Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property TPAPI_Actions::$params is deprecated in /home1/janelhas/public_html/wp-content/plugins/trustpulse-api/TPAPI/Actions.php on line 54
Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home1/janelhas/public_html/wp-content/plugins/trustpulse-api/TPAPI/Actions.php:54) in /home1/janelhas/public_html/wp-content/plugins/bluehost-wordpress-plugin/vendor/newfold-labs/wp-module-ecommerce/includes/ECommerce.php on line 197
Notice: Function wp_enqueue_script was called incorrectly. Scripts and styles should not be registered or enqueued until the wp_enqueue_scripts, admin_enqueue_scripts, or login_enqueue_scripts hooks. This notice was triggered by the nfd_wpnavbar_setting handle. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 3.3.0.) in /home1/janelhas/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6078 #travelblog - Janel Has Wings - Page 2
One of the most popular destinations in Panamá is a small mountainous town of Boquete. Located about 7 hours away from Panama City (the capital) and roughly an hour away from Costa Rica, it makes for a perfect escape from city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Some people refer to Boquete as the “Switzerland of Panamá,” and when you look at photos of the landscape, you can tell why people would give it this nickname. It is surrounded by mountains, a river that runs through the main town, and a luscious land that produces some of the world’s best coffee.
Not only is it a popular tourist destination, but it is also a hub for ex-pats. The reason being is that the climate is much more refreshing than the rest of the country. Although it does rain frequently, Boquete has a milder temperature as in 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit or about 15-22 degrees Celcius. The climate, in particular, appeals to ex-pats who look to not sweat to death in the tropics and a way to escape the crazy city life in the capital. Boquete is a win-win situation not only for tourists and ex-pats, but it is also an ideal getaway from Panamanians. Boquete is located about 7 hours away from the capital and is easily accessed via car or public transport (bus).
On my recent trip to Panamá, I was able to return to one of my favorite places, Boquete, and take in all of the waterfalls, nature trails, hummingbird and butterfly sightings, and delicious coffee that this beautiful town has to offer. Here are my suggestions on how to get there, where to stay and where to eat while visiting Boquete.
How to get to Boquete
Option #1- Take a bus from the city to David, Chiriquí.
The first option and the most economical is by bus. Buses leave the city from the Albrook Terminal. The regular bus takes around 8 hours because of the many stops it makes on the way, and it costs $15. The express bus leaves at night and arrives at David, the capital of the Chiriquí province, where Boquete is located at around 6 a.m. It takes 6 hours and costs $18. Personally, I prefer the express option. From David, you will have to take another bus to arrive at Boquete. It costs $1.50 and takes about 40 minutes. The schedule changes, so you must check once you arrive at the bus terminal in David.
Option #2- Fly from Panama City (Ciudad de Panamá) to David, Chiriquí.
Air Panama and Copa Airlines provide daily flights from the capital to David. They average around $180 round trip. It is the most expensive option but also the quickest. The flight takes around one hour from Panama City to David and the airport that you will use depends on who you decide to fly with. Copa leaves from Tocumen and Air Panama leaves from Albrook. Once you arrive in David, you will still need to arrange transportation from David to Boquete. A taxi can cost you between $20-$30 to take you directly to Boquete. You can also get a ride to the terminal and then take a bus from David to Boquete.
Option #3- Rent a car and drive to Boquete.
Renting a car in Panamá is similar to renting a car in the U.S. as far as the paperwork and processing. You can find excellent deals are car rentals with some rentals being as cheap as $20 a day. The downside to this option is that it takes around 7 hours to drive from the city to Boquete, this is including stops of gas and restroom breaks. Not only does it consume several hours of your day, but if you have never driven in Latin America or Miami, I wouldn’t suggest Panamá being your first experience. Between the insane traffic in the city, drivers who have absolutely no knowledge of necessary driving skills, and not the best road conditions, driving in Panamá isn’t for everyone. I have driven from the city to all different locations across Panamá, but that’s because I used to live in Mexico, and if I could drive there, then I could pretty much drive anywhere in the world.
