Sitting in the back of the car on the way to Indira Gandhi International Airport, I couldn’t help but fall into deep introspection. India is supposed to enable cathartic experiences; to fundamentally force a change in one’s life. I’m not going to lie and say that’s what happened to me, it didn’t. I didn’t gaze up at the Taj Mahal and see the light of heaven, inspired to become a yogi or similar. No, I didn’t have a reawakening in India, but it did make me change the way I look at new destinations. It made me reconsider my worldview and to accept the fact that I do in fact travel with a certain lens; that I’m not the neutral being I thought I was.

It took me a long time to even want to visit India. I’d heard stories from seemingly countless travelers, and very few were entirely positive. India has a way of inspiring binary opinions from those who have spent time traveling the massive country. There’s very little nuance or grey areas, people either love it or, well, they don’t. My partner had a terrible experience there as a young man and that, more than anything else, colored my opinion of the country. It’s amazing if you think about it. Countries spend millions of dollars every year trying to entice new visitors, but usually we are most influenced by those we know or trust. His experience on the subcontinent forced me to disregard a country of more than 1 billion people and whose contributions to world culture and history can’t be overstated. That’s my fault, but it didn’t come from a bad place. It just is. It’s just part of being human, and that’s one of the key lessons I acquired in the streets of Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur.

It was a process though, one that started as soon as I landed in Mumbai and continues through to this day. My evolution from curious but not optimistic about traveling in India to a person who truly enjoyed the travel experience didn’t happen by accident. It happened entirely thanks due to the patience and kind guidance of Abercrombie & Kent. Sure, they’re one of the top luxury tour operators in the world, but the experience is so much more than nice hotels whenever I travel with them. They enable me to make very unique and personal connections with the communities I visit in ways I would never be able to replicate on my own. The results are honestly transformative travel experiences; trips that touch our souls and change who we are. In regards to India, this evolution was aided through a series of unique moments; instances that brought into better light India and her people. As I noted at the beginning of this post, the biggest revelation for me wasn’t spiritual or metaphysical, but it was very personal. It brought into better light my own natural prejudices and even taught me how to better deal with them moving forward. Although I didn’t spend a month at an ashram, the effects were nonetheless meaningful, and today I want to share some of those simple and yet powerful moments that made it all possible.

The Other Side of Mumbai

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I woke up at 5am, but I was excited. I couldn’t wait to explore the city on an unusual tour as Mumbai woke up and to see aspects no one else gets too witness. India is the king of the side-hustle, and it seems that many people have multiple jobs they work in order to make ends meet. I saw a lot of that during our morning explorations, starting off at the still very dark hour of 5am at the city’s wharf to witness the daily fish auction. People started to stream in with baskets, all there to purchase wholesale fish for customers throughout the city. It seemed chaotic at first, but there’s definitely a rhythm to the event, although certainly not for the weak of heart. From flower merchants to newspaper sorters, I met with many people around the city working jobs only around for a few hours every morning, a side to Mumbai you’d miss if you wake up after 9am. It was also a great way for me to experience daily life in the city, aside from the museums and monuments, and to get a feel for what it really means to be in India. There were many special touches like this throughout my trip, helping make the experience one that was honestly very well rounded. I wasn’t shielded in any way, and for that I am grateful.

Philanthropy

It wasn’t my first trip with Abercrombie & Kent so learning about their philanthropy project in Udaipur wasn’t a surprise, but what was a surprise was the opportunity to visit and meet with the kids. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy supports projects all around the world from rhino conservation to schools like the one in Udaipur. Spending some time there I met a few of the more than 100 girls of all ages who attend classes, learning in a safe and encouraging environment. At the school they are protected from prejudice and even violence, allowed to just be normal kids. I read through their school projects, admired their artwork and even congratulated a budding photographer on her skills. It was an unexpected highlight because I didn’t feel like a voyeur. I wasn’t some weird American there to spend an hour and then leave. I felt welcome and immediately part of the group. It was a fun way to spend some time and to learn more about Udaipur through some of its youngest citizens.

Taj Mahal at Sunrise

I wrote at the beginning that I didn’t necessarily have a life-altering revelation while gazing up at this famous monument to love. And that’s true, I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the experience and that it wasn’t moving. I visited during different times of day to experience the site with different colors of light and crowds, but my favorite moments happened at dawn. With so few people there, it was an intimate and almost private experience. Don’t misunderstand, there was still a 5-minute wait to sit on the so-called “Diana bench,” and to grab that one famous selfie also required a wait. But overall, the crowds were negligible and as I waited for the perfect morning light, I walked right into the main mausoleum itself, skipping the hour-long wait that was there the night before. The tomb perhaps was the one aspect that was disappointing, a simple nod to a great love affair. But the complex isn’t about that one final resting place, it’s about a love so deep and profound that it inspired one of the most remarkable structures that the world has ever seen. That’s what touched me the most, this complicated yet gorgeous reminder of love’s strange effects on us and what it means to be cared for by someone else.

India is what you make it

When the topic of traveling to India comes up there are thousands of different opinions and none seem to agree with the other. Some criticize if you take a luxury trip because you’re not seeing “the real India” which doesn’t make any sense and still others bemoan so-called poverty tourism, also correctly pointing out that’s not India either. The truth is that India is a large country with 1.3 billion people; it’s dynamic and expansive which means that it’s all of this and more. You can’t paint the entire country with the same misconceived brush, and it’s only through traveling in India that this becomes clear and obvious. At the same time, India is what you make it to be. If you try to expand your comfort zone a little and enjoy experiences new to you, you will be richly rewarded in return. I’m thankful I finally visited India but I know that I wouldn’t have gone without Abercrombie & Kent. I’m just not comfortable with solo independent travel around the country and I’d much rather have pros but together the logistics so that I can just enjoy my trip. Everyone is different though and so the best piece of advice I can give is to don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t delay, go now because I guarantee that as soon as you visit you’ll want to plan a return trip as soon as possible; it’s just that kind of a place.

The post Almost One Year Later: Visiting India & Lessons Learned appeared first on LandLopers.

2018 is now officially over, thank goodness, and since this is the start of the New Year I thought I would share some of my top travel picks for 2019. Some are obvious choices, others a little more unexpected but all are amazing places to discover for one reason or another. Also, these are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER. I don’t want to see anyone complaining that one destination is ranked higher or lower than another one; they all have my love and admiration.

Non-Coastal USA

I explored a lot of my own country in 2018, travel experiences that I didn’t know I needed. These trips though were perhaps my most important of the year as they brought into focus the realities of the US in 2018. As it turns out, things aren’t nearly as bad as those of us who live along the coasts think and driving across America was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. While I had the opportunity to visit many different parts of the country, the most memorable adventure was driving the entirety of Route 66. More than enjoying the kitschy appeal of decades long past, the most important aspect of the drive was meeting new people along the way. Turns out the country isn’t the seething cauldron of anger that the news media would have us believe, far from it. No, instead I found people living their lives just like anyone else, and also taking pride in the communities they call home. It’s important I think for everyone, American or not, to leave behind them the glittering cities along the coastal edges and instead delve deeper into the US, to learn what really makes us tick and to have a lot of fun along the way. Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque and many other cities are all fantastic places to spend some time exploring, and they’ll teach you more about what it means to be American along the way.

Rural Iceland

I’ve been to Iceland several times now, each trip focusing on a different region of the country. It has very quickly become one of my favorite places to visit for any number of reasons, including how much fun it is to explore. For the best experience though in Iceland, I firmly believe that visitors need to leave the capital city and venture out into the countryside, especially the somewhat-remote northern areas. The northern regions, particularly the Lake Mývatn area, are rich with natural wonders no matter the time of year, but in the winter months the landscapes are covered with sparkling snow and ice, very much turning it into a scene from Game of Thrones. That’s no surprise, since the show has filmed in the northern reaches of Iceland for years, the real life landscapes mimicking the fantasy world perfectly. Whether you drive yourself or take a tour with a local, there are plenty of natural sights to enjoy from waterfalls and lava fields to natural baths and mountain landscapes. Spending time in the northern tier of Iceland feels like standing on the edge of the world because, well, you are.

India

A year ago I would never have imagined that I’d be adding India to this list, but my first experience there earlier this year convinced me that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lives. Like many other would-be tourists, I was nervous about the experience. I’d heard such mixed opinions from friends that I didn’t know what to expect. Traveling with luxury tour provider Abercrombie & Kent though, not only did I enjoy the trip of a lifetime, but I did so in style and comfort. Based on the many accounts of traveling to India I’d read over the years, I was prepared for a level of chaos akin to a dystopian novel. So, imagine my surprise when I instead discovered a country like many others around the world. Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it loud? Yes, and if I never hear another car horn again I’m ok with that. But it’s no different from many other countries I’ve visited around the world in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia. It’s not as fearsome as I thought it would be. India is a developing nation of 1.3 billion people. There is a stark divide between the rich and the poor, although the middle class is growing like gangbusters at the moment. There are issues, I’m not disputing that and I’m not trying to portray a Pollyannaish image that’s inaccurate. No, instead I do believe that some accounts of India have been grossly off the mark and I think I know at least one reason for that. Many people visit India only briefly, there to see top sights like the Taj Mahal. If your only experience visiting India are the cities of Agra (where the Taj is located) and the capital city of Delhi then no, you won’t have positive impressions of the country. However, if you veer off into other areas of the country like I did with Abercrombie & Kent, then a more complete and robust image of the country will start to form. As a result, I enjoyed nearly everything I did during my 9 days in India and firmly believe it’s a destination everyone should try to experience.

Aran Islands, Ireland

Ireland will probably be on this list every year that I write it, but this time I want to add a specific destination within the Emerald Isle, the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. Largely isolated throughout the centuries, their remote location has defined culture on the islands even up to today. There’s a reason why thousands of tourists visit Inishmore every week during the high season – it’s amazing. Due to its location and history, Inishmore remains a destination that honors its past in a way that is almost unique in Ireland. This is experienced through language and culture, but also the preserved thatched roof homes and ancient stone walled farms dotting the island. Although my time in the Aran Islands was all too brief, it was the highlight of my most recent trip to Ireland. I love visiting small, remote islands, to enjoy both unique cultures as well as gorgeous landscapes. Inishmore is one of the most impressive I’ve seen around the world and instead of satiating my curiosity, my first visit has only fueled a strong desire to return and explore even more.

Swabia and Bavaria, Germany

I’ve been fortunate enough to have explored many different regions of Germany, enjoying every new adventure. I’ve spent the most time though in Southwest Germany, and it’s a part of the country I have come to know and truly love over the years. Starting in Frankfurt there are many large cities and small hamlets that are perfect for visitors, from Stuttgart and Munich to Augsburg and Freiburg. The history and architecture always interests me, but so does the food and in Swabia you’ll find something a little different, but also comforting and delicious. Located in southwestern Germany, Swabia is no longer a distinct political unit, but instead is a cultural region. Its roots go back for centuries and even though the area is now divided between two different states, the people who call it home absolutely identify first with being Swabian. Stuttgart is one of the best places to experience Swabia, but you can also find elements of the culture throughout southwestern Germany including Freiburg and even Augsburg. Language, culture and naturally food help form the basis of this identity. Traveling in Germany always means great food experiences, but in Swabia I think it’s a little extra special thanks to these dishes and snacks.

