Definitely worth sharing! Content has been edited for clarity purposes.
Nepal
“When I first started my career with Malaysia Airlines, Kathmandu, India was amongst the first destination I was rostered to for layovers.
Despite being slightly judgemental about the country, I was delighted when I exited the airport and was on my way to the hotel. Kathmandu has the kind of old charm that draws you in and never wants to let you go from its’ embrace.
I have found myself walking aimlessly taking in the sight and scenery of everything. And unlike India where we are always reminded to be careful (especially for female crews), nobody bothered me even I looked definitely very out of place and alone.
Nepalese has the kind of smile that warms you to the core. And I love their momo, Nepalese Meat Dumpling. A plate of goodness that cost you less than two dollars.
Our layover hotel was only a stone’s throw away from the famous Boudanath Stupa (about 10 minutes walk). Every morning on my layover, I made it a point to run from the hotel to the Stupa, seeing the hassles and bustles from the local’s houses. The rousing rooster and smiling kids going to school. Old folks’ toothy smiles while making their breakfast. Generally, just people being nice to you, smiling and waving at you even when they could not speak English.
I fell in love hard with the place. And being a girl who is in love with the mountains too, Kathmandu speaks deeply to my soul. I have traveled out of the city to the outskirts, brought by the Director of Manaslu Ultra Trail Race, to run amongst the green and the high land.
Simply an experience that I won’t be able to recreate anywhere else.
During my career with Malaysia Airlines, not once have I rejected a flight to Kathmandu or swapped it with another destination. I was rostered to fly there more than I bother to count and every time, it is a new experience for me.
There is so much for me to do in Kathmandu. Just talking about Kathmandu brings back the old memories. I will probably pay a visit again soon.”
Dominica
“The Caribbean is famous for being a tourist hot spot, with people flocking in from around the world to enjoy a relaxing, sun-filled holiday. However, as someone who doesn’t care much for beaches, I’d much rather spend my time on Dominica (and no, it’s not the more famous Dominican Republic, that is on a completely different island).
Dominica is a small island country but is filled with volcanoes, lush jungles, and tall waterfalls. The island has a rich history and was frequented by pirates. It is also one of the last places where the Carib people live, and they are revitalizing their language and culture. Personally, I love mountains and waterfalls, so I am sure I would enjoy spending some time walking through the countryside. If you are expecting beaches, however, maybe go to another Caribbean island, as Dominica only has small rocky beaches.”
Antarctica
“See as much of Antarctica as you can. Quite simply, these are the most indelible travel memories I retain. In Paradise Bay, the water is as smooth as glass, the black mountains offer an eerie intrigue and the glacial cliffs of stunning proportion rise like frozen skyscrapers towering above the bay.
Turn off the boat engine and you won’t hear a sound. It’s the only place in the world I’ve ever felt the experience of going deaf. There is literally not one speck of noise pollution in this remote place at the bottom of the world. And my goodness, the journey along the way!”
Saudi Arabia
“A trip to Saudi Arabia will astonish tourists of all kinds, as the country enjoys one of the most untouched and pure nature spots in the world, thousands of years of undiscovered history, and most important of all, genuine Arabian hospitality and generosity.
Arabian architecture is fascinating, especially the mud houses that Saudis used to live in. These houses are preserved and open as museums, shops, and restaurants. The smell of mud and wood in these houses is beyond description.
Pure and untouched beaches along the Red Sea. The Red Sea offers the best diving experience in the world as it still has pure and colorful coral reefs. This is because the Red Sea is warm throughout the year. This helped coral reefs to adapt to the hot temperature over thousands of years, unlike the dying corals found all over the world as a result of climate change.
The country is rich with 200,000 years of history, some of which are still being discovered.
Al-‘Ula is one of the interesting historic spots in the Arabian Peninsula. The place is filled with carved houses, tombs, and inscriptions.
Traditional Souqs, or markets, are scattered all around the kingdom. Practice your bargaining skills, and you might get a very good deal!
Saudi Arabia is not all desert! The country has very green mountain villages, countryside, and oases, mostly found in the north and the south of the country.
Enjoy the major Saudi metropolitan cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, which offer the best restaurants, mega-shopping malls, and cafes in the Middle East.”
Namibia
“Sandwich Harbour, Namibia is one of the most majestic places you’ll see in the world. The massive sand dunes of the Namib Desert are juxtaposed against the mighty South Atlantic Ocean in one of the planet’s most surreal scenes.
Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, and oryx are among hundreds of species that roam the barren desert landscape and even the coastline itself. The endless stretch of crashing waves and lunar-like topography without the intrusion of resorts and high-rises is simply stellar.”
