Dreaming and living the wanderlust life at my early 20's, I have always thrived on my long bucket list. Yes a list that counts up to more than 75 odd countries, I have been lucky enough to witness the magic of 20 awe-inspiring countries already and it still keeps me yearning for more.
Paris! The city of love! The city I have always been waiting to visit with the love of my life. A city, which has always been so dreamy. A place, that has been on my list since years but made way to it only in 2017. Yes like I said the city of love… this post is dedicated to the person behind my dreams, who has made it this far with me. My very first special dedication to him for making me live this experience the Parisian way!
After an overwhelmingly gorgeous week in the Greek Cyclades, it was time to immerse myself into the true historic island of Greece before leaving the country. Starting from the city of Athens, it was time to see Greece in a totally new light. I had 3 full days to explore the city however on the very first day I realized I could see all the highlights in one day if planned well in advance. Continue reading “Athens: Where time travel gets real!”
Imagine a sight where doors open straight to views like paradise! What is the first visual that comes to your mind? Whitewashed doors, postcard picture settings with doors opening to nothing but infinity? Yes that’s exactly what I experienced and lived in Santorini. And I guess I made it so far only because of one oversight that had people blaring in incredulity.
“You’ve never been to Greece?” my acquaintances would bawl. “How is that even possible?”
I shrugged; giving them the answer I give everyone around. “The world’s a big place, I’m only one tiny woman globetrotting this world step by step, and it hasn’t happened yet. I’ll get there soon.”
Even so deep inside, I knew I couldn’t hold off much longer. So when I planned a summer of gallivanting around Europe, there was no question that I would be visiting Santorini, the Greek islands next.
The first evening on a journey is what changes your worldview. All you remember is that, this morning you woke up in your own bed, and now you’re in an absolutely different place. And at that moment emotions just overwhelm you.
Just like going to Greece was always on my cards, but selecting which islands was the biggest challenge. I can’t believe it took me so long to make it here, but I am so excited to have finally landed on the Greek Islands.
Travel is something, which is on everyone’s mind now a day. Everyone wants a bit of it, a lot more of it. Wanting to keep exploring and seeing new places. But for some people, travel is not just a want or something to tick of the list. It’s a lot more than that.
I believe ‘Some People are here to see things, live them, feel them, absorb them; not buy them.’
What is that one thing you look for while planning your next destination? The perfect season, the right weather, list of activities, things to see… The list would go on, and what if you could add another aspect to your list while crafting your next trip? A reason good enough to explore the place like a local, sink in the culture a lot more and enjoy to the fullest? And that’s the very same reason why I have penned down these most breathtaking festivals happening around the world for you all. Some you might know of some might catch you off guard, but trust me they are all worth a visit and experience once in a lifetime. Continue reading “22 more reasons for partying in 2017!”
Each year brings different kind of travels and more stories of being on the road for me. And the zest of going to places in 2016 was an eye opener in many ways.
To me, it isn’t a vacation if there isn’t a beach, a sun kissed sky, open waters or nail-biting adventures. Little did I know that all this was about to change with just a ‘Click’. Yes the click you hear when your heart skips a beat, or your eyes roll out being awe-struck with nature, or simply the click of your camera lens.
When was the last time that you packed the most important thing or possession for your trip and it landed up becoming your most significant memory of the trip? Really like how can a pair of awesome shoes, or that handy backpack help you write stories? Its never things, you can never attach memories and stories to things but only to what you have felt. What you feel because of people and with people!
Having planned a trip to the USA, I was lucky enough to have my week scheduled to spend it cruising on the World’s Largest Ship in 2016, ‘Allures Of the Seas” by Royal Caribbean cruise liner. Wondering why its known as the largest ship in the world, the story was just about to unfold. Who wouldn’t want to be among the lucky few to step on board on this incredible mega-ship that provides endless activities for its 6,000 passengers.
Being my very first experience cruising on board, I was filled with plethora of expectations and excitement all bundled up together. The stateroom cabins were booked in advance and the only thing required was to step on board.
With the ship being docked at Fort Lauderdale, this was where I laid my eyes on this magnificent beauty. It was hard to believe something so gigantic could be man built.
Ready to get on board
With every close encounter towards stepping on board, I realized the check-in procedures were so smooth with extra friendly staff. Finishing with all the security check-in formalities I was glad I hopped on the ship way early than the departure time only to realize there was already so much to be explored.
The first view straight from the cabin.
My week-long sojourn with Allures was about to begin! The Caribbean diaries were about to begin: The Bahamas, St. Maarten, and the US Virgin Islands
Sailing in the vast ocean like a tiny drop of water, this was a city by itself. You could call it a floating city on the deep waters. Embarking the ship and not wasting any time to sort the luggage I was already engrossed in discovering the different “neighborhoods” and marking my favorite spots. The Royal Promenade indeed lived up to its name with its super high ceilings and spacious feeling.
