MY WISH LIST

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Κάθε νέο έτος έρχεται πάντα με κάποιες αποφάσεις: να ασκούμε περισσότερο, να τρώω πιο υγιεινά, να εργάζομαι λιγότερο, να ταξιδεύω περισσότερο… Σήμερα όμως, αντί να γράψω τις αποφάσεις μου για το νέο έτος, είπα να πάω ένα βήμα παραπέρα και να φτιάχνω την δική μου “Bucket List”…

Για όσους από εσάς δεν το είχατε ακούσει ποτέ, “Bucket List” σημαίνει “Τα πράγματα που θέλω να κάνω πριν πεθάνω”, και προέρχεται από την έκφραση kick the bucket (να πεθάνω). Εγώ προτιμώ να δώσω μια πιο χαρούμενη χροιά στην λίστα μου, και για αυτό αντί για “My Bucket List” θα την ονομάσω “My Wish List” (Η λίστα με τις επιθυμίες μου)…

Μερικές από τις επιθυμίες μου μπορεί να είναι εφικτές, κάποιες άλλες όχι, αλλά τι σημασία έχει; Τα όνειρα άλλωστε δεν κοστίζουν τίποτα!

1. Οδικό ταξίδι στη Λατινική Αμερική

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Ένα όνειρο ζωής … Να πηγαίνω από Baja California, τη βορειότερη περιοχή του Μεξικού, στο νοτιότερο άκρο στη Χιλή, από Punta Pariñas στο Περού, τέρμα ανατολικά μέχρι Ponta do Seixas στη Βραζιλία. Να μένω με τους ντόπιους, βλέποντας μη τουριστικές περιοχές, να θαυμάζω τις φυσικές ομορφιές της, χωρίς βιασύνη ή προθεσμίες …

Εμπνευστείτε:

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Neverendingvoyage.com: Ο Simon και η Erin είναι ένα ζευγάρι Άγγλων που αυτοαποκαλούνται “ψηφιακοί νομάδες”. Πούλησαν τα πάντα το 2010, ταξιδεύουν τον κόσμο και μοιράζονται τις εμπειρίες τους σε ένα blog. Διαβάστε το post τους, The Best Latin America Travel Blogs, για να πάρετε κάποιες ιδέες για ταξίδια …

Διαβάστε περισσότερα

 

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Ταινίες που εμπνέουν ταξίδια: Μερικές φορές οι ταινίες μπορεί να αποτελούν πηγή έμπνευσης… Ημερολόγια Μοτοσικλέτας είναι μία από εκείνες τις ταινίες που εύκολα σε βάζει στην σκέψη ενός ταξιδιού στην Λατινική Αμερική…

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2.Ένα Gourmet Tour στην Ευρώπη

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Λατρεύω τα ethnic foods! Κατά τη γνώμη μου, το να δοκιμάζεις τις τοπικές γεύσεις είναι μια από τις μεγαλύτερες απολαύσεις ενός ταξιδιού. Η Ευρώπη είναι ο κορυφαίος προορισμός για γκουρμέ αποδράσεις, με την ποικιλία και το πλούτος της κουζίνας της… Για φανταστείτε: μερικά viennoiserie για πρωινό στο Παρίσι, μια στάση για ένα ποτήρι μπίρας στο Βερολίνο, τάπας στη Βαρκελώνη το μεσημέρι, το απόγευμα στο Λονδίνο για tea time, πίσω στις Βρυξέλλες για να πάρουμε λίγη σοκολάτα, pasta για βραδινό στη Ρώμη, λίγο κρασί και τυρί στο Μπορντό, ένα κομμάτι Sachertorte για επιδόρπιο στη Βιέννη, και ένα ουίσκι on the rocks στο Εδιμβούργο … Yummy!

Εμπνευστείτε:

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Viator.com: σε αυτό το site θα βρείτε μια εντυπωσιακή λίστα από Food tours σε διάφορες ευρωπαϊκές πόλεις.

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Tripologist.com:

Το post A Culinary Tour Through Western Europe θα σας δώσει μερικές ιδέες για να τρώτε στην Ισπανία, Γαλλία και Ολλανδία.

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3. Να επισκεφθώ όλα τα περισσότερα ελληνικά νησιά

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Τα ελληνικά νησιά μπήκαν στη λίστα μου χωρίς δεύτερη σκέψη. Μια ζωή δεν είναι αρκετή για να τα δεις όλα (υπάρχουν πάνω από 6000 !!), αλλά θα ήθελα να επισκεφθώ τα περισσότερα… Είναι όλα διαφορετικά, το καθένα με μια μοναδική ομορφιά…

Εμπνευστείτε:

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Greeka.com: Δείτε τον κατάλογο τους για τα καλύτερα ελληνικά νησιά, ανάλογα με τη δημοτικότητά τους.