Cruise

One of my first vacations as a very young professional was a cruise and since then I’ve been on scores of sailings in nearly every part of the world. It’s not how I always travel, but I do enjoy taking at least one a year. Cruises can at times have a bad reputation, mostly from people who have never been on one which is unfortunate, but I understand their concerns. As an independent traveler I shared their worries, but cruise after cruise has shown me that the experiences can be both fun and immersive. That’s because there are so many different types of cruises that, yes, there really is one for every type of traveler. Not every ship is a 4,000-person megaship – far from it. Some of my favorite travel experiences have been on small and medium sized ships as we explored different corners of the world. From rough and tumble expedition cruising in the polar regions to Christmas market river cruises to a luxury cruise in warm, languid waters, cruises take many different forms but, I think, they’re a great travel option and I would encourage you all to consider taking one in the not-so-distant future.

Macao

Honestly, I never expected to enjoy Macao as much as I did. I wanted to visit because I hadn’t been there, but that’s about it. As I learned though, there’s a lot to love about the city as long as you leave behind those gaming tables and massive casinos. I think it’s a great addition to this list because of the incredible history waiting to be discovered, as well as some of the best meals you’ll ever enjoy. I’m a history buff and I especially love visiting new-to-me UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is probably why I enjoyed my time exploring the historic center of Macao so very much. The entire old town is designated as a UNESCO site for a variety of reasons. Once a Portuguese territory, the foreign presence has thankfully been preserved throughout the centuries, presenting visitors with a city that feels more like Europe than Asia. Macao was also a strategically important city for a very long time and a center of trade between Europe and Asia. This history and the traditions that accompany it are thankfully all very much alive in Macao, and easy for the casual visitor to experience.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

I enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland more than I thought I would and a lot of that is thanks to the fascinating city of Belfast. Twenty years ago, Belfast was as far away from being a tourist destination as any place could be, but today it’s enjoying a revival as more and more visitors discover what makes it truly special. The Titanic experience is fascinating and an entire day could be spent exploring the museum on the site of where the doomed ship was originally built. But there’s a lot more to the city than the Titanic, and taking a walk through Belfast’s many neighborhoods is a fun way to learn more about the city. Visitors should take a Black Cab Tour to learn about the history of The Troubles, visit the Titanic Museum and try some of the new restaurants that keep popping up featuring some of the best food anywhere in the British Isles.

Disney

I know, I know, I’ve been talking about my two experiences at Disneyland this year a lot, but there’s a reason for that. My first time at any Disney property, I enjoyed myself far more than I would have expected and while I recognize visiting may not be for everyone, I would encourage you all to consider one of the many different Disney experiences around the world. Because, although I haven’t tried them all yet, I am positive that they too are able to capture something that is rare in the travel experience – true joy. Life as an adult in the 21st century is hard. Mortgages, jobs, responsibilities and our electronic-tethers otherwise known as phones all conspire to make even our vacations more stressful than they should be. When I travel, I can’t escape anything, but in Disneyland that all changed. For a brief few days, I was able to forget almost everything challenging in life and instead just have fun. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the real Disney experience as a kid, but I threw myself into the moment and was richly rewarded as a result. I’ve never had that much pure and innocent fun in my life. The honest and wholesome enjoyment that is Disneyland isn’t kitsch or corny; it’s fun at a base level. I’ve been to every corner of the planet and while I enjoy most trips, that level of fun is unheard of. It goes well beyond the attractions though, it’s about a feeling. For those two days I was able to be a kid again. I was able to have fun and to amuse myself without concern or fear. I think that’s what drives so many adults to visit in the first place, and most if not all are well rewarded as a result.

Normandy, France

This is the one place on the list that I haven’t personally visited yet, but I hope to in 2019 for many reasons, not the least of which is the 75^th anniversary of D-Day. The Normandy landings were the landing operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history and since this is an anniversary year, the region is doing a lot to celebrate. In addition to D-Day though, I’ve always wanted to visit Normandy for its quiet towns, incredible history, gorgeous landscapes and sites like Rouen and Mont-Saint-Michel, which look stunning. If Normandy has also been on your travel to-do list, then this just might be the year to visit.

Alta, Norway

Most people think that Iceland is the only place to experience the Northern Lights, but in Norway’s Arctic Circle is the real Northern Lights Capital of the world. The small town of Alta is like visiting a real world Northern Exposure, and the beautiful landscapes and active adventures draw thousands to this town every year. If you visit in the winter, then be sure to book at least one night in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, where everything is made of ice.

Golden Triangle

Ever since my first trip to Thailand many years ago, I have truly loved this part of the world. Also traveling around Laos and Myanmar, that love has only grown over the years and was expanded upon this year when I visited the Chinese side of the Golden Triangle in Xishuangbanna or just Banna. Thanks to its spot in extreme Southeastern China, Banna is completely unlike any other spot in the country. Located adjacent to the Golden Triangle, neighboring countries of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand are very close and, other the years, that’s meant a fluid border with a lot of cross-cultural sharing. Exploring more of the region, the buildings all look Thai, the smells are Thai – everything about the place screamed Chiang Mai instead of China. It was an odd sensation, one that I never expected but one that I dearly enjoyed.

Queensland, Australia

I love Australia, a lot. So much that more than once I’ve seriously looked into relocating to the Land Down Under. Until I can figure out the immigration rules I’ll just have to manage with visits to this remarkable continent, including one of my favorite states – Queensland. Queensland is what I usually call Australia in a nutshell. The state has everything a visitor could want from the dusty outback and rural ranches to stunning coastlines and even rainforests. There are also some fun cities and towns to visit including Brisbane, Cairns and Port Douglas. Visitors should go to Queensland to swim along the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy some fun in the sun on the Gold Coast, trek into the Daintree Rainforest and be amazed by the stunning surprises around every bend in the road.

Colombia

No, Colombia probably isn’t what you think it is; it’s so much more. I’m not entirely sure what I expected before first visiting, but I was pleasantly surprised at almost every turn. Delicious food (and coffee), gorgeous landscapes, vibrant cities, there’s a lot to love about Colombia, but when you visit you have to visit more than one place. Spend time in Bogota and Cartagena, but also in the rural coffee growing regions with small but colorful villages dotting the hills. You’ll leave just as enamored by this South American country as I was and also vowing that your first visit won’t be your last.

French Polynesia

The South Pacific has been on my own personal travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. Those crystal-clear waters and verdant green mountains called to me in the same way as the fictional Bali Hai called out in “South Pacific.” I braced myself for disappointment, to have my dreams dashed but that never happened. No, if anything Tahiti surpassed even my own lofty expectations. But Tahiti is Tahiti for a reason, and I realized that almost immediately upon arriving into Papeete. Over the course of a week my appreciation of how just idyllic and perfect the islands are grew, and the experiences I enjoyed there really were a dream come true. Visitors should go to enjoy a cruise around the islands, spend the night (or 7) in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora and take the time to look past the beach chairs and learn more about real Polynesian culture.

Egypt

I vacillated on whether or not to include Egypt, but I think that it’s such an important country to visit it simply has to be on this list. The first modern tourist destination, the wonders of Egypt have called to travelers around the world for generations. And with good reason, the monuments and sites so well preserved aren’t just nice to behold, they are world wonders in every sense of the term. Traveling through Egypt, the entire experience from Cairo to Aswan was much better than I had expected, but the real highlight of course was visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. Located close to modern day Cairo, these massive monuments to power have been amazing visitors since the moment they were first built, popping up even in Ancient Greek and Roman travel guides of the day. Standing there immediately in front of them it was hard to mentally reconcile the fact that I was actually there. Having seen them in books, magazines and movies all of my life, it was hard to consider the fact that I was there at that moment in time. Since tourism is so low right now, there weren’t many other tourists around me, creating a special and rare moment of privacy, allowing for some introspection and time to fully grasp the importance of the moment.

Alaska

The state doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves and now ranks as one of my favorite destinations on the planet. It has everything I love: it’s a little remote, it’s incredibly gorgeous and interesting in a way that is very unique. While I’d love to visit and do a land-based journey, cruising is the perfect way to experience as much as possible in a short time frame. Alaska is immense and seeing it from a ship enables visitors to experience a variety of different towns and remote outposts. Ultimately though, I wasn’t prepared for what the reality of sailing in the waters of Alaska is really like. It’s far from being a run of the mill cruise. No, in fact it reminded me much more of those expedition style experiences I’ve enjoyed in remote parts of the planet. The ports were great, but what really impressed me was the time spent sailing and admiring the views. All together, that makes cruising around Alaska the ideal first introduction to the state.

Northern England

To be fair, there’s just such an incredible diversity of places to visit in Northern England that a trip could be enjoyed assembling any number of different cities and towns. I just happened to visit Manchester and York, which is what I want to share today. Although they’re separated by a short and easy 1.5-hour train ride, the two cities could not be more different, offering a great balance for would-be travelers. York I always knew I’d love but Manchester won me over when, frankly, I wasn’t so sure. Together they’re a fun way to explore Northern England as a stand-alone trip, or added to a longer adventure.

South Africa

I was fortunate early on in my blogging career that I had the opportunity to visit South Africa on several occasions, creating a deep love for the country in the process. It’s been several years since my last visit but that love certainly hasn’t diminished; if anything absence has only made it grow stronger. While I’ve enjoyed every area of the country I’ve visited, there’s one city that has an extra special place in my heart – Cape Town. Calling the tip of Africa home, the Mother City is one of the most popular cities in the world for a reason, it’s amazing. Routinely named to the Best in the World lists, Cape Town is unlike any other city you’ve visited before. In a quirky mix of European and African sensibilities, it’s easy to forget that you’re in southern Africa as you stroll around this colonial city. Days could be spent exploring the historical and cultural treasures of The Mother City, as well as admiring the natural beauty that is all encompassing. From the omnipresent Table Mountain to Chapman’s Peak Drive, your jaw will drop many times as you survey the beautiful landscapes that define this area of South Africa. Travel umami is something that is impossible to define, but rather the combination of all elements of a destination that culminates in a sort of perfection that has to be felt to be properly understood. That’s Cape Town and that is certainly South Africa. Long before my first trip to Southern Africa I was told that there is something in the air, something that latches onto your soul and refuses to let go. I naturally didn’t believe them until my first time experiencing it firsthand and then I understood, I got what they were talking about – this special travel umami. That’s simultaneously my top reason why everyone should visit but also the only one I can’t prove. So just trust me, plan a trip and go, go see and feel and taste South Africa and then I dare you to come back and say I was wrong.

What is on your 2019 travel wish list?

The post 19 Places You Should Visit in 2019 appeared first on LandLopers.