Getting around while in Boquete- If you chose the bus option or flying and not renting a vehicle, then there are two options to get around in Boquete, one being taxi and the other walking. There are no Ubers in Boquete, so you can solely rely on taxis, which are pretty inexpensive compared to other parts of the country. I would never suggest using a taxi in the capital, but in Boquete, it is a safe and reliable option.
You can search for flights and rental cars on my favorite travel website Kayak.com. The bus times, availabilities and prices can be found at the Albrook Terminal.
Where to stay
Boquete has many options when it comes to lodging. It provides plenty of options for anyone between the penny-pinching traveler to the billionaire travelers like Beyoncé, who want a full-on luxurious experience. The following are options that go according to different travel budgets.
Option #1- Budget-friendly.
Hotel Central Boquete is an excellent option for anyone looking for a beautiful place to stay, but that doesn’t empty the bank account. The average nightly cost is $48 U.S.D. a night. What’s to love about Hotel Central Boquete? They have their own coffee shop, amazing views of the mountains, and there are hummingbirds continually flying around the back of the hotel. (That wins significant points for me, obviously.) Apart from that, the hotel is clean, decent beds, and it is not too far out of the main town.
Hotel El Oasis. It is centrally located so you can walk from the hotel to anywhere in the main town with no issues. Your view is of the local river that flows through the town and the mountains that surround Boquete. The rooms are comfortable and are your average hotel style setup. The average nightly cost is $85 U.S.D., and the level of comfort and convenience validates the cost.
Bambuda Castle. It wouldn’t be an actual travel blog post if I didn’t provide you with the spot to stay to make your Instagram feed as lit like a Christmas tree, now would it? I have not stayed in Bambuda Castle, but I have visited and what I can say is this, THEY HAVE HOBBIT ROOMS. That’s right—literal mini hobbit castles. You and a friend (or a lover or partner, no judgment) can stay the night and overlook the mountains while you reenact scenes from Lord of the Rings. I know, the influencer in all of us is just dying to stay there. The good news is that it is incredibly affordable. The average nightly cost is $79 U.S.D., which makes your hobbit dreams much more attainable. The downside? It’s pretty far outside of the main town, so if you didn’t bring a vehicle, you would probably end up spending a decent amount on taxis trying to get back and forth.
https://bambuda.net/boquete
Option #4- Luxury over expense.
Valle Escondido. If money isn’t an issue and you’re trying to experience what luxurious locations Boquete has to offer, then look no further than Valle Escondido. Valle Escondido (“Hidden Valley”) is a hidden resort that offers peace, solitude and nothing but the best in accommodations to all of its guests. It averages around $175 per night, and having stayed there myself, I can confirm that it is worth every single penny. It is comfort, beauty, and convenience all in one. Though it is hidden, it isn’t far from the main town, and while staying there, you don’t even feel the need to leave. There are flowers, streams, and cute gardens everywhere—plenty of places to get beautiful pictures, not just of the luscious landscape but also of the gorgeous resort.
Hacienda Los Molinos- This is for the traveler who doesn’t know the word budget, or at least it is the very last of their concerns. Averaging at $275 U.S.D per night, Hacienda Los Molinos is the definition of luxury. You can rent a villa and say “Adios!” to the outside world, well at least until you run into one of the other hotel guests, but for the most part, it is pretty private and also provides are more intimate experience than the rest. It is also the destination of many Panamanian weddings so don’t be surprised if you just so happen to be there the same day as a wedding party.
https://losmolinoshotel.com/
Where to eat
Although Boquete is a tourist hotspot, it is still a pretty small town. With that in mind, the food options are limited, but there are plenty of good restaurants around. In this category, I have decided to select my top restaurants for different meals.
Breakfast- Sugar & Spice
It is one of the healthiest options for breakfast that you will find in Boquete. They offer items such as pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos, and typical continental breakfast. You may be thinking, “That isn’t healthy.” Compared to the traditional Panamanian breakfast options, which tend to be fried, such as fried sausage, eggs, and hojaldre (fried dough). Not only is it a healthier option, but I have never been disappointed in a meal since I started going there. Their food is fresh, delicious, filling, and their prices are reasonable. My personal favorite thing to eat is their omelet, but there are no wrong choices here.