Διαβάστε περισσότερα

 

 

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Visitgreece.gr: η επίσημη ιστοσελίδα του Ελληνικού Οργανισμού Τουρισμού, είναι ένα όμορφο site με χρήσιμες συμβουλές για το πού να πάτε, δραστηριότητες, εκδηλώσεις, κλπ. Είναι ενδιαφέρον επίσης και το blog τους …

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4. Μια επίσκεψη πολιτιστική -και για shopping- στη Νέα Υόρκη

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Έχω ζήσει, αγάπησει και αφήσει τη Νέα Υόρκη εδώ και πολύ καιρό, και δεν μπορώ να περιμένω άλλο να ξαναπάω… Μάλιστα, η Νέα Υόρκη είναι μεταξύ των επόμενων ταξιδιωτικών προορισμών μου… Μουσεία, γκαλερί τέχνης, θέατρα, στο Broadway και off Broadway… Για ένα πράγμα μπορείτε να είστε σίγουροι: δεν υπάρχει περίπτωση να βαρεθείτε στη Νέα Υόρκη! Αλλά η Νέα Υόρκη είναι επίσης μια ολόκληρη εμπειρία και για ψώνια: από σούπερ πολυτελή καταστήματα μέχρι και πάμφθηνα, θα βρείτε ό, τι μπορείτε να φανταστείτε… Είτε κατά μήκος της Fifth Avenue, στα καταστήματα των πιο γνωστών σχεδιαστών στη Madison Avenue, ή όσο περιφέρεστε στο Σόχο … Καλώς ήλθατε στο shopping paradise…!

Εμπνευστείτε:

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Justluxe.com: σε αυτό το site θα βρείτε μια λίστα με τα καλύτερα σημεία να ψωνήσετε με στιλ στη Νέα Υόρκη…

Διαβάστε περισσότερα

 

 

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AlmostfreeNYC.com: Πιστεύετε πως η Νέα Υόρκη είναι πανάκριβη; Δείτε αυτό το blog και πάρτε μερικές ιδέες για να δείτε την πόλη με λίγα χρήματα…

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5. Ένα ταξίδι στην Ινδία

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Η Ινδία είναι ένας από τους προορισμούς που πάντα ήθελα να επισκεφθώ, αλλά τελικά ποτέ δεν τα κατάφερα… Θα ήθελα πολύ να έχω λίγο χρόνο διαλογισμού στο Dharamshala, να βιώσω το χάος και τις αντιθέσεις της Μουμπάι, να θαυμάσω το μαγευτικό Ταζ Μαχάλ, να μείνω στο Βαρανάσι, την πνευματική πρωτεύουσα της Ινδίας, και να χαλαρώσω σε μια παραλία στη Goa!

Εμπνευστείτε

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Goindia.about.com: αυτό το site θα σας καθοδηγήσει στα μέρη που πρέπει να δείτε στην Ινδία, μέσα από τα μάτια της Sharrell Cook, μια Αυστραλέζα η οποία πήγε αρχικά για μια επίσκεψη στην Ινδία, αλλά την ερωτεύτηκε και τελικά μετακόμισε εκεί.

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Myoksha.com: η ιστοσελίδα αυτή παρέχει πληροφορίες για προσκύνημα στην Ινδία. Το άρθρο τους Top India Travel Bloggers αναφέρει μερικούς bloggers, από διάφορα μέρη του κόσμου, που αγαπούν την Ινδία και μοιράζονται τις εντυπώσεις τους στα blogs τους…

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6.Να μάθω περισσότερες γλώσσες

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Όπως και με τα ethnic foods, οι γλώσσες είναι ένας πολύ καλός τρόπος για να γνωρίσουμε σε βάθος την κουλτούρα μιας χώρας. Προσωπικά μου αρέσει πολύ να μαθαίνω ξένες γλώσσες… Τα Ιταλικά θα είναι σίγουρα η επόμενη μου, θα ακολουθήσουν τα Πορτογαλικά, και μετά ίσως τα Ιαπωνικά;

Εμπνευστείτε

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Mezzoguild.com: Αν θέλετε να μάθετε ξένες γλώσσες, αυτό είναι το site σας! Ο Donovan, ένας Αυστραλός με πάθος για την εκμάθηση γλωσσών, προσφέρει συμβουλές, ενθάρρυνση και ταξιδιωτικές οδηγίες. Το άρθρο του, 16 Prolific Language Learning Bloggers You Should Follow, παραθέτει τους πιο έγκυρους bloggers για την εκμάθηση γλωσσών.

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Οφέλη της εκμάθησης γλωσσών: Δεν έχετε πειστεί ακόμα; Διαβάστε τα άρθρα παρακάτω. Η διγλωσσία ενισχύει τον δείκτη νοημοσύνης και μειώνει τις πιθανότητες άνοιας και Αλτσχάιμερ.

