Items filtered by date: January 2025
Australia
25 years later and we’re finally back in Australia but this trip was to visit Melbourne , Ayers Rock, Great Barrier Reef and a revisit to Sydney with climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge as a bucket list goal!
Melbourne is a fun, cosmopolitan city with lots of interesting, hidden lanes to explore! There are great coffee shops and restaurants everywhere. Additionally, there’s some amazing architecture that has been preserved among the many modern buildings.
From Melbourne we flew to Ayers Rock or Uluru as it is known to the natives. Although we enjoyed Uluru, we found Kata Tjuta to be much more interesting and certainly worth a visit.
Our next flight took us to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef. Our boat to the Great Barrier Reef held 300 people and you could snorkel, take helicopter rides or see the Reef in a submersible. We were lucky in that our boat was about half full...we’re not sure the day would have been as enjoyable with a full boat.
Port Douglas is not far from Great Barrier Reef and the perfect place to stay with its many hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping.
Our last Australian stop was Sydney where we accomplished our goal of climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Weather wise, February is the ideal time to visit. Melbourne was in the 60s …Ayers Rock 100 degrees…Great Barrier Reef mid 80s and Sydney in the low 80s.
New Zealand
Forty years ago we visited New Zealand but only the North Island part of the country. It was time to go back and explore the South Island. We began our journey in Auckland and had beautiful weather exploring this exciting harbor city.
We boarded the NCL Norwegian Sun in Auckland to continue our explorations. The Norwegian Sun is an older ship in NCL’s fleet but it has a great crew dedicated to ensuring the 1900 + passengers enjoy their time aboard.
There are some areas that could use improvement…the food other than the specialty restaurants is fairly mediocre. There are 6 specialty restaurants for an additional cost but are well worth it. Our most fun meal was at Teppenyaki..an enjoyable experience with our very entertaining chef!
The technology on the ship is definitely not 2025…only one electronic device could be used at a time. Quite a surprise and really inconvenient.
Unfortunately, the ship advised us that they did not have the license to air the Super Bowl. As Philadelphia Eagles fans we were incredibly disappointed especially since Monday was a day at sea. We paid extra for streaming hoping to see it and we were able to watch it in real time but in Spanish!!!??
Also, there’s a great fitness center and many classes to participate in.
Our itinerary took us to Tauranga, Napier, Picton, Wellington, Dunedin, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, Hobart Tasmania and we docked in Melbourne Australia.
We had lots of time in each port and visited some on our own and others on an NCL shore excursion. Each port offered a different experience from one street tourist towns to big cities.
And in most cases, the ship docked where we were able to walk right into town.
Our fun experience in Wellington was discovering Bohemein Chocolates where we indulged in hot chocolate and I purchased a chocolate high heeled shoe filled with chocolates! Yum!
And much to our delight we walked into Riverside Market in Christchurch which was a mini version of our Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. And what should we find when walking around Hobart Tasmania but a Target store!
Perhaps our most enjoyable shore excursion was the Hawkes Bay Express train which traveled through Napier with our driver regaling us with history and fun facts before ending at the Customs House.
The scenery through the three Sounds was breathtaking and provided us with some relaxation while we enjoyed the fabulous views.
The New Zealanders we met were extremely friendly and welcoming. Although halfway around the world, this is not a destination to miss!
Incredible India
India is a vibrant, diverse exotic destination known for its rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes. It offers a mix of ancient landmarks like the Taj Mahal, bustling cities, and spiritual sites such as Varanasi. The country’s diverse scenery ranges from the snow-capped Himalayas to tropical beaches in Goa and Kerala. Indian cuisine is a major highlight, with each region offering unique flavors and dishes. India also provides deep spiritual experiences, from yoga in Rishikesh to meditation in Bodh Gaya. It’s a place where history, culture, adventure, and spirituality come together in a way that makes every visit a unique, transformative experience.
India is one of the most vibrant and diverse exotic destinations you can imagine. It’s a place where every region, city, and even street has its own unique flavor, blending together centuries of history, rich traditions, and spectacular natural beauty. From bustling cities to tranquil temples, and from the Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches, India offers an experience that feels like a world unto itself.
First, India’s cultural diversity is staggering, with over 2,000 distinct languages, a wide range of religions, and an endless array of festivals. The colors and sounds of India are hard to describe but easy to feel, from the vibrant chaos of festivals like Holi or Diwali to the quieter, spiritual moments in temples and ashrams.
India’s history is equally mesmerizing. The country is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s forts and palaces, and the ancient temples of Khajuraho and Hampi. Each tells a story of royal dynasties, architectural marvels, and centuries-old traditions. The palaces and forts are like stepping into another era, while the spiritual sites, like Varanasi along the Ganges River, offer a deep sense of connection to the country’s past and its spiritual practices.
As for the scenery, India has an incredibly diverse landscape, from snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Then, the tropical beaches of Goa and Kerala, perfect for relaxation, or the lush tea gardens in Darjeeling. It feels like you can experience so many different worlds in just one country.
