Chez Silo Travelwe travel all over the world, and there is nothing we love more than discovering new landscapes, realities and cultures. Over the years, thanks to my work, I have been able to settle down in places of all kinds, on all continents.
The truth is, there aren’t really any places I wouldn’t return to, and my list of favorite destinations changes all the time. But the following favorites tend to always end up somewhere in my current top 10!
5 places in the world that deserve their place on a bucket list:
1. French Polynesia
The pointed mountains of Moorea, the turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora, the Fakarava atoll, the jungle of Tahiti… The islands of French Polynesia are stunningly beautiful. Their ancestral culture – linked to those of Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand – also makes them very special.
Why go there? You can of course go there for a romantic trip in an overwater villa! But this is not the only way to stay: small hotels and Airbnbs are numerous. Among the activities: hiking, boat tours, snorkeling, surfing, pearl or vanilla farms, barbecues on the beach, cultural events, etc.
Namely: there are 118 islands divided into 5 archipelagos, covering more than 4000 km2. You have to make choices and plan. They are a good way to not (completely) break the bank.
2. The Lofoten Islands in Norway
Welcome to the Arctic! The Lofoten Islands are a series of mountains that rise from the Norwegian Sea, with fjords, beaches, translucent waters and fishing villages. They are located well beyond the Arctic Circle, but unlike the Canadian Arctic, the Norwegian Arctic is very accessible and more inhabited, due to a milder climate.
Why go there? To go hiking, take one of the most photogenic road trips of your life, surf in freezing water, find cool little cafes, visit art galleries, warm up in panoramic saunas, enjoy the midnight sun ( in summer) and admire the Northern Lights (in winter). Oh, and also to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings!
Please note: The best months to visit Lofoten are July and August but they are very busy.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Türkiye’s largest city (or Türkiye) is stunning but captivating. One of the particularities of this metropolis of 16 million inhabitants is that it is both in Europe and in Asia. It is the Bosphorus Strait which separates the two continents, right in the heart of the city.
Why go there? Because it’s definitely ancient Byzantium and ancient Constantinople! Its history and culture are immensely rich. You can feel it in the Sultanahmet district, with the former Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. But it is the trendy neighborhoods (Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Ortaköy…) which especially charm with their cafes, restaurants, galleries, terraces and museums. And what about the kitchen and the countless cats, kings and masters of the city, who everyone takes care of?
To note: the traffic in Istanbul is…crazy. One way to get around while admiring the city is to take the ferries (my top 1 in Istanbul). They are part of the public transportation network.
4. Namibia
Have you always dreamed of going on a safari in Africa? Namibia is not the first country that comes to mind, but it is worth considering because it combines both wildlife parks AND incredible deserts, including the Namib which flows into the Atlantic.
Why go there? To go on safari to meet the elephants of Damaraland, the giant orange dunes of Sossusvlei and thousands of animals of Etosha National Park. Also to discover the surprising German colonial architecture of Swakopmund and to sleep in incredible lodges under millions of stars.
Great information for the more “gaming”: in Namibia, you can do a road trip-safari on your own, without an organized group. Just rent a car (with a tent on the roof, for example) and set off on an adventure (carefully, though).
Another info: it is extremely difficult to take an ugly photo in Namibia!
5. The Magdalen Islands in Quebec
They are with us, yes, but they are more distant and exotic than it seems. We realize this when we see them from the top of the plane, alone and tiny in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Or when we finally arrive at the port of Cap-aux-Meules after 12 hours by car (from Montreal) and 5 hours by ferry.
Why go there? For the welcome. For landscapes made of white beaches (300 km), red cliffs and green hills. For craftsmen. For gourmet addresses and lobster rolls. For sports like cycling, hiking, kitesurfing or surfing. And to slow down. Because, even if there is nothing like a party by a Madelinot campfire, the 85 km long archipelago remains an ideal destination for a slightly more contemplative vacation.
Namely: You need to book your ferry early if you want to go to the Islands by car in high season. Same for vacation homes.