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και περισσότερα

 

7. Να βελτιώσω τις δεξιότητες μου στο σκι

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Δεν είμαι άνθρωπος των σπορ, αλλά λατρεύω το σκι! Κάτι έχει το σκι: το να γλιστράς πάνω στο χιόνι, ο αέρας που χαϊδεύει το πρόσωπό σου, η ομορφιά του χιονισμένου τοπίου, η αίσθηση ελευθερίας και επιβράβευσης που σου αφήνει… Και φυσικά, το après ski! Η επιθυμία μου είναι να μπορώ να καταφέρω πιο δύσκολες πίστες, και πάνω απ΄όλα, να κάνω σκι πιο συχνά…

Εμπνευστείτε

family ski bliss thumbnailFamilyskitrips.com: site που παρέχει χρήσιμες συμβουλές για σκι και σχόλια γαι χιονοδρομικά κέντρα. Δείτε το άρθρο τους Top 10 Reasons to Love Skiing και ίσως θα γίνετε και εσείς λάτρεις του σκι!

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Σκι στις γαλλικές Άλπεις: Η Γαλλία είναι ένας από τους κορυφαίους προορισμούς για σκι στον κόσμο, με εξαιρετικά θέρετρα και μια πολύ καλά οργανωμένη σχολή σκι.

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Σκέφτεστε να κάνετε τη δικιά σας wish list;

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Τότε, δείτε το blog της Lesley Carter, bucketlistpublications.org. Είναι πραγματικά μια πηγή έμπνευσης: η Lesley έβαλε σκοπό να κάνει την bucket list της πραγματικότητα, και για αυτό εγκατέλειψε την “κανονική” της δουλειά και ταξιδεύει σε όλον τον κόσμο…

 

Ελπίζω να έχετε εμπνευστεί για να γράψετε τη δική σας wish list… και να τη μοιραστείτε μαζί μας! 

 

Photo credits
Intro: ruben alexander Flickr.com; Latin America: Jeff Stvan Flickr.com, Dimitry B. Flickr.com, Alfredo Miguel Romero Flickr.com, Fifa.com; Europe: zoph Flickr.com, tripadvisor.com, Jenny Flickr.com, Sacher.com; Greece: Richard Martin Flickr.com, Daniel Muñoz Uribe Flickr.com, Robert Wallace Flickr.com, med-control.org; New York: r hahs Flickr.com, Gugenheim.org, Wikimedia commons, inetours.com, Emmanuel Huybrechts Flickr.com, India: Meena Kadri Flickr.com, Dennis Jarvis Flickr.com, Wikimedia commons, Wikimedia commons; Languages: Wikimedia commons, geraldford Flickr.com; Ski: Gunther Sader Flickr.com

MY WISH LIST

Bottle wishes 14663843243_2097cd8495_kA new year always comes with some resolutions: exercise more, eat healthier, work less, travel more… Today though, instead of writing down my New Year’s resolutions, I decided to go a step further and make my Bucket list…

For those of you who never heard of it, “Bucket list” means “Things I want to do before I die”, and comes from the expression kick the bucket (to die). I prefer to give it a more cheerful connotation, therefore instead of naming it “My Bucket list” I will call it “My Wish list”…

Some of the wishes may be feasible, some others not, but who cares? Dreaming doesn’t cost anything!

1. Road trip in Latin America

Latin America Collage resizedA lifetime dream….Going from Baja California, the Northernmost area of Mexico, to the extreme south in Chile, from Punta Pariñas in Peru, all the way east to Ponta do Seixas in Brazil. Staying with locals, seeing non touristic places, admiring its natural wonders, with no rush or deadlines…

Get inspired:

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Neverendingvoyage.com: Simon and Erin are a couple of English digital nomads. They sold everything in 2010, travel the world and share their experiences in their blog. Read their post, The Best Latin America Travel Blogs, and get some travel ideas…

Read more 

 

 

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Movies that inspire life-changing travel: Sometimes movies get us truly inspired… The Motorcycle Diaries is one of those films that can grow on you the idea of visiting Latin America…

Read more

 

 

2. Gourmet tour in Europe 

Food Europe_Collage resizedI love ethnic food! In my opinion, trying local tastes is among the greatest pleasures of traveling. Europe is my top eating destination, with its variety and richness… Just imagine: some viennoiserie for breakfast in Paris, a stopover for a glass of beer in Berlin, some tapas in Barcelona at noon, tea time in London, back to Brussels to grab some chocolate, a good pasta for dinner in Rome, some wine and cheese in Bordeaux, a piece of Sachertorte in Vienna, some scotch on the rocks in Edinburgh…Yummy!

Get inspired:

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Viator.com: you will find in this site an impressive list of Food tours in different European cities.

Read more

 

 

 

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Tripologist.com: the post A Culinary Tour Through Western Europe will give you some tips for eating while traveling in Spain, France and the Netherlands.

