Experience (Archives)

Author

Greg
August 29, 2023

If you’re looking for an experience that will make you cry from both the natural beauty and the hit to your bank account, then check out Swan Hellenic’s Antarctic Cruises. They offer other destinations, but if you’re interested in a cruise anywhere outside of the North or South Poles, you probably shouldn’t be reading this newsletter.

This one comes in from one of our lovely readers, Nic! Nic, thank you for your offering. You will be handsomely rewarded in the afterlife.

I won’t lie to you. This one is slightly terrifying, just take a look at the warning. But if there’s one thing that screams once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s straddling a crotch rocket as you traverse the Mongolian plains. And we’re all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences here at Travel Onist. So if you’re feeling some Che Guevara energy, do something that scares you!

Does the taste of fresh olive oil pressed from olives grown in the backyard sound appealing to you? How about a riveting conversation with a family that so loves their country’s cuisine that they bring Italian pasta and coffee WITH THEM wherever they travel? I promise you will not succeed in convincing them that your home country’s food is better, and personally, I wouldn’t want my cooking class any other way.

*WARNING* It wouldn’t be the worst idea to skip one or two meals that day. OR you can commit the cardinal sin of letting freshly made ravioli and tiramisu sit uneaten in front of a passionate Italian couple…the choice is yours.

Walk the oldest street in Europe—Tripodon Street

Tripodon Street

This one goes out to all my history buffs out there…If you exist, please let me know. Athens boasts the oldest street in Europe—Tripodon Street—at over 2,500 years old. Tripodon Street was also one of the broadest in ancient times, about 18 feet wide (still narrower than most roads in NYC). Named after the copper tripods once placed along its length, and dedicated to the God Apollo, it stretches from the Theatre of Dionysus to the Agora. Today, the modern-looking street is home to a commingling of new and old.

Credit to Going’s newsletter for this cool little fun fact.

Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro in León, Nicaragua

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know these two words could coexist together but here we are, and I, for one, am here for it. Now if you’re going to do this, you know the drill—please partake in reckless activities responsibly. Choose a reputable company that provides all the necessary gear and have yourself a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One company to look at is Volcano Day. They are the only tour operator in the area that is 100% owned and run by Nicaraguans.

Based on the pictures and details, plus being located in one of the most outrageously expensive countries in the world, I fully expected this first-class train ride through the Swiss Alps to be more expensive than a Coachella VIP Pass. But I found this $60 ticket from Montreaux to Interlaken to be fairly reasonable. Maybe it was just my high expectations, so take a look and decide for yourself.

I’m heading to Switzerland in November and I will certainly be reporting back on some newfound Swiss treasures.

For any of you West Coast US snow bombers, I know I know. East Coast skiing? Really? Well listen, we’re not all as spoiled as you are ok? And as far as East Coast skiing goes, this is as good as it gets. And there’s something to be said for saving money too. Not only is it far more affordable than other high-quality ski destinations on the East Coast, but it’s bigger, and the French Canadian vibe makes for a more relaxed and quaint ski village versus some of the other gaudy and high-end spots in the East.

Loango National Park

Here’s something you don’t see every day… surfing hippos. That’s right—Look at that fella! These big, beautiful units like to hang ten off the coast of Gabon. No silly, they don’t have surfboards… but anytime you see a massive creature like that doing anything remotely human, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face. The best part? This discovery and the accompanying photos led to 11% of Gabon’s land being turned into protected wilderness in the 2-year span from 2000-2002. Also referred to as “Africa’s Last Eden,” Loango National Park is certainly worth adding to your bucket list.

If you’re looking to see footage of this fantastical phenomenon, check out the Our Great National Parks series on Netflix, narrated by Barack Obama.

For anyone looking for another unconventional activity to add to their bucket list, I give you snow rafting! What is snow rafting you ask? Great question— essentially snow tubing on steroids. Check out the video below since words just don’t do it justice. 👇

Ever wanted to partake in a wildlife tour, rainforest walk, and lazy river all mixed into one? Didn’t know that was an option? Yeah, me neither. Let me introduce you to Australian River Drift Snorkeling. Swim, drift, and explore the Mossman River in the Daintree Rainforest located in the Northeast tip of Queensland.

For those of you worried about crocs (no I’m not talking about the fashion-forward shoe brand), don’t worry. T.O. already thought of that for you 🤗. This tour operates in a croc free stretch of water.

We have a stateside recommendation for this week’s experience—glacial paddle boarding anyone? Although not your typical paddle boarding locale, I think the crystal clear water and glacial backdrop miiiiight just make this a worthwhile experience. I mean, c’mon, look at that picture 😍. And if you’re worried about falling in (although I know cold plunges are a big thing now), the tour comes with a dry suit to help ensure you get the true Alaskan experience.

Explore the Indian state that inspired The Jungle Book - Madhya Pradesh, India

Picture of a tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park

As the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, the Tiger State of India is a hidden gem that I have recently added to my bucket list. This region has the highest density of tigers in the world, making it one of the few places you are nearly guaranteed to see one of these beautiful big cats in their natural habitat.

With 12 national parks, magnificent monuments and temples, cave paintings, and tribal culture, this state has something for every traveler. Also known as the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is equally close to many of the major tourist destinations, making it an easy add-on to your next trip to India 🇮🇳. However, this may be for our more experienced travelers given that the travel infrastructure within the state is not well developed.

