4 Places We Can't Wait to Show Each Other!
Because sharing is caring.
Have you ever visited a country and desperately wanted to go back just so you could show its beauty to a best friend or partner?
*Raises hand*
It’s often the first thought that pops into our minds when we see something very special - Gosh, I really wish they were here to see this too!
And even though we’ve collectively gone on 54 trips in the past 7 years, there are definitely many places we’re eager to still show each other. In this post, we’re each sharing 2 places that the other needs to see ASAP. We’ll share what’s so special about them as well as a top tip for any fellow newbies to these destinations.
We hope it inspires you to share your favorite spots with a loved one yourself. Enjoy!
What’s so special about New Zealand, Hannah?
(Aka a sentence that’s probably never been said out loud before).
If you love being outdoors and admiring beautiful landscapes, there are two options: either you’ve already been to New Zealand, or it’s on your bucket list.
And rightfully so.
There aren’t many places where nature is as varied as it is valued. You can enjoy pristine beaches, lush forests, and impressive mountains all in one place. And luckily you won’t have to share it with too many others - besides 25 million sheep of course.
(Yes, New Zealand has more sheep than it has people - it’s a thing).
Having been there twice in my life, I think there’s something even more special about New Zealand than its natural beauty.
The special thing about New Zealand is its people.
Kiwis are famously warm and welcoming. They’ll greet you with a smile and happily share stories about their country and the rich Maori culture. You won’t easily catch a Kiwi on a bad day. (Perhaps the previous Rugby World Cup was the only exception, but I bet they’ll laugh it off eventually).
I’ll admit that I’m biased.
We have the loveliest family friends in Auckland who I’ve realistically only seen a handful of times. Yet their kindness and warmth transcends those sporadic in-person catch-ups.
Need a place to stay when you visit? No problem. Need a local tour guide? You got it. Need us to “adopt” your brother whilst he studies here for 4 years and treat him like family? Don’t even mention it.
They undeniably add to the charm of this beautiful country.
Top tip for first-time visitors?
Rent a car and drive approximately 4 hours from Auckland to Hot Water Beach and Coromandel.
I was seven years old when I visited these spots, but I still vividly remember them both. At Hot Water Beach you can dig a hole to enjoy the warm comfort of hot springs whilst looking out at the ocean.
A unique and highly memorable experience.
A little further down from Hot Water Beach, you’ll find Coromandel and the Cathedral Cove.
After a hike with quite a few steps, you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing landscape. Personally, I felt like I was entering Narnia as I walked through Cathedral Cove and I loved every second of it.
In case you needed one, here’s your sign to visit New Zealand. And don’t forget to share it with a loved one!
What’s so special about South Africa, Hannah?
South Africa is an incredibly complex, yet beautiful country.
If you're seeking a holiday where you can admire the resilience of both the land and its people, South Africa is the one. You’ll discover that it’s a melting pot of an incredible amount of different cultures. To illustrate, they have 16 national languages.
Sixteen!
Since I’m half South African, I’ve been fortunate to experience the cultural diversity of the country on multiple occasions. Even though, it can be difficult to observe the contrasting socio-economic situations next to each other, there’s a pride and commitment amongst South Africans to continuously build a more equitable society - however big the challenge might be.
It’s something we in other countries can learn from.
Another undeniable part of South Africa’s diversity lies in its biodiversity. You say, South Africa, I say Big 5. You can’t visit South Africa without stopping at one of the many national parks and game reserves. They offer the adventure of a lifetime to find and observe such powerful animals in their natural habitat.
But don’t be fooled, it’s not always enjoyable.
It can be nerve-wracking when an elephant comes a bit too close to your rented vehicle. It can be disappointing when you see your 100th herd of wildebeest when you finally thought you’d see some buffalo. And it can be incredibly frustrating when you can’t find the last one to complete your Big 5 (I’m looking at you, leopards).
Luckily, it makes those moments where you do succeed and get to admire a black rhino together with its cub all the more rewarding.
Proceed with caution, however.
Safari’s are expensive. And unfortunately for your wallet, they’re also very addictive 😉
Best way to go on safari?