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3. Visit all most of the Greek islands

Greece_Collage resizedFor those of you who haven’t been to Greece, don’t hesitate to add it to your wish list. It’s such a beautiful country! Greek islands are a must and I included them in my list without a second thought. A lifetime would not be enough to see them all (there are over 6000!!), but I would like to visit most of them… They are all different, each one with its unique beauty…

Get inspired:

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Greeka.com: this site is considered one of the top web resources to organize a trip to Greece. Check out their list on the best Greek islands, ranked by popularity

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Visitgreece.gr: the official site of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, is a beautiful site with useful tips on where to go, activities, events, etc. Check out also their interesting blog…

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4. A cultural -and shopping- trip to New York 

New York_Collage resizedAfter living, loving and leaving NY long ago, I can’t wait to go back… Actually NY is among my next travel destinations…. Museums, art galleries, theaters, Broadway and off Broadway… One thing you can be sure of: you won’t get bored in New York! But NY is also a shopping experience: from super luxury to bargain, you will find anything you want….Whether strolling along the Fifth avenue, getting into designers’ stores in Madison Avenue, or wandering in SoHo…welcome to shopping paradise!…

Get inspired:

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Justluxe.com: in this site you will find a list with the best places to shop in style while in New York…

Read more

 

 

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AlmostfreeNYC.com: Think New York is too expensive? Check out this blog to get the most of The City on a budget…

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5. A trip to India

India_Collage resizedIndia is one of these destinations I always wanted to visit but I never managed to… I would love to have some meditation time in Dharamshala, experience the chaos and contrasts of Mumbai, admire the majestic Taj Mahal, stay in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, and relax on the beach in Goa!

Get inspired

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Goindia.about.com: this site will guide you to places you must see in India, through the eyes of Sharrell Cook, an Australian who first went for a visit and ended up falling in love with India and finally moving there.

Read more

 

 

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Myoksha.com: this site provides information on Pilgrimage places in India. Their article Top India Travel Bloggers lists several bloggers, from different backgrounds, who love India and share their travelogs in their blogs…

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6. Learn more languages 

Colosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_-_April_2007As with ethnic food, languages are a great way to get to know in depth the culture of a country. I love to learn different languages… Italian is for sure my next one, followed by Portuguese, and then maybe Japanese?

Get inspired

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Mezzoguild.com: If you want to learn foreign languages, this is your site! Donovan, an Australian with a huge passion for language learning, offers tips, encouragement and travel advice. His article, 16 Prolific Language Learning Bloggers You Should Follow, lists the most authoritative bloggers on language learning.

Read more

 

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Benefits of language learning: Not convinced yet? Check the articles below. Bilingualism boosts the IQ  and reduces the chances of dementia and Alzheimer.

Read more

and more

 

7. Improve my ski skills

Ski 5536442117_393c94110e_bI am not a sports person, but I love ski! There is something about it: gliding on the snow and feeling the wind on your face, admiring the beauty of the snow-capped mountains, the rewarding feeling of freedom and accomplishment… And of course, the après ski! My wish is to be able to tackle more difficult runs, and yes, to be able to do it more often….

Get inspired

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Familyskitrips.com: site that provides useful skiing tips and ski resorts reviews. Check their Top 10 Reasons to Love Skiing and maybe you will become a ski lover, too!

Read more

 

 

Woman Skier thumbnail 5591528187_8e49da5a0a_bSkiing in the French Alps: France is one of the world’s top ski destinations, with excellent resorts and a super well organised ski school.

Read more

 

 

 

Thinking about making your own wish list?

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Then, check Lesley Carter’s blog bucketlistpublications.org. Her blog is really inspirational, as she makes her bucket list come true: she quit her “regular” job and travels all over the world…

 

 

I hope you got some inspiration to write your own wish list… and you share it with us!

Photo credits
Intro: ruben alexander Flickr.com; Latin America: Jeff Stvan Flickr.com, Dimitry B. Flickr.com, Alfredo Miguel Romero Flickr.com, Fifa.com; Europe: zoph Flickr.com, tripadvisor.com, Jenny Flickr.com, Sacher.com; Greece: Richard Martin Flickr.com, Daniel Muñoz Uribe Flickr.com, Robert Wallace Flickr.com, med-control.org; New York: r hahs Flickr.com, Gugenheim.org, Wikimedia commons, inetours.com, Emmanuel Huybrechts Flickr.com, India: Meena Kadri Flickr.com, Dennis Jarvis Flickr.com, Wikimedia commons, Wikimedia commons; Languages: Wikimedia commons, geraldford Flickr.com; Ski: Gunther Sader Flickr.com

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

If we talk about Latin America these days, most likely Cuba comes first to our minds. For that reason, our virtual musical trip today will take us there, with the sounds of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.

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Buena Vista Social Club is a Cuban band, whose name was inspired by a 1940’s member club in La Havana. It was created in 1996 by Cuban musician Juan de Marcos Gonzalez and American guitarist Ry Cooder, but included as well traditional Cuban musicians, who had performed at the original Club: Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Ruben Gonzalez, among others.

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The recording of this band was a great success, and inspired German director Wim Wenders, who captured two live concerts in Amsterdam and New York, interviews to the musicians together with images of La Havana for a documentary, also named Buena Vista Social Club.

