Another adventurous year has past, by now 2016 has long gone! Thinking back to 2016, it was a crazy whirlwind. We started our blog back in October, we started earning a solid income from Instagram (click here on how we do it!), we visited 5 continents in under a week and we visit one of the most remote islands in the world, there were some pretty awesome trips in 2016.
2017 Good Luck, but challenged accepted!
Are you searching for some awesome trips to take in 2017? We’ve made a list of 17 places that we personally love and some which we will be ticking off our bucket list this year!
Our 17 Awesome Trips To Take In 2017!
Hire A Topless Car On Magnetic Island, Australia
Magnetic Island is a short ferry ride off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. Once you arrive on this island, you’ll never want to leave. It’s pure relaxation, a bit like being lost in time, but for many of us we’re sure you won’t deny that. As the island is fairly small but not enough to walk or cycle around, hiring a ‘topless’ car or ‘Moke’ as the Aussies call it, is a whirlwind of fun! You can hire an ordinary car or take the bus, but what’s the fun in that?! Its the definition of cool and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with it! You can choose from several colours at Tropical Topless Car Rentals.
More on Australia Travel:
Go on Safari at Kruger National Park, South Africa
No trip to South Africa is complete without a guided safari and at least 2 nights in a camp/lodge. To date, was one of our most amazing experiences seeing the Big 5 so close and in the wild. Having said that, make sure to visit what South Africa as a nation as to offer as it’s one of our favourite countries to travel around!
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Spend Christmas in New York with Someone you Love
New York is an absolutely buzzing city, so why not spend it with the one you love. This city was on our bucket list for sooo long, and we finally ticked it off in December 2016, and it did not disappoint. Although we were only there for 3 nights, we managed to get round pretty much all the major tourist attractions. Make 2017 the year you take a selfie under the infamous Rockefeller Christmas Tree!
Explore Angkor Wat At Your Own Pace
No trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and was originally created as a Hindu temple for the Khmer empire. With so much history and culture embedded throughout the site, the complexity of it will leave mind blown. Make sure to arrive for sunrise, and hire a Tuk-Tuk to take you round the complex at your own pace.
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi UAE
Without a doubt one of the most impressive mosques in the world, it will leave you speechless with its intricate designs and patterns. It was also voted the worlds second most prominent architectural pioneer in 2016. The Mosque is an expression of a visionary leader who believed that nothing is impossible and conceived that the most gracious achievements start from the heart. It is open to the public from Saturday – Thursday 9am-10pm and is free to enter! It is important to respect the dress code, long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts for women and men. Women must wear headscarfs but these can be provided on site.
More on UAE Travel:
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco USA
Between San Francisco Bay and Marin County is the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge has been declared one of the modern wonders of the world, and for good reason. No trip to San Fran would be complete without this infamous bridge walk. We suggest going at sunset to experience both day and night scenery, and don’t forget to bring a good camera!
Watch The Northern Lights with your loved one in Tromsø, Finland
Every traveller’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. The northern town of Tromsø teems with Aurora Borealis activity when those extended summer days are long gone. Its location above the Arctic Circle, and within the Northern Lights zone, makes it one of the top places to view the shimmering green lights. Sharing this phenomena with your loved one quite frankly can’t get anymore romantic.
Island Hop on a long-tail boat, Koh Phi Phi Thailand
With plenty of options for island hopping tours on Phi Phi, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and your budget. The majority of the tours begin in the afternoon and go until the sunset. You’ll stop at places like Monkey Beach, Maya Bay (made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Beach), head into surreal lagoons, swim with the fishes while snorkelling, and much more.
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Take a picture perfect shot in the Seychelles
Not many island nations in the world can surpass The Seychelles in terms of outstanding natural beauty. Being an archipelago of 115 islands off the East African Coast, so much of the country is yet to be discovered, the largest island Mahé is home to the largest population and the capital, it has pristine beaches, lots of activities and great local food. Taking a good photo won’t be hard on this beautiful island nation, have a go!
