Entering the top 30. From now on, my score remains at a measly 13/100.
30. The Trans Siberian Railway
If it still isn't glaringly clear that I'm a railway buff, then this should do the trick. Possibly the most epic rail journey on earth, from St. Petersburg on the Atlantic (Baltic, to be more precise), to Vladivostok on the Pacific, across seven time zones and the desolation of SIberia. But the idea is to break the journey, discovering comrade Rossiya along it all. Thought the track officially starts at Moscow, one shouldn't miss St. Petersburg. Journey breaks at Moscow, Kazan and Irkutsk (Lake Baykal, No. 81 on this list).
However, this is no Orient Express. Think of it is Janta Express, but with a running time stretching well over a week. Intrepid travellers write of merry journeys with Vodka, Caviar and friendly Russians. This is authentic Russia, for those who have the time, will and liver (Vodka again).
Hotels are redundant, but when in St. Petersburg, head for Rocco Forte's Astoria; while in Moscow Baltschug Kempinski or Park Hyatt Ararat should be attractive enough.
29. See a Whirling Dervish in Turkey
An excuse for Turkey? Istanbul. Kapadokya. Panukkale. Oleudeniz. Troy. Halicarnassus. Konya. Theres a whole lot to offer,
Mine's though, is a bit thematic. Turkey is the birthplace of Sufism. And that is one aspect of religion that has interested me for long. Mildly esoteric, wholly mystical. And there's probably no better way to experience it than see a live Whirling Dervish, while taking in the aromas of Anatolia.
Istanbul has some of the most fantastic hotels on earth - W and Park Hyatt Makcas Palas round off the edgy pack, while two Four Seasons (on the Bosphorus and the rave-reviewed Sultanhamet) provide more than the city's not-so-fair share of luxury. Sumahan on the Water satisfies the intellectual, boutique-y kind, while Les Ottomons does the same with a themed environment plonked midway across the Bosphorus. Kempinski's Ciragan Palace is one of the grande dames. (Another great reason to head off to the place!)
28. Cast Away in the Andamans
After Railways, I'm a sucker for virgin tropical paradises. And that is precisely how Andamans landed in at number 28 - a string of pristine (barring a few) islands a hop from the country's eastern coast. No hordes of fat, scantily clad tourists, no hippie hangovers, no concrete bungalows, and a full roster of indigenous tribes (many still hostile) to boot. Just stretches of verdant green next to white sand melting into turquoise waters above rainbow corals and below fiery sunsets. All I need to do is tone my fat ass so as to not destroy the near perfect picture.
Most of the islands need permits to visit, but the trouble is worth the result. If you do like your creature comforts, then Barefoot on Havelock Island should be appropriate. Expect no suites - only comfortable cabanas on an island that feels uninhabited. Beware though, Havelock may be spectacular, but it is fast becoming the open secret of the Andamans. The beaches, though, still lack names and are referred to as numbers. Beach Number 5 or Radhanagar Beach was ranked the best on the continent, to the delight of mainland Media.
27. Aurora Borealis
You haven't seen daylight in 24 hours. Around you is a vast swathe of snow, and you're nearly disappointed that Santa's workshop didn't pop out behind that flake-covered pine. Suddenly the sky lights up in a vibrancy that leaves you breathless. Welcome to Lappland, the most accesible way to view the spectacular phenomenon that is Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. The colour-waves in the sky are a result of some Atmospheric conditions, but they are a stunner.
Lappland is territory distributed across the northern end of Scandinavia, well above the Arctic circle, and Aurora is a winter phenomenon. That means cold, and how. But you will be amply supplied with basic but high quality accomodation throughout the Lapp areas of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
26. Mount Kilimanjaro
Yes, it still snows there, but experts warn it might not a couple of decades later. Anyhow, Mount Kilimanjaro is a great excuse for multiple causes - trampling through the wilds of Tanzania (Ngorongoro Crater came in at number 43), even making that trip to exotic Zanzibar. But for all adventure's sakes, here's probably your only chance at scaling a high mountain with slightly more effort than a simple hike. Guides and porters are available aplenty for your ascent throught rainforests to snow on top of famed Mount Kilimanjaro.
This being the heart of the Kenyan wilderness, you have a clutch of some of the finest safari lodges on earth to choose from.