Both the recording and the documentary started what many called “Cubamania”, inspiring people to get acquainted with cuban music and salsa dance. Although the original band only performed live twice, some members of the original group (Guajiro Mirabal, Aguaje Ramos and Barbarito Torres) continue to perform together as a part of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, while Omara Portuondo and Eliades Ochoa have their own group.

Here it goes then, my personal tribute to La Havana and Buena Vista Social Club with this amazing live presentation at the Carnegie Hall of New York…

For more info, check the official site of the band

Home

 Photo credits
Peter Hubler, Flickr.com; Ramon Rosati, Flickr.com; Artur Staszewski, Flickr.com; Franck Vervial, Flickr.com; Alfredo Miguel Romero, Flickr.com

10 MOVIES THAT INSPIRE LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL

Traveling may elicit many feelings: fun, joy, sadness, empowerment. There are trips though that can change your life…

Check out this list of movies showing life-changing trips, geographical, but also spiritual… Maybe they will inspire you to find your next travel destination….

1. THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

Motorcycle Diaries 1The plot: Based on the journals of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. While being a medical student, he and a friend went on a motorcycle road trip throughout South America. Besides fun and adventure, they find their own selves and their destiny…

It inspires travel because…. a road trip in South America, the intimate contact with its people, but also a self discovery journey…This movie certainly inspired me, and this trip is at the top of my lifetime “Bucket list”…

Quote:“Wandering around our America has changed me more than I thought. I am not me any more. At least I’m not the same me I was”.

 

  2. SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET

Seven years in Tibet 1The plot: Based on the true story of Austrian Heinrich Harrer, who travels to the Himalayas to climb Mt. Nanga. After going through several incidents, he becomes one of the two foreigners in the Tibetan Holy City of Lhasa. There he befriends with the Dalai Lama, changing his life forever…

It inspires travel because….the film introduces us to Tibetans lifestyle, and shows us how a trip can transform someone, from being selfish and arrogant to wise and spiritual…Besides, the beautiful Tibetan scenery…

Quote: Dalai Lama: “We have a saying in Tibet: if a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good”.

 

3. INTO THE WILD

Into the Wild 2 resizedThe plot: After graduating from university, top student Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live into the wild. Based on a true story.

It inspires travel because…the idea of abandoning everything to pursue a road trip throughout the United States has inspired many people. The movie captures very nicely the american natural beauty.

Quote: “When you want something in life, you just gotta reach out and grab it”

 

4. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

the_secret_life_of_walter_mitty 1 resizedThe plot: When his job gets threatened, Walter embarks on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

It inspires travel because…a day dreamer finally discovering the real world. From New York all the way to Iceland and the Himalayas…

Quote: “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life”.

 

5. THE BEACH

The-Beach-630x407 1The plot: A young American backpacker travels to Thailand, and searches for a hidden beach, supposed to be paradise on earth.

It inspires travel because….Who doesn’t want to find the perfect, secluded beach? The Maya Bay, where the movie was filmed has inspired a lot of travellers, becoming one of the major tourist attractions in Thailand.

Quote: “And me, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it’s not some place you can look for, ’cause it’s not where you go. It’s how you feel for a moment in your life when you’re a part of something, and if you find that moment… it lasts forever…”

 

6. UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

Under the Tuscan sun 1 resizedThe plot: Based (loosely) on the biographical novel of Frances Mayes. When her perfect life gets unexpectedly messed up, Frances goes on a bus tour to Italy, and there she impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany. While restoring the villa, she eventually finds herself, and love…

It inspires travel because….when everything seems lost, a trip can change our lives. Add the beautiful Tuscan scenery…

Quote: “Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be elsewhere; I would be different”

 

7. OUT OF AFRICA

outofafrica1The plot: Karen Blixen, a Danish woman, moves to Africa and starts a coffee plantation. While her sentimental life gets complicated, she gains a much better understanding and respect for the African culture. Based on a true story.

It inspires travel because…the breathtaking African scenery

Quote: “Perhaps he knew, as I did not, that the Earth was made round so that we would not see too far down the road”

 

8. L’AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE

aubergeespagnole- 3 resizedThe plot: Xavier, a French student, moves to Barcelona. There, he shares an apartment with other foreign students. Together they will live a series of adventures that will change his life.

It inspires travel because…the student life, the cultural exchanges, with Barcelona as a background.

Quote: “When you first arrive in a new city, nothing makes sense. Everything’ s unknown, virgin… After you’ve lived here, walked these streets, you’ll know them inside out. You’ll know these people. (…) it’ll belong to you because you’ve lived there”

 

9. LOST IN TRANSLATION

lostintranslation windowThe plot: Two americans meet each other in Tokyo and experience the cultural and language differences between themselves and the Japanese.

It inspires travel because…traveling sometimes make us bond to people that influences us forever. The movie captures very well Japanese culture, and shows some beautiful shots in Kyoto…

Quote: “Let’s never come here again because it would never be as much fun.”