View from the water off of Waimānalo Beach

For those of you who enjoy snorkeling and Barack Obama, I’d highly recommend this experience! You may be wondering what snorkeling has to do with a former US President, and deservedly so. It just so happens that the Obamas recently built a lovely little vacation home right on this beach. But enough about him and more about the snorkeling…

We booked this snorkeling trip through Airbnb Experiences (big fan). Tim, our host, was knowledgeable, professional and friendly. We went out with him and one other couple. He picked us up, brought everything we needed, and even took some detours along the way to share some cool facts about the island while showing us some stunning views. We ended up seeing two sea turtles out in the water which was the cherry on top! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Oahu 🐠.

Leave it to Scandinavia to create something like this—a paradise for outdoor activities in the middle of the city. Copenhill offers skiing, snowboarding, sledding, run/hike training, and climbing. The facility also features a cafe, a restaurant, music, and your “classic” après ski atmosphere all with gorgeous views of Copenhagen.

Oh, and this baby is versatile. All of this is built on top of a waste-to-energy plant, helping Copenhagen get closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral capital.

Kuyucak Köyü - Isparta, Turkey

When most travelers think of lavender fields, their minds jump to Provence, France, but few know of this under-the-radar spot in Turkey. Kuyucak is located in the Turkish Lakes region, a hidden gem in and of itself. The area produces roughly 90% of the country’s lavender. For planning purposes, blooms typically begin around the end of May. Sounds like a great trip to kick off the summer 🤔.

Experience in Brazil

Lençois Maranhenses National Park — Maranhão, Brazil

Here’s a spot that’s been on my bucket list for years: Lençois Maranhenses in Brazil. Situated right on the central coast, this popular spot for eco-tourists is home to a fascinating natural phenomenon. During the rainy season, the valleys among the dunes fill with freshwater lagoons, unable to drain due to the impermeable rock beneath. The result is pictured above. The park is also home to four animals listed on the Brazilian List of Endangered Species, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers!

Experience in Mexico City

Xochimilco - Mexico City, Mexico

If any of you have been to Mexico City, or have had friends visit, these colorful boats might look a bit familiar. The canals of Xochimilco are what remains of the vast water transport system built by the Aztecs.

Today? Well, today these colorful boats transport drunk tourists through the canals. In all seriousness, it is a great time and definitely a unique experience given the history. You can expect to pay about 600 pesos for one hour on the boat and it will fit roughly 20 people—a pretty great deal if you ask me. It is BYOB, but there are various merchants that sell food, drinks, and souvenirs along the way.

Experience in Helsinki, Finland

I’ve been very intrigued by Nordic culture recently…not sure if it’s my inner Viking coming out or what…

Regardless, this place really is something else. Lauded as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Greatest Places in the World,” it’s not often you come across a restaurant combined with a sauna… let alone one with ocean views. And let me tell ya, the Finns take their saunas VERY seriously. In fact, Finland has roughly as many saunas as cars! That is my kinda country. 😌

With private and public saunas, an outside terrace overlooking the Baltic Sea, and a food and drink menu to feast on, I’m picturing this place as a pretty incredible place to spend a day. They even host world-class DJs… What can’t this place do?!

Experience in Palau

Snorkel in Jellyfish Lake

I know what you’re probably thinking… “T.O., have you gone crazy? Why on earth would I CHOOSE to snorkel with jellyfish?!”

Well, what would you say if I told you they don’t sting? Don’t worry, I’m always looking out for you. 😊

Now that we have that out of the way, I’ll tell you about Jellyfish Lake (or Ongeim'l Tketau as locals call it). Formed roughly 12,000 years ago, when glaciers from the last Ice Age receded, the ecosystem has been isolated from the ocean since. That meant no predators for these jelly bellies to worry about, resulting in an evolution of the two species of jellyfish so that their stings are now virtually undetectable to humans…Wouldn’t it be nice if everything evolved that way?

Experience in Victoria, Canada

Whale watching has been on my list for years and I was finally able to check it off!

It lived up to the hype. We saw 10+ Humpbacks, a Grey whale, and tons of seals and sea lions, which was honestly one of the coolest parts (and the smelliest). I would have loved to see some Orcas, but you can’t have it all when it comes to nature.

This area is one of the best in the world for whale watching. Wherever you decide to try to witness these beautiful creatures, please do a bit of research to ensure you utilize a reputable company that has the best interest of the environment in mind. Remember you’re in their home. 🤗 

Swim in the Baltic Sea at Långholmsbadet

Given the proximity to the North Pole, I can really only recommend this activity in the summer… and even then it is a little cold, but I promise it’s refreshing! This little swimming bay was probably the highlight of my time in Stockholm. It can get fairly busy around mid-day, but the dip is well worth it.

Stockholm is likely the most unique city I have visited due to its geography. The city is made up of 14 different islands, but the entire archipelago consists of ~30,000 islands, islets (baby islands), and skerries (rocky islets). I’d highly recommend scootering around Stockholm. Scooters are everywhere and the bike lanes make it safe and easy to get to wherever you need to go. 🛴 

For my serious snow hounds, this is a bucket list experience. Situated up at 13,000 feet, I don’t know that I’ll ever have views this good while skiing again. The gondola to the mountain sits right outside the town of Zermatt, and trust me when I tell you that the ride to the top and corresponding views are worth the $100 lift ticket itself.

We went a little before the peak season and were rewarded with open runs and unobstructed views of the Matterhorn and the rest of the Swiss Alps. Although the runs were a bit icy, I’d imagine that may change as more snow comes in. During peak season, the entire mountain is open and you can ski in Italy and Switzerland on the same day!