If you want to make your safari extra special, go on a walking safari.
A WALKING safari?
Yes, you read that right. This is what we did during our previous visit to South Africa as a family - we slept under the stars by night and explored the savanna by day (and by foot).
We were navigated through the wild by two amazing guides. They taught us incredible things about African wildlife. For example which animal had passed based on their foot print or the different territorial habits of white and black rhinos.
To this day I can recall a surprising amount of characteristics about animal dung.
You never know when it'll come in handy again.
Beside during your next safari of course ;)
What’s so special about Singapore, Mike?
Singapore is one of those places that you can't help but fall in love with, and my two visits there confirmed this.
My first time in Singapore was during a 5-hour layover, which surprisingly turned out to be a great introduction to the city. The second time was even better – I got to visit a few friends and experience the buzz of a Formula 1 race.
The city is a mix of different cultures – Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian influences are everywhere. It's amazing to see such diversity thriving together. Within a few minutes, you can see one of the most impressive and expensive buildings in the world, Marina Bay Sands, and a few blocks further you can enjoy local cuisine in many of their hawker stalls for a few dollars.
Any tips for newbies to this destination?
See if you can also stumble in the annual Formula 1 race if you are into this kind of thing. If not, soak up the sights of some of their beautiful temples during the day, have a taste of local cuisine at a hawker center, and visit the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay during the evening to finish off this spectacular day.
What’s so special about Hong Kong, Mike?
Hong Kong has a special place in my heart.
It might be it was my first time going on an intercontinental flight by myself. It might be because I flew in my favorite aircraft, the Airbus A380 (on the upper deck!). But it might also be that Hong Kong is just a beautiful city.
I visited Hong Kong for 4 days with one of my best friends in 2018. He was going to start his gap year in Australia and had a layover in Hong Kong for 2 days. When I asked him if he thought it would be fun to join him in Hong Kong before he set off to Australia, the answer was a resounding yes. The next day, I booked my flight tickets and he rebooked his flights so he also had 4 days in Hong Kong.
As you might have guessed from my previous recommendation, and my Asia-heavy travel history in the past few years, I just love going to Asia.
Hong Kong perfectly fits into this. From the skyscrapers to the neon lights on every street corner, and from the amazing food you can find everywhere to the beautiful Hong Kong skyline you can see at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong has it all. When I think of a typical Asian city, Hong Kong is what I think of.
Instagram Follow Tip: If you like street photography, especially combined with neon lights and Hong Kong? @stfeyes on Instagram has some beautiful pictures.
Any tips for newbies to this destination?
One thing I haven't done in Hong Kong is the Lion Rock hike, but I’ve heard many great stories about this hike. Next to that, a visit to Victoria Peak can never be missed on a Hong Kong itinerary. Take the iconic ferry between the mainland and Hong Kong Island and take your time to explore. When night falls, try to snatch a spot to eat some of the best dim sum, and afterward, head back to Victoria Harbour to witness the light show projected on the buildings of Hong Kong Island at 8 pm.
Sharing is caring
And there you have it, our top picks that the other just has to experience. Each of these destinations holds a special place in our hearts and memories, and we can't wait to explore them together.
But what about you? Yes, you reading this right now.
Have you ever visited a place so breathtaking, so uniquely captivating, that you've been itching to take someone special there? Maybe it's the cobblestone streets of a quaint European village, the bustling markets of an Asian mega city, or perhaps a peaceful spot in the middle of nowhere in North America.
Comment your must-share destination below and let's keep inspiring each other, one unforgettable destination at a time.
In Hawke's Bay: Craggy Range, Paritua, and Trinity Hill. In Marlborough: Nautilus, Clos Henri, and a place called No. 1 Family Winery for really excellent sparkling wines. Down in the Queenstown/Gibbston Valley area: Mora, Kinross, Peregrine, Mt. Rosa, and Gibbston Valley Winery. It's honestly hard to go wrong at a winery in New Zealand!
Bonus benefit of both New Zealand and South Africa: epic wine regions! I spent 15 days in NZ earlier this year, mostly drinking wine with my husband. We haven't made it to South Africa yet, but it's on the list!