This isn’t a healthy option, but if you want to try a delicious sandwich and strawberry milkshake, then you cannot skip out on Granito de Oro. It is located outside of the main town, going towards David. You can only reach it by car or taxi, but trust me, the ride is worth it. My favorite sandwich on their menu is their pork sandwich or “emparedado de pierna” even though I don’t eat pork often, there is no denying that this sandwich is beyond excellent. One of the main things that the Chiriquí province is known for, besides coffee, is strawberries. When visiting Boquete, you cannot skip out on trying “fresas con creama” or strawberries with whip cream, but at Granito de Oro, they don’t sell strawberries with cream. Instead, they sell the best strawberry milkshake that you will ever drink in Panamá. It is an obligatory stop anytime that I am in Boquete. Just be prepared to take half of your sandwich home with you because the portions are massive.
Location: Calle 4ta Noroeste, Alto Boquete, Panama
Dinner- Retrogusto
A lovely Italian restaurant that is t is on the fancier and more upscale level of dining in Boquete. Although it is on the pricier side, the food and service validate the price. The prices are also less than the costs of fine dining restaurants. My favorite plate is the gnocchi, but their pizza is fantastic as well. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a nice meal either by yourself or with the company of someone else.
Location: Avenida Central & Calle 1 Norte
https://ilretrogusto.com/
There you have it—my suggestions for transportation, lodging, and food while in Boquete. Be sure to look out for next week’s post when I discuss my favorite things to do in Boquete. Trust me; if you love adventure, then you won’t want to miss out on the next post.
The classic Boquete picture of the river that runs through the town.
Strawberry milkshake from Granito de Oro
Emparedado de pierna from Granito de Oro
Omelet from Sugar & Spice
When the milkshake is so good that you can’t resist a selfie.
Blue morpho butterfly. One of many butterfly species that can be seen in Boquete. This just so happens to be my favorite.
Inside of where the have their annual coffee and flower festival.
Boquete at night.
Views from one of the mountainsides.
The welcome sign before you enter the actual town.
The banks of the river that runs through the town.
The flowers in bloom during their love coffee and flower festival.
One of the most challenging parts of trip planning is figuring out where to stay and also what to eat. I mean, everyone needs a good meal and place to lay their head down at night. Am I right? This list is to help take some of the headaches out of organizing your trip to Havana. I’ve created a list of places to dine, the best way to find accommodation, your not so average souvenir shop and a tip on Cuban currency because it can be confusing for anyone who goes to Cuba for the first time. There are tons of restaurants and bars to check out in Havana, but these are my top choices from my most recent trip. As they say in Cuba, ¡Salud! (Cheers!)
Where to eat
Breakfast
El Dandy: A cute
hipster café that has big portions, reasonable prices and serves up great café
con leche.
Location: Teniente Rey, La Habana
Lunch/Dinner:
Azucar Bar &
Lounge: A great place to try the “famous” Cuban sandwich. Their sandwiches
are big and worth the price. It has a very chill vibe and is a great spot for a
coffee or a cocktail. The terrace provides great views and an awesome spot to
take a photo of Plaza Vieja. It is
located on the second floor above Café Escorial.
Location: Mercaderes 315 Teniente Rey & Vieja., Muralla, La Habana, Cuba
Antojos:
Traditional Cuban food that stands out above the rest. By far the best meal that I had in Habana
this time was at Antojos. It was so good that when I go back to Havana, it is
the first place I’m going for a meal. I suggest getting their ropa vieja. It is
a traditional Cuban dish and their take on it is nothing less than delicious.
Their portions are large and their prices are extremely reasonable.
Located: Callejón Espada e Cuarteles y Chacon in Habana
Vieja.
Rooftop
Restaurant/Bar:
Jesús María 20: Thanks to my friend and best guide of Cuba, Marissa, for introducing me to this amazing rooftop spot in Habana Vieja. The restaurant has a first floor and two rooftop terraces, the first being the main terrace. It has a very hidden vibe about it, but it is well known amongst locals. The graffiti that decorates the main walls of the terrace give it the cool, hipster vibe that most people seem to go for these days. Besides the great aesthetic and delicious cocktails, the food is really good. I tried their fish fillet and sweet potato puree and was impressed. My friend had their ropa vieja and said it was wonderful.