Interior view of Royal Promenade
I marked my secret balconies in the aft of the ship on decks 11 and 12 which became my go to place for the next 7 days.
My Favourite hiding spot!
When on board you can never go hungry. There were several lunch options round the clock like Windjammer Café and Park Central. All you need to do was pick your food, sit outside and enjoy the open-air and enjoying a nice glass of wine with delicious tapas in between the wide ocean.
Waiting for my drink to arrive
And if you’ve not already stuffed yourself enough during lunch, there were “My Time Dining” and different dinner venues to explore each evening.
Ready for dinner already!
There are three different dinning levels and you can choose to dine at each one every different day.
Yes thats what dinner looked like every evening!
Entertainment onboard was never a question. Walking along the Boardwalk watching so many different activities, time can pass by on the ship in a brink.
And the party has just begun!
Then there is the Aqua Theater which hosts the water show performance called Aria by super professional Acrobats. It’s nothing less than a cirque performance in the water. Also the figure skating shows on board is both must-see. The thrills I saw on ice was nothing less than that of the Aqua.
Ice Skating show onboardWater Acrobat – Aria Show
In addition to these shows I took complete advantage of the onboard athletic activities like ice skating and the FlowRider surf simulator. They were a real thrilling experience. With the next day of cruising at the sea, I took my chance to explore the ship and activities around it. Like enjoying the zip line across the highest decks, rock climbing etc.
Zip Lined for the dayRock Climbing done right!
With so much exhilaration one thing was for sure, On the Allure, the ‘sea’ days are just as fun and exciting as those spent ashore in the Bahamas, St. John, and St. Maarten. It’s amazing to think how The Royal Caribbean have creating a ship that could accommodate thousands of vacationers at one time.
When the ship docks, you can’t get enough of the view
The first Port of Call next day was The Bahamas. The ship docked at Nassau shore and there began the first Caribbean land explorations. With limited time on hand I wanted to make the most out of my time at the Bahamas. Here are some sneak peaks from the day tour. Indeed a day well spent on this Caribbean island.
When in Bahamas, live the Caribbean lifeAtlantis – Bahamas
On second day the ship docked at Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas, and I decided to just explore the dock, get the feel of the island and then return back to the deck to get a panoramic view of the whole island. It was day meant to sink in the Caribbean feeling on the cruise and unwind.
Sinking in St. Thomas view from the cruise
Next day was another full day at the sea with the cruise sailing to the maximum. It was time to explore some more fun activities on the cruise and upping my game of golf. With views like this and clear sky above you, who wouldn’t mind loosing a game or two?
Ready to strike!
Some days on the cruise were made up of day spending by the pool, in the pool. Lazying around on the deck. I have never in my life gazed at such thick blankets of stars for this long.
Evenings like this on the cruise
Late evening this was my favorite place on the cruise, this very moment. The jogging track on the ship that was rather isolated during the evening became my solace.
Running with views like this, who wouldn’t mind?
I have sat here for hours gazing at that thin line between the sky and ocean and wondering that’s where life is.
My favourite spot on the cruise.
At nights I would find myself on the deck snuggling between the cold breeze staring the wide sky. Never have I seen such a thick blanket of stars. In between the ocean, with the only voice of the sea it was serenity.
Night scenes on the cruise
The last port of call while cruising on the fifth day was at Charlotte Amelie in St. Marteen. Having heard about some of the unique beaches on this island from an overnight friend on the cruise I was determined to explore this too. No sooner did the cruise dock I made my way to Maho beach to watch the low-flying planes. I was forewarned that the signs at Maho Beach about the jet blast are not exaggerating about the intensity of the jet engines at takeoff, and this is what I was here to see. Waiting under the blasting sun for the biggest airplane to land on this runway the excitement wouldn’t wear off. And finally when the plane did arrive, the blast was enough to knock everyone on the backwards. You can say you almost touched the aircraft, or at least this picture seems so say so!
At Maho BeachFlight timetable on a surfboard! Really?
I look back at my week at sea and the memories never seem to fade away. It’s the perfect ship for multigenerational families and groups. I must say that the Allure of the Seas covered every age, every interest and every expectation you would ever have.
Will be back soon
It was like living in a world away from world! An experience you gotta have, an experience you gotta live at least once in a lifetime!
GlobeTrotting365Days: ALLURES OF THE SEA April 24th 2016.
As I packed my bags for Cancun, I had this perma-grin on my face as I was headed to the beach again! Exploring destinations beach after beach Cancun yet came across as a surprise!
Cancun ‘A paradise destination basked in golden sunshine’,
Cancun Beach
Whilst there were many reasons to come to this beautiful destination, mine was pure love for the beach that bought me here! After one look at the crystal clear waters and sinking my toes in the velvetiest, softest sands I have ever felt I had to believe that Cancun had the most vibrant, turquoise waters I have ever seen in my entire life. I knew it was the most right decision I ever made to be here!
