the Okavango Delta in college; during one of my advertising classes we got to "pitch" to real-life clients, and the client I chose was Trackers Northwest, a Portland-based safari company specializing in trips to the Okavango Delta.

This is a large inland Delta, where the water from the Okavango River reaches a basin in the Kalahari desert evaporates into a basin without ever reaching the sea. Between June & August (Botswana's dry winter months), the Delta swells with water and attracts one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. Thus, the popular safari destination! Unfortunately for me and my budget, Botswana's government has controlled the area to NOT cater to the "budget-traveler" in order to avoid the mass-tourism that results and would ruin the land. (Amy - 0, endangered species - 1)

(CNTraveler.com)

 Now these safaris are HIGH-END. I mean all-inclusive luxury travel "tents" (if you can even call them that). They look amazing. In this region you will find so many different types of animals and birds, every one you'd imagine on a safari. Here is a list if you aren't too imaginative: elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, black/white rhino, zebra, baboon, ostrich, and ibis. Oh man, there are so much more but that list gets me excited! Where else can you go and possibly see all these types of animals (besides a zoo, I know its cheaper!) in just a couple days? Amazing. If you also think that clicking language is fake, that is real too. Spoken by natives (San Bushmen) who live along the Delta, Bushmen is the world's oldest contemporary culture and have very little population remaining.

(View from a Safari-lodge)

Fun facts: no vaccinations (or Visas!) are required for entry, however the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends all these fun injections - Hep A, Hep B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, and Yellow Fever. Malaria (especially during the wet season) runs high in Botswana (par for the course) so an anti-malarial medication should be prescribed by your doctor before heading out. P.S. Season 7 of the Amazing Race (Also on my bucket list - life goal to be on that show!!!) got to stay in Botswana in a safari lodge. Not fair. XO~

Day 7 - May 30, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 7 - May 30, 2012

BLUE LAGOON - ICELAND

If I ever find myself in Iceland, I have got to get to the Blue Lagoon. It's a man-made geothermic seawater pool that is located in Southwestern Iceland. The waters are rumored to have curative properties. Imagine spending a whole day in a hot tub (disregard the wrinkles that would occur)!

(CNTraveler.com)

This would have to be a quick weekend trip (Samantha Brown status, in-and-out!) for me, but sounds amazing nevertheless. Water temperatures average around 104 degrees (F) year-round, even in freezing temperatures. The warm waters are rich in sulfur and silica, and apparently make your skin look and feel amazing. Some things to do while touring the Blue Lagoon? Swim in the lagoon (Obvi.), Put the silica mud all over your body for a spa-like experience, Relax and float weightless in the mineral waters, find a cave to explore, hang out under a waterfall, or just enjoy the busy steam baths.

(google)

I really found out about this location online a couple months ago from an insane picture on Conde Nast Traveler, and no wonder, the Blue Lagoon is the most photographed site in all of Iceland. The pools steamy look mysterious and inviting at the same time. Its gorgeous and one more stop on my imaginary world tour. Until tomorrow friends..!

Day 6 - May 29, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 6 - May 29, 2012

GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS

Had a nice long Memorial day weekend and now I'm back. I got to enjoy my friends, family, BBQ, beers and fun in the sun. Hope you all did too! Thus, making me long for a little more time in the sun. 

I want to go to the Grand Caymans so bad. For a multitude of reasons but for the main one being in November - PIRATES WEEK. (Heck.Yes.) One, I love sun/beach. Two, I love rum. Three, I LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean and if someone is offering all three things I love in one week? I'm there!

During Pirates Week the Cayman Islands host 11 days of music, street dancing, parades, sporting events, mock pirate invasions and fireworks. There is a pirate costume competition (I'm so in!), a 5k/10k race, an underwater treasure hunt, and a cardboard boat race!

(http://www.patrykkruk.com)

Okay so besides my secret desire to be a pirate, you can find a ton of adventures to keep you busy in the Caymans. Like I've mentioned before, I'm hard-pressed to sit around and just do nothing. I'm sure the word island will excuse me from listing off beaches I've researched to go (7-mile beach). There is a Turtle farm, where you can hold turtles(!), A spot where you can feed and play and touch friendly Southern Stingrays, snorkel and dive in crystal-clear water and around shipwrecks, golfing, caving, sailing, and believe me the list goes on! You can find duty-free shopping in Georgetown, check out some jewelery like Black Coral to high-end shopping and local artisans. There is a brewery AND rum companies to tour and sample! There is plenty of nightlife to keep the party going with drinks, live music, and dancing! Can't waste a minute while you're there!

US currency is accepted on all 3 islands in the Caymans, and you don't need a visa for entry! The airport has one runway and one terminal, I'm guessing that is a joyful ride for those who love to fly (ahem, sarcasm.). I hear accommodations will be your biggest expense but for the most part you can eat for relatively average costs.

