5 travel destinations that made me go “wow”

*Mansu Hill Grand Monument is a site that many visitors to North Korea will stop at.*

I’m well and truly obsessed with travel, and throughout the 73 countries that I’ve visited so far, I’ve seen some places that were truly jaw-dropping – places that have left me in absolute awe. So, whilst we’re dreaming of travel in these lockdown times, here’s a little shock value. Read on to discover the five destinations that have wowed me.

Pyongyang, North Korea

*Pyongyang train stations was one of the first things we saw upon arrival in Pyongyang. Above the entrance you can see the portraits of “Great Leader” Kim Il-sung and “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-il.*

I’m starting off this list with what is probably the most fascinating place I’ve visited so far – North Korea. At the end of 2018 I jetted off to China and got an overnight train to the DPRK capital of Pyongyang.

It was an organised tour (the only legitimate way to visit if you’re not a diplomat or otherwise invited by the state), and our tour guides greeted us upon arrival into the city. We were only there for three nights, but that was more than enough to capture the essence of one of the most obscure nations on earth.

Known as “The Hermit Kingdom,” North Korea is renowned for its strict regime fronted by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un. Over the few days our tour group spent in Pyongyang, we were shown what they wanted to show us as opposed to seeing what we wanted to see. Fortunately, you get the opportunity to go around to the major sights such as Kim Il-sung Square, Juche Tower and the Ryugyong Hotel.

What’s also interesting is that you don’t properly mix with the public – keeping a safe distance at most times, with the exception of riding the Pyongyang Metro, although people then keep themselves to themselves. It’s difficult to decipher whether it’s the respectful Korean nature, or if there’s something deeper at play.

But one of the outstanding experiences from my time there was at the Mansu Hill Grand Monument – two large bronze statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il – the two former leaders of the DPRK. Not only were these statues incredibly imposing, but we had to pay our respects to them, first bowing, then laying flower bouquets at their feet.

When we arrived, our group were the only ones there, but we were shortly followed by hundreds who were doing the same as part of our daily ritual, all in traditional Korean dress.

Iceland

*Sitting on a swingset on Videy Island in Reykjavík. One of, if not the best travel shots I’ve ever taken.*

If you’re someone who loves natural beauty and the great outdoors, then you have to visit Iceland at least once in your life. This island nation in north-eastern Europe knows no bounds when it comes to scenery, and its offering was incredible.

Iceland is packed with so much, I’d recommend going for at least five days, and if you’re in and around Reykjavík then you need to see the highlights including the Golden Circle (Thingvellir Nationap Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the exploding hot springs at Geysir), the Blue Lagoon and, of course, the Northern Lights.

However, the stand-out highlight for me had to be snowmobiling on Langjökull – Iceland’s second-largest glacier. It was high-octane, the adrenaline was pumping through my body as we carved through the snow, but the real beauty was stopping half way, looking around and, with the exception of two small bits of rockface jutting out the surface, only seeing white and nothing else.

Cairo, Egypt

*Experiencing the Pyramids at Giza was one of my favourite travel memories of 2019.*

Cairo definitely isn’t high on my favourite places I’ve been to, but it was a travel experience like no other – and that’s a good thing.

This city is the very definition of hustle and bustle, and I’ve never seen traffic like it. No-one sticks to their lanes, little regard is given to pedestrians and even attempting to cross the road takes Matrix-like skills. Car horns are also a constant sound in the city, so be prepared for that.

In addition to the madness, there’s also plenty to see. I loved visiting the Pyramids at Giza – I took the early morning tour departing at 06:00 and got the place to myself – and there was so much history to soak up, particularly at the Egyptian Museum which has Tutankhamun’s mask and real mummies on display.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

My first foray into Montenegro didn’t leave a good taste (read more about my experiences in the capital, Podgorica, here), but the second part of the trip was a dream. I was pleasantly surprised by the Montenegrin stretch of the Dalmatian Coast, in particular the Bay of Kotor.

We stayed in Tivat, and it was exquisite. Porto Montenegro made us feel like we were staying in Monaco, and the sunsets were to die for. I’m not a big beach person, but I’d happily holiday on Montenegro’s beaches each year just to see the sun dip behind the mountains.

Beirut, Lebanon

*Enjoying a sunny day at Raouche Rocks in Beirut.*

I’ve recommended Beirut a few times, yet a lot of people dismiss it immediately due to its chequered past. And while it’s a city that’s seen its fair share of conflict, it is now safe, consmopolitan and well worth a visit.

I was surprised at how it reminded me of Marbella with its yacht club on the harbour, expensive cars gliding down streets and boutique stores including Tom Ford and Versace. It was a far cry from what the reactions of others had told me, and I was loving it.

*I’d definitely recommend hummus with lamb meat.*

The city has a fascinating history which you can learn about at the National Museum of Beirut, the nightlife is top-notch and the food – oh my God, the food is absolutely incredible. Beirut left me wanting more, and if you’re looking for somewhere a little different to go, the Lebanese capital is a cracking choice.