Air travel is, of course, the standard way of reaching some of the most exciting places on Earth. It’s also my preferred mode of transportation that gave me with unique experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. I spent the last half-decade hopping about various locations. Here, I’ll detail a handful of the most memorable ones.
If there’s one thing that’s difficult to look forward to while flying anywhere, is the long airport lines, especially around summer holidays. Once you’ve flown with one commercial flight line, you’ve flown with them all – and the experience doesn’t get better with age. Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of the reasons why renting private jets is becoming a thing as the prices dropped considerably from the days when only CEOs could afford them. They can take you almost anywhere in the world, and give you a lot of options for large groups, family travel and even individual charter flights.
1. The Wonders of Aspen Colorado
The minute we landed in Maroon Bells between the Elk Mountains of Pitkin and the Gunnison county, I understood why Colorado is one of the most popular ski resorts in the nation – maybe the world. The natural beauty is almost overwhelming, as icy blue skies merge into white mountain-tops and verdant green pine before the clear lakes. There’s a touch of golden aspen scattered all about the countryside; which beckons to hikers like a long lost lover. The trail is easy, runs for about a mile, and the payoff is the splendor of Maroon Lake. I cannot wait to go back!
2. Safari In Cape Town
No one could ever again doubt your claim as an adventurer if you go on safari. There’s simply nothing like the Kruger National Park experience, where the most sublime denizens of Nature are but a stone’s throw away from you in all their uninhibited glory.
You’ve never truly seen a pride of lions until you’ve seen them roaming the amber grasslands and woodland bush plains of the African continent. I found it breathtaking, in its own special way, as Aspen, Colorado – despite the 180 degree difference in environment.
While you’re there, take a break from the adrenaline-pumping visits by caravan to the Reserve, and take a hiking or biking tour on the Cape Peninsula, overlooking the bluest part of the Atlantic you’ll ever see. The tours are always available, and they include scenic picnics and even a cruise ride around Duiker Island. With such amazing experiences such as these, why wouldn’t you choose adventure travels?
3. Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
This lovely vacation spot sits in the Andes Mountains in the South American country of Peru. The ruins of the long-dead Incan civilization are preserved for posterity and you get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular scenery that has drawn tourists since the early 1900s, when it was rediscovered and opened to the world. This recent discovery is great for tourists, as this 600 hundred year old place is included on their lists of must-see destinations.
As for the glorious ruins, you will understand why they’re so exquisite when you read about the history of the place: Machu Picchu was reserved for Incan royalty – particularly, kings and chiefs. It was a like a resort in its time, with hundreds of symmetrical structures displaying the architectural abilities of the artisans of that time. There are multiple hiking trails available on the tours, and various temples to visit. Don’t miss a chance to ride the luxury train that gives a splendid view of the Andes during your trip to the ruins.
4. The West Indies – Nevis and Saint Kitts
Dormant volcanoes and beautiful beaches all around awaited us as we jetted into Nevis and Saint Kitts. I’d never seen golden, black and pure white sands – such an amazing variety on Pinney’s Beach and near Nevis Peak volcano, where we went hiking. The extremely well-maintained Nevis Botanical Gardens was worth every minute we spent there, and the Thai food at the Oasis (Gardens Restaurant) was a welcome difference from some of the overly-processed Thai I’ve eaten in the States.
You wouldn’t regret a visit here on vacation – especially with a significant other, where the romantic vibes are very strong amid the bonfires, karaoke and dancing on frigate Beach.
I’ve enjoyed these travels as much as any others, even more so with the splendor that private jets offer and without all that airport scramble. I look forward to finding more unique adventure spots. Don’t worry, I’ll share them all with you!