Location: Jesús María, La Habana
El Malecón 663: My friend and I just so happened to come across this spot while walking El Malecón at night. It a boutique hotel and restaurant that has a rooftop bar that provides a gorgeous view of El Malecón. The inside is filled with artwork and has a very eclectic vibe. It’s a great place to have a late-night drink or a day time sangria to cool down from walking El Malecón.
Location: 663 Malecon, La Habana, Cuba
Coffee:
Cuba is known for its strong coffee so fair warning. If you have never had Cuban coffee before, stick with one and done otherwise you will be awake all night and probably attached to the toilet for a good amount of time. Yes, it is that strong. If you don’t believe me, well, you’ve been warned.
Café El Escorial: A traditional style café that offers tons of a vast variety of coffee drinks all the way from classics like café con leche, cortaditos, to modern-day frappes.
Where to shop:
Clandestina: They
are Cuba’s first independent fashion brand. It is a great spot to find a cute
shirt or bag and the best part is that you are supporting local entrepreneurs
and it isn’t your typical souvenir.
Location: 403 Villegas, La Habana
Obispo: This isn’t a specific place, but Obispo is one of the main streets in Old Havana and it is filled with shops. It is one of the busiest streets in Habana Vieja and if you visit El Floridita for a daiquiri, then you are already standing on the corner of Obispo. If you continue walking down Obispo you will see open artist markets and shops with plenty of souvenirs.
Where to stay: Skip overpriced
hotels and stay at a “casa particular” (Airbnb) in Vedado.
Most people want to stay in Habana Vieja because it is located near all of the tourist locations, but Habana Vieja at night is a ghost town. The best area to stay in Havana is Vedado. During the day it is a calm, pretty neighborhood and at night it has the best bars and clubs. On this trip, I stayed in Vedado at a super cute Airbnb. The only downside to Airbnb’s and hotels in Cuba is that the Wi-Fi is hardly ever free, the signal is awful, and in most places you have to buy internet cards if you want to use it. Airbnb’s charge 2 CUCs (2 USD) for a card, but you can buy cards at ETECSA (Cuba’s internet provider) for 1 CUC (1 USD) per card and use them at the Airbnb.
Currency: Cuba has two types of currency. CUC Cuban Convertible Peso and Cuban Pesos. 1 CUC is about 25 Cuban pesos. Most places accept CUC as a form of payment, especially from tourists. When you arrive to Cuba exchange your dollars for CUCs because there are very few places that accept U.S. dollars. The current exchange rate for dollars to CUC on the street is 1 USD for 1 CUC. Find someone who will exchange your dollars for you at this rate. You can ask the person running your Airbnb to help exchange your currency for you and they will find you the best price they can. If you exchange your money at a money exchange place they will charge you a ridiculous fee.
Although these tips are meant to help anyone traveling to Havana out, I also suggest roaming the streets and checking out any place that looks interesting to you. Some of the best experiences that I’ve had while traveling is walking into a place that looks like a hole-in-the-wall and discovering that it’s actually a hidden gem. If it looks interesting, there is a 100% chance that it is. Check it out!
Havana seems to be on the tip of every traveler’s tongue these days and with good reason. Havana is a place that ignites warmth within the coldest of hearts as it is one of the sexiest cities you can visit. Havana is intoxicating to the senses. There are gorgeous men and women everywhere, and the rum is some of the strongest your lips will ever touch, and the music in the streets will make you sway your hips even if you have no rhythm.
The other part that appeals to travelers is that many people say going to Cuba is like traveling back into the ’50s. The old cars, dilapidated buildings, and lack of modernization, it’s as if Cuba never caught up with the rest of the world. If you are from the U.S. and you are wondering if traveling to Cuba is still a possibility, the answer is yes. Although travel has been restricted, again, it is still possible. As long as you apply for a visa through one of the visa programs that the U.S. allows, you are still able to travel to Cuba.