I write about food a lot on this site, but with good reason. I firmly believe that it’s the most important aspect of the travel experience, forming some of our strongest memories through taste and smell. It’s also the fastest way to learn about a new culture and what the people value. More than anything else though, it’s just a lot of fun. There’s nothing better than snacking your way through a foreign market, or tentatively ordering a meal, not quite sure what you’ve gotten yourself into. It can be adventurous, sometimes disastrous but almost always rewarding. Not all food experiences are made the same though and today I want to recognize those special travel moments that were more than just nice things to eat, they came to define entire cities, towns and even countries and created a lot of fun for me along the way.

Icelandic hot dogs

Food in Iceland runs that gamut from the bizarre to warm and homey. But if you want to feel like a real Icelander, don’t miss their famous hot dogs. The meat itself is the first thing that separates this comfort food. Made from free-range and impossibly well taken care of animals, the meat is a mix of lamb, pork and beef. But, it’s what you put on them that makes all the difference. The Icelandic way is to add raw white onions along with crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and a slightly tangy remoulade. You’ll find these delicacies everywhere, but one of the most famous is in downtown Reykjavik, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.

San Diego tacos

Located just 17 miles from the Mexican border, there has long been a near constant sharing of cultures, languages and food between San Diego and Mexico. Waves of immigration over the decades has created a food scene that has strong roots in traditional Mexican flavors and what may be at the heart of that experience, other than avocados, is the taco. When asked, San Diegans suddenly drop their laid back veneer when the topic of Mexican food comes up; everyone seems to have very strong opinions on the matter. Luckily, I seriously doubt many of them are wrong when it comes time to identify the best tacos in the city, the options are all fairly amazing. One though in particular stuck out in my mind and the experience of enjoying a robust lunch at the restaurant ¡SALUD! in Barrio Logan was one of the many culinary highlights of my trip. Housed in a heritage 1910 building, the restaurant is pure Southern California from the tattoo inspired murals to the pinstripe car hood on the wall. Barrio Logan has a long and colorful history making this delicious taco shop the perfect addition. With a traditional taco for any taste the highlights are the Birria, Al Pastor, Carnitas, Carne Asada and the Barrio, which is Carne guisado topped with frijol nopal & sour cream wrapped in a hand pressed flour tortilla. A true local took me here and honestly, it really is one of the best in the city and probably the country.

Street food in India

I was very nervous about eating in India, and with good reason. Without taking certain precautions it can be far too easy to become sick during a trip to the subcontinent. I was very careful though and while I did have some tummy issues towards the end of the trip, I was able to enjoy a couple of different food tours before that happened. I’ve visited a lot of chaotic neighborhoods around the world, but nothing quite compares to Old Delhi. Almost as if I had crossed an invisible border, the crowds, the smells, the sounds, everything was instantly magnified. Following my guide like a lost puppy, I was amazed how she effortlessly navigated the bazaar, clearly knowing her way through the jumble of backstreets. Before I knew it we were at our first of many stops that morning, my first time enjoying the sweet pastry known as jalebis. One of many culinary influences from the Mughals, it was still glistening with ghee as I bit into it, instantly falling in love with the treat. Although modern day Delhi is very much like any other world capital with food influences of a global variety, locals still descend on the crowded lanes of Old Delhi for authentic bites like the jalebis, as well as the many other dishes I tried that morning.

Comfort food of Route 66

I was excited to drive Route 66 for any number of reasons, but the great comfort food of America was one of the most important. Whether a snack, full meal or dessert, the country is famous for the many regional favorites found in only a few spots and I was excited to try as many of them as I could. That meant an Illinois “shoe” sandwich, incredible hamburgers in Oklahoma and amazing BBQ in New Mexico, but one state in particular may have been my favorite – Missouri. Finding great food was never a challenge on Route 66, but the meals and snacks I enjoyed in Missouri I think were my favorite. It started in St. Louis where I returned to my favorite ice cream place in the country, Ted Drewes, which is actually frozen custard and not ice cream. They’ve been an important fixture on Route 66 for decades and even have a special dessert devoted to it, which I of course had to try. Keeping with the dessert theme, I had made a special note to stop at a small café in Rolla famous for one thing – pie. I’m glad I did too, because the massive slice of pie at “A Slice of Pie” was probably the best I’ve ever had. They’re actually world-famous and every day sell a variety of different pies, all freshly made in the back kitchen. It wasn’t all desserts though, before leaving Springfield we skipped breakfast at our hotel in order to visit a local institution, Gailey’s Breakfast Café. Moving to its current location in the 1940s, Gailey’s has been a critical stop for Route 66 drivers since the day it opened. I’m thankful I only spent a couple of days in Missouri otherwise I know I would have gained a lot of weight eating my way around the state.

Dublin Food Tour

On my most recent trip to Ireland, I made sure to include an extra day so I could spend some time in one of my favorite cities – Dublin. Although I’ve visited the country a number of times in recent years, it had been a very long time since I stayed the night in Dublin and I was excited to revisit some favorite spots. I was also excited though to discover new-to-me parts of the city, including taking a unusual food tour through one of Dublin’s neighborhoods. Definitely not your typical tourist haunt, I soon came to appreciate the quiet neighborhood of Stoneybatter and learned to appreciate the entire city more than I thought possible, all thanks to an afternoon enjoying some of the best bites in the city.

Chicken Bog

I love great soul food, which is why I was so happy my first stop in Myrtle Beach was at the locally famous institution Big Mike’s Soul Food. Known for some of the best homemade food in the area, there were a lot of items on the menu that sounded great, but my eyes immediately went to something new to me – chicken bog. If I find a local dish that is foreign to me, I almost always try it and I’m so glad that I decided to order this mysterious Low-Country classic. Like most great comfort food, chicken bog is also incredibly simple. Thanks to centuries of rice production in the region, you’ll find it as the basis of many dishes, including bog. Made with a generous amount of wet rice, chicken, sausage and seasonings, it’s a hearty but delicious meal and – for me at least – was the perfect introduction to Myrtle Beach.

Macanese Egg Tart

The one thing I knew before first visiting Macao was that I had to try one of their famous egg tarts. While similar to the Pastel de Belem of Lisbon, they are not the same dessert at all and are a true Macanese original. Lord Stow’s Bakery opened in 1989, introducing the egg tart with a pale filling and caramelized top to locals and a new tradition was born. A creamy custard filling and flaky, hand-made crusts are truly what separate these pastries from others and from personal experience I can attest to just how delicious they are. What started in a small shop now very much defines the city, just make sure you try the original version when you visit.

Disney snacks

One of the best aspects of visiting Disneyland this year was the food, especially the snacks. Sure, if you eat every meal in Disney then the costs can easily skyrocket, but be sure to enjoy at least a few of the park’s many iconic menu items. Mickey shaped everything from pretzels to beignets are fun snacks, as are the park’s now famous churros and ice cream treats. One of the most popular snacks though in Disneyland has also attracted a cult following, the Dole Whip. It’s a simple enough concoction, a soft serve pineapple treat served in a cup. You can also get a Pineapple Float, but the purists go for the original. At Christmas their food offerings are even more robust, including churros in a variety of different flavors and special food stations set up in Disney California Adventure. Personally, I’d skip a sit down meal and instead just snack your way around the happiest place on earth.

Frankfurt green sauce

I usually shy from anything in this part of the color spectrum, but I knew I couldn’t visit Frankfurt without trying the city’s most popular savory dish. Made from seven different kinds of herbs, this culinary staple of the city first entered the scene in the 19th century and has been popular ever since. Normally served cold over hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes, I was shocked as soon as I took my first bite. Not only did I like the green sauce, I loved it and quickly finished my small portion. Tasting a lot like a flavored sour cream, it’s especially good when served with schnitzel, a combination I tried on my second visit to the locally famous restaurant Lorsbacher Thal.

Burger and milkshake onboard a luxury cruise

My last trip of the year was with Crystal Ocean Cruises, one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world. Honestly, I didn’t have a bad meal onboard from the specialty restaurants to their main dining options, but my favorite bite was much more basic. I’m sure the cruise line would prefer I highlight something else, but the Trident Grill adjacent to the pool area was my go-to spot. Open from lunch until early evening, it was also one of the most popular spots onboard the ship. Here guests can order hot dogs, chicken, steak sandwiches and, of course, hamburgers. I’m extremely picky when it comes to the ideal cheeseburger, but the ones onboard the Crystal Serenity were nearly perfect in every way. Even better, the ice cream stand is adjacent which meant I could easily order a chocolate milkshake to accompany my burger, which I may have done on more than one occasion.

Travel and food go hand in hand and for me, these were my favorite bites of the year. What were some of yours?

The post Travel to Eat: My Favorite Food Moments of 2018 appeared first on LandLopers.

I write about food a lot on this site, but with good reason. I firmly believe that it’s the most important aspect of the travel experience, forming some of our strongest memories through taste and smell. It’s also the fastest way to learn about a new culture and what the people value. More than anything else though, it’s just a lot of fun. There’s nothing better than snacking your way through a foreign market, or tentatively ordering a meal, not quite sure what you’ve gotten yourself into. It can be adventurous, sometimes disastrous but almost always rewarding. Not all food experiences are made the same though and today I want to recognize those special travel moments that were more than just nice things to eat, they came to define entire cities, towns and even countries and created a lot of fun for me along the way.

Icelandic hot dogs

Food in Iceland runs that gamut from the bizarre to warm and homey. But if you want to feel like a real Icelander, don’t miss their famous hot dogs. The meat itself is the first thing that separates this comfort food. Made from free-range and impossibly well taken care of animals, the meat is a mix of lamb, pork and beef. But, it’s what you put on them that makes all the difference. The Icelandic way is to add raw white onions along with crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and a slightly tangy remoulade. You’ll find these delicacies everywhere, but one of the most famous is in downtown Reykjavik, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.

San Diego tacos

Located just 17 miles from the Mexican border, there has long been a near constant sharing of cultures, languages and food between San Diego and Mexico. Waves of immigration over the decades has created a food scene that has strong roots in traditional Mexican flavors and what may be at the heart of that experience, other than avocados, is the taco. When asked, San Diegans suddenly drop their laid back veneer when the topic of Mexican food comes up; everyone seems to have very strong opinions on the matter. Luckily, I seriously doubt many of them are wrong when it comes time to identify the best tacos in the city, the options are all fairly amazing. One though in particular stuck out in my mind and the experience of enjoying a robust lunch at the restaurant ¡SALUD! in Barrio Logan was one of the many culinary highlights of my trip. Housed in a heritage 1910 building, the restaurant is pure Southern California from the tattoo inspired murals to the pinstripe car hood on the wall. Barrio Logan has a long and colorful history making this delicious taco shop the perfect addition. With a traditional taco for any taste the highlights are the Birria, Al Pastor, Carnitas, Carne Asada and the Barrio, which is Carne guisado topped with frijol nopal & sour cream wrapped in a hand pressed flour tortilla. A true local took me here and honestly, it really is one of the best in the city and probably the country.

