Travel Highlights Of 2015

My travel highlights of 2015 took me through Myanmar, the Philippines, South Africa and Ethiopia, from sunrise over the temples of Bagan to a bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge and the salt flats of the Danakil Depression. It’s already December, time to bid goodbye to a year that got me into loads of adventures and expeditions. As we head into the new year, here are my most unforgettable travel moments of 2015.

Myanmar (Burma)

My journey through this mystical country started in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, where Shwedagon Pagoda was the highlight.

• Nyaung Shwe: heading north, my next stop was the gateway to Inle Lake, where I rented a boat to sail between the different islands around the lake.
• Bagan: in the land of temples, I woke up to watch golden rays of sun beaming through the domes of the ancient pagodas.

To read more about my expedition through mystical Myanmar, Click Here.

Philippines

Travelling to the Philippines, a country of cheerful people and unique cuisine, had always been on my list. I began this magnificent journey in laid-back Clark, not far from the capital, Manila.

• Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte: my first stop, a laid-back spot at the northernmost point of the country, known for its pristine beaches.
• Bangui: a quick drive from Pagudpud and home to the country’s first wind farm.
• Vigan, Ilocos Sur: the highlight of the trip. As soon as I stepped off my bus from Laoag, this magical city took me back to the Spanish era. The cobblestoned streets, the kalesas and the delicious empanadas gave me unforgettable memories.
• Baguio: my last stop, the summer capital of the country at an altitude of approximately 1,540 metres, a pine-land known for its strawberry farms.

To read more about my experience in the Philippines, Click Here.

South Africa

The Mother City, Cape Town, welcomed me with open arms, and every turn and every street had a mesmerising beauty. Its iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point are something one should not miss.

I got this ambitious trip started by renting a car and driving the scenic Garden Route, and each region I passed through gave me a unique, unforgettable experience. The highlight, however, was taking the plunge off the 216-metre Bloukrans Bridge, famous as the world’s highest bridge bungee.

To read more about my adventurous trip to South Africa, Click Here.

Ethiopia

This country in the Horn of Africa made me feel at home: friendly and hospitable people, great food, many varieties of beer and, of course, a land full of adventure.

• Bahir Dar: my first stop, the gateway to the Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana, the country’s only major lake. I walked through the local market, which gave me great exposure to the locals’ way of life.
• Gondar: the historic town north of Bahir Dar, where I walked into the history of the country.
• Danakil Depression: the highlight of the trip, often referred to as “the cruellest place on earth”. Danakil is a desert in the Afar region of Ethiopia, bordering Djibouti and Eritrea. Seeing an active volcano, which the locals call “the gateway to hell”, and the salt flats of the Dallol region was a dream-come-true experience.

Read more about the paradise that I finally managed to explore: Click Here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries were my travel highlights of 2015?

Myanmar, the Philippines, South Africa and Ethiopia.

What was the biggest adventure of the year?

Bungee jumping off the 216-metre Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa, closely followed by the active volcano and salt flats of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia.

What was the highlight of the Philippines trip?

Vigan in Ilocos Sur, with its Spanish-era cobblestoned streets, kalesas and empanadas.

What Are Your Travel Highlights of the Year?

2015 was a year of temples, beaches, road trips and volcanoes, and I can’t wait to see what the next one brings. Share your stories and photos as a comment below!