If you want to find what all of the hype is about Havana, the best way is to go and check it out for yourself. The following are my tips on what to do if it is your first time in Havana.
1. Walk El Malecon
First and foremost, you didn’t go to Havana if you don’t have a photo sitting on El Malecon. El Malecon is the causeway that separates the city from the sea. When you see pictures of old cars driving against the shoreline, they are driving next to El Malecon. The best time to walk it (in my opinion) is right before sunset. Sunsets in Havana are out of this world and especially at El Malecon because you have the sea and the city as a backdrop.
2. Drink a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio
Even though this is a tourist trap, it is a must for anyone who is in Habana for the first time. It is the birthplace of the original mojito and has seen a fair share of famous faces since it opened in the 1940s. It is always guaranteed to have a large crowd of tourists, so I suggest going mentally prepared to wait for your mojito. You might as well order two to make dealing with the crowd work it.
3. Visit La Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC):
Located in Vedado, La Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a contemporary art collective that allows modern Cuban artists of all types to share a common space which just so happens to be an old oil mill that they converted into their home. You can expect to see all different types of art on display here, between musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, etc. They are only open Thursday until Sunday from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. They are also home to some of the best local concerts you can find. If you are interested in the arts, this is a must-see.
4. Ride in an old convertible
One of the biggest attractions in Cuba is riding around Havana in an old car. Even if you don’t have much background knowledge on automobiles, the old cars that filled the streets of Cuba are amazingly well maintained, considering that most of them are over 60 years old. A popular thing to do in Havana is a ride in a convertible alongside el Malecón as the driver or guide points on different buildings and historic locations in the city. The cost can range anywhere from 40 to 60 CUC.
5. Go to El Cañonazo
Each night at 9 p.m., a cannon is shot off at San Carlos de la Cabana. It is a tradition that goes back to the colonial times, and back then, it indicated the closing of the harbor for the night, today it is done for tradition. The guards wear traditional colonial outfits and fire off the cannon at precisely 9 p.m. The fee to see El Cañonazo is 8 CUC, which equals around 8 USD. If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can also hear El Cañonazo for free if you walk El Malecón at night.
6. Drink a daiquiri at El Floridita
Cocktail connoisseurs know that El Floridita is the birthplace to the daiquiri, the lovely frozen rum drink that is sure to give you two things, brain freeze, and a buzz. It is also one of Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite spots in Havana. He was such a frequent patron that there is a statue of Hemmingway standing at the end of the bar. Just like La Bodeguita del Medio, it is a tourist trap and is almost always crowded, but since it is the birthplace of the daiquiri, it is a must-see.
A new year typically means a new beginning, and with that fresh start comes new dreams. I figure what better way to start 2020 than publishing my bucket list for 2020. I have chosen the Top 10 Destinations that I would like to visit in 2020. Does making this list mean that I will be able to check everything off? No, it doesn’t, but it takes zero dollars to dream and only you to believe in yourself. I think it will be fun to look back on this list at the end of 2020 and see what I was able to accomplish this year.
1. Bora Bora
This will always be on my bucket list until I visit. I have been dreaming of Bora Bora for as long as I can remember, and with it being one of the most exotic and expensive destinations, it has remained at number one for years. Bora Bora looks like paradise on Earth, and if it is anything like the Maldives, then it is paradise. I’ve had friends go and tell me about how amazing their experience was, and honestly, it just gives me more motivation to go.
2. Day of the Dead in México
I lived in México for three years, and I never went to Michoacán or Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, which is something I wish I would have done. Michoacán and Oaxaca are the epicenters for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Although I believe everything happens for a reason and I probably didn’t participate in any Day of the Dead activities back then because I was too young and immature to cherish the moment truly. One of my goals this year is to participate in Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities. Although the name Day of the Dead sounds morbid, the truth is that it is more of a celebration of life than it is death.