Stay in a water-villa when visiting the Maldives
With over 1200 islands spanning 298km² you’ll be spoiled for choice on many world class luxury hotels. One of the main reasons people want to travel to the Maldives, apart from the obvious natural beauty of the country and marine life, is for the chance to stay in an over water-villa. Trust us, it won’t let you down. We stayed at the Constance Moofushi and it was just impeccable, we couldn’t fault anything. Wake up to the lapping of the waves, just a few steps into the ocean, and real privacy this is a couples dream and for good reason.
Fly to the remote Lord Howe Island, Australia
Many people won’t have heard of this idilic island, just 600km off the coast of NSW, Australia, but wow it’s one of our favourite places to date. However, the cost of the flight alone for a mere 1 1/2 flight will set you back $1200 return…thats enough for a return flight from Australia to Europe! Accommodation isn’t cheap either, but for a once in a lifetime opportunity its fully worth it. With only 400 visitors allowed on the island at one time, its definitely a unique experience with beautiful hikes, trails and with the Southern most barrier reef in the world the sea life is incredible.
Tip: We bought our tickets on Qantas air-miles which is substantially cheaper than buying outright. This is, in our opinion a great way to see Lord Howe Island on a budget. But so be aware reward seats only open on very specific dates so you’ll have to be flexible.
Admire the Art at The Berlin Wall, Germany
With so much history and culture imbedded in Berlin’s history, the Berlin Wall that is still standing is a prominent symbol of the city. Spend a good few hours walking along side the wall, taking in all the art, history and meaning that was present in the not too far past. It’s so important to learn about the history of such events, and there is no better way than witnessing it first hand.
Haggle a Bargain on Khao San Road, Bangkok Thailand
No backpackers trip to Thailand in complete without visiting the famous Khao San Road, its a backpackers haven. Aside from the pubs, clubs and bars that flood the street, during the day you can snag a real bargain on suits, souvenirs and ‘fake’ goods like handbags, selfie sticks, headphones and much more. Do visit a night too, as the drowsy street at day becomes flocked with thousands of people looking for a great night out, and you won’t be disappointed.
Head to Ski Week, Obertauern Austria
Between skiing, snowboarding, mountainside yoga, and aprés ski, The Ski Week is an action-packed adventure for lovers of the slopes. With so much to do and such a fun and diverse group of people to hang out with, this is something I would seriously consider making into an annual tradition. If you have never been before, it’s time to see why people from all over the world block this week off on their calendar.
See an Opera at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
One of the most famous sites to see in the whole of Australia, if you get the chance to see and opera at the Opera House jump at the chance. If you think outside is impress, wait until you see inside. This is a great excuse to dress up smart and have a few cocktails by the harbour before hand, if you’re tight on money you can get some real bargains for shows that aren’t in high demand or with last minute ticket sales.
Drink a cocktail up at Sky-bar, Bangkok Thailand
Leave the hustle and bustle of the never sleeping city of Bangkok behind. Head up to one of the infamous sky-bars and enjoy a relaxing cocktail with beautiful views across the whole city. There are many to choose from ranging in prices too, nearly all are located on the top floor of famous hotels like the Banyan Tree, Lebua Tower and Anantara Sathorn. Unsure which one to visit? We’ve found the best sky-bar to visit in terms of value for money.
Discover the Deserts of the UAE
The UAE is most famous for its glitz and glamour of Dubai. However, make sure to head out and see another side to what the UAE has to offer. Travel by camel into the desert and see what life was like in the surprisingly recent past. Take in the local culture and have some fun on the sand dunes including sand boarding and taking 4X4 across the dunes.
So far, I’ve only done Khao San Road & Angkor Wat. NYC is my fav, but never spent Xmas there. Lot to see!
Hi Brian!
They’re both fantastic places you’ve visited! NYC is SO beautiful at Xmas you must go 🙂
Happy Travels!
Emma
All of these travel destinations seems so awesome and worth visiting, Emma! I especially loved the idea of visiting the deserts in the UAE! When’s the best time of the year to go there?
Hey!
Thanks! Yes these destinations are awesome and highly recommend any of them! We love the UAE so it’s always special when we return 🙂 It really depends on what climate you prefer. If you don’t mind the 45c heat, then summer is great as it’s SO much cheaper and you can score some amazing deals on luxury hotels. However, if you want the climate to be a bit more comfortable travelling in March-May or September-November might be your best bet, although prices are a lot higher.
Happy Travels,
Emma