What does a memory contain that makes you fall in love with a place? What qualities make you bottle it up and put it on a shelf in your heart as a favorite travel destination? My own recipe for a perfect getaway includes a dash of small town charm, pleasant people and the mountains or sea nearby to explore or relax into. I’ve compiled a list of six favorite places I’ve encountered in my six months of solo travel. I hope you find them as captivating as I did.
6. Pučišća, Croatia
I adored this picturesque tiny town with its white washed stone buildings, crystal clear water and orange tiled roofs. The Adriatic Sea was perfect for swimming in every day and the fresh baked donuts in the harbor made me quite content during my stay here.
5. South Tyrol, Italy
Fresh mountain air, turquoise lakes, flower baskets in every window and quaint small towns made my stay here seem as if I was in a living postcard or playing a part in the Sound of Music. This area of northern Italy is almost unreal in its pristine beauty.
4. Isle of Skye and the Highlands, Scotland
Though the weather was freezing and it rained almost constantly, I still have a special place in my heart for Scotland. Driving for the first time in the Highlands was something I’ll never forget. The vastness of the seemingly endless green hills and valleys almost made me veer off the road. The locals were some of the friendliest I’ve met and made me feel right at home.
3. Perast, Montenegro
Perast is one of my favorite travel destinations because of its location on the Bay of Kotor and almost mystical view of Our Lady of the Rocks. I floated my days away here in the sea and ate all my meals on the shore looking out at some of the most beautiful views in my life. Sunsets are supreme here, and with a population of around 350 you have the town pretty much to yourself.
2. The Seven Sisters, England
The white cliffs of England have long been a draw for me. I was told to skip them, that there were better parks to visit, yet I still went and am so thankful I did. The bright white chalk contrasting against blue skies combined with great weather in June made this destination perfect for me. I loved it so much, I visited the cliffs multiple times and stayed in the nearby seaside city of Brighton which was a great base for my explorations.
1. Oia, Santorini
Oia is the crown jewel of Greece and you can easily see why. Around every corner is something to leave you with your mouth open in awe. I was fortunate to have my sister join me in Greece and we were both floored by the beauty in Oia. The Greek people are very friendly, the food full of flavor and even the tiniest alley in the farthest corner of town was photo worthy. It’s picture perfect, full of contrasting colors set upon cliffs and is the number one favorite place I’ve visited during my first six months of solo travel.
Sheri – As always, some amazing pictures that bring back founds memories of the time(s) when Pat and I have visited these amazing places! Lets make sure we hook up for a meal before you move on from Ko Phangan! Walk in peace my friend! Pat and Bruce
I AGREE, SANTORINI IS A MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO VISIT …
YOU CALLED IT “PHOTOWORTHY” … YES
YES “AROUND EVERY CORNER” AS I REMEMBER, MY HUSBAND AND I LOST OUR BREATH FOR ALL THE BEAUTY.
YOU SHOULD JUST MOVE INTO ONE OF THOSE LITTLE ORGANIC VOLCANIC CAVE APARTMENTS CARVED INTO THE HILLSIDE AND
TAKE PHOTOS FOR A LONG LONG TIME.
I’M SO HAPPY … I’M VICARIOUSLY ABLE TO ENJOY THIS TRIP YOU PLANNED.
YOU CERTAINLY DO KNOW HOW TO FIND BEAUTY ….
LOVE TO YOU
JUNE
Sheri,
Your pictures are not just astonishing but every time I read your blog transport me in those places and start dreaming about being there. I know I won’t have the chance to travel most of the great countries and places, so I am traveling to it thru my imagination. With family now, not gonna be easy to be on the road as you did but certainly we will hit some of the spots on day. South Tyrol and Oia will be on our list.
You might you to start thinking getting in touch with the local tourist office and city hall and offer some of your work for them to update their website, magazines or brochure. They could really benefit of it.
Keep up with the great work and all the best for the second part of your year.
The Alexanian family
Cedric, this is such a nice message and I’m so happy you are enjoying the blog. I think those two are great choices for future trips. Their beauty is almost surreal. Thank you for the support and kind words. Means a lot. 🙂
Loved reading this particular post for 2 reasons:
#1. I am in absolute LOVE with Tyrol and the Alps. The plan is to retire in Austria when it is time. Until then I shall reserve my right to visit once a year.
#2. I have GOT to drive a fast car around the Isle of Skye, it’s on the bucket list.
Thanks for once again showing us the world, keep up the awesome work!
Best Wishes,
Holger
Thanks Holger! Tyrol is pretty amazing. Have you seen the roads in Isle of Skye? Narrow one lane roads with no shoulders and small passing spots the size of one car length. Might make for some tricky maneuvering. 😉 I clipped my mirror on a cliff! Oh, and then there are the sheep!
Hey Sheri, Just to let you know that I am enjoying all of your travels. Your photos and writings are beautiful. We are all missing you this holiday season. Love, Aunt Sandy
I miss you all too. I always love coming up north in the winter season and enjoying all the beauty with you up there. I miss home and my family. Next year should be extra special to be all together again. Love you and Barry both. xoxo
Thanks for mentioning South Tyrol in Italy. Was trying to figure out where to go next year, and that place sounds like a good option 🙂
Also, I was in the Scottish Highlands last month. And I totally agree with you. The scenery is something I’ve never experienced before!
You are so welcome and thank you for commenting! That area of Italy is quite spectacular and I think you should go for it. I still have so much to post about. I’ll do a full post on Tyrol soon, so hopefully that will give you some more inspiration. 🙂
stunning