3. Burning Man 2020
Burning Man is an annual festival in the desert (Black Rock Cities) where artists and creatives alike come together to create art, passion, and experiences that ensure memories that will last a lifetime. Before Burning Man became a popular event for influencers, it was something that I always wanted to experience. I love art and music, and combining both of those into one event where people feel free to express themselves in whatever way they choose, is the best-case scenario. It’s the modern-day Woodstock with new-age hippies. My friends who have gone said that they did not return as the same person. They were enlightened, and their hearts were full, and I want to experience that same feeling.
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
I am addicted to travel content on Instagram, and one of the things that I see posted the most is Cappadocia, Turkey. I’ve been to Istanbul, and while I was there, I really wanted to make it to Cappadocia, but I was limited on time. What brings so many people to go to Cappadocia? Hot air balloons. Cappadocia has daily hot air balloon rides over rock formations that surround the city. The videos and pictures are almost fairytale-esque. I’ve always dreamed of going on one of the famous hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, and I will not give up on this dream until it is accomplished.
5. Dublin, Ireland
I have tried to go to Dublin on two different occasions, and each time something happened with the flights, and they had to be canceled or changed to where Dublin was no longer part of the itinerary. Why do I want to go to Dublin so bad? The truth is that through meeting people while traveling and being told their experiences, Dublin sounds like a fun city with such a distinct culture that it must be experienced at least once in my lifetime. Not only do I want to visit Dublin, but I want to experience the Irish countryside for myself. The travel photos that I see are breathtaking, and since I love hiking and nature, what better place to experience both? Plus, the third try is a charm.
6. Machu Picchu, Perú
What is a bucket list without one of the wonders of the world? Unless you have already checked all seven off, then no bucket list is complete without at least one of the wonders. I previously had a trip to Peru planned out, which included seeing Machu Picchu, but destiny stepped in and decided that I would break my ankle a week before the trip. Needless to say, Machu Picchu didn’t happen. My dreams of Machu Picchu may have been put on hold, but that doesn’t mean that they have gone away. I want to be able to sit and look down on the valley in which it sits and take in the panoramic views while trying to breathe it all in. Also, where else can you get an alpaca selfie with epic views?
7. Monteverde, Costa Rica
I lived in Costa Rica’s southern neighbor, Panamá, and on multiple occasions, I said that I wanted to go to Costa Rica. For one reason or another, I never made it. Costa Rica is known for its beaches and jungles, which in all honesty, Panamá has plenty of as well. The real reason why I want to go to Costa Rica has nothing to do with jungle and beaches, although they will be enjoyed while I am there. I want to go to Costa Rica for their hummingbirds. You read that right. Hummingbirds. In Monteverde, Costa Rica, there is a hummingbird sanctuary where not only can you see different species of hummingbirds, but they will land on your hands. I love hummingbirds, and everyone in my family feels a close connection to them. The videos that I have seen of hummingbirds flying around people in Monteverde are what dreams are made of.
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
Although I have been to Italy on several occasions, I have never made it to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is Italian for “Five Lands,” and the reason for the name is that Cinque Terre consists of five coastal towns in Italy. If you google it, you will see that the houses in each of the towns are colorful and vibrant and sit upon cliffs with the sea below them, it creates a beautiful view beyond Instagram worthy. Cinque Terre is what pops into my mind when I think of Italy. Most people think of Rome, Milan, or Florence, but not I. Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list for a while, and each time I have been to Italy, I later regret not going to Cinque Terre. I plan to make visiting Cinque Terre, the number one thing that I do the next time I am in Italy.
9. Petra, Jordan
As I mentioned earlier, no bucket list is complete without one of the wonders of the world, and this bucket list just so happens to have two wonders of the world. Petra is a city created by tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs. It is an archeological site that brings thousands of tourists each year to the middle of the southern Jordanian desert. I don’t know if it is the pink sandstone or the fact that Petra seems to be in the “middle of nowhere” that attracts me the most and makes me want to go there. There is also the other obvious factor that it is a world wonder, but either way, it is a place that I have always wanted to experience for myself.
