My Top WOW Destinations From Around The World (Part I)

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Whenever someone asks me about my favorite travel destination, out of the 50 countries I’ve had the privilege of visiting, I find it nearly impossible to settle on just one. Travel, for me, is about far more than a single place or experience. It’s about the magic that happens when geography, culture, and nature align in a way that touches the soul. Beauty is deeply subjective—what moves one person might not stir another—but for me, natural landscapes and human connection have always left the deepest impressions.

While I can’t narrow it down to just one favorite, I can recall several places that left me in awe. These are the destinations that etched themselves in my memory and stirred me in profound ways. Without further ado, here are a few of the extraordinary places that have captured my heart—and to which I would gladly return in a heartbeat.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Of all the islands in French Polynesia, I only had the chance to visit Tahiti. But that single island was enough to leave me breathless. Tahiti is where paradise meets a unique, matriarchal society, where women are empowered and central to the fabric of life. That alone set the tone for the energy of the island—joyful, free-spirited, and alive with vibrant culture.

Everywhere I went, I was greeted by laughter, music, and flowers. From the fragrant Tiaré blossoms that adorned nearly every street corner to the joyous rhythm of drums echoing through the air, life in Tahiti feels like a celebration. The island’s lush green mountains rising dramatically from crystal-clear waters, the hidden waterfalls in dense jungles, and the hypnotic beauty of the traditional dances all added to its mystique. I was fortunate enough to attend the Heiva i Tahiti festival—a transcendent cultural experience. The hypnotic rhythms of the drums, the synchronised precision of the dancers, and the storytelling embedded in each movement left me spellbound. Tahiti is not just a destination; it’s an experience for all the senses, full of beauty, grace, and wonder.

Blue Mountains, Australia

When I think of Australia, the sun-drenched beaches of Sydney often come to mind, but my most unforgettable experience was in the Blue Mountains, a mere day trip away. Without any expectations, my husband and I drove out from the city, only to find ourselves surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes I’ve ever seen. Towering cliffs covered in eucalyptus trees stretched out before us, disappearing into the vastness of a grand canyon-like valley.

The views from Echo Point were spectacular, but the real magic happened during our hike to the Three Sisters rock formation and Katoomba Falls. As we walked along steep, Jurassic-looking trails, we were enveloped by the crisp air, the scent of eucalyptus, and the sound of cascading waterfalls. It felt like nature was embracing us in its ancient beauty, reminding us how small we are in the grand scheme of things. The Blue Mountains were more than just a visual feast—they were a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively.

Ambrym Volcano, Vanuatu

Of all my travel experiences, visiting the Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu was by far one of the most intense. Living in Port Vila at the time, my husband and I gathered a group of friends and embarked on a true adventure to this remote and little-known island. The journey was anything but easy. We took a small Cessna plane, then trekked for seven hours through untouched wilderness, cutting our way through dense vegetation with machetes. The hike was grueling, and just when we thought we couldn’t go on any further, we reached the crater.

The moment I peered over the edge and saw the bubbling, molten lava at the heart of the Earth, everything else faded away. The crater, Marum, glowed with an otherworldly orange-red light, the lava churning in rhythmic waves. It was like staring into the very soul of the planet. Exhausted as I was, the sight filled me with awe and insignificance in equal measure. It was raw, primal, and humbling, reminding me of the incredible power of nature.

Old Bagan, Myanmar

Myanmar is a land of contrasts—chaotic cities juxtaposed against peaceful, spiritual landscapes—and nowhere is this more evident than in Old Bagan. After days of dusty, bumpy roads and countless adventures through the country, we finally arrived at the ancient city. Spread across a vast plain, Old Bagan is home to over 3,800 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries, each with its own unique story.

Exploring the maze of these sacred structures felt like stepping back in time. Some were small and humble, while others were grand and intricate, but all were bathed in an air of reverence. The highlight was climbing to the rooftop of a towering pagoda and watching the sunset. As the sky turned golden, dozens of hot air balloons slowly rose above the temple spires, creating a scene so surreal that I had to pinch myself. It was one of those rare, perfect moments that stay with you forever.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, to me, is the ultimate blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. My husband and I arrived in Seminyak and immediately fell in love with its luxurious boutique hotels, beach lounges, and exquisite dining options. But the true magic of Bali lay beyond its tourist-filled beaches.

On a whim, we hired a local driver to take us to Ubud, where we spent the day exploring rice terraces, temples, and the famous Monkey Forest. Every corner of Ubud felt like it had a secret waiting to be discovered, from the tranquil beauty of the rice fields to the mischievous monkeys swinging through the trees. We even witnessed a traditional fire dance, complete with mesmerising costumes and music. What struck me most about Bali was how effortlessly everything fell into place—the spontaneity of the journey, the natural beauty of the island, and the rich cultural experiences. Bali was pure enchantment, wrapped in tropical warmth.

These are just a few of the destinations that have left me in awe—places where nature’s grandeur and cultural richness combined to create moments of deep contemplation and joy. Stay tuned for Part II, where I’ll share more of the places that have captured my heart and made me fall in love with the world all over again.

Sarah the Digital GypSea

Romania, September 2021