25. Maoi Statues of Easter Island
I confess, I've had this one since my Johnny Quest days. An end-of-the-world island with the oh-so-mysterious megaliths. Now I just need to find that hidden portal to the fourth dimension and whirr away on my hoverboard. Virtual insanities aside, the Islands are pretty and probably one of the few in the pacific which have more to them than the sun-sand-tribals routine.
Explora offers a superb Rapa Nui Lodge which virtually eliminates competition and its need.
24. Persepolis
Evocative, to say the least. Simply put, packing up and heading to the once-capital of the persian empire, and be lost photographing the remains.
You'll have to base yourself at nearby Shiraz, which has enough to keep you occupied. Hotels though, are more on the basic side.
23. Denali
Or as the non-native-americans know it, Mount McKinley, the highest in North America, in the heart of Alaska's fabulous desolation. Its awe-inspiring, to say the least. And beyond the mountain itself, theres the national park around it.
This is popular camping country, and reservations are 'highly recommended' for campgrounds. Alternatively, there are several lodges, in and around. Camp Denali and North Face Lodge are a combined setup that typify the American Rustic Aesthetic.
22. The Angel Falls
Frontrunner for the year-end's Natural 7 Wonders list, the Angel Falls remains the Amazonian dream - the world's highest waterfall hidden deep inside the rainforests, accidentally discovered by outsiders due to a crash landing. Whats more, camping is prohibited and the nearest place to stay is more like a one-size-fits-all facility. This is true back-country we're dealing with. And what a country!
21. Iceland
Fire and Ice, and a musician so nice. Not only is Iceland home to Bjork, its also a powerpacked island that squeezes in glaciers and volcanoes and has a generous sprinkling of glacial lakes, waterfalls, geysers and god knows what other geological brouhaha that exists. Hiking across the island is probably the best geological holiday you can get. Also, add the real Blue Lagoon - a series of hot pools that are the brightest blue and throw in them a horde of beautiful Scandinavians.
The capital, Reykjavik, has a clutch of boutique hotels that compliment its corruption-free and super-safe lifestyle (mothers are known to leave babies in prams outside in the sun while enjoying a manicure in the salon; even the president is listed in the yellow pages). Prime among these is 101 Hotel.
30. The Trans Siberian Railway
If it still isn't glaringly clear that I'm a railway buff, then this should do the trick. Possibly the most epic rail journey on earth, from St. Petersburg on the Atlantic (Baltic, to be more precise), to Vladivostok on the Pacific, across seven time zones and the desolation of SIberia. But the idea is to break the journey, discovering comrade Rossiya along it all. Thought the track officially starts at Moscow, one shouldn't miss St. Petersburg. Journey breaks at Moscow, Kazan and Irkutsk (Lake Baykal, No. 81 on this list).
However, this is no Orient Express. Think of it is Janta Express, but with a running time stretching well over a week. Intrepid travellers write of merry journeys with Vodka, Caviar and friendly Russians. This is authentic Russia, for those who have the time, will and liver (Vodka again).
Hotels are redundant, but when in St. Petersburg, head for Rocco Forte's Astoria; while in Moscow Baltschug Kempinski or Park Hyatt Ararat should be attractive enough.
29. See a Whirling Dervish in Turkey
An excuse for Turkey? Istanbul. Kapadokya. Panukkale. Oleudeniz. Troy. Halicarnassus. Konya. Theres a whole lot to offer,
Mine's though, is a bit thematic. Turkey is the birthplace of Sufism. And that is one aspect of religion that has interested me for long. Mildly esoteric, wholly mystical. And there's probably no better way to experience it than see a live Whirling Dervish, while taking in the aromas of Anatolia.
Istanbul has some of the most fantastic hotels on earth - W and Park Hyatt Makcas Palas round off the edgy pack, while two Four Seasons (on the Bosphorus and the rave-reviewed Sultanhamet) provide more than the city's not-so-fair share of luxury. Sumahan on the Water satisfies the intellectual, boutique-y kind, while Les Ottomons does the same with a themed environment plonked midway across the Bosphorus. Kempinski's Ciragan Palace is one of the grande dames. (Another great reason to head off to the place!)
