My Top 3 Travel Memories
In all your travels around the world, what do you remember most?
For someone like me who started traveling when I was 3, and alone when I was 11, it’s a hard task indeed to remember my trips. However, I was given a chance today to try and recapture those memorable moments in the blogging contest that’s recently making the rounds in the blogosphere.
A windmill in Karterados Village, Santorini.
“My Top 3 Travel Memories” is similar to My 7 Supers Shots and Capture the Color, wherein a commercial travel site engages bloggers in a writing competition. In this particular contest, bloggers join a team (I belong to team BLUE), get tapped to write the post about their top 3 travel memories, and then pass on the baton to another member of the team. I would like to thank Evan and Tracy for tagging me, and our team captain Christina Hegele for all the encouragement!
That said, here are my most memorable travel memories:
El Nido, Palawan (Philippines)
Clear waters in El Nido.
El Nido has been called the Island of the Gods, not only for is beaches but for its wonderful views as well. I wasn’t alone when I went there in 2009. I went with a very good friend which probably made the place all the more memorable to me.
It wasn’t peak season when we went, so we had a choice of rooms and there weren’t a lot of people. We swam, went walking along the beach, island hopped and snorkeled. I also ran, started a blog (yep, Solitary Wanderer was born there!), and surprised myself by feeling so at peace in this small town northeast of Palawan.
If there’s a place in the Philippines that I would like to go back to again and again, it would probably be El Nido, if only to cherish the memories I’d had there.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Love the food in Vietnam!
I love Saigon, I love walking its streets and drinking in the busy-ness of its daily life. I love its coffee, its delicious banh mi sandwiches, and the way the people there make you feel at home. I’ve been in Saigon 3x, and every time I go there, there are always stories to tell, about things I’d done, places I’d seen, and people I’d met.
Needless to say, Saigon holds a place in my heart, and every now and then, I think of it fondly and smile.
Santorini, Greece
The small town of Oia in Santorini.
I almost didn’t go to Santorini. I’d always thought of it as a place that’s too expensive for a backpacker like me. When my Couchsurfing host in Athens (thanks Miltiadis!) managed to convince me, I found out there was a transport strike and there were no boats going there.
Despite all the near misses, I did end up in this very beautiful group of islands in Greece. I stayed in an inexpensive cave-like accommodation, met the most wonderful hostel owners (I found them through Hostelworld), and walked around for days in Fira and Oia with no itinerary and no plans other than to fully enjoy the beauty that is Santorini.
I stayed four days there, four short days to fully appreciate all the charms of that island. And yet, when I look back on those moments, I felt that it was complete, too, made all the more memorable because of the people who made a huge impression on me.
****
It just struck me that even though I usually travel solo, all of these top memories involved other people. It’s not actually the place, per se, which makes your travel memorable, it’s also the people you meet. That’s why I love this quote from the movie I Am Number Four:
You can go wherever you want. See whatever you want to but, a place is only as good as the people in it.
With that, I would like to pass the baton to another Team Blue member, Amanda Williams of A Dangerous Business!
How about you? In all your travels around the world, what do you remember most?
Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you! Share and Enjoy
Great memories. It’s so cool when a place we really didn’t think too much about, turns out to be so special, like Santorini. The water in El Nido looks totally inviting.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..My Vineyard Wedding
Great post, Aleah. As usual.
Keep going. Celebrate life!
Lifeisacelebration recently posted..SPOT THE DIFFERENCE AFRICAN SAFARI
@ Cathy: True. I’m so happy I let myself be convinced to go to Santorini. After all, YOLO right?
@ Lifeisacelebration: Thanks Tita Lili!
Aleah recently posted..My Top 3 Travel Memories
I guess traveling really is you destiny, Aleah. For someone to have started so young, you really are blessed. I’ve been dreaming to visit Santorini, Greece for the longest time! I hope I can fulfill that dream someday.. And my other dream places as well. Thank you for inspiring us!
Kim Buenafe recently posted..A Veneto Napoli Pizzeria Ristorante | Photo Blog
Eurail train through Europe was cool, Rio was nice, bus trip to canada was interesting, royal caribbean cruise was fun, seeing all the Greek Islands were cool and beautiful, and many more…
fifileigh recently posted..ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS PROTEST ON FACEBOOK
@ Kim: I’m sure you’ll be able to go there someday. We just have to keep on dreaming hehe
@ Fifi Leigh: Didn’t take the Eurail when I was in Europe. Too expensive for me hehe I wish to see the other Greek islands too, like Mykonos and the others.
Aleah recently posted..My Top 3 Travel Memories
Thanks for participating, Aleah, and thanks for sharing your memories. I can totally see myself in El Nido too – nice to hear you felt at peace there, wandering on the beach and going snorkelling. Sounds very relaxing to me, and fascinating at that same time given your photo of the place!
Christina recently posted..Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Cliffwalk
I only spent a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, but I loved it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see Hanoi or the rest of the country for that matter. However, that one small trip did one big thing, and that was: I have to get back and visit Vietnam as well as more of southeast Asia.
Thanks for your post, Aleah! Gooooo Blues!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Tips to 5 UNESCO Heritage Sites in Germany
@ Christina: Yeah, El Nido’s very nice. You should really visit the Philippines one of these days
@ Henry: HCMC’s wonderful for photographers as well! Too bad you haven’t had a chance to go back yet. I’ve been there three times and I still want to go back!
Aleah recently posted..My Top 3 Travel Memories
I should visit santorini soon. watching your photos made me wanna hop on a plane right away.. .but ofcourse that wont happen this soon. hopefully when i get a stable job. Your trip there will always be my motivation
Wander Shugah recently posted..Sweet Leaf Bubble Tea, Cagayan de Oro City
El Nido looks divine. What lovely travel memories, Aleah!
