Even the most seasoned travellers maintain their own bucket lists, and Travel News had the pleasure of delving into the aspirations of some experienced industry personalities.
Bucket list travel is the stuff of dreams. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime tropical island holiday that will stay with you for ever. Or a physical challenge like a Kilimanjaro climb. Or an opportunity to experience something rare and precious that only few people will ever witness. The common thread among these journeys lies in the stories and indelible memories they create.
Caroline Smallwood, Head of Account Management, Travel Sellers at Amadeus, says she has too many to list but shared three holidays at the top of her bucket list.
“I have always wanted to see the silverback gorillas in their own habitat. Going gorilla trekking would be a lifetime experience. Looking into the expressive eyes of those giants will surely be the most exciting close-up and emotional wildlife encounter you'll ever have.”
Ikaria, Greece's ‘island of immortals’ in the Aegean Sea is next on Smallwood’s list. “I want to get away from tourist Greece.” Ikaria is a 'Blue Zone', (regions of the world where people live longer than average and maintain good health). Says Smallwood, “It’s a peaceful place, long beaches, walking and of course Ikarian food is very appealing. It’s a holiday for complete relaxation and a detox.”
Third on her list is Brazil, the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls. “The Amazon is huge and of course this trip will take a lot of planning, but the jungle of South America is high on my list for an adventurous trip!”
Penny Bannerman, Founder, Director and Product Development at Curious Traveller, says she has travelled extensively all over the world but there are still some destinations on her bucket list. “Colombia and Cuba are places I want to visit in my lifetime. I am fascinated by the life of Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar and a tour of the painful and bloody history behind his operation is top of my list, starting in Medellin which is the capital of Antioquia in northwestern Colombia.”
Bannerman is also keen to visit Malpelo Island in Colombia. “The island is a famous scuba diving destination and a beautiful place to visit; long stretches of white sandy beaches lapped by the clear waters of the Caribbean and an ecosystem that the Colombian government is committed to preserving.”
The Cuban lifestyle appeals to Bannerman and that’s what puts that island on her bucket list. “Simple food, friendly people, haciendas and locally grown coffee are all things I look forward to experiencing in Cuba.
“Classic cars and the Cubans that keep them running – that’s the first tour I want to plan. A walking tour of behind-the-scenes motor workshops where we meet the mechanics who keep them on the road – that’s something unique and unusual!”
Cuba keeps popping up on bucket lists. Vanya Lessing, CEO of Sure Travel also wants to see the authentic Cuba before imports influence the real old Cuban culture. It’s the old cars, local restaurants and markets and the Cubans’ love for music and dancing that define Cuba. Lessing wants to immerse herself in the genuine cultural treasures that make Cuba a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
She is equally keen to take a cruise to Alaska and to see the Northern Lights. “Everyone wants to see the Northern Lights, but I imagine it’s a truly magical experience, bundled up in the cold. It’s definitely something unique and a fantastic opportunity to take memorable photographs!”