So remember to pack your pirate hat (but not your sword, TSA frowns upon that for some reason...) and get your party-pants on for fun in the sun in mid November. Here's to hoping I meet someone with an off-shore bank account to fund my fantasy lifestyle!!! (kidding... kind of.)

Day 5 - May 25, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 5 - May 25, 2012

SANTORINI, GREECE

Goin back to the islands folks. What's not to love about an island that has villages perched on cliffs, painted white with little blue roofs? Santorini is a Greek Island in the Aegean Sea that was formed from a volcanic eruption. For this part, most of the beaches are made up of volcanic rocks, which sucks for you if you didn't plan to rent a chair at the beach, your booty will be HOT!

I've been to Mykonos, another famous island of Greece, and I loved it. The people are amazing and so friendly, It's gorgeous. My pictures are unreal, and I had an amazing time. So, Santorini was clearly added to the list.

Mykonos was famous for its wind, Santorini is famous for its sunsets. Santorini is not exactly a party-island, not exactly an adventure-seeker's island, but never-the-less, you'll find both those things. I'm not exactly the kind of person who likes to "do" nothing. I can maybe take a whole day off and do nothing without feeling depressed. I have to be something.

(Santorini)

So, when I get there, I'll maybe plan around 3 days. Maybe four. Here are my ideas of what I'll do...
- Spend an entire day at the beach (Obvi.) I'll stake out the one with the most yachts (haha). 
- Go wine tasting - wines produced from sun-dried grapes.
- Hire a quad and circle the island during the day - exploring the towns beyond the masses.
- Jump off a cliff in Amoudi Bay - not too high of a cliff, I'm afraid of heights!
- Dine at a local Taverna that isn't in a touristy zone right on the water - meet the people/people watch.
- Spend a night in Kamari Beach, the black sand beach that has shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs... (Things to do when I get restless!)

That's about it. A lazy way to end a trip to another fabulous destination maybe? Why not! Happy Friday all! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!!

Day 4 - May 24, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 4 - May 24, 2012

SWISS ALPS

I've been on a beach kick for the first few posts, so even though I'm not a huge fan of cold weather (Might be an understatement), I have ALWAYS wanted to go skiiing in the Swiss Alps. The Alps in general, but I will leave those trips to other posts! What's the draw? Um, Skiiing, (ahem, Apres-skiing!) Apres-Skiing, fondue, chocolate, watches! Its like my dream! Melted cheese, bread, chocolate, wine, booze, and jewelry?! Hello Alps!

I'm also slightly obsessed with Swiss Mountain Dogs, AND St. Bernards. This is where they are from! I had a friend who recently visited the Alps and posted a picture on her facebook of a St. Bernard just chillin' at the top of a ski run. SO CUTE!!!

(St. Bernard)

 

I know from research and my own travels that Switzerland is NOT an inexpensive destination. As long as you go into it fully-knowing that you have to plan a savings for the trip, you will spare yourself the heart-attack. (Or homelessness.) Switzerland is one of the best year-round, active outdoors destinations. I want to go during the winter, which is between mid-December - April, with the coldest weather and best skiing in mid-January.

I did my research and of course you could go all-out and go to the most expensive resorts (St. Moritz, Geneva) but I would plan my destination around Grindelwald or Zermatt. Zermatt is at the foot of the Matterhorn (Your fav Disneyland ride?) and apparently has some of the most expensive accommodations in Switzerland, however, I went on Tripadvisor and you can find a place for under $100/night. Quite a few places actually. Same with Grindelwald. I say, as long as you do your homework and plan early, you can find a good deal.

Once you get there, go ski/snowboard, and explore the tiny towns. I can't even imagine how cute they are, pictures don't do it justice, I'm sure. Good news, no visas needed! Fly into Geneva or Zurich and you will have to take a train or bus to get to the mountain town of your choice! One note I forgot to mention, buy a Swiss Army Knife! Who wouldn't like that as a present? If your shopping for a girl, bring home lots of chocolate and you'll be golden.

Day 3 - May 23, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 3 - May 23, 2012

BORNEO

I've officially decided I MUST get to Borneo, like, in the next year. I researched flights from LAX and I can probably get a flight for under $2000 (hence the name of my blog haha).

What you might not know about Borneo: It is the world's 3rd largest island, it is in S.E. Asia and 3 countries share territories. The island is home to half of the world's known species of plants and animals (on one island!), 44 of those mammals which cannot be found anywhere else in the world! It's on the equator and once you get there it is relatively cheap, I'm talking like, $50/day cheap (food + accommodations).

(Orangutan)

Have you seen the IMAX movie "Born To Be Wild?" If not, its the cutest thing ever (EVER.) and you will understand why this destination made my list! Not only is it an island on the equator (hello, suntan!) but it is also the only truly natural habitat to the endangered orangutan. Not only the orangutan, but Bornean Pygmy Elephants (Holy cuteness) and Sumatran Rhino (the MOST critically endangered of ALL rhino species), leopards, sunbears and turtles! You know I love a turtle! Seriously, Borneo has so many endangered species existing outside of the zoo?! Yep, gotta go.

