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I traveled to Turkey for something deeper than just sightseeing — I went to reconnect. Months earlier, during an Erasmus program in Bansko, I met a wonderful group of Turkish friends who instantly made me feel welcome, understood, and supported. Our connection was effortless, and when they invited me to visit them in Ankara, I knew I had to go.
I traveled to Turkey because I wanted to experience their culture through their eyes — the food they love, the places they cherish, the everyday life they wanted to share with me. It wasn’t about checking tourist attractions off a list; it was about friendship, hospitality, and seeing a country in the most authentic way possible.
I also wanted a change of scenery — a burst of color, warmth, and adventure after months of routine. Turkey offered all of that. From the vibrant bazaars and beautiful parks to the spontaneous nights filled with music and laughter, I found myself absorbing every moment.
Most of all, I traveled to Turkey because I knew it would be meaningful. And it was. It turned into a trip filled with unforgettable memories, delicious food, heartfelt conversations, and the kind of cultural richness that stays with you long after you return home.
I was staying at a friend’s peaceful farmhouse in Nes i Ådal, a lush pocket of the countryside northwest of Oslo, when we decided to plan a rugged nature escape. The rules were simple: it had to be something adventurous, scenic, and a destination he (as a local) had never done before.
We landed on a 3-day motorbike trip through the legendary alpine playground in the mountain region of Jotunheimen. On day two, we’d hike the iconic Kyrkja Trail inside Jotunheimen National Park. Before and after, though, the ride itself was something unforgettable.
Hiking The Lost City in Colombia is a unique experience for avid hikers, history lovers, and adventure seekers. Also known as Ciudad Perdida, it is situated in the heart of the Colombian Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's an ancient archaeological treasure hidden in lush landscapes, jungles, rivers, and steep terrains. Join me as I take you through this rugged 4-day trek!
Silverback gorilla trekking in Uganda has always been high on my bucket list. Although high, it was one that felt far, far away. That was until I looked into it and learned there are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the world. They are spread across three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla trekking offers a glimpse into the world of this endangered species and a chance to contribute to their conservation. Tourism plays a crucial role in funding the protection of their habitat and the ongoing efforts to ensure their survival for generations to come.
Why Uganda? My research led me to decide between Rwanda and Uganda. Of the two, Rwanda is the more popular country for trekking. They have invested more in tourism infrastructure, making it relatively easy for travelers to access the park, obtain permits, and engage in gorilla trekking. As a result, it is also the most crowded place to trek.
The pros for Uganda were that it’s home to about half of the remaining mountain gorillas. This makes the rainforest we trekked a critical sanctuary for the survival of these majestic creatures. It draws fewer people and is a little less expensive. For these reasons, we chose Uganda. (During this trip, I traveled with my sister and her boyfriend. It is a perfect experience to make unforgettable memories with friends and family.)
Nestled in southwestern Uganda is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This rainforest’s name reflects its thick vegetation and challenging terrain, making it difficult for humans to access and explore. That’s where your expert guides come into play.
I chose Sri Lanka because I wanted a journey that blended vibrant city life in Colombo, tropical beach days and surfing in Weligama, and a respectful wildlife experience in Minneriya National Park. It felt like the perfect balance between culture, nature, and adventure
We live on Maui, but had always wanted to experience another one of Hawaii’s islands, and Kauai felt like the perfect choice for a short getaway. Known as the “Garden Island,” it offers a completely different vibe, wilder, greener, and more untouched. We wanted to explore its waterfalls, cliffs, and hidden beaches, and see how its natural beauty compares to our home island. It was also a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover a new side of Hawaii that’s just a short flight away.
My best friend moved to Frisco, Colorado a couple of years ago and I love visiting her. My boyfriend and I stayed at her house for a week and decided to tackle a couple 14ers together.
I traveled to Chiang Mai with my friends to experience its mix of culture, nature, and cozy cafés — the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
We decided to travel to Costa Rica because we wanted an adventure that combined nature, wildlife, beaches, and culture, all in one trip. Our goal was to explore different areas of the country rather than staying in just one spot. Costa Rica is famous for its incredible biodiversity, lush rainforests, volcanoes, and stunning coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, so we knew there would be so much to discover.
I previously traveled with Cherish Tours to Tanzania and was so impressed with that experience, that I knew it was only a matter of time until my next trip with them. The Moab itinerary was a blend of adventure and cozy comforts. I really wanted some “down time” on this trip, and the thought of disconnecting from the world for a while through a glamping experience was intriguing. Also, I really like the idea of traveling with a group of women supporting fellow women owned businesses. It is travel with a purpose for which I am passionate.
The Finger Lakes region of NY is renowned for its wineries, waterfalls, and of course, lakes! It is absolutely beautiful, especially in the summer. Plus, there are plenty of cute small towns and unique museums to visit.
Newly transplanted to Colorado and excited to explore the state!
Switzerland has always been on my bucket list!
Cape Breton is one of the most picturesque places in Canada that we've always wanted to explore!
We were lucky enough to live in this area for the past year, and managed to gather a ton of insider tips on how to best navigate this beautiful spot on Canada's Atlantic coast.
We condensed our recommendations into a one-week itinerary. We'd recommend checking out each day and seeing if you want to add another day or two to travel a little slower and explore a specific area some more. Another day in the Highlands Park at minimum would be ideal.
If you want a little more detail on anything, check out our full blog post: https://couplestravelstories.ca/best-places-in-cape-breton
My husband and I spent our honeymoon here 20 years ago and wanted to share our love for Hawaii with our children.