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If you could travel absolutely anywhere, where would you go? We all have our preferred destinations, whether that be a specific country or region that we’ve come to know and love, or perhaps an unfamiliar destination we’ve simply been longing to explore for some time now. But, where are your ultimate dream destinations – those far-flung places you find yourself daydreaming about being able to visit one day?
Here are my personal top three dream places to visit at least once in your life.
3 dream destinations to travel to at least once in your lifetime
1. Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley, Peru
One of my dream places to visit is the ancient city of Machu Picchu and El Valle Sagrado (the Sacred Valley, or the Río Urubamba Valley) in Peru, South America. Together with the neighbouring town of Cuzco or Cusco, these locations are among the most iconic sights of the Inca Empire.
The most popular tourist destination in Peru, Machu Picchu (meaning “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain”) was built in around 1450AD and consists of over 150 buildings, including baths, houses, temples, sanctuaries and more. In 1983, this iconic Inca site was designed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in 2007, it was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Travelling to Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Besides Machu Picchu itself, the Sacred Valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and archaeological ruins, once inhabited by small Andean communities.
If you’re keen to visit Machu Picchu, consider enlisting the help of a reputable travel agency with a commitment to sustainable tourism. Formed by travellers, for travellers, Howlanders focuses on offering memorable adventure experiences in natural destinations and beauty spots, from jungles and rainforests, to glaciers and volcanoes.
Beginning and ending in downtown Cuzco, Howlanders’ two-day guided Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley tour will take you to Pisac, Urubamba, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, all within the Sacred Valley, before proceeding to Aguas Calientes – the access point to the ruins of the Inca city. Afterwards, you’ll embark on a two-hour guided tour to Machu Picchu.
As Howlanders is run by travellers who’ve already experienced your dream destinations first-hand, not only can they help you to set up your own trip, but they can also advise you on all aspects of your trip like where to stay, what to eat and drink, how much spending money to take, and more.
2. Bhutan
The only country in the world to put the happiness of its people before its wealth, Bhutan has long been on my list of dream places to visit. It’s hard to believe that this tiny Buddhist nation, tucked away in the Himalayas, land-locked by India, Tibet, China, and Nepal, and accessible only via two small planes, has been dubbed the ‘world’s happiest country’. What’s more, Bhutan also has one of the fastest-growing GDPs in the world.
In 1972, Bhutan began prioritising “gross national happiness” (GNH) over “gross domestic product” (GDP), meaning the country’s development is guided by a more holistic approach to that of other nations, giving equal importance to different aspects of wellbeing besides those related to the economy – like living standards, health, education, culture and psychological wellbeing – rather than simply focusing on ‘happiness’ alone.
The world’s last-standing Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan has long resisted the temptation to invite floods of tourists to explore its fragile lands. Even to this day, only a certain number of tourists can be welcomed into the country every year, and booking with a licensed tour provider is an essential prerequisite of any visit, along with a minimum $200-250 (depending on when you visit) tourism fee to cover your sight-seeing tours, accommodation, food and drink, and a driver.
Visiting Bhutan as a tourist, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty of the country, with its rolling mountains, hills and valleys. Travelling with your guide, there are many iconic landmarks and unique experiences to enjoy. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (pictured above), situated just outside Paro, is a real must.
Seen as Bhutan’s answer to Machu Picchu or the Taj Mahal, the monastery clings to a cliff face with a 900m drop, accessible only by foot. Once you reach the Tiger’s Nest and admire the awe-inspiring views across the valley, while appreciating the sense of calm and stillness within the temple, the journey will be 100% worth it.
Other popular landmarks include the National Museum, alongside Paro Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong (other famous Buddhist monasteries). If you enjoy hiking, you’ve come to the right place, as you’ll have the option to embark on treks and/or expeditions throughout the Himalayas, with the most popular of all being the Jhomolhari Trek, following ancient trade routes through Jigme Dorji National Park to the sacred Jhomolhari Peak, standing at over 7,000-metres tall on the Tibetan border. Find more inspiration on things to do in Bhutan here.
3. Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
The third-biggest island in the world, Borneo comprises not one, not two, but three different nations including Indonesian Kalimantan, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the tiny nation of Brunei. Perhaps best known for its exotic wildlife offering, Sabah is widely regarded among the best places to visit in Asia.
The home of some of the oldest rainforests in the world, Borneo is perhaps best known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and its rich abundance of flora and fauna. The rainforest alone houses thousands of animal species, including a number of endangered species like Bornean orangutans, Borneo pygmy elephants, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, maroon and silvered langurs (red leaf- and silver leaf-monkeys), Bornean gibbons, the Sun Bear (the smallest bear in the world), over 300 species of birds, and much more.
In 2020, right before the onset of the pandemic, I was lucky enough to observe some of these endangered species in their natural habitats for myself, while on a press trip with Sabah Tourism and Royal Brunei Airlines. Besides enjoying a guided tour of the endangered species on the Kinabatangan River, we also got to visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (pictured below), and the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Sabah’s Mount Kinabulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to a fascinating array of 5000+ plants, insects and animals, nestled beneath leafy green canopies. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even hike Mount Kinabalu yourself although, as this is Malaysia’s tallest peak, you’ll need to allow at least two days for it.
Wildlife aside, there are many more sights, activities and experiences to enjoy while visiting Borneo. In the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, popular tourist destinations include the mirage-like Floating Mosque, Signal Hill Observatory platform (famed for its panoramic views over Kota Kinabalu), and Gaya Street, home to a eclectic mix of restaurants and bars serving all kinds of cuisines and, on Sundays, a lively street market.
If, like me, you travel with food in mind, you’ll no doubt relish the opportunity to gorge on authentic Malaysian food at the various local cafes, restaurants and street food vendors you’ll encounter during your stay. Make sure you tuck into a traditional nasi lemak for breakfast (pictured below) at least once, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste Malaysian beef rendang (originating from Indonesia, but extremely popular throughout Malaysia, as well as Singapore).
Regardless of your age, or your interests, you’ll never be short of things to do in Sabah.
So, there you have it – by top three dream places to visit at least once in your lifetime. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list; in fact, I could go on and on, as I have so many dream destinations I’d love to tick off my travel bucket list at some point.
For now, however, I’ll leave you to daydream over these three dream destinations, although I may choose to add to this list in the future.
Where are your top dream places to visit at some point during your life? Share your travel bucket list with me by commenting below; who knows, perhaps I’ll even choose to add your recommendation to my list!
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