Street food in India

I was very nervous about eating in India, and with good reason. Without taking certain precautions it can be far too easy to become sick during a trip to the subcontinent. I was very careful though and while I did have some tummy issues towards the end of the trip, I was able to enjoy a couple of different food tours before that happened. I’ve visited a lot of chaotic neighborhoods around the world, but nothing quite compares to Old Delhi. Almost as if I had crossed an invisible border, the crowds, the smells, the sounds, everything was instantly magnified. Following my guide like a lost puppy, I was amazed how she effortlessly navigated the bazaar, clearly knowing her way through the jumble of backstreets. Before I knew it we were at our first of many stops that morning, my first time enjoying the sweet pastry known as jalebis. One of many culinary influences from the Mughals, it was still glistening with ghee as I bit into it, instantly falling in love with the treat. Although modern day Delhi is very much like any other world capital with food influences of a global variety, locals still descend on the crowded lanes of Old Delhi for authentic bites like the jalebis, as well as the many other dishes I tried that morning.

Comfort food of Route 66

I was excited to drive Route 66 for any number of reasons, but the great comfort food of America was one of the most important. Whether a snack, full meal or dessert, the country is famous for the many regional favorites found in only a few spots and I was excited to try as many of them as I could. That meant an Illinois “shoe” sandwich, incredible hamburgers in Oklahoma and amazing BBQ in New Mexico, but one state in particular may have been my favorite – Missouri. Finding great food was never a challenge on Route 66, but the meals and snacks I enjoyed in Missouri I think were my favorite. It started in St. Louis where I returned to my favorite ice cream place in the country, Ted Drewes, which is actually frozen custard and not ice cream. They’ve been an important fixture on Route 66 for decades and even have a special dessert devoted to it, which I of course had to try. Keeping with the dessert theme, I had made a special note to stop at a small café in Rolla famous for one thing – pie. I’m glad I did too, because the massive slice of pie at “A Slice of Pie” was probably the best I’ve ever had. They’re actually world-famous and every day sell a variety of different pies, all freshly made in the back kitchen. It wasn’t all desserts though, before leaving Springfield we skipped breakfast at our hotel in order to visit a local institution, Gailey’s Breakfast Café. Moving to its current location in the 1940s, Gailey’s has been a critical stop for Route 66 drivers since the day it opened. I’m thankful I only spent a couple of days in Missouri otherwise I know I would have gained a lot of weight eating my way around the state.

Dublin Food Tour

On my most recent trip to Ireland, I made sure to include an extra day so I could spend some time in one of my favorite cities – Dublin. Although I’ve visited the country a number of times in recent years, it had been a very long time since I stayed the night in Dublin and I was excited to revisit some favorite spots. I was also excited though to discover new-to-me parts of the city, including taking a unusual food tour through one of Dublin’s neighborhoods. Definitely not your typical tourist haunt, I soon came to appreciate the quiet neighborhood of Stoneybatter and learned to appreciate the entire city more than I thought possible, all thanks to an afternoon enjoying some of the best bites in the city.

Chicken Bog

I love great soul food, which is why I was so happy my first stop in Myrtle Beach was at the locally famous institution Big Mike’s Soul Food. Known for some of the best homemade food in the area, there were a lot of items on the menu that sounded great, but my eyes immediately went to something new to me – chicken bog. If I find a local dish that is foreign to me, I almost always try it and I’m so glad that I decided to order this mysterious Low-Country classic. Like most great comfort food, chicken bog is also incredibly simple. Thanks to centuries of rice production in the region, you’ll find it as the basis of many dishes, including bog. Made with a generous amount of wet rice, chicken, sausage and seasonings, it’s a hearty but delicious meal and – for me at least – was the perfect introduction to Myrtle Beach.

Macanese Egg Tart

The one thing I knew before first visiting Macao was that I had to try one of their famous egg tarts. While similar to the Pastel de Belem of Lisbon, they are not the same dessert at all and are a true Macanese original. Lord Stow’s Bakery opened in 1989, introducing the egg tart with a pale filling and caramelized top to locals and a new tradition was born. A creamy custard filling and flaky, hand-made crusts are truly what separate these pastries from others and from personal experience I can attest to just how delicious they are. What started in a small shop now very much defines the city, just make sure you try the original version when you visit.

Disney snacks

One of the best aspects of visiting Disneyland this year was the food, especially the snacks. Sure, if you eat every meal in Disney then the costs can easily skyrocket, but be sure to enjoy at least a few of the park’s many iconic menu items. Mickey shaped everything from pretzels to beignets are fun snacks, as are the park’s now famous churros and ice cream treats. One of the most popular snacks though in Disneyland has also attracted a cult following, the Dole Whip. It’s a simple enough concoction, a soft serve pineapple treat served in a cup. You can also get a Pineapple Float, but the purists go for the original. At Christmas their food offerings are even more robust, including churros in a variety of different flavors and special food stations set up in Disney California Adventure. Personally, I’d skip a sit down meal and instead just snack your way around the happiest place on earth.

Frankfurt green sauce

I usually shy from anything in this part of the color spectrum, but I knew I couldn’t visit Frankfurt without trying the city’s most popular savory dish. Made from seven different kinds of herbs, this culinary staple of the city first entered the scene in the 19th century and has been popular ever since. Normally served cold over hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes, I was shocked as soon as I took my first bite. Not only did I like the green sauce, I loved it and quickly finished my small portion. Tasting a lot like a flavored sour cream, it’s especially good when served with schnitzel, a combination I tried on my second visit to the locally famous restaurant Lorsbacher Thal.

Burger and milkshake onboard a luxury cruise

My last trip of the year was with Crystal Ocean Cruises, one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world. Honestly, I didn’t have a bad meal onboard from the specialty restaurants to their main dining options, but my favorite bite was much more basic. I’m sure the cruise line would prefer I highlight something else, but the Trident Grill adjacent to the pool area was my go-to spot. Open from lunch until early evening, it was also one of the most popular spots onboard the ship. Here guests can order hot dogs, chicken, steak sandwiches and, of course, hamburgers. I’m extremely picky when it comes to the ideal cheeseburger, but the ones onboard the Crystal Serenity were nearly perfect in every way. Even better, the ice cream stand is adjacent which meant I could easily order a chocolate milkshake to accompany my burger, which I may have done on more than one occasion.

Travel and food go hand in hand and for me, these were my favorite bites of the year. What were some of yours?

The post Travel to Eat: My Favorite Food Moments of 2018 appeared first on LandLopers.

It’s that time of year again, when we all reflect on the previous 12 months and for me that means reflecting on the great travel experiences I was fortunate enough to enjoy. This list is more than just about far-flung locales, it’s about travel experiences that were special, many times unique and oftentimes just a whole lot of fun. Sure, we learn and grow as people when we travel, but the experience is also supposed to be fun and for me, these moments were amongst the best I enjoyed in 2018.

Iceland

Iceland is one of my favorite places to visit and it’s a destination I never get tired of exploring. On my 2018 trip, I ventured deep into the north of the country in the middle of winter; a daunting experience, but also a fun one. The northern regions, particularly the Lake Mývatn area, are rich with natural wonders no matter the time of year, but in the winter months the landscapes are covered with sparkling snow and ice, very much turning it into a scene from Game of Thrones. That’s no surprise, since the show has filmed in the northern reaches of Iceland for years, the real life landscapes mimicking the fantasy world perfectly. Whether you drive yourself or take a tour with a local, there are plenty of natural sights to enjoy from waterfalls and lava fields to natural baths and mountain landscapes. Spending time in the northern tier of Iceland feels like standing on the edge of the world because, well, you are.

India

I had long wanted to visit India, but in all honesty I was nervous. I had heard so many mixed opinions on what it’s like to travel there that I wasn’t sure if it was for me or not. However, when luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent invited me to join one of their subcontinent adventures, I knew I couldn’t say no. The entire trip far exceeded my expectations but of course one of the highlights was visiting the Taj Mahal. Like many other visitors, I spent the night in Agra and enjoyed seeing this incredible building complex at two different times of day. For me though, my favorite time to be at the Taj Mahal was during the quiet morning hours. As it turns out, there’s a reason why my guide insisted on visiting at two very different times of day. The experiences could not have been more different from one another. While there was a short line, the crowd entering the Taj complex that early morning was nothing like the night before. With so few people there, it was an intimate and almost private experience. Don’t misunderstand, there was still a 5-minute wait to sit on the so-called “Diana bench,” and to grab that one famous selfie also required a wait. But overall, the crowds were negligible and as I waited for the perfect morning light, I walked right into the main mausoleum itself, skipping the hour-long wait that was there the night before. The tomb perhaps was the one aspect that was disappointing, a simple nod to a great love affair. But the complex isn’t about that one final resting place, it’s about a love so deep and profound that it inspired one of the most remarkable structures that the world has ever seen. And, for the most part, it looks just as perfect as it must have the day it was finished.

Route 66

Another important bucket list experience for me in 2018 was driving the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. In partnership with Marriott International, I spent nearly two weeks driving the Mother Road and loved nearly every second of the trip. This epic drive was near the top of my bucket list for years, and the actual experience of tackling Route 66 was everything I had hoped it would be and more. From the Dust Bowl to the American Renaissance in the 1950s, this road has held a special place not only in the hearts of Americans, but of people around the world. It hearkens back to an era when anything seemed possible, when taking to the open road was an adventure and the fun truly was in the getting there. While Route 66 technically doesn’t exist anymore, it’s still possible of course to drive huge parts of it as you meander from Chicago to the pier in Santa Monica, California. Along the way are quirky roadside attractions, strange motels and national wonders that rank amongst the top in the world. Yes, I wanted to see and experience all of those things but I also wanted to reconnect with my own country, one I love dearly and of which I am fiercely proud. Just as people did in the 1950s and 60s, I wanted to experience a great American road trip and to discover aspects to the American experience that I never knew existed.

Aran Islands, Ireland

Visiting Ireland is always a treat and I honestly have never had a bad experience wandering around the Emerald Isle. Some experiences though naturally rise to the top, and this year spending a couple of days exploring the Aran Islands was one of those special experiences. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. Largely isolated throughout the centuries, their remote location has defined culture on the islands even up to today. There’s a reason why thousands of tourists visit Inishmore every week during the high season – it’s amazing. Due to its location and history, Inishmore remains a destination that honors its past in a way that is almost unique in Ireland. This is experienced through language and culture, but also the preserved thatched roof homes and ancient stone walled farms dotting the island. Although my time in the Aran Islands was all too brief, it was the highlight of my most recent trip to Ireland. I love visiting small, remote islands, to enjoy both unique cultures as well as gorgeous landscapes. Inishmore is one of the most impressive I’ve seen around the world and instead of satiating my curiosity, my first visit has only fueled a strong desire to return and explore even more.

