Travel Gems: The Top 5 Travel Destinations You Must Experience
Embarking on a journey to discover new places and cultures is one of life's greatest joys and as summer is flying by, it’s time to start considering your next escape! Out of the many places i’ve traveled to, these are are my top 5 most enchanting destinations: Cancun, Cartagena, Malibu Canada, Joshua Tree, and Puerto Viejo De Talamanca Costa Rica. Each destination provides an unforgettable travel experience. Unique in their own way, each destination provides various gems. Whether you’re searching for stunning beaches, adventure, a beautiful landscape or full cultural immersion, these locations offer a perfect blend of each. Let’s dive into the wonders of these must-visit travel destinations!
Cancun, Mexico
You've probably heard of this destination before! Cancun is located on the Caribbean Sea with a flight time from Los Angeles being just under 5 hours. It’s easy to access and a beautiful sight to see. With its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife, this gem is an absolute paradise for travelers. During my time in Cancun, I stayed at the Dreams Vista All-Inclusive Resort. Pictures cannot do the hotel justice, but it is pure luxury. From the ease of check-in to its private beach to an array of tasty cuisines, the Dream Vista stole my heart. I’m not typically a resorts type of person, but I can’t lie, sitting at a restaurant or stopping by one of their many bars to request food and drinks…without having to pay? (all-inclusive, remember?) was worth it. Every morning, the resort plays soft meditation music that can be heard throughout the resort near the pool, restaurants, and on the beach. Imagine sitting on a hammock suspended above the water while you journal to the beautiful hums of meditative music and chirping birds. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, Cancun has it all. Whether you want to sunbathe, snorkel in the Great Maya Reef, explore the ancient ruins, take a trip to the mall, or drive a short distance to the zipline, Cancun is easily the best vacation I have ever had. With a rich blend of history, nature, and entertainment, Cancun is the vacation of a lifetime.
Cartagena, Colombia
This destination is full of cultural richness and oozes with history! When you step into Historic Cartagena, you walk directly into a historically charming work. Cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings and bustling plazas transport you back in time. I hosted my first group trip in Cartagena and it was everything and more. The walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and within those walls are majestic churches, amazing nightlife, mouth-watering Colombian cuisine, and extroverted people. Embark on the many activities awaiting you in Cartagena from street food tasting tours to rum tastings to historic walled city tours. Another city on the Caribbean coast (seeing a theme?), Cartagena is a hot spot. I mean that literally: Cartagena is HOT and humid. When traveling, it’s so important to drink a ton of water, especially if you’re eating a lot of fish. Seafood is everywhere for a great price, but trust, dehydration, and seafood do not mix well. Speaking of price, Colombia is one of the cheapest countries I’ve been to. Cartagena is definitely on the more expensive tourist side of Colombia, but relative to the U.S Dollar, Cartagena is rather cheap. I almost cried at the price of cocktails. In Colombia, we stayed at Hotel Santa Catalina which is directly on the cobblestone streets, offering a beautiful lookout down the road. Additionally, If you’re looking to travel with kids? Check out Cartagenanny. We had a wonderful nanny for a very reasonable price. The process of booking was very easy. Truly, I couldn’t have asked for a better time in Colombia! I wasn’t expecting much, but Cartagena offered everything! If traveling to South America, consider making Colombia a first stop. Looking to stay a while longer? Check out my Patreon posts on how to travel as a digital nomad.
Malibu Canada (Ontario)
A true hidden gem, Malibu is an enchanting land that I first experienced at 17 during a YoungLife camp. Amongst Canada's breathtaking landscapes, Malibu often goes unnoticed. Maybe it's best that way, but this destination is the definition of serenity. To access Malibu, we took the Malibu Princess which is roughly a 3-hour or less trip. This place is only accessible by boat and seaplane. That is how much of an escape this place is. It is essentially the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life as you’re nestled amongst thick forestry and endless waters. Its tranquility will leave you mesmerized just as watching the tides rise and fall will. Aside from the scenic hiking trails, I am a lover of good lakeside cabins and Malibu has some of the coziest cabins. The Princess Louisa Inlet Package at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge can provide everything you need to know because honestly, words can’t describe this experience. Only photos can do it justice. If you’re in Seattle or feel like taking a road trip to Canada from the west coast, check out Malibu when available. It’s a true escape: one of the most beautiful ones.
Joshua Tree, California, USA
For the past 3 years, I’ve taken an annual trip to Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree is easily my home away from home. For both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Joshua Tree National Park is the dream. However, it’s also great for the person looking to reground and connect on a spiritual level. A lot of people experience alien sightings in JT! The unique landscape of rugged rock formations, ancient Joshua trees, and star-filled skies create an otherworldly experience. There are many fields in Joshua Tree as well that allow you to stare for miles of endless desert eliciting such a deep existential feeling. I’ve lived in the desert before in Arizona. However, Joshua Tree is different. It’s even different compared to Palm Springs, its neighboring desert city. Joshua Tree has that natural, earthy-toned aesthetic inside and outside of every home. As for the homes, you can find many homes off-grid with jacuzzis, hammocks, and outdoor showers. I am an advocate for outdoor showers. In the morning when the sun has risen? Perfect setting. While in Joshua Tree, you can rent a beautiful home, tent camp, or rent a camper van from Escape Campervans to chill on JT camping grounds. I’ve done all three and each experience was amazing. JT is also the perfect escape for friend groups. It may not be an international trip to Cancun, but my friends and I cultivated the most intimate and fun moments in Joshua Tree during my birthday in 2022. No phones, games, conversations, and wine? Take me back! Whether you’re hiking through the vast desert terrain, rock climbing on the boulders, or stargazing the Milky Way, Joshua Tree is a haven for those seeking solace in nature's embrace.
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, Costa Rica
Pura Vida baby! The Pura Vida lifