After 30+ countries and some unforgettable adventures, we have chosen our top #10 travel experiences! Don’t forget to share yours in the comments section below!
In no particular order and apart from living in our beloved Tokyo, the place we called home for the past four years…here is our top #10!
1. Summer Matsuri Trip, Japan
In 2010, we took an eight-day camping road trip around Tohoku following the summer matsuri (festivals) all the way to Aomori and then back down again to Tokyo.
Hanagasa Festival, Yamagata (click here for an interesting side-trip idea)
2. Pampas, Amazon Basin, Bolivia
Got up close to all kinds of wildlife as we explored the Amazon tributaries.
3. Inca Trail, Peru
Four-day, three-night hike to Machu Picchu. With such diverse micro-climates and amazing scenery along the way, it’s definitely worth the effort.
4. Felucca Trip, The Nile, Egypt
Three days sailing up the Nile in a small boat called a felucca. At night, we docked on the banks, cooked dinner and slept on the open-air boat. Click here for more.
5. Hiking in the Himalayas, Kashmir, India
Seven days hiking in the Himalayas = altitude sickness and ridiculous angles on mountain ponies but amazing views.
6. Snow Festival, Hokkaido, Japan
Sapporo’s Yuki Matsuri is a must-see in Japan’s winter. Click here for more.
7. Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Egypt
While the touristic nature of this destination may have taken away some of its charm, if you can ignore the KFC in view, there’s nothing like the Pyramids to make you feel like you are conquering the big guns on your world map.
8. Marrakech, Morocco
Endless labyrinthine medinas, amazing food in Djemma el Fna…Marrakech is one of our favorite cities. Click here for more.
9. Climbing Mt. Fuji, Japan
An almost 24-hour adventure that saw us tackle this majestic mountain from the bottom, this was a tough overnight climb through the eerie forest. However, one of our more rewarding endeavors.
See photos from our most recent Fuji adventure here.
10. Volunteering in Tohoku, Japan
Meeting those affected by the multiple disasters of March 11th 2011 and then being able to give a little something back has been the utmost privilege. Read more here.
Honorable Mentions
Summer in Kyoto, Japan
Climbing Mt. Sinai, Egypt
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Adventure Sports, Minakami, Japan
New York City
A few of these adventures have been documented on our blog already. We hope to fill in the gaps over time on our other top experiences. If there is a particular adventure you would like to hear more about, please let us know!
What are your top travel experiences? Please share in the comments section below!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo
Sunday 17th of November 2013
Great list, I love reading about your life of travel. I used to travel heaps in the days before blogs, if only they had been invented I feel quite sure I would have been a travel blogger too! Life changes and I have kids now but we still take them on as many adventures as we can. Putting together a top 10 list would be so hard but it has made me think!
Jessica Korteman
Monday 18th of November 2013
Thanks, Phoebe! I wish we had a blog when we first started travelling too, and a digital camera! hahaha Life does change but so glad to hear that your adventurous spirit hasn't! Yes, we spent a long time debating this list. And over time it will also change. But the problem is, I don't want to take anything off the list! It may very well become a top #50 before too long! Thanks so much for joining us on our adventures. :)
LuizzeOliveira
Saturday 29th of June 2013
Traveling is one of my favorite hobby. Because due to this we feel relax and reduce our stress. I am really impressed by your amazing travel experience. Its memorable and wonderful for you.
Jessica Korteman
Thursday 11th of July 2013
Thank you, Luizze! We believe travel is the best education and life experience you can get! What's your favorite destination/experience so far?
Laura
Thursday 18th of April 2013
Wow, just wow! I'm struggling to tear myself away from your blog. Travel is a passion of mine and you've just inspired me even more. What an amazing life, truely inspirational. Thank you for the constant reminder that if you want something, you go and get it!
Jessica Korteman
Thursday 18th of April 2013
Thanks so much, Laura! You have just reiterated exactly what we want this site to be about. Not just about our own adventures, but in sharing them hoping to inspire others to go out and make their own. Really, anything is possible. Where are you now and where do you want to travel to next?
a passion and a passport
Saturday 9th of March 2013
wow what awesome experiences you have had so far! camel riding in the negev desert and scuba diving in greece are probably at the top of my travel experiences! thanks for sharing yours! :) very inspiring!
Jessica Korteman
Monday 11th of March 2013
Thanks so much, Jess! Your experiences in the Negev Desert and Greece sound amazing! Looking forward to seeing photos from your Greek honeymoon (congrats, by the way!) I bet the Mediterranean was incredible! Thanks for sharing your top travel experiences! :)
Kanto Festival, Akita - Notes of Nomads
Monday 4th of March 2013
[...] and encompasses the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) and back again. Listed as one of our Top 10 Travel Experiences, I’m keen to share with you the festivals we visited along the [...]