The food in India is another major draw, and it’s unlike anything else. Each region has its own cuisine, from the rich, creamy curries of the north to the spicy, coconut-infused dishes of the south. Street food is a whole culture in itself, with everything from chaat (snacks) in Delhi to vada pav in Mumbai. Every meal is an explosion of flavor—cumin, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, and more—and eating here feels like a true cultural experience.
Lastly, India also offers spiritual immersion. Whether it’s yoga in Rishikesh, meditation in Bodh Gaya, or simply visiting the sacred temples and ghats, there’s a sense of inner peace that pervades the country’s spiritual sites.
What makes India truly exotic is how it wraps all of these elements—history, culture, food, people, landscapes—into one country. It’s a place that invites deep exploration, offering new layers of discovery with every visit. Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, cultural immersion, or just a chance to experience something completely different, India delivers in ways that are hard to put into words.
Morocco - Kingdom of Light
Morocco is the epitome of an exotic destination. It's a place where ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes blend together in a way that's both captivating and mysterious. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the peaceful dunes of the Sahara, Morocco offers a range of experiences that feel worlds apart from anything familiar.
You’d likely be drawn to the architecture, with its intricate mosaics, towering minarets, and atmospheric riads (traditional houses with inner courtyards) that give the cities a timeless charm. The medinas (old town markets) are a sensory overload: the smells of spices, the sound of shopkeepers calling out their wares, and the vibrant colors of textiles and ceramics everywhere you look.
Morocco’s history is rich, influenced by Berber, Arab, and French cultures, and its ancient cities like Fez and Marrakech are like stepping back in time. You could explore grand palaces, crumbling fortresses, and centuries-old mosques, all while navigating through narrow, winding streets that seem to have stories to tell at every corner.
If you crave adventure, the Sahara Desert offers an unforgettable experience. You can take camel treks across golden sand dunes, sleep under a blanket of stars, and experience the silence of one of the world’s most vast and remote landscapes. On the other side, there’s the cool, green beauty of the Atlas Mountains—perfect for trekking and discovering remote villages where time seems to slow down.
And then, there's the food. The cuisine in Morocco is a true highlight, with flavorful tagines, couscous, and street food that will awaken your senses. Spices like cumin, saffron, and cinnamon are staples, and every meal feels like an invitation to dive deeper into the culture.
Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or just the chance to relax in a beautifully unique place, Morocco offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
Thailand, The Land of Smiles
Thailand is a captivating exotic destination that combines stunning landscapes, rich culture, vibrant cities, and mouth-watering food into one unforgettable experience. Known as "The Land of Smiles," Thailand is as welcoming as it is beautiful, offering everything from ancient temples to pristine beaches and bustling markets.
The country’s scenery is incredibly diverse. The northern region, with its misty mountains and lush jungles, offers the chance for trekking, exploring remote villages, and visiting ancient temples like those in Chiang Mai. In contrast, the southern part of the country is famous for its tropical islands and beaches, including Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, where you can unwind on powdery sands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or sail past towering limestone cliffs.
Thailand’s culture is steeped in tradition, with its numerous temples, shrines, and palaces that showcase its Buddhist heritage. Bangkok, the capital, is a mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. The city’s street markets, floating markets, and vibrant nightlife add an exciting energy to the cultural mix.
The food in Thailand is one of its biggest draws, with Thai cuisine known for its bold flavors and variety. From spicy green curry and pad Thai to street food staples like som tam (papaya salad) and mango sticky rice, each dish offers a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Thai food is not just a meal; it's a sensory experience, and the street food culture is part of the charm.
Beyond the cities and beaches, Thailand also offers rich history and nature. You can explore ancient ruins in places like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, or take a boat trip through the stunning Khao Sok National Park, famous for its emerald-green lakes and dramatic karst mountains.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach, an adventure in the jungle, cultural exploration in cities, or indulgence in delicious cuisine, Thailand offers something for everyone. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality makes it one of the most alluring exotic destinations in the world.
Exploring The Exotics
Let’s explore some exotic travel destinations this week. These 5 are just the tip of the iceberg, come along to experience these exotic lands.
This week, we’re exploring exotic destinations like Thailand, India, Seychelles, Morocco, and Peru, each offering unique experiences. When thinking about an exotic getaway, what comes to mind? Is it the people, culture, history, and scenery, or are you more drawn to the food, remote villages, and art?
We’ll explore these unique spots and dream about where to go next on your ultimate travel list.
- Thailand: A vibrant blend of street food, ancient temples, stunning beaches, and rich culture.
- Morocco: A crossroads of cultures, with bustling medinas, vibrant markets, the Sahara desert, and delicious cuisine.
- India: A vast, diverse country filled with historical sites, spiritual energy, colorful festivals, and bold flavors.
- Peru: Home to ancient Inca ruins, the Amazon rainforest, rich culture, and flavorful food.
- Seychelles: A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, lush forests, eco-tourism, and a mix of cultures.
Which one sparks your wanderlust? Stayed tuned this week for more on our exotic adventures.