 

10. EAT PRAY LOVE

EAT PRAY LOVEThe plot: A woman unhappy with her life takes off on a journey, and finds herself while eating in Italy, praying in India, and loving in Indonesia.

It inspires travel because….Although Liz’s character did not inspire me, neither I liked much the movie, there are breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and nice music (I love this song…). Besides, who wouldn’t want to go on a trip from Italy to India to Bali?

Quote: “If you’re brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting (…) and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue (…) then the truth will not be withheld from you.”

 

Honorary mention:THE BEFORE TRILOGY: “BEFORE SUNRISE”, “BEFORE SUNSET”, “BEFORE MIDNIGHT”.

Before midnight_fotor

 

 

These three beautiful movies inspire travel, each one in a different way: young couple meeting in Vienna, their reunion in Paris, their vacations in Greece. Read more here.

IT’S SKI TIME! SKIING IN THE FRENCH ALPS

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Winter came for good, and the snow is starting to cover the mountains…Enough to start thinking about a ski escapade! And for that, the French Alps are among the top ski destinations worldwide. With a great variety of resorts, it is certain that you will find anything you want: from top-of-the line slopes for extremely skilled skiers to easy runs for first timers; stations for families or crazy nightlife, low-budget to super chic… you name it!

This is a guide to help you choose the resort in the French Alps that suits best your needs…

IF YOU WANT: ALTITUDE GLAMOUR

GO TO: COURCHEVEL

Courchevel night 0-368858

Usually referred as “The Saint-Tropez of the Alps”, Courchevel is THE prestige access door to the impressive 600-km ski area called Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys). Courchevel actually consists of three different villages, located at different altitude (the higher the more exclusive….): Courchevel 1550, more family-oriented; Courchevel 1650, mostly for young people, with many après-ski activities, and the super glamorous Courchevel 1850, or just “1850”. Celebrities from all over the planet can be seen here. There are 2 palaces, 11 ***** stars hotels, 7 Michelin-starred restaurants, and even an heliport or “altiport”, in case you need to arrive incognito

Courchevel K2-Exterior1

For more info http://www.courchevel.com

Honorary mention: Méribel

IF YOU WANT: SKI CHIC

GO TO: MEGEVE

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With its discrete luxury, this elegant resort is among the top destinations in the French Alps. It is one of the oldest alpine resorts; its traditional farmhouses, the typical wooden chalets and villas give Megève a unique charm. The exclusive hotels and restaurants won’t disappoint even the most demanding guests, the horse-drawn carriages that circulate in the car-free centre give you the impression of being inside a Christmas postcard! The ski area is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers with a total de 325 km of ski runs to ski in style

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For more info http://www.megeve.com

Honorary mention: Chamonix

IF YOU WANT: FAMILY FUN

GO TO: AVORIAZ

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One of my favourite resorts in the French Alps! Located at an altitude of 1800 meters, close to the border with Switzerland, it is an excellent starting point to ski your way through the world largest international skiing area in the world, Les Portes du Soleil (the Sun’s Gates) with its 650 km of ski runs, 283 pistes and 14 interconnected ski resorts (french and swiss, which you can visit with your skis!). The village is car-free, only horse-drawn sleighs are allowed. The roads are actually ski pistes, which means that most of the chalets and apartments are “ski aux pieds”: you leave and come back to your chalet wearing your skis! Besides the many après-ski activities you can enjoy, a new hot spot, kid’s paradise (and adults too!) opened recently: the Aquariaz, a tropical indoor paradise with water games, heated swimming pools and a must for parents: an outdoor Jacuzzi! Exactly what you need to soothe your aching body after a full ski day!

avoriaz_kanetur

For more info http://www.avoriaz.com

Honorary mentions: Méribel, Les Arcs

IF YOU WANT: EXTREME SKIING

GO TO: CHAMONIX

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Chamonix, at the foot of the Mont Blanc, is worldwide known as one of the best ski stations for off-piste skiing, with mind blowing scenery: think rocky peaks rising above glaciers and snowfields….Chamonix is best known for its legendary Vallée Blanche descent, a lifetime dream for skilled skiers: 20 km of route covering a drop in altitude of 2807 metres! It is considered to be the most beautiful off-piste of the world, covering an unforgettable descent between the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) and Chamonix Mont-Blanc (1050m), traversing a scenery of glaciers of needle-like mountains….

But if you are not fit enough to tackle the Vallée Blanche and still want to enjoy the beautiful landscape, don’t worry! Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, Europe highest cable car. From the valley floor to the Aiguille, the cable car covers 3777 m in 20 minutes; an elevator will take you to the 3842m summit, where you will enjoy 360° amazing views of the surroundings…

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For more info http://www.chamonix.com

Honorary mention: Val Thorens

IF YOU WANT: NEVER-ENDING PARTY

GO TO: VAL THORENS

Val Thorens Folie Douce val thorens.com entre-amis-2

At Val Thorens the party starts early! A little detour out of the slopes is enough to enjoy la Folie Douce, that is, open air clubbing at high altitude…Of course, this is just an appetiser of what follows at night: bars and clubs with world famous DJs, live concerts, etc..