Alaska

Although I’ve visited most of the 50 states, Alaska had eluded me until this year when I joined a Holland America cruise touring the coastal highlights of the 49^th state. Ultimately though, I wasn’t prepared for what the reality of sailing in the waters of Alaska is really like. It’s far from being a run of the mill cruise. No, in fact it reminded me much more of those expedition style experiences I’ve enjoyed in remote parts of the planet. The ports were great, but what really impressed me was the time spent sailing. Different from most other cruises, every second onboard the Westerdam featured incredible views and stunning scenery. Unlike the Caribbean or the Mediterranean where it’s common to lose sight of land for long spans of time, throughout the sailing adventure in Alaska, getting there was as incredible as the featured stops. Once we did arrive in port, we were met by even more opportunities to get out and explore the wild expanses of the state. Whether it was taking an old train through scenic mountain passes or soaring high above the trees on a floatplane adventure, the experiences shared the enormity and beauty of the state in stunning detail. While you can easily sail around Alaska on a larger ship with all of the amenities it affords, it very much feels like an expeditionary experience and that is all too rare.

Eating Around Germany

Like Ireland, Germany is another country I never get tired of exploring and that was especially true this year when I essentially ate my way around a huge swathe of the country. One of my favorite culinary experiences was in the great city of Stuttgart, a place I have come to know and love. We’ve all heard of Bavaria, that German state best known for oompah bands, lederhosen, beer and pretzels. But it’s just one of many states and distinct historical regions around the country, most of which aren’t widely known to non-Germans. There are many reasons for this odd discrepancy, which I won’t go into today, but there is one region I want to highlight and which has been important in my German travels over the years – Swabia. Located in southwestern Germany, Swabia is no longer a distinct political unit, but instead is a cultural region. Its roots go back for centuries and even though the area is now divided between two different states, the people who call it home absolutely identify first with being Swabian. Stuttgart is one of the best places to experience Swabia, but you can also find elements of the culture throughout southwestern Germany including Freiburg and even Augsburg. Language, culture and naturally food help form the basis of this identity. Traveling in Germany always means great food experiences, but in Swabia I think it’s a little extra special thanks to these dishes and snacks.

Exploring Rural China

Cathay Pacific is one of my favorite airlines and working with them again in 2018 I was able to experience new-to-me spots in Asia, including a region in China I had never before heard of. Globalization certainly has both its advantages as well as disadvantages. One of the cons in our shrinking world is that, sometimes, travel doesn’t feel like exploration. Don’t get me wrong, the trips I take are all nice, but many are too easy. I love the sense of adventure and discovery that I get from a true exploratory travel experience, and so far China has provided those opportunities in abundance. On my most recent trip this same spirit revealed itself again, especially in Xishuangbanna. My first night in town, I visited the local night market where attendance was light due to some scattered storms. It provided me the chance though to explore without being bothered, learning more about the region in the process. I looked down at the wriggling bugs and then back up again at my guide and then back down at the bugs. Roasted corn, meat skewers and diced pineapple were all fine, but the worms I just couldn’t do. Just as I couldn’t ever manage to eat them in Thailand, where the night markets mirror the one I found in Jinghong almost completely. Set up in front of a massive, and I later learned new, temple, that religious site put into visual terms what I had been thinking all day. The overall design was Burmese, but the accents were a strange mix of both Lao and Thai elements. It was as if someone picked up the pieces from the region’s temples and smashed them all together. That’s what all of the temples in and around the city were like, a beautiful cross-cultural comingling of traditions that is actually rare to see, especially among temples in China. That night was a simple one, but the effect on me was profound. I once again felt like an adventurer, like I was learning something and it encouraged me to get out there and experience as much of this remarkable part of China as possible.

Luxury Cruising

I like cruising and have been on a fair number of them over the years in nearly every corner of the world. Very recently though I enjoyed an experience that was new to me, a true luxury cruise with top-ranked line Crystal Ocean Cruises. While I have sailed on a few premium cruise lines, this was my first honest-to-goodness luxury experience and the trip was extraordinary in every way. Sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Los Angeles, we experienced the best of the Mexican Riviera – a part of the world completely new to me. Between exploring the vibrant destinations, I enjoyed unparalleled comfort and service onboard the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity. Enjoying a very spacious cabin, the accommodations were the best I’ve ever had at sea. Add in butler service, an all-inclusive experience and incredible attention to detail and you have a cruise experience that is totally unique. Now that I’ve experienced a true luxury cruise I understand the appeal and the difference between that and a more run of the mill cruise couldn’t be more extreme. Crystal creates trips that are memorable for all the right reasons and I can’t wait to sail with them again.

Disneyland

If you’ve been reading the site for a while then you already know that this year I became quite suddenly obsessed with Disney. I had my first Disney experience a few months ago at Disneyland and loved it so much I returned during the Christmas season. So much more than a simple theme park, Disney has come to mean a lot to me and it’s a phenomenon I’ve been thinking a lot about recently. Life as an adult in the 21st century is hard. Mortgages, jobs, responsibilities and our electronic-tethers otherwise known as phones all conspire to make even our vacations more stressful than they should be. When I travel, I can’t escape anything, but in Disneyland that all changed. For a brief few days, I was able to forget almost everything challenging in life and instead just have fun. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the real Disney experience as a kid, but I threw myself into the moment and was richly rewarded as a result. I’ve never had that much pure and innocent fun in my life. The honest and wholesome enjoyment that is Disneyland isn’t kitsch or corny; it’s fun at a base level. I’ve been to every corner of the planet and while I enjoy most trips, that level of fun is unheard of. It goes well beyond the attractions though, it’s about a feeling. For those two days I was able to be a kid again. I was able to have fun and to amuse myself without concern or fear. I think that’s what drives so many adults to visit in the first place, and most if not all are well rewarded as a result.

I’m very thankful for all of my 2018 travel experiences and can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for me! Where do you plan to travel in the New Year?

The post My Favorite 2018 Travel Experiences appeared first on LandLopers.

It’s that time of year again, when we all reflect on the previous 12 months and for me that means reflecting on the great travel experiences I was fortunate enough to enjoy. This list is more than just about far-flung locales, it’s about travel experiences that were special, many times unique and oftentimes just a whole lot of fun. Sure, we learn and grow as people when we travel, but the experience is also supposed to be fun and for me, these moments were amongst the best I enjoyed in 2018.

Iceland

Iceland is one of my favorite places to visit and it’s a destination I never get tired of exploring. On my 2018 trip, I ventured deep into the north of the country in the middle of winter; a daunting experience, but also a fun one. The northern regions, particularly the Lake Mývatn area, are rich with natural wonders no matter the time of year, but in the winter months the landscapes are covered with sparkling snow and ice, very much turning it into a scene from Game of Thrones. That’s no surprise, since the show has filmed in the northern reaches of Iceland for years, the real life landscapes mimicking the fantasy world perfectly. Whether you drive yourself or take a tour with a local, there are plenty of natural sights to enjoy from waterfalls and lava fields to natural baths and mountain landscapes. Spending time in the northern tier of Iceland feels like standing on the edge of the world because, well, you are.

India

I had long wanted to visit India, but in all honesty I was nervous. I had heard so many mixed opinions on what it’s like to travel there that I wasn’t sure if it was for me or not. However, when luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent invited me to join one of their subcontinent adventures, I knew I couldn’t say no. The entire trip far exceeded my expectations but of course one of the highlights was visiting the Taj Mahal. Like many other visitors, I spent the night in Agra and enjoyed seeing this incredible building complex at two different times of day. For me though, my favorite time to be at the Taj Mahal was during the quiet morning hours. As it turns out, there’s a reason why my guide insisted on visiting at two very different times of day. The experiences could not have been more different from one another. While there was a short line, the crowd entering the Taj complex that early morning was nothing like the night before. With so few people there, it was an intimate and almost private experience. Don’t misunderstand, there was still a 5-minute wait to sit on the so-called “Diana bench,” and to grab that one famous selfie also required a wait. But overall, the crowds were negligible and as I waited for the perfect morning light, I walked right into the main mausoleum itself, skipping the hour-long wait that was there the night before. The tomb perhaps was the one aspect that was disappointing, a simple nod to a great love affair. But the complex isn’t about that one final resting place, it’s about a love so deep and profound that it inspired one of the most remarkable structures that the world has ever seen. And, for the most part, it looks just as perfect as it must have the day it was finished.

Route 66

Another important bucket list experience for me in 2018 was driving the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. In partnership with Marriott International, I spent nearly two weeks driving the Mother Road and loved nearly every second of the trip. This epic drive was near the top of my bucket list for years, and the actual experience of tackling Route 66 was everything I had hoped it would be and more. From the Dust Bowl to the American Renaissance in the 1950s, this road has held a special place not only in the hearts of Americans, but of people around the world. It hearkens back to an era when anything seemed possible, when taking to the open road was an adventure and the fun truly was in the getting there. While Route 66 technically doesn’t exist anymore, it’s still possible of course to drive huge parts of it as you meander from Chicago to the pier in Santa Monica, California. Along the way are quirky roadside attractions, strange motels and national wonders that rank amongst the top in the world. Yes, I wanted to see and experience all of those things but I also wanted to reconnect with my own country, one I love dearly and of which I am fiercely proud. Just as people did in the 1950s and 60s, I wanted to experience a great American road trip and to discover aspects to the American experience that I never knew existed.

Aran Islands, Ireland

Visiting Ireland is always a treat and I honestly have never had a bad experience wandering around the Emerald Isle. Some experiences though naturally rise to the top, and this year spending a couple of days exploring the Aran Islands was one of those special experiences. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located in Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. Largely isolated throughout the centuries, their remote location has defined culture on the islands even up to today. There’s a reason why thousands of tourists visit Inishmore every week during the high season – it’s amazing. Due to its location and history, Inishmore remains a destination that honors its past in a way that is almost unique in Ireland. This is experienced through language and culture, but also the preserved thatched roof homes and ancient stone walled farms dotting the island. Although my time in the Aran Islands was all too brief, it was the highlight of my most recent trip to Ireland. I love visiting small, remote islands, to enjoy both unique cultures as well as gorgeous landscapes. Inishmore is one of the most impressive I’ve seen around the world and instead of satiating my curiosity, my first visit has only fueled a strong desire to return and explore even more.

Alaska

Although I’ve visited most of the 50 states, Alaska had eluded me until this year when I joined a Holland America cruise touring the coastal highlights of the 49^th state. Ultimately though, I wasn’t prepared for what the reality of sailing in the waters of Alaska is really like. It’s far from being a run of the mill cruise. No, in fact it reminded me much more of those expedition style experiences I’ve enjoyed in remote parts of the planet. The ports were great, but what really impressed me was the time spent sailing. Different from most other cruises, every second onboard the Westerdam featured incredible views and stunning scenery. Unlike the Caribbean or the Mediterranean where it’s common to lose sight of land for long spans of time, throughout the sailing adventure in Alaska, getting there was as incredible as the featured stops. Once we did arrive in port, we were met by even more opportunities to get out and explore the wild expanses of the state. Whether it was taking an old train through scenic mountain passes or soaring high above the trees on a floatplane adventure, the experiences shared the enormity and beauty of the state in stunning detail. While you can easily sail around Alaska on a larger ship with all of the amenities it affords, it very much feels like an expeditionary experience and that is all too rare.