I love the quote you ended with.
Thanks for participating.
InsideJourneys recently posted..St. Andrew Parish Courthouse Jamaica
@ Wander Shugah: Can you believe until now I haven’t written about Santorini yet? So difficult to capture its beauty in words
@ Inside Journeys: Thanks for inviting me to the team, Marcia
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
El Nido looks like an amazing spot to visit. I’ve been to Ho Chi Minh City but I don’t think I saw it with the same eyes you did. Sometimes just wandering the streets and heading where the locals go makes for the most memorable experiences.
Leigh recently posted..Reader Photos: Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
These all look like such wonderful destinations from your description of them and your beautiful photos, Aleah. To answer your question, one of my best travel memories is of being just so impressed with the vast open spaces and magical beauty of Central Australia, which I just happen to have posted on.
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Central Australia
@ Leigh: El Nido is amazing. My pic here doesn’t do justice to it! And I miss HCMC
@ Andrew: It’s in my bucket list to visit Australia. Such a large and beautiful country!
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
Ho Chi Minh City is also one of my favorite, i have been 3 times last year:)
Simon Lee
Simon Lee recently posted..Tioman Island – A Must Visit Island in Malaysia
We’re saving to visit Santorini in the future. They said it’s a perfect place for honeymooners.
@ Simon: I know the feeling. 3x going there too isn’t enough. Will make sure to go back someday.
@ Sky: Yes, it’s the perfect place for the couple called Sky and Summer
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
I love vietnamese food too. I have not been to El NIdo but I will surely be there soon!
(Hope so.. hehe)and Santorini is one place I really promised myself to go.. sana dyan kami mag honeymoon!! lol! haha.. crossing my fingers.. 
)
violy recently posted..Legoland, Malaysia – First Legoland in Asia and First International Park in Malaysia
I agree that most of the trips you have its the people you get to meet or interact with that leaves a mark even if on you’re a solo mission. Great places you’ve been to.
Franc Ramon recently posted..The Zombie Journals: The Psycho Prisoner
@ Violy: As Sky said (above), yes, it’s perfect for honeymooners esp during spring. Not a lot of people and the views there are so amazing!
@ Franc: Thanks!
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
This is a wonderful travel experiences you’ve made. The places that you’ve visited are inviting to be visited. As a solitary wanderer, I nominate you to receive The Versatile Blogger Award. Just visit my blog on the versatile blogger award. Thanks.
Gil Camporazo recently posted..Receiving The Versatile Blogger Award
I’ve been to Santorini twice, Ho Chi Minh once but El Nido not yet. Maybe next year. So many places, so little time.
bertN recently posted..Holland & Belgium and the Floriade, August 2012
@ Gil: Thanks for the honor, Gil
I don;t know if I deserve it though. You’re the one who’s versatile!
@ BertN: You’re busy cruising around the world eh. What a life hehe
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
Kapag talaga nakatapak ka sa El Nido, dimo siya talaga makakalimutan.. hehehe.. Ganda kasi talaga..:)
Ganda ng mga napuntahan mo Ms.Aleah..:)
Was hoping to read a romantic account. Hihi. That shot of Oia’s postcard worthy! Go Blues (saling pusa)!
GayE @ Pinay Travel Junkie recently posted..Photo Essay: Kasbah des Oudaïas And Le Tour Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
@ Tripsiders: So true, sis!
@ Gay: Ah, off limits ang lablyf sa blog hehe
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
if there is a place in the philippines that id love to visit, it is palawan. outside the phils would be south africa.
btw, i love your shots. and sartorini sure is beautiful.
lilpink recently posted..When Kate Middleton Wears The Headscarf…
Hi Aleah, very well said and I agree — the people you encounter along the way are what make each journey special and memorable. A place maybe spectacular but if its people doesn’t touch you, it is a soulless travel experience.
I’m with your on El Nido and Santorini – they gave very soullful travel experiences, too.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..The Tamer Side of Mykonos
@ Lilpink: Haven’t been to Africa yet but hoping to get there someday. Yeah, Palawan’s really beautiful! So unspoiled at the moment!
@ Marisol: Too true. I always enjoy reading your posts, makes me want to go back to Europe now na
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
Santorini!!! Isa sa mga pinapangarap kong mapuntahan. Grabe inggit much ako sayo kasi isa yan sa mga dream destination ko ever since mapanood ko yung Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Hay kelan kaya ako dadalin ng hangin dyan?
By the way El Nido is simply marvelous. Mapapawow ka talaga sa mga beaches!
Hoping to visit Santorini soon. Everyone I met who’s been there only have good things to say about the place!
AC recently posted..Review of Capri by Fraser, First Hotel-Residence Concept in Singapore
@ Joan: It’s doable, sis. If I’ve done it, you certainly will too
@ AC: Yes, yes it’s really beautiful! One of the must-visit places in the world.
Aleah recently posted..How to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip
Of course at least one of my memories would also involve food … and another scenery, but it’s the personal connections (positive AND negative!) that make the experiences so memorable!
Red Nomad OZ recently posted..Good Day at Black Rock Falls! Kununurra, Western Australia
@ Red: All my travels involve some kind of food tripping LOL You learn so much of a culture through their food!
Aleah recently posted..Snapshot Sunday—St. Anthony de Padua, Italy
[...] on” the theme to another teammate at the end of each post. Big thanks to Aleah from Solitary Wanderer for passing the Team BLUE baton to [...]
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