I know, I know, we are all longing to press that ‘Book Now” button and get travelling again! Here are some of my favourite places – to help you plan for the future.
5 Top favourite places to visit! Here are some of my faves, chosen for being relatively inexpensive, unique and interesting. I HATE travelling to places that are super popular with tourists for a few reasons: I dislike crowds, and do not want to pay inflated prices for inferior places to stay!
However, I also refuse to stay in anything other than 5 star luxury. (My trip to the Sahara Desert taught me not to deviate from this plan!). Here are some adventurous places that have top notch hotels and private Villas.
Here are my recommendations:
Coming up with 5 was a challenge, The Philippine Islands, Kenya and so many other favourites could also be added to the list.
- Jordan – Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, top class hotels at much cheaper rates than elsewhere, uncrowded – except for Petra.
- Russia – full of culture, history, relatively inexpensive, top hotels at good rates and a ‘must see’ list!
- Abu Dhabi – Growing year by year in the right way! Beautiful Desert experience, culture and great hotels.
- Morocco – Endlessly fascinating with sea, mountains, retaining its own unique identity and great hotels too!
- Uganda – Unspoilt by tourism, now is the time to explore this super friendly, safe country and see Gorillas in their natural habitat.
JORDAN
PHOTO: Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan
A land of contrasts from the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea to the desert of Wadi Rum (one of my favourite deserts in the world) with Petra in between. Oh, I nearly forgot the beautiful Red Sea too in the South.
PHOTO: PETRA IN JORDAN
I loved it so much I visited three times. Have a read of some of my Jordan blogs. I liked visiting in the winter when the crowds have gone home.
PHOTO: THE DEAD SEA AT DUSK
Jordan is relatively inexpensive, top hotels are a fraction of the price charged elsewhere in the world. The people are friendly and it is safe.
UGANDA:
Another in my 5 top favourite places to visit in 2020 is Uganda. My latest discovery! What a fab trip exploring the ‘Pearl of Africa’. A fantastic trek to see the Mountain Gorillas, explore the wildlife parks on a Safari and enjoy game drives. Again, a lovely, friendly country which proved to be great value for money. A memorable trip of a life time.
PHOTO: UGANDA SAFARI
This is the perfect time to visit, before mass tourism arrives and you can enjoy this amazing country that has beautiful lakes, mountains and unspoilt forests. Stay in lovely Lodges for a fraction of the price of Kenya and South Africa.
PHOTO: Safari in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Read more on my blog:
RUSSIA:
Another favourite of mine was Moscow. We stayed once for a Russian Christmas, 7 January, and cannot recommend this highly enough for a Winter destination. I would love to visit in Spring too!
An incredible city to explore, we stayed at St Regis Nikolskaya. Perfect location to visit Red Square, The Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral just 10 minutes walk.
VENICE
PHOTO: The Canals of venice, Italy
I know, I said avoid tourist hotspots! BUT, Cruise ships are now banned and it is easy to get off the tourist trail on one of the many islands. Everyone loves Venice but that it is because it is one of the best places to visit in the world! Venice has everything from beautiful architecture, magical ambiance, excellent shops, interesting museums and so many art galleries you will never see them all!
PHOTO: Iconic Venice, I will never tire of visiting this magical city
Avoid high season, is my biggest tip! Treat yourself to a water taxi, by far the best way to see everything. Avoid the touristy Gondoliers and take a fabulous Riva Water taxi. However you can avoid the crowds by staying off the well worn tourist route, they generally do not stray very far! Read all about Venice in my Venice blog.
ABU DHABI
PHOTO: EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL ABU DHABI
Regular readers will know how much I love Abu Dhabi and visit nearly every year! Don’t just use it as a stop over, stay and see the country. I particularly like the Liwa desert and stayed at the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Hotel for the second time. The desert is a very special place and it is nice to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of the hotel. Although, it must be said, Abu Dhabi is quite expensive! It is possible to get some great hotel deals. Abu Dhabi has too many 5 star hotels so they are often discounted (Dubai has the same problem and always has good deals for hotels).
PHOTO: Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, UAE
You will enjoy the city of Abu Dhabi too, there is so much to see and do, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is awe inspiring. I loved staying at the world famous Emirates Palace hotel Read my blog for more information.
PHOTO: Emirates Palace Private Beach
If you stay at Emirates Palace, I promise you will never want to leave! However, get out and explore the country in a hire car. It is perfectly safe to drive and you will feel very comfortable and safe driving anywhere in Abu Dhabi. Almost impossible to get lost too.
MOROCCO
PHOTO: Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Explore Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains. Read my blogs to discover more. Marrakesh was a delight and so much nicer than I expected, perfect for a few days short trip if you are travelling from Europe.
PHOTO: The Medina in Marakesh
Explore the Medina, Marjorelle Gardens eat delicious Moroccan meals and so much more. I loved a self drive road trip too, exploring Agadir, Essaouira and the Atlas mountains.
PHOTO: Essaouira and Jimmy Hendrix house
Read more in my Morocco blog:
I hope you enjoy these places as much as me!