Eating Around Germany

Like Ireland, Germany is another country I never get tired of exploring and that was especially true this year when I essentially ate my way around a huge swathe of the country. One of my favorite culinary experiences was in the great city of Stuttgart, a place I have come to know and love. We’ve all heard of Bavaria, that German state best known for oompah bands, lederhosen, beer and pretzels. But it’s just one of many states and distinct historical regions around the country, most of which aren’t widely known to non-Germans. There are many reasons for this odd discrepancy, which I won’t go into today, but there is one region I want to highlight and which has been important in my German travels over the years – Swabia. Located in southwestern Germany, Swabia is no longer a distinct political unit, but instead is a cultural region. Its roots go back for centuries and even though the area is now divided between two different states, the people who call it home absolutely identify first with being Swabian. Stuttgart is one of the best places to experience Swabia, but you can also find elements of the culture throughout southwestern Germany including Freiburg and even Augsburg. Language, culture and naturally food help form the basis of this identity. Traveling in Germany always means great food experiences, but in Swabia I think it’s a little extra special thanks to these dishes and snacks.

Exploring Rural China

Cathay Pacific is one of my favorite airlines and working with them again in 2018 I was able to experience new-to-me spots in Asia, including a region in China I had never before heard of. Globalization certainly has both its advantages as well as disadvantages. One of the cons in our shrinking world is that, sometimes, travel doesn’t feel like exploration. Don’t get me wrong, the trips I take are all nice, but many are too easy. I love the sense of adventure and discovery that I get from a true exploratory travel experience, and so far China has provided those opportunities in abundance. On my most recent trip this same spirit revealed itself again, especially in Xishuangbanna. My first night in town, I visited the local night market where attendance was light due to some scattered storms. It provided me the chance though to explore without being bothered, learning more about the region in the process. I looked down at the wriggling bugs and then back up again at my guide and then back down at the bugs. Roasted corn, meat skewers and diced pineapple were all fine, but the worms I just couldn’t do. Just as I couldn’t ever manage to eat them in Thailand, where the night markets mirror the one I found in Jinghong almost completely. Set up in front of a massive, and I later learned new, temple, that religious site put into visual terms what I had been thinking all day. The overall design was Burmese, but the accents were a strange mix of both Lao and Thai elements. It was as if someone picked up the pieces from the region’s temples and smashed them all together. That’s what all of the temples in and around the city were like, a beautiful cross-cultural comingling of traditions that is actually rare to see, especially among temples in China. That night was a simple one, but the effect on me was profound. I once again felt like an adventurer, like I was learning something and it encouraged me to get out there and experience as much of this remarkable part of China as possible.

Luxury Cruising

I like cruising and have been on a fair number of them over the years in nearly every corner of the world. Very recently though I enjoyed an experience that was new to me, a true luxury cruise with top-ranked line Crystal Ocean Cruises. While I have sailed on a few premium cruise lines, this was my first honest-to-goodness luxury experience and the trip was extraordinary in every way. Sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Los Angeles, we experienced the best of the Mexican Riviera – a part of the world completely new to me. Between exploring the vibrant destinations, I enjoyed unparalleled comfort and service onboard the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity. Enjoying a very spacious cabin, the accommodations were the best I’ve ever had at sea. Add in butler service, an all-inclusive experience and incredible attention to detail and you have a cruise experience that is totally unique. Now that I’ve experienced a true luxury cruise I understand the appeal and the difference between that and a more run of the mill cruise couldn’t be more extreme. Crystal creates trips that are memorable for all the right reasons and I can’t wait to sail with them again.

Disneyland

If you’ve been reading the site for a while then you already know that this year I became quite suddenly obsessed with Disney. I had my first Disney experience a few months ago at Disneyland and loved it so much I returned during the Christmas season. So much more than a simple theme park, Disney has come to mean a lot to me and it’s a phenomenon I’ve been thinking a lot about recently. Life as an adult in the 21st century is hard. Mortgages, jobs, responsibilities and our electronic-tethers otherwise known as phones all conspire to make even our vacations more stressful than they should be. When I travel, I can’t escape anything, but in Disneyland that all changed. For a brief few days, I was able to forget almost everything challenging in life and instead just have fun. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the real Disney experience as a kid, but I threw myself into the moment and was richly rewarded as a result. I’ve never had that much pure and innocent fun in my life. The honest and wholesome enjoyment that is Disneyland isn’t kitsch or corny; it’s fun at a base level. I’ve been to every corner of the planet and while I enjoy most trips, that level of fun is unheard of. It goes well beyond the attractions though, it’s about a feeling. For those two days I was able to be a kid again. I was able to have fun and to amuse myself without concern or fear. I think that’s what drives so many adults to visit in the first place, and most if not all are well rewarded as a result.

I’m very thankful for all of my 2018 travel experiences and can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for me! Where do you plan to travel in the New Year?

The post My Favorite 2018 Travel Experiences appeared first on LandLopers.

Although visiting India always interested me, I had put it off because of other people. Over the years I had noticed that thoughts and opinions about the subcontinent were intensely binary – people loved it or hated it with very little middle ground. Knowing my own tastes and personality quirks, I assumed that I would be in the camp of not liking it, and so I just didn’t go. In the back of my head though, I knew that one day I would visit but only if certain conditions were met, namely traveling comfortably and with the accoutrements that a luxury travel experience provides. So when Abercrombie & Kent and I began talking about a collaboration, there was little doubt in my mind where I wanted to go – India. It was my third adventure with Abercrombie & Kent and by now I’ve come to understand and even depend on their unique style of experiential luxury travel. I trust them to never make a mistake and to always provide incredible experiences, and that was certainly the case once again in India. Now that I’m a little removed from the trip though I thought I’d try to be objective and identify key moments during the trip and what my honest thoughts about India are today.

Not terrifying

Based on the many accounts of traveling to India I’d read over the years, I was prepared for a level of chaos akin to a dystopian novel. So, imagine my surprise when I instead discovered a country like many others around the world. Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it loud? Yes, and if I never hear another car horn again I’m ok with that. But it’s no different from many other countries I’ve visited around the world in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia. It’s not as fearsome as I thought it would be. India is a developing nation of 1.3 billion people. There is a stark divide between the rich and the poor, although the middle class is growing like gangbusters at the moment. There are issues, I’m not disputing that and I’m not trying to portray a Pollyannaish image that’s inaccurate. No, instead I do believe that some accounts of India have been grossly off the mark and I think I know at least one reason for that. Many people visit India only briefly, there to see top sights like the Taj Mahal. If your only experience visiting India are the cities of Agra (where the Taj is located) and the capital city of Delhi then no, you won’t have positive impressions of the country. However, if you veer off into other areas of the country like I did with Abercrombie & Kent, then a more complete and robust image of the country will start to form. That’s actually one of the many advantages of taking a Tailor Made Journey to India. The trip was designed just for me and my interests, allowing me the opportunity to explore at my pace and to only experience those places and activities that truly interested me. As a result, I enjoyed nearly everything I did during my 9 days in India. Abercrombie sets travelers up for success with this style of trip, but that wasn’t news to me. It’s also how I experienced Tanzania with them in 2015, but India reaffirmed that their Tailor Made experiences may be the best concept in the travel world.

Food is delicious

Indian cuisine is arguably one of the world’s most popular styles and I was excited for my own foodie experiences around the country. I was cautious, naturally, but whether in luxury hotels or quiet cafes, every meal was an event unto itself. One of the highlights for me though was learning more about traditional street food culture on a very unique tour in Old Delhi. In scenes that reminded me more of a bustling Cairo bazaar, my guide expertly ushered me through the maze of streets and lanes to some of the most popular food purveyors in the city. Tasting foods new to me, I certainly enjoyed the culinary aspect of the morning, but I also appreciated the cultural lessons along the way. Whether it was watching the rough and tumble world of the spice trade, or learning more about the Jains, it was a crash course into Delhi life that I simply couldn’t have otherwise experienced, and certainly not on a more run of the mill tour. It brought Delhi to life for me, it gave it color and character and made me appreciate the city much more than any UNESCO site possibly could.

More than one or two sights

Many travel to India with their sights set on the Taj Mahal and maybe a couple of other spots, which is fine. But don’t limit yourself to those key spots, and plan to spend as much time as you can exploring the width and breadth of the country. Even though I only saw a tiny sliver of India, what I experienced was jam packed with gorgeous cities and amazing experiences. I didn’t expect that to be honest, to be wowed by places I’d never even heard of, but that’s part of the allure of India I think. Mumbai surprised me for its modernity and seaside charm, but destinations like Udaipur and Jaipur have a different but equally captivating allure. It’s impossible to put into words how the varied landscapes and visual chaos all come together to create a holistic experience, but they do and it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. So plan your time wisely but also include places you may not know a lot about, but which will add to your own India story.

Best hotels in the world, maybe

We all travel in different ways and for me hotels and resorts are an extremely important part of every trip. That’s one of many reasons why I always love traveling with Abercrombie & Kent, I know that they only work with the very best hotels in the world. India takes luxury hotels up a notch though and after just a few days, I was convinced that the country is home to some of the best hotels in the world. I mostly stayed with Taj and Oberoi properties around the country, each one unique in its style and history but also sharing one commonality – service. Luxury hotels are so much more than golden fixtures and expensive art; anyone can do that. No, what makes a luxury hotel special is the service, and that can’t be purchased. It’s a product of training, corporate culture and just simple caring. Individual staff members at every level have to care about their guests, and that’s more rare than one would expect. In India though, it’s the hallmark of the luxury travel experience and my hotel stays over the span of more than a week now count amongst my all-time most memorable.

India is what you make it

When the topic of traveling to India comes up there are thousands of different opinions and none seem to agree with the other. Some criticize if you take a luxury trip because you’re not seeing “the real India” which doesn’t make any sense and still others bemoan so-called poverty tourism, also correctly pointing out that’s not India either. The truth is that India is a large country with 1.3 billion people; it’s dynamic and expansive which means that it’s all of this and more. You can’t paint the entire country with the same misconceived brush, and it’s only through traveling in India that this becomes clear and obvious. At the same time, India is what you make it to be. If you try to expand your comfort zone a little and enjoy experiences new to you, you will be richly rewarded in return. I’m thankful I finally visited India but I know that I wouldn’t have gone without Abercrombie & Kent. I’m just not comfortable with solo independent travel around the country and I’d much rather have pros but together the logistics so that I can just enjoy my trip. Add in the exceptional service and quality that only Abercrombie & Kent provides, and for me it’s the ideal way to travel around India. Everyone is different though and so the best piece of advice I can give is to don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t delay, go now because I guarantee that as soon as you visit you’ll want to plan a return trip as soon as possible; it’s just that kind of a place.