10. Marrakech, Morocco
Last, but definitely not least, is Marrakech. Since the very first time that I went to Spain, I wanted to take a ferry to Morocco. One of the reasons why I never did was because of time constraints on each of my trips, but it was always something that I wanted to do. Part of the appeal of Morocco is the fact that it is part of Africa, and prior to 2017, I had never been to any country on the African continent. Currently, I have only been to one, Egypt. Morocco has this North Africa meets Middle East vibe to it, seeing how most of the country speaks Arabic and is Muslim, and the preferred form of travel through the desert is still via camel. Not only does it have a distinct culture, but they also have one of the coolest accommodations that I have seen. Riads. Riads are Moroccan guesthouses that you can rent while in Marrakech, they are basically luxury Airbnbs. Marrakech seems exotic, luxurious, and cultured, which are three things that can’t always be found in one destination, and it is one of the reasons why I want to visit so badly.
This wraps up my 2020 Bucket List. Although it is a bucket list/dream list, I also consider it a list of goals. As you can see, some of these destinations and things to do have been on my bucket list for many years, and some are newer. 2020 may just be the year that I accomplish them all. Either way, the best way to turn your dreams into reality is to set them as goals and watch as you go ticking each off one by one.
I hope my 2020 Bucket List has inspired you to start writing down the destinations that you would love to visit during 2020, and don’t forget that no place is either too big or too impossible to visit. Below I have included photos of places that were once bucket list destinations/dreams that over the years I have been able to mark off of my list. Just remember that no dream is ever too big. When there is a will, there is a way.
Although I know how to stretch a dollar when it comes to traveling, I also know when to indulge on pricier destinations. I’m no foreigner to the concept of “making it rain” when the amount of money that I plan to spend is worth the experience I plan to have. When it comes to traveling, it is essential to know when to break your piggy bank and when to leave it alone. These 5 destinations are all destinations that I have traveled to myself that were worth every single dollar, even though they are more expensive than your typical destination.
The following are My Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020 that are worth every last dime, part of your 401k, and your tax return.
1.The Maldives- Paradise on earth. Seriously, there is a reason why people obsess over these islands. The lavish water bungalows, the impeccable hospitality, and the turquoise color waters of the Maldives leave an outstanding impression on anyone. Maldives is a paradise because there is an option for everyone. One of my favorite things about the Maldives wasn’t the fantastic bungalow over the water, that’s obvious, but it was swimming with sharks. I had no clue that the reef sharks there would get extremely close to you while you were in the water. Reef sharks are not aggressive, and for the most part, they are generally pretty small, so there is no need to worry about Jaws attacking you in the middle of a paradisiac island but prepare yourself to see one or two fins swimming by.
Why is it expensive? Considering the Maldives is made of 26 atolls that are all spread out, getting from one island to another can only be done by boat or charter plane. Also, it is in the middle of the Indian ocean, so everything must be brought in from other countries. Combine these factors along with the luxurious hotels, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the more expensive destinations to visit.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will depending on the resort menu prices which can range from $20 all the way $100 a day; A night in a 4-star resort will range anywhere from $250-$1,500 + depending on the type of room and the resort.
The views from the over water bungalow.
2. Sydney, Australia- Ah! The Land Down Under. Let’s be honest, most of us have a burning desire to go to Australia just so we can see a crocodile and let our inner Steve Irwin (R.I.P.) shine as we yell, “By crikey, it’s a crocodile!” Ok, maybe that is just me, but Australia is appealing to any traveler because it is typically on the opposite side of the globe. When you think of an exotic destination that is far away, more than likely, you are going to think of Australia. Sydney isn’t Australia’s capital, but it is the most popular destination. When we see images of Australia the first one that typically pops up is the Sydney Opera House being plastered all over postcards and Instagram pages not only show the beauty of the city, but it appeals to all travelers.
Why is it expensive? The first part is how far it is for most people. Apart from the distance, it is secluded, so it makes goods more expensive. It is also a massive continent, so if you want to see as much as possible on a 14-day trip, be prepared to fly from one destination to another. Australia isn’t quite as big as the U.S., but it is still enormous. The best transportation mode if you are crunched on time and want to see the most is flying, therefore, be prepared to buy plane tickets from one destination to the other.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $30-$50. A 4-start hotel in Sydney will set you back between $150-$300 USD per night.