(Borneo, Nationalgeographic.com)

Beyond the animals Borneo has a ton of adventurous activities. It is owned partly by Indonesia so you know there will be great surf, great beaches to relax and get your tan on, and apparently Green Turtles lay eggs year-round here. You can hike, bike, swim, dive, snorkel and explore. Borneo is covered by rainforest, the Maliau Basin is referred to as "The Lost World," known as the world's oldest primary rainforest in pristine condition. However, the reason for the endangerment of some of these animals (such as the orangutan) is due to the clear-cutting and logging of the rainforest. (RUDE.)

 So there ya go. If I didn't have student loans to worry about I would find a way to volunteer over there. I think Borneo is AMAZE-BALLS. A couple fun facts for the road:
Only eat with your right hand. Using your left is considered inappropriate. Don't point, always use a whole hand to indicate directions and such. The world's largest flower, the Rafflesia is from Borneo. Apparently it smells like rotting flesh and translates to "Corpse Flower" ( Lovely.). A "Must-try" is the Durian fruit, which tastes super sweet but said to have an unpleasant smell. It's cheap! Its paradise. You should go. And probably take me with you. Just sayin.

Day 2 - May 22, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 2 - May 22, 2012

TURKEY

Okay, so I know that Turkey doesn't top everyone's travel wish list. But it should. Or at least I'll keep it on mine. This past summer I got to spend 6 weeks in Europe and how bummed am I that it flew by SO fast! 6 weeks sound long but believe me, when you try to conquer the world, you don't see enough of it! While I was in Portugal, during the final 2 weeks of my trip, I got to speaking with a businessman who had asked if I had been to Turkey. I thought, "Turkey, really?" He explained to me that if I liked Greece (Loved is an understatement!) then I would love Turkey. "Same coastline but cheaper" is how he explained it. SOLD.

Did you know that Turkey is the ONLY country to have a city that spans over 2 continents? That would be Istanbul. Part 1 of why I want to go to Turkey. Its like standing in the 4 corners of the US, only way better!

I'm an Art major. Art history is fascinating to me. So clearly, the Hagia Sophia had to be on the list. When it was built, it was the largest building ever, and have you seen it? It's gorgeous. Google it. Istanbul also has the world's largest covered outdoor market, the Grand Bazaar. (Hello shopping!) All those bright colored prints and jewelry that are so popular right now? Totally standard (and cheap!). 

Here's another shot of history: Remember having to read Homer's Iliad? Achilles battled the Trojans in Turkey. Remember Brad Pitt in Troy? (Swoon!)

(Oludeniz Beach)

Okay, so I proved by my first post I'm a beach lover so lets not disappoint. Turkey's beaches are insane. Sunshine 300 days a year, the turquoise blue of Mediterranean and Aegean seas, ancient hot springs, jasmine gardens, and last but not least...Karaoke bars! Check out Oludeniz or Patara Beach. Oludeniz is the most photographed beach of the Med and it has a gorgeous blue lagoon. Patara beach is nearby and has the longest stretch of sandy beach in the Mediterranean (I've been, LOTS of rocky beaches!), it is surrounded by ruins, and my favorite/most appealing/exciting part: a breeding ground of the endangered Loggerhead turtle (TURTS! Cute little old man faces!). Basically sold me on the entire country right there.

So that's that. Today I lust for Turkey and the beach, culture, and history, and a Brad Pitt look-a-like. You need a visa to travel here, but luckily its only $20, lasts for 3 months and you get unlimited re-entry. Go see Greece and come back! One day..

Day 1 - May 21, 2012

LUST LIST - Day 1 - May 21, 2012

BELIZE

If you're like me, you enjoy the perk of a great vacation: a tan. So I'm gonna get very cliche and start my first post with a destination guaranteed to give you a nice tan.

Belize has been a dream of mine for awhile. Just know that if you want to experience the dry season you should plan your trip between February and May; However, I want to go in late March. March 20-21 Belizeans celebrate the Vernal Equinox and who doesn't love a party? (Did I mention coconuts and rum?)

(Photo: cntraveller.com)

Besides the party factor, you should probably have an adventure bone to really get into all there is to do in Belize. You can snorkel or dive basically around the entire island (I LOVE TURTLES!), best known for the protected reefs and Blue Hole, which is basically a giant sinkhole in the middle of the ocean. You can also zip-line through a rainforest and see (literally) 500 kinds of birds, explore underground caves and rivers, and go check out Mayan ruins and the REAL Mayan calendar, since the indigenous people of Belize were the ancient Maya.

A couple more thoughts on Belize - they are famous for a habanero hot sauce (yes please!). The Belizean dollar is worth HALF the US dollar, if you are wise you wont have to spend a ton of money! Fresh fruit stands and food stalls are in the town and available for your loungey leisure at the beach as well! Just throwing this out there...I heard MAYBE you should invest in a Malaria shot, there might be a couple mosquitoes on the island.