The post Honest Thoughts About My First Visit to India appeared first on LandLopers.

Although visiting India always interested me, I had put it off because of other people. Over the years I had noticed that thoughts and opinions about the subcontinent were intensely binary – people loved it or hated it with very little middle ground. Knowing my own tastes and personality quirks, I assumed that I would be in the camp of not liking it, and so I just didn’t go. In the back of my head though, I knew that one day I would visit but only if certain conditions were met, namely traveling comfortably and with the accoutrements that a luxury travel experience provides. So when Abercrombie & Kent and I began talking about a collaboration, there was little doubt in my mind where I wanted to go – India. It was my third adventure with Abercrombie & Kent and by now I’ve come to understand and even depend on their unique style of experiential luxury travel. I trust them to never make a mistake and to always provide incredible experiences, and that was certainly the case once again in India. Now that I’m a little removed from the trip though I thought I’d try to be objective and identify key moments during the trip and what my honest thoughts about India are today.

Not terrifying

Based on the many accounts of traveling to India I’d read over the years, I was prepared for a level of chaos akin to a dystopian novel. So, imagine my surprise when I instead discovered a country like many others around the world. Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it loud? Yes, and if I never hear another car horn again I’m ok with that. But it’s no different from many other countries I’ve visited around the world in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia. It’s not as fearsome as I thought it would be. India is a developing nation of 1.3 billion people. There is a stark divide between the rich and the poor, although the middle class is growing like gangbusters at the moment. There are issues, I’m not disputing that and I’m not trying to portray a Pollyannaish image that’s inaccurate. No, instead I do believe that some accounts of India have been grossly off the mark and I think I know at least one reason for that. Many people visit India only briefly, there to see top sights like the Taj Mahal. If your only experience visiting India are the cities of Agra (where the Taj is located) and the capital city of Delhi then no, you won’t have positive impressions of the country. However, if you veer off into other areas of the country like I did with Abercrombie & Kent, then a more complete and robust image of the country will start to form. That’s actually one of the many advantages of taking a Tailor Made Journey to India. The trip was designed just for me and my interests, allowing me the opportunity to explore at my pace and to only experience those places and activities that truly interested me. As a result, I enjoyed nearly everything I did during my 9 days in India. Abercrombie sets travelers up for success with this style of trip, but that wasn’t news to me. It’s also how I experienced Tanzania with them in 2015, but India reaffirmed that their Tailor Made experiences may be the best concept in the travel world.

Food is delicious

Indian cuisine is arguably one of the world’s most popular styles and I was excited for my own foodie experiences around the country. I was cautious, naturally, but whether in luxury hotels or quiet cafes, every meal was an event unto itself. One of the highlights for me though was learning more about traditional street food culture on a very unique tour in Old Delhi. In scenes that reminded me more of a bustling Cairo bazaar, my guide expertly ushered me through the maze of streets and lanes to some of the most popular food purveyors in the city. Tasting foods new to me, I certainly enjoyed the culinary aspect of the morning, but I also appreciated the cultural lessons along the way. Whether it was watching the rough and tumble world of the spice trade, or learning more about the Jains, it was a crash course into Delhi life that I simply couldn’t have otherwise experienced, and certainly not on a more run of the mill tour. It brought Delhi to life for me, it gave it color and character and made me appreciate the city much more than any UNESCO site possibly could.

More than one or two sights

Many travel to India with their sights set on the Taj Mahal and maybe a couple of other spots, which is fine. But don’t limit yourself to those key spots, and plan to spend as much time as you can exploring the width and breadth of the country. Even though I only saw a tiny sliver of India, what I experienced was jam packed with gorgeous cities and amazing experiences. I didn’t expect that to be honest, to be wowed by places I’d never even heard of, but that’s part of the allure of India I think. Mumbai surprised me for its modernity and seaside charm, but destinations like Udaipur and Jaipur have a different but equally captivating allure. It’s impossible to put into words how the varied landscapes and visual chaos all come together to create a holistic experience, but they do and it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. So plan your time wisely but also include places you may not know a lot about, but which will add to your own India story.

Best hotels in the world, maybe

We all travel in different ways and for me hotels and resorts are an extremely important part of every trip. That’s one of many reasons why I always love traveling with Abercrombie & Kent, I know that they only work with the very best hotels in the world. India takes luxury hotels up a notch though and after just a few days, I was convinced that the country is home to some of the best hotels in the world. I mostly stayed with Taj and Oberoi properties around the country, each one unique in its style and history but also sharing one commonality – service. Luxury hotels are so much more than golden fixtures and expensive art; anyone can do that. No, what makes a luxury hotel special is the service, and that can’t be purchased. It’s a product of training, corporate culture and just simple caring. Individual staff members at every level have to care about their guests, and that’s more rare than one would expect. In India though, it’s the hallmark of the luxury travel experience and my hotel stays over the span of more than a week now count amongst my all-time most memorable.

India is what you make it

When the topic of traveling to India comes up there are thousands of different opinions and none seem to agree with the other. Some criticize if you take a luxury trip because you’re not seeing “the real India” which doesn’t make any sense and still others bemoan so-called poverty tourism, also correctly pointing out that’s not India either. The truth is that India is a large country with 1.3 billion people; it’s dynamic and expansive which means that it’s all of this and more. You can’t paint the entire country with the same misconceived brush, and it’s only through traveling in India that this becomes clear and obvious. At the same time, India is what you make it to be. If you try to expand your comfort zone a little and enjoy experiences new to you, you will be richly rewarded in return. I’m thankful I finally visited India but I know that I wouldn’t have gone without Abercrombie & Kent. I’m just not comfortable with solo independent travel around the country and I’d much rather have pros but together the logistics so that I can just enjoy my trip. Add in the exceptional service and quality that only Abercrombie & Kent provides, and for me it’s the ideal way to travel around India. Everyone is different though and so the best piece of advice I can give is to don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t delay, go now because I guarantee that as soon as you visit you’ll want to plan a return trip as soon as possible; it’s just that kind of a place.

The post Honest Thoughts About My First Visit to India appeared first on LandLopers.

Home to 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for any traveler to India these important spots are a key aspect to their trip, and that was especially true on my own journey around the country. While I never make it the focus of my travels, if there’s an opportunity for me to visit a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, I always make sure I stop. In 1972 the UN, through the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, began recognizing important sites around the world that they consider vital in order to maintain the cultural and natural heritage we have all inherited. Even though I haven’t even scratched the surface of visiting the more than 1,000 sites in every corner of the planet, I have been to quite a few and think every traveler should make a point to visit them if they can. Some countries make it a little easier due to the width and breadth of UNESCO World heritage Sites within their borders, and India is home to one of the most robust collections of sites in the world. Thankfully, I traveled around India with luxury tour provider Abercrombie & Kent, a company who also values these important sites and incorporates them into their trips whenever they can. That’s how I was able to visit so many in such a short time frame, places that formed the basis of my time in India and sites that I want to share with you today.

Mumbai

Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai

My first stop in India not only set the tone for my trip, but is also the city that surprised me the most – Mumbai. Long the cultural capital of the country, this energetic metropolis isn’t at all what I expected India to look like. Sure, the traffic is chaotic and there are more people packed into the city than I would ever have imagined, but it’s also a green and leafy city, cooled by the air coming off of the nearby water. Mumbai is also a great place for a history aficionado such as myself, tracking the story of the city from colonial times to the present. A strange blend of Flemish and Norman architecture is the theme in some of the city’s more historic areas, temples and churches occupying spaces practically next door to each other. It’s this building boom that started in the 19^th and continuing into the 20^th centuries that earned India’s its latest UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of the city. Bordering the popular recreation space the Oval Maidan, these building booms came to define the city and led to incredible changes in Indian design and architectural style. They’re thankfully still preserved today, awing visitors like me in the 21^st century just as they would have a century ago.

Elephanta Caves

Off the coast of Mumbai is another important UNESCO World Heritage Site and half the fun truly is in the getting there. Boarding a local boat with my Abercrombie & Kent guide, we made the hour-long trek out to an unusual site, the Elephanta Caves. Hidden in plain sight on this tiny island are a collection of temple caves, intricate figures and statues carved out of the rock itself. The temples are mostly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and were most likely carved between the 5^th-7^th centuries. Sadly, over the many intervening centuries the temples have been heavily damaged, but there are still many scenes and figures easy to recognize. The island is definitely a popular tourist destination, with shops set up on the long stairway used to reach the caves themselves. As a history buff, I enjoyed visiting the temples, but the boat ride was just as much fun. It was good to see Mumbai from the water and to enjoy the cooling breezes of the boat ride. The sea has played an important role in the life of Mumbai, and I think experiencing that maritime tradition is a key experience for any visitor to the city.

Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar

The old town of Jaipur wasn’t just where my Abercrombie & Kent guide and I started the day, it’s where most tourists to this popular spot along the Golden Triangle begin. It’s here where the city’s most famous and important landmarks still stand, including the massive City Palace and the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jantar Mantar. This site fascinated me perhaps the most, due not only to its size but its purpose. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 larger than life astronomical instruments built in the early 1700s, including the world’s largest stone sundial. These surprisingly precise instruments were built in order to best calculate the movement of the earth and the heavens, so that advisors to the ruler could provide the most accurate astrological advice possible. It’s a remarkable achievement, even more so that it remains intact today, practically adjacent to the equally fascinating City Palace.

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

This UNESCO designation actually includes six majestic forts in the state of Rajasthan, including the one I visited, the gorgeous Amer Fort or Amber Fort, the former hilltop palace complex of the ruling elite before they moved to Jaipur. Once the capital of the powerful princes of Jaipur, the beautifully fortified palace sits high above the surrounding valley, an ideal place to spot would-be invaders. Regional powers lived on this mountaintop for centuries before this magnificent fort was built in the late 16th century, expanded over time by successive rulers. Wandering through the many rooms and courtyards, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for the ruling class here in Amer. From the exquisite designs and embellishments to feats of engineering that kept the palace cool in the hot summer months, it’s as impressive a construction as I’ve seen anywhere in the world. But of course I was constantly drawn to the views from high on top of the fort, gazing across the lake and valley far off into the distance, wondering what others who came before me thought about while standing on that same exact spot.

Agra and nearby regions

Fatehpur Sikri

It was a long drive from Jaipur to Agra, but a stop not far outside of Agra helped break up the day and added a lot to my own understanding of similar sites found around the country. Sadly, since the Taj Mahal is close by this site may be overlooked, but it should be considered a must-visit complex for any visitor. Long a center of cultural and religious importance, it was in the 16^th century when it was made the capital of the Mughal Empire. Walking through the palace/city, the incredible architecture is hard to miss and is one of many reasons why it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s this unique style of architecture that came to define Mughal rule in India, and which is often still copied around the country today.