Croatia
“This Baltic beauty is just as popular as the Greek Islands with its celebrity rising even more so thanks to Game of Thrones. Think Kings Landing and that walk of shame through the medieval cobbled streets of Dubrovnik.
The idyllic beaches and its day bars, the ancient buildings that form part of its buzzing nightlife, the fresh and hearty cuisine, and the opportunity to charter a boat to island-hop along the azure Adriatic coast are the hallmarks of a perfect holiday.
Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar were once taken over by tourists in peak summer, this may change in 2021, but do consider the lesser popular (but equally picturesque) areas up the coast such as Istria (borders Italy and Slovenia), or for a point of difference go inland into the national parks such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls.”
Iceland
“Just tour all of Iceland from top to bottom and your mind will be blown. But a personal highlight was strolling along the southern coast of this magical island, with jet-black sandy shores, waves reaching for the foothills of Reynisfjall mountain, and basalt sea stacks towering in the ocean. The orange-beaked roosting puffins and odd rocky formations along the cliffside known as Columnes Reynisfjara complete this otherworldly trek, as if you’ve stumbled into a fairytale.”
Colombia
“Yes, Colombia. I know what you’re thinking! Violent country, right? Wrong!
This country has made a massive turnaround! Not the violent country it was in the ’80s, now it is very touristy. Especially in the Medellin area which ironically was the home of Pablo Escobar.
This country has outstanding food. Ninety percent of the country is great weather and friendly people.
And the landscape is beautiful; you’re always near a mountain. Colombia has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
I can’t forget to mention how 90 percent of the women there are beautiful.
Lastly, the dollar stretches very nicely for you. Right now, one dollar is equivalent to 4,000 Colombian pesos. Not too shabby!
Highly recommend visiting!”
Austria
“Though technically in Austria, the village of Fugging is just four kilometers from the German border – and also so amazingly named that we can overlook something as arbitrary as an international frontier. The village has just 100 people and was named as belonging to a local nobleman Focko in the 11th century.
Life is pretty quiet in the village. The only crime reported is when tourists steal the town sign.”
India
“The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s Seven Wonders and it serves as a symbol of true, never-ending love.
This mausoleum is, contrary to popular belief, not a palace – but the final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal, built by her husband for her.
This architectural success is a prime example of the finest in Mughal architecture, with four completely identical sides over its 240-foot height.
Its appearance shifts ever so slightly throughout the day with the sunlight, and you can see its reflection ripple in its huge pool beneath.
Plus, stroll through the large garden outside for even more beautiful magnificence!”
Zambia/Zimbabwe
“Victoria Falls is one of the earth’s largest waterfalls, reaching a majestic 355 feet in height and spanning an entire mile.
Its rush of falling water is the biggest of its kind, with a shocking speed of 550,000 cubic meters per minute.
On top of that, Victoria Falls is among the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, and its mist that shrouds the area can be seen from 50 kilometers away, creating a rainbow!
It is also responsible for the constant, non-stop rainfall experienced by the rainforest around River Zambezi.”
Slovakia
“I started this year in the beautiful country of Slovakia. Slovakia was so beautiful and made me fall in love with it despite spending very small number of days in it. I spent some days in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. It was really impressive with lots of historical buildings, with a touch of modernity across the city.
So on my third day, I was confused between choosing the city or a castle at a distance from the city. Glad I choose the castle. This castle is called Devin’s Castle and it exists right on the border of Austria and Slovakia.
So on one side, you are in Slovakia yet you get to see the whole of Austria. That was really insane. There was a quite striking difference between the two countries which you can observe by just standing there. I learned a lot of history in that castle than I did in a few museums.
On the way to that castle, I got to see the countryside of Slovakia. It was just beautiful. The traditional houses, the simple life, and the amazingly beautiful scenery all impressed me a lot.”
Sri Lanka
“Although Sri Lanka is becoming more popular, it is still a relatively underrated destination. We spent three weeks in Sri Lanka as a family and this beautiful island captured our hearts.
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers golden sands beaches, fabulous food, stunning wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and friendly people.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to make Sri Lanka your next destination, know that it was recently announced that Sri Lanka is offering free visas to over 30 countries, including the US. What are you waiting for?
Don’t miss the town of Mirissa which will provide you with a stunning beach, wonderful restaurants, and a slow pace of Sri Lankan life.
To stay within your budget, take the bus from Mirissa to the beautiful town of Galle. The ride will cost you no more than a dollar and the experience to sit next to an open window amongst the colorful locals is priceless.
The pizza restaurant next to the bus stop in Mirissa is also the best in Sri Lanka and is very reasonably priced!”