28. Cast Away in the Andamans
After Railways, I'm a sucker for virgin tropical paradises. And that is precisely how Andamans landed in at number 28 - a string of pristine (barring a few) islands a hop from the country's eastern coast. No hordes of fat, scantily clad tourists, no hippie hangovers, no concrete bungalows, and a full roster of indigenous tribes (many still hostile) to boot. Just stretches of verdant green next to white sand melting into turquoise waters above rainbow corals and below fiery sunsets. All I need to do is tone my fat ass so as to not destroy the near perfect picture.
Most of the islands need permits to visit, but the trouble is worth the result. If you do like your creature comforts, then Barefoot on Havelock Island should be appropriate. Expect no suites - only comfortable cabanas on an island that feels uninhabited. Beware though, Havelock may be spectacular, but it is fast becoming the open secret of the Andamans. The beaches, though, still lack names and are referred to as numbers. Beach Number 5 or Radhanagar Beach was ranked the best on the continent, to the delight of mainland Media.
27. Aurora Borealis
You haven't seen daylight in 24 hours. Around you is a vast swathe of snow, and you're nearly disappointed that Santa's workshop didn't pop out behind that flake-covered pine. Suddenly the sky lights up in a vibrancy that leaves you breathless. Welcome to Lappland, the most accesible way to view the spectacular phenomenon that is Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. The colour-waves in the sky are a result of some Atmospheric conditions, but they are a stunner.
Lappland is territory distributed across the northern end of Scandinavia, well above the Arctic circle, and Aurora is a winter phenomenon. That means cold, and how. But you will be amply supplied with basic but high quality accomodation throughout the Lapp areas of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
26. Mount Kilimanjaro
Yes, it still snows there, but experts warn it might not a couple of decades later. Anyhow, Mount Kilimanjaro is a great excuse for multiple causes - trampling through the wilds of Tanzania (Ngorongoro Crater came in at number 43), even making that trip to exotic Zanzibar. But for all adventure's sakes, here's probably your only chance at scaling a high mountain with slightly more effort than a simple hike. Guides and porters are available aplenty for your ascent throught rainforests to snow on top of famed Mount Kilimanjaro.
This being the heart of the Kenyan wilderness, you have a clutch of some of the finest safari lodges on earth to choose from.
25. Maoi Statues of Easter Island
I confess, I've had this one since my Johnny Quest days. An end-of-the-world island with the oh-so-mysterious megaliths. Now I just need to find that hidden portal to the fourth dimension and whirr away on my hoverboard. Virtual insanities aside, the Islands are pretty and probably one of the few in the pacific which have more to them than the sun-sand-tribals routine.
Explora offers a superb Rapa Nui Lodge which virtually eliminates competition and its need.
24. Persepolis
Evocative, to say the least. Simply put, packing up and heading to the once-capital of the persian empire, and be lost photographing the remains.
You'll have to base yourself at nearby Shiraz, which has enough to keep you occupied. Hotels though, are more on the basic side.
23. Denali
Or as the non-native-americans know it, Mount McKinley, the highest in North America, in the heart of Alaska's fabulous desolation. Its awe-inspiring, to say the least. And beyond the mountain itself, theres the national park around it.
This is popular camping country, and reservations are 'highly recommended' for campgrounds. Alternatively, there are several lodges, in and around. Camp Denali and North Face Lodge are a combined setup that typify the American Rustic Aesthetic.
22. The Angel Falls
Frontrunner for the year-end's Natural 7 Wonders list, the Angel Falls remains the Amazonian dream - the world's highest waterfall hidden deep inside the rainforests, accidentally discovered by outsiders due to a crash landing. Whats more, camping is prohibited and the nearest place to stay is more like a one-size-fits-all facility. This is true back-country we're dealing with. And what a country!
21. Iceland
Fire and Ice, and a musician so nice. Not only is Iceland home to Bjork, its also a powerpacked island that squeezes in glaciers and volcanoes and has a generous sprinkling of glacial lakes, waterfalls, geysers and god knows what other geological brouhaha that exists. Hiking across the island is probably the best geological holiday you can get. Also, add the real Blue Lagoon - a series of hot pools that are the brightest blue and throw in them a horde of beautiful Scandinavians.
The capital, Reykjavik, has a clutch of boutique hotels that compliment its corruption-free and super-safe lifestyle (mothers are known to leave babies in prams outside in the sun while enjoying a manicure in the salon; even the president is listed in the yellow pages). Prime among these is 101 Hotel.
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