TOP 10 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS! (after 8 Years of World Travel) Ep 290

Summary

In this video, a liveaboard family shares their top 10 favorite travel destinations from their 8 years of sailing around the world. From Western Australia's rugged coastline to the remote islands of French Polynesia, each place is remembered for its unique beauty and unforgettable experiences. Highlights include swimming with whale sharks, exploring the deserts of Namibia, and cruising the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. The video reflects the personal connections and adventures that made these destinations truly special, offering a rare glimpse into the life of full-time travelers on the high seas.

Takeaways

• 😀 The family has been traveling for 8 years and has visited 54 countries, experiencing both popular tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• 😀 The list of top 10 favorite places includes both memorable places and significant experiences, particularly for a liveaboard cruising family.
• 😀 The Maldives, with its breathtaking blue waters, coral reefs, and underwater life, ranks at number 10, where they also participated in the first-ever Maldives yacht rally.
• 😀 Greece comes in at number 9, highlighting not only its stunning beaches and cliffs but the meaningful interactions with locals, making it one of their most memorable trips.
• 😀 Iceland, ranked number 8, was a remarkable family experience with volcanoes, waterfalls, ice caves, and a self-driven road trip around the island.
• 😀 Completing their first ocean crossing, a monumental event in 2017, is ranked number 7 on the list, symbolizing a huge accomplishment as they sailed across the Pacific to the Marquesas Islands.
• 😀 Fiji, at number 6, offers perfect cruising grounds, incredible diving, and the memory of having the country almost entirely to themselves during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• 😀 The Bahamas, ranked 5th, hold special meaning as their first destination after buying their first sailboat, with amazing snorkeling, caves, and lagoons.
• 😀 French Polynesia, at number 4, stands out due to its remote location, rare encounters with other sailors, and incredible diving and exploration opportunities.
• 😀 The Red Sea, coming in at number 3, offered unique scuba diving and cultural experiences across multiple countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
• 😀 Southern Africa, at number 2, provided a memorable six-week road trip through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with safaris, desert exploration, and incredible wildlife encounters.
• 😀 Western Australia tops the list as the family’s favorite destination, offering stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, whale sharks, and convenient access to both remote locations and city amenities.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video shared in the transcript?

The main purpose of the video is to share the top 10 favorite places the family has visited during their 8 years of traveling, highlighting both the locations and the experiences that made these places memorable for them as liveaboard cruisers.

What makes the Maldives stand out on the list?

The Maldives stands out due to its breathtaking blue waters, sunny skies, and the opportunity to swim with sharks and stingrays. The family also had a memorable experience participating in the first-ever Maldives yacht rally and learning about the local culture.

Why is Greece considered one of the top places the family visited?

Greece is memorable for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and rich history. The family particularly values the experiences with the people they met there, rather than just the places they visited.

How did Iceland contribute to the family's travel memories?

Iceland was memorable for its dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, black sandy beaches, and ice caves. The family took a self-drive tour, swam in ice-cold water, and celebrated the father's 50th birthday while experiencing the natural beauty of the country.

What made the first ocean crossing in 2017 so significant for the family?

The first ocean crossing was significant because it marked a monumental achievement in their travels. It provided a deep sense of accomplishment for the family, as they sailed 7,111 nautical miles across the Pacific to the Marquesas Islands.

Why is Fiji considered one of the best cruising destinations?

Fiji is known for its stunning landscapes, clear lagoons, and excellent underwater life. The family particularly enjoyed the quiet, lush mountains, secluded lagoons, and the opportunity to experience some of the best diving in the world.

What is the special connection the family has with the Bahamas?

The Bahamas holds a special place for the family because it was their inaugural destination after purchasing their first sailboat in 2016. They appreciate the proximity to the U.S., the excellent snorkeling, and diving, and the overall beauty of the area.

How did the family describe their experience in French Polynesia?

French Polynesia was praised for its remote location, making it feel like a hidden treasure. The family enjoyed world-class diving, exploring secluded islands, and encountering few other travelers, which made the experience feel exclusive.

What was the appeal of the Red Sea for the family?

The Red Sea offered the family beautiful anchorages, great scuba diving, and an introduction to the culture of the Middle East. They particularly enjoyed the unique experiences in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, which were new to them as travelers.

What was the most valuable part of the family's trip to Southern Africa?

The most valuable part of the family's trip to Southern Africa was the quality time spent together, experiencing diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures in countries like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Why is Western Australia considered the family's number one destination?

Western Australia is considered the number one destination due to its stunning, untamed landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and the opportunity for adventure activities like kite surfing and swimming with whale sharks. It also offers convenience for liveaboard cruisers, with nearby cities for provisioning and repairs.