But Val Thorens is not only party, it’s also first class ski….Being the highest resort in Europe (2300 metres),  it guarantees excellent quality snow. It has an ideal location, at the top of Les Trois Vallées and surrounded by 6 glaciers… From la Cime Caron you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view over more than 1000 peaks in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps…

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For more info http://www.valthorens.com

Honorary mention: Tignes

IF YOU WANT: SNOWBOARD DELIGHT

GO TO: TIGNES

Tignes Snowboard 5380629826_fbe36c5cb5_o

Second highest ski station of Europe, in Tignes you will find more boarders than in any other french resort, from beginners to highly skilled. Tignes hosts the Freeride World Tour, a series of events in which the best freeskiers and snowboard freeriders compete for individual event wins. Although not as picturesque as its neighbour Val d’Isère, it offers very good powder, excellent slopes and a very busy nightlife.

Tignes new year Tignes-by-Fond-Ecran-Image-courtesy-of-www.Tignes.net_

For more info http://www.tignes.net/en

Honorary mention: Les Deux Alps

USEFUL TIPS

Book in advance, especially if you plan to go during Christmas time or in February during the French school break. In order to avoid unnecessary queuing, you can book your ski passes online from the site of each ski resort…

WHERE TO STAY

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If you are looking for self-catered accommodation, skifrance.com  offers a great variety of apartments, chalets, ski lodges, holiday flats and holiday homes at all the ski stations…

http://en.ski-france.com

Another good option is  Pierre & Vacances,  a company that provides villages, residences and hotels in most of the ski stations, as wells as ski packs deals.

http://www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-en/ski-holiday-france_ms?pl=nav&tab=3

Of course, you can always check the tripadvisor site to read reviews about the different types of lodging, find the lowest price and make your reservation…

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g2324483-French_Alps-Hotels.html

SKI LESSONS

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The Ecole de Ski Francais (French Ski School) is a must, whether you are a first time skier or a skilled one, want private or group lessons. It is extremely well organised with its 17.000 instructors in 250 schools. Ideal for kids, who after each course, if they pass their exams, they will get their degree: from “piou piou” for the beginners up to “étoile d’or” (golden star) for the most skilled.

http://www.esf.net/en/index.htm

FOOD

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The cuisine savoyarde is simple but very nutritious (to recover those calories you just burnt skiing…) and is based mostly on potatoes, cheese, cured meats and sausage. Must-try: raclette savoyarde (melted cheese eaten with potatoes, sausages or cured meats),  fondue au fromage (melted cheese where small pieces of bread are dipped) and tartiflette (a pie made of cheese, potatoes, lardons and onions). You may also want to taste the tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie) and the liqueur de Génépi.

Do you agree with my list? Which is your favourite ski resort?

Photo credits

Intro: Trysil, Flickr.com;
Courchevel: http://media.sit.savoie-mont-blanc.com/original/465101/0-368858.jpghttps://www.themilliardaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hotel-k2-courchevel-3-500×500.jpg
Megeve: Bernard Bland, Flickr.com; http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/28/fb/f7/downtown-megeve-at-night.jpg
Avoriaz http://cache.wallpaperdownloader.com/bing/img/AvoriazCliff_20131226.jpghttp://web-ski.dk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/avoriaz_kanetur.jpg
Chamonix Thierry Llansades, Flickr.com; Ivan Borisov, Flickr.com
Val Thorens http://www.valthorens.com/images/entrees-affinitaires/entre-amis/entre-amis-2.jpg
http://static1.valthonet.com/image_uploader/photos/7d/large/ski-val-thorens-c-cattin.jpg
Tignes Gergely Csatari, Flickr.com; http://bestskiholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2014/09/Tignes-by-Fond-Ecran-Image-courtesy-of-www.Tignes.net_.jpg
Where to stay louise_using_spoons, Flickr.com
ESFhttp://static.seety.pagesjaunes.fr/asset_site_0b52294f-5c4b-4260-970c-c66fbc55cad8/01697700_PVI_0001_A744000_PS.jpg
Food Raclette K.B.R., Flickr.com; Fondue Wikimedia commons; Tartiflette Shoko Muraguchi, Flickr.com; Tarte aux myrtilles Wikimedia commons; Liqueur de Genepi Wikimedia commons

BEAUTIFUL ARGENTINA – DE USHUAIA A LA QUIACA

Iguazu 8775138259_19a743b435_oArgentina! A country that has everything, whether you like nature, culture, gastronomy, adventure, luxury, sports…

Buenos Aires, with its european tradition, its museums, theatres, restaurants. With its picturesque neighbourhoods, some bohemian, some elegant, some historical…But Argentina is not only Buenos Aires!

