elena david

If there was ever a place that looked too beautiful to be real, it’s Seychelles. This cluster of paradise islands in the Indian Ocean is all about white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping are the main attractions here, though just lounging under a palm tree with a fresh coconut sounds like a solid plan, too. One day, I’ll make it here—probably after debating whether I should just move in permanently.

If wildlife encounters and untouched nature are your thing, the Galapagos should be at the top of your list. On a 5-day tour of the Galapagos, you can visit giant tortoise reserves, explore Isabela Island, snorkel with sea lions, and hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano. It’s like stepping into a National Geographic documentary, except you’re actually in it. Whether you’re fascinated by evolution, a lover of marine life, or just want to see cool animals, this place is a dream.

I spent a week sailing along the Amalfi Coast, stopping in every charming town possible, and let me tell you—it was pure magic. The pastel-hued villages stacked against dramatic cliffs have made this one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations, and for good reason. Whether you’re sailing along the coast cruising or getting lost in the narrow streets, there’s no wrong way to explore this coastline. I’ve also spent time in Venice, Burano, Florence, and Cinque Terre, all of which I’d highly recommend—so honestly, just block out a few weeks for an Italian adventure.

I did a girls’ weekend in Cartagena, and this city knows how to bring the energy. Brightly colored buildings, lively music, and the scent of fresh arepas make it impossible not to fall in love. When I wasn’t wandering through the charming streets or eating my weight in tapas, I had the option to relax on Playa Blanca’s stunning beaches or take a dip in the mud baths at Totumo Volcano. I’m not usually one for rolling around in the mud, but the idea of a warm, mineral-rich soak was oddly tempting and turned out to be a ton of fun!

Yes, this is where you’ll find the insanely blue waters of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise, and yes, they’re just as stunning in real life. I spent a long weekend in Banff kayaking, hiking, and exploring the national parks, and every turn felt like stepping into a postcard. Make sure you explore further than just Banff National Park- don’t sleep on Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake – that was one of my favorite days!

The Lofoten Islands look like something straight out of a movie, with mountains rising straight from the sea and colorful fishing villages dotting the coastline. If you visit in summer, you’ll get endless daylight for hiking, boating, and fishing—but winter is when the Northern Lights steal the show. One day, I’ll make it here, though I have no idea how to mentally prepare for a Nordic winter. I imagine it involves a lot of layers and an unreasonable amount of hot chocolate.

Hoi An has been near the top of my list of dream travel destinations for ages, and for good reason. This charming, lantern-lit town is packed with incredible food, rich history, and beautiful countryside just waiting to be explored. I’d love to do a classic Vietnamese food tour, try my hand at basket boating, and check out the Hoi An floating market. Plus, if there’s ever a place to get custom-tailored clothing for ridiculously cheap, this is it—so I may just come home with a whole new wardrobe!

Glaciers, mountains, and outdoor activities, oh my! Patagonia is a dream for outdoor lovers, offering everything from trekking to the Perito Moreno Glacier to kayaking down La Leona River. The sheer scale of nature here is unreal, with jagged peaks and turquoise lakes. This is one of those places where you go for the adventure and stay for the jaw-dropping scenery.

Antarctica is the Earth’s southernmost continent, and it is a vast, icy landmass covered by a thick ice sheet. It’s known for being the coldest, windiest, and driest continent, with an average elevation higher than any other. Antarctica is also unique as it has no native human population and is governed by international agreements.

Bergen, Norway, is a vibrant coastal city known as the “heart of the fjords” and the “city between the seven mountains”. It’s the second-largest city in Norway, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and a European City of Culture, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern urban life.