The Sydney Harbor and Sydney Opera House.
3. Lausanne, Switzerland- Welcome to the land of divine chocolates and cheeses. Oh, and don’t forget a landscape that is something Monet could only dream of replicating. Pictures of Switzerland just don’t do it justice. It is a country that you have to experience for yourself to understand the true beauty of it. I have yet to see a video or photograph that clearly embodies how stunning it is. Lausanne, in particular, is a breathtaking city because it is on the shores of Lake Genova, which ensures not only spectacular views but all of the Instagram opportunities that you can imagine. An hour away from Lausanne is the cute town where one of the most renown cheese brands is located, Gruyères. If cheese isn’t your thing and you prefer more of an adventure, a three-hour drive east of Lausanne will land you right in the middle of the Swiss Alps. I hear people talk about how expensive it is all the time, and it is true, but if you have the finances to afford a trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, book it now.
Why is it expensive? It is well known amongst travelers that Switzerland is a destination that requires spending a lot. Why? They use a different currency than members of the European Union. The Swiss Franc is overvalued, and therefore prices are higher. Is there a sticker shock when you first arrive? Yes, but once you see the Swiss Alps with your own eyes, you no longer care about food prices.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $50-$80. A 4-star hotel in Lausanne will run you between $150 – $250 dollars a night.
The stunning views from Gruyères.
4. Reykjavík, Iceland- If you haven’t heard of Iceland by now, then your internet services are probably limited where you live. Ten years ago, a patron at the bar that I worked at told me that he was from Iceland and was working in the U.S. temporarily. First, I was shocked that someone from Iceland was in Louisville, KY, but once the shock factor wore off, we began talking about the tourist attractions that Iceland has to offer. As soon as he mentioned the Northern Lights, I was sold, but I was also curious to know why I hadn’t heard much about Iceland before. Flash forward a few years, and everyone and half of their families are planning trips to Iceland. Why? The possibility of seeing the Northern Lights while visiting is good, and with tours that allow you to climb glaciers, why wouldn’t you want to go? Plus, let’s not forget the famous Blue Lagoon that floods Instagram feeds because it is such a popular spot. Iceland is an adventure-lovers dream, and if you don’t like to live on the wild side, but you enjoy nature, then you have no problem finding something to do while you are there.
Why is it expensive? Iceland is another secluded island that has to import most of its goods. Being secluded and the cost of living combine to make higher prices than the average country.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: A nice meal in a restaurant in Reykjavík will set you back around $40-$60 per person, not including drinks, and a 4-star hotel will cost between $150 -$250 USD.
Letting my inner figure skater shine through on top of a glacier in Iceland.
5. Dubai, U.A.E.- Whoever says that everything is better in Texas, clearly, has never been to Dubai. Do you want to see the tallest building in the world? The Burj Khalifa can be found in Dubai. You can also see the world’s biggest water fountain from above when you visit the Burj Khalifa. The truth is, whatever already exists in the world, Dubai has said, “We will make it bigger and better.” Not only have they delivered on their idea, but they have quickly become a popular destination amongst travelers. Dubai is appealing to travelers because although it is located in the middle of a desert, there is so much to see in the city. Want to visit the world’s largest aquarium? Take a ride over to the Dubai Mall, and while you are there, make sure you check out the indoor ski slopes, as well. If you work up a sweat from all of the shopping that you do while in Dubai, then you can head over to the beach and cool down. If you are looking more for an adventure, then I suggest going on a desert safari. It ended up being the one thing that I enjoyed the most while in U.A.E. Riding in a Jeep and feeling like it was going to flip at any moment was precisely the thrill rush that I needed.
Why is it so expensive? Dubai is located right in the middle of the desert, and although it’s location factors into the expense, it is also a city built off of oil money. If you factor that in along with the number of billionaires who call Dubai home, and you can figure out why it is expensive.
The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will run you between $30 – $50 USD and 4-star hotel accommodations will cost between $250 – $350.
Sitting in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
And there you have it. These are my Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020. What better way to bring in the New Year than booking a trip to a luxurious foreign land with priceless views.
