My Top 5 Travel Destinations of all time

In the last 8 years I have been privileged to have travelled around the world. I have visited 5 of the 6 continents and over 25 different countries. Each adventure I have taken has been memorable and lived up to my expectations. But which destinations have I relished the most? For most people, choosing their top travel destinations can be difficult. I however didn't have to think twice! The below constitutes my current top 5 travel destinations of all time - how do yours compare?

1. Antarctica

I don't think any destination will top Antarctica for me. This was always my ultimate bucket list destination. I think it will always remain at the top to - I don't see what other location could realistically beat it - but time will tell, and I still have plenty more adventures to have.

If I had the chance, I would go back to the white continent in an instant. I cherished every second of my Antarctica expedition. It made me feel alive. I felt like I was the first person who had ever set foot there. The snow, the icebergs, the wilderness and the isolation - pure magnificence.

Nothing can top this. Sailing around the Antarctic Peninsula, jumping into the zodiac boats, battling against the elements - all part of the fun and experience.

2. Greenland

Another extreme location that I was overjoyed to visit. The thing is, I only travelled to the west coast of Greenland - there is so much more I have to see.

Greenland is one of those locations hardly anyone visits. This appeals to me. It gives me a similar feeling to Antarctica. The vast wilderness and the endless expanse of pure nothingness. You really feel like an explorer - you feel as if you are touching the edge of the world and treading where few have come before.

Hiking in the rugged landscape of Greenland. Sailing through immense icebergs in the alluring midnight sea. Watching Humpback whales swimming in pods - what more could you want? Hopefully I will return to Greenland again one day and see if the east coast has as much to offer!

3. Iceland

Can you see a theme here so far? Iceland - yet another extreme destination with cold weather and dramatic landscapes. I have visited Iceland twice now, and I will more than likely visit again. So far I have swam in the Blue Lagoon, travelled the Golden Circle, and hiked through the vast wilderness of Thorsmork. Iceland is one of the most unique places I have visited - it can look completely different any time of the year. In one instance you can hike through mountains and canyons, and the next you could be walking on black volcanic beaches.

There is still so much more I can see to - I haven't even explore the northern parts of Iceland yet or the east coast. This remote location will hold a place in my top 5 as it is one of the first wild destinations I visited - it gave me a taste for adventure.

4. Jordan - Middle East

Finally we get to a destination that isn't cold! Jordan is a great contrast to my first three entries - a hot country full of desert and ancient history. I toured through Jordan with G Adventures and the experience was unbelievable. We saw much of the country including Madaba, Petra, Jerash, Kerak and Mt. Nebo. I got to look at ancient mosaics, see the impressive King's Valley, and even go diving in the Red Sea!

The Dead Sea was everything I imagined - floating in that dense water was quite an experience. Furthermore, camping out in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert has to be one of the most exhilarating things I have done. Seeing the stars in the night sky and looking at ancient rock drawings - perfection!

5. New York

My final entry is the Big Apple. This is totally different from the other top 5 destinations. Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland and Jordan are all about the natural world and it's beauty. For me, New York represents the ingenuity and beauty of mankind. The mass of skyscrapers and iconic monuments enthrals me in a completely different way to the volcanic desolation of Iceland for example.

I have visited New York twice, and I would still go back again and again. Seeing the Manhattan skyline from the Top of the Rock and Empire State building is something that I would never tire of. Furthermore, I find American history interesting. It is so raw and new compared to other historic nations.

New York is also the first place I watched an NBA basketball game, and of course visiting at Christmas was a truly astounding experience. The concrete jungle completes my list nicely!

There you have it - my top 5 travel destinations of all time. Who knows if this will change in the future? If you enjoy this article, why not drop me a comment and let me know what your favourite destinations are?