Growing up, I couldn’t wait to start seeing the world. What started as a two-year overseas experience in London turned into twelve years of living in Europe before I knew it. I can easily see myself returning there one day! I always book my next trip before I return from the previous one, so I’ve explored most corners of Europe. During my annual trips home, I also visited many destinations in both Asia and North America.
Place Juliet has been…
Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Holy See (Vatican City), Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Lithuania, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Samoa, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey (Turkiye), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam
My favourite destinations fall into two categories:
BEACHES From the Costa Brava in Spain to the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Railay Bay in Thailand to Gili Asahan in Indonesia, Fiji, and Byron Bay in Australia – if there’s beautiful sand and crystal-clear water, I’ll be there. The next beach I have to visit is Lalomanu in Samoa.
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITIES My travels lean towards two passions: beaches and big cities. From the Costa Brava in Spain to the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Railay Bay in Thailand to Gili Asahan in Indonesia, and Fiji and Byron Bay in Australia – if there’s beautiful sand and crystal-clear water, count me in. Next on my beach list is Lalomanu in Samoa. As for cities, London, Rome, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney hold my heart. The vibrant energy, rich history, and endless shopping opportunities make them irresistible. Buenos Aires is next on my must-visit list.
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES Beyond beaches and cities, I’ve been captivated by the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Arctic wilderness of Norway, the solemnity of the dawn service at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, the exhilaration of skiing in Switzerland, and the awe-inspiring flight over the Grand Canyon. Yet, nothing compares to the thrill of safari in Tanzania, where luxurious accommodations and abundant wildlife make for an unforgettable adventure.
There have been a couple of moments during my travels that really stopped me in my tracks. One was taking the train from Switzerland to Italy, where the scenery was absolutely jaw dropping. Another was at the Grand Canyon. I was on a small group tour with the best tour leader I have ever had. We were all blindfolded as he led us to the edge. The sheer scale was incredible, and no image could prepare you for the big reveal.
On my long wish list for what’s next is:
CONQUERING CONTINENTS I’ve been dreaming of South America for a while now, starting with Argentina and travelling onwards from there. Back in Africa, I’d love to travel from Cape Town into Namibia and then Botswana. In the Middle East, it would have to be Jordan, and the spas and palaces of Oman look far too tempting. If there is one little bit of Europe that I’d really love to discover more about, it’s the Western Balkans – Kosovo, Macedonia, and Albania, full of history and hidden treasures.
If neither money nor time were a factor, I’d love to travel through Central America for about three months with my school-age kids. We’d stay in locally-run B&Bs or eco-resorts, use public transportation, and fly when necessary to immerse ourselves fully in the local culture.