From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to La Quiaca, located on the border with Bolivia, 5121 kilometres of amazing places are waiting to be discovered: the huge blocks of ice falling from the Perito Moreno glacier; the majestic Iguazu falls surrounded by dense jungle on the border with Brazil ; the extensive Ibera wetlands with yacares, capybaras, deers and hundreds of birds species; rivers, mountains, salt deserts, vineyards, colourful mountains, lakes, eternal snows, endless sand beaches….penguins and whales, llamas and monkeys….

You like adventure? Then you won’t be disappointed! Rafting, first class skiing, trekking, parapente and kitesurf, diving and biking. Anything you need to keep your adrenaline rising….

Driven by a bit of nostalgia, and a great pride!! I prepared a slide show which (tries to) capture the natural beauty of Argentina, but also its people and traditions… The music I chose is a song by the talented Gustavo Santaolalla called “De Ushuaia a La Quiaca” (From Ushuaia to La Quiaca), and that is the way I present it, from south to north…

I intend in future to post specifically about some of the most beautiful places of Argentina in detail…

I hope you enjoy it!

 

Photo credits

Usuhaia: Wikimedia commonsIsla Martillo: Alessandro Grussu Flickr.com;  Perito Moreno: Dimitry B. Flickr.com; Nahuel Huapi: Wikimedia commons;  Hotel Llao Llao: Wikimedia commonsPeninsula de Valdes: Wikimedia commonsWhale: theargentinaspecialistsVolcan Lanin: David Becker Flickr.com; Mendoza vineyards: Tony Bailey Flickr.com; Las Leñas black pist Ceñidor: Mariano Mantel Flickr.com; Valle de la luna: Guslight Flickr.com; Villa Gesell: Grischa Brockhaus Flickr.com; Buenos Aires: http://pamiatkyamesta.pise.sk/obrazky/pamiatkyamesta.pise.sk/buenos-aires_2.jpgBuenos Aires, Puente de la mujer: Wikimedia CommonsTango dancers Palermo: José María Pérez Nuñez Flickr.com; La cancha: j ua ni * Flickr.com; Caminito: Wikimedia CommonsAsado a la estaca: Nico Aguilera Flickr.com; Tigre: Miguel Vieira Flickr.com; San Antonio de Areco – Estancia Gaucha: Alberto Gonzalez Flickr.com; Santa Fe campo: Claudio.Ar Flickr.com; Dique San Roque: http://archivo.lavoz.com.ar/anexos/imagen/08/75114.JPGVilla Giardino: http://imagenes.todoviajes.com//notas/23208/un-parentesis-en-villa-giardino-1.jpgParque nacional el Palmar: ljndr Flickr.com; Esteros del Ibera: Pablo Dodda Flickr.com; Gaucho drinking mate: Eduardo Amorim Flickr.com; San Ignacio Mini Ruinas Jesuitas: Stella Maris Flickr.com; Parque Nacional Iguazu: Wikimedia commonsIguazu falls: Erik Schepers Flickr.com; Tren de las nubes: Viajá por tu País Flickr.com; Salinas Grandes: mariusz kluzniak Flickr.com; Humahuaca cactus: Ariel Diacovetzky Flickr.com; Cerro de los 7 colores: Klaus Balzano Flickr.com; Coyas: Voyages Lambert Flickr.com; Purmamarca: Adry Flickr.com; Llama: David Flickr.com; La Quiaca: Luzux Flickr.com; Bandera argentina: Beatrice Murch Flickr.com

MY PERFECT BEACH

The summer is gone, and maybe this is why I started dreaming about being on a perfect beach, lying under the sun while sipping a piña colada… Turquoise, calm, warm water and powdery sand, a calm and exotic environment…. this is my idea of the perfect beach….

These are 5 beaches I’ve been to and I crave being there right now!…

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Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

No wonder why is called Paradise Beach. With its stunning turquoise waters and its sugar-like sand this amazing beach, located in the island Cayo Largo, south of Cuba, makes you easily believe you’re in paradise…

Tulum, Yucatan, Mexico

Located in the Riviera Maya, about 145 km south of Cancun, this unique beach combines the beauty of the Caribbean sea and the imposing view of Mayan ruins…

Elafonissi, Crete, Greece

Amazing and exotic, with shallow turquoise waters that give you the feeling of being in a lagoon, and fine white sand that becomes occasionally pink …

Jericoacoara, Ceara, Brazil

Small fishing village, located around 300 km west of Fortaleza, it became a National park in 2002. Secluded beach, getting there is already an experience, which will reward you with an endless exotic beach, with huge dunes, palms and a beautiful sunset…

Mauna Kea, Big Island, Hawaii

An absolutely gorgeous beach. The sand is fine and soft, you feel like you are walking on powdered sugar!  The water is warm and there is great snorkelling…

 

Do you agree with this list? Which one is your perfect beach?

 

Photo credits:
Playa Paraiso: Fabio Massarenti, Flickr.com; Tulum: Jeff Stvan, Flickr.com; Elafonissi: annie_stru, Flickr.com; Jericoacoara: Stefano Liboni, Flickr.com; Mauna Kea: jdan57, Flickr.com.