Taj Mahal

I don’t think I need to explain why this, one of the most famous monuments on the planet is on the list. I knew it would be a remarkable experience, but nothing quite prepared me for the reality of the visit, especially at a very special time of day. Like many other visitors, I spent the night in Agra and enjoyed seeing this incredible building complex at two different times of day. For me though, my favorite time to be at the Taj Mahal was during the quiet morning hours. As it turns out, there’s a reason why my guide insisted on visiting at two very different times of day. The experiences could not have been more different from one another. While there was a short line, the crowd entering the Taj complex that early morning was nothing like the night before. With so few people there, it was an intimate and almost private experience. Don’t misunderstand, there was still a 5-minute wait to sit on the so-called “Diana bench,” and to grab that one famous selfie also required a wait. But overall, the crowds were negligible and as I waited for the perfect morning light, I walked right into the main mausoleum itself, skipping the hour-long wait that was there the night before. The tomb perhaps was the one aspect that was disappointing, a simple nod to a great love affair. But the complex isn’t about that one final resting place, it’s about a love so deep and profound that it inspired one of the most remarkable structures that the world has ever seen. And, for the most part, it looks just as perfect as it must have the day it was finished.

Agra Fort

A normal stop on the tourist tour of Agra is a visit to this impressive fort overlooking the city and surrounding countryside. Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, this former imperial city is still surrounded by its ancient walls, containing fairy-tale palaces inside. It’s also where the mighty ruler and builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, was imprisoned by his son. His view was of the Taj itself, giving him the perfect view of the final resting place for his true love. While it naturally pales in comparison to visiting the Taj Mahal itself, I really enjoyed exploring this large complex, seeing how the ruling class lived and marveling at how remarkably intact everything still is. The Mughal Empire defined India for centuries and to visit the remnants of this civilization is important to truly understand the history of the country.

Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb

I was surprised to discover not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi, starting with another impressive funerary complex, Humayun’s Tomb. Today we think of these massive mausoleums as an important aspect of the Mughal Empire, but this was the first, and created a tradition that was expanded upon throughout the years. Built in 1570, this elaborate garden-tomb is a peaceful and serene enclave, just as it was meant to be. Although it’s located in the middle of a massive and chaotic city, all of that seems to fall away as soon as you enter the complex itself. For some reason I’m drawn to this unique style of architecture, a combination of graceful and perfectly executed symmetry along with garden elements that add meaning as well as style. It’s a quick and easy place to visit, and a fun addition to a tour of Delhi.

Qutb Minar and its Monuments

The region that is today New Delhi has been settled since at least the 6^th century BC and its long history can be found everywhere, but especially at this unique monument. Although the eye is naturally drawn to the massive 236-foot red-sandstone minaret, an incredible feat of engineering when it was built in the 13^th century, it’s just one part of a larger complex. Surrounding the tower are ancient mosques, funeral chambers and more, making this an incredibly important place for a very long time. It’s still the tallest minaret built entirely of bricks in the world and although it’s had its encounters with near disaster over the centuries, it still stands tall in the heart of the city.

India is home to a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, far too many to visit on just one trip. These 9 sites though were the backbone of my own journey around the country and, for most first-time visitors, play an important role in understanding the history and culture of this incredible country.

The post One Trip, 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India appeared first on LandLopers.

Home to 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for any traveler to India these important spots are a key aspect to their trip, and that was especially true on my own journey around the country. While I never make it the focus of my travels, if there’s an opportunity for me to visit a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, I always make sure I stop. In 1972 the UN, through the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, began recognizing important sites around the world that they consider vital in order to maintain the cultural and natural heritage we have all inherited. Even though I haven’t even scratched the surface of visiting the more than 1,000 sites in every corner of the planet, I have been to quite a few and think every traveler should make a point to visit them if they can. Some countries make it a little easier due to the width and breadth of UNESCO World heritage Sites within their borders, and India is home to one of the most robust collections of sites in the world. Thankfully, I traveled around India with luxury tour provider Abercrombie & Kent, a company who also values these important sites and incorporates them into their trips whenever they can. That’s how I was able to visit so many in such a short time frame, places that formed the basis of my time in India and sites that I want to share with you today.

Mumbai

Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai

My first stop in India not only set the tone for my trip, but is also the city that surprised me the most – Mumbai. Long the cultural capital of the country, this energetic metropolis isn’t at all what I expected India to look like. Sure, the traffic is chaotic and there are more people packed into the city than I would ever have imagined, but it’s also a green and leafy city, cooled by the air coming off of the nearby water. Mumbai is also a great place for a history aficionado such as myself, tracking the story of the city from colonial times to the present. A strange blend of Flemish and Norman architecture is the theme in some of the city’s more historic areas, temples and churches occupying spaces practically next door to each other. It’s this building boom that started in the 19^th and continuing into the 20^th centuries that earned India’s its latest UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of the city. Bordering the popular recreation space the Oval Maidan, these building booms came to define the city and led to incredible changes in Indian design and architectural style. They’re thankfully still preserved today, awing visitors like me in the 21^st century just as they would have a century ago.

Elephanta Caves

Off the coast of Mumbai is another important UNESCO World Heritage Site and half the fun truly is in the getting there. Boarding a local boat with my Abercrombie & Kent guide, we made the hour-long trek out to an unusual site, the Elephanta Caves. Hidden in plain sight on this tiny island are a collection of temple caves, intricate figures and statues carved out of the rock itself. The temples are mostly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and were most likely carved between the 5^th-7^th centuries. Sadly, over the many intervening centuries the temples have been heavily damaged, but there are still many scenes and figures easy to recognize. The island is definitely a popular tourist destination, with shops set up on the long stairway used to reach the caves themselves. As a history buff, I enjoyed visiting the temples, but the boat ride was just as much fun. It was good to see Mumbai from the water and to enjoy the cooling breezes of the boat ride. The sea has played an important role in the life of Mumbai, and I think experiencing that maritime tradition is a key experience for any visitor to the city.

Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar

The old town of Jaipur wasn’t just where my Abercrombie & Kent guide and I started the day, it’s where most tourists to this popular spot along the Golden Triangle begin. It’s here where the city’s most famous and important landmarks still stand, including the massive City Palace and the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jantar Mantar. This site fascinated me perhaps the most, due not only to its size but its purpose. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 larger than life astronomical instruments built in the early 1700s, including the world’s largest stone sundial. These surprisingly precise instruments were built in order to best calculate the movement of the earth and the heavens, so that advisors to the ruler could provide the most accurate astrological advice possible. It’s a remarkable achievement, even more so that it remains intact today, practically adjacent to the equally fascinating City Palace.

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

This UNESCO designation actually includes six majestic forts in the state of Rajasthan, including the one I visited, the gorgeous Amer Fort or Amber Fort, the former hilltop palace complex of the ruling elite before they moved to Jaipur. Once the capital of the powerful princes of Jaipur, the beautifully fortified palace sits high above the surrounding valley, an ideal place to spot would-be invaders. Regional powers lived on this mountaintop for centuries before this magnificent fort was built in the late 16th century, expanded over time by successive rulers. Wandering through the many rooms and courtyards, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for the ruling class here in Amer. From the exquisite designs and embellishments to feats of engineering that kept the palace cool in the hot summer months, it’s as impressive a construction as I’ve seen anywhere in the world. But of course I was constantly drawn to the views from high on top of the fort, gazing across the lake and valley far off into the distance, wondering what others who came before me thought about while standing on that same exact spot.

Agra and nearby regions

Fatehpur Sikri

It was a long drive from Jaipur to Agra, but a stop not far outside of Agra helped break up the day and added a lot to my own understanding of similar sites found around the country. Sadly, since the Taj Mahal is close by this site may be overlooked, but it should be considered a must-visit complex for any visitor. Long a center of cultural and religious importance, it was in the 16^th century when it was made the capital of the Mughal Empire. Walking through the palace/city, the incredible architecture is hard to miss and is one of many reasons why it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s this unique style of architecture that came to define Mughal rule in India, and which is often still copied around the country today.

Taj Mahal

I don’t think I need to explain why this, one of the most famous monuments on the planet is on the list. I knew it would be a remarkable experience, but nothing quite prepared me for the reality of the visit, especially at a very special time of day. Like many other visitors, I spent the night in Agra and enjoyed seeing this incredible building complex at two different times of day. For me though, my favorite time to be at the Taj Mahal was during the quiet morning hours. As it turns out, there’s a reason why my guide insisted on visiting at two very different times of day. The experiences could not have been more different from one another. While there was a short line, the crowd entering the Taj complex that early morning was nothing like the night before. With so few people there, it was an intimate and almost private experience. Don’t misunderstand, there was still a 5-minute wait to sit on the so-called “Diana bench,” and to grab that one famous selfie also required a wait. But overall, the crowds were negligible and as I waited for the perfect morning light, I walked right into the main mausoleum itself, skipping the hour-long wait that was there the night before. The tomb perhaps was the one aspect that was disappointing, a simple nod to a great love affair. But the complex isn’t about that one final resting place, it’s about a love so deep and profound that it inspired one of the most remarkable structures that the world has ever seen. And, for the most part, it looks just as perfect as it must have the day it was finished.

Agra Fort

A normal stop on the tourist tour of Agra is a visit to this impressive fort overlooking the city and surrounding countryside. Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, this former imperial city is still surrounded by its ancient walls, containing fairy-tale palaces inside. It’s also where the mighty ruler and builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, was imprisoned by his son. His view was of the Taj itself, giving him the perfect view of the final resting place for his true love. While it naturally pales in comparison to visiting the Taj Mahal itself, I really enjoyed exploring this large complex, seeing how the ruling class lived and marveling at how remarkably intact everything still is. The Mughal Empire defined India for centuries and to visit the remnants of this civilization is important to truly understand the history of the country.

Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb

I was surprised to discover not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi, starting with another impressive funerary complex, Humayun’s Tomb. Today we think of these massive mausoleums as an important aspect of the Mughal Empire, but this was the first, and created a tradition that was expanded upon throughout the years. Built in 1570, this elaborate garden-tomb is a peaceful and serene enclave, just as it was meant to be. Although it’s located in the middle of a massive and chaotic city, all of that seems to fall away as soon as you enter the complex itself. For some reason I’m drawn to this unique style of architecture, a combination of graceful and perfectly executed symmetry along with garden elements that add meaning as well as style. It’s a quick and easy place to visit, and a fun addition to a tour of Delhi.

Qutb Minar and its Monuments

The region that is today New Delhi has been settled since at least the 6^th century BC and its long history can be found everywhere, but especially at this unique monument. Although the eye is naturally drawn to the massive 236-foot red-sandstone minaret, an incredible feat of engineering when it was built in the 13^th century, it’s just one part of a larger complex. Surrounding the tower are ancient mosques, funeral chambers and more, making this an incredibly important place for a very long time. It’s still the tallest minaret built entirely of bricks in the world and although it’s had its encounters with near disaster over the centuries, it still stands tall in the heart of the city.

India is home to a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, far too many to visit on just one trip. These 9 sites though were the backbone of my own journey around the country and, for most first-time visitors, play an important role in understanding the history and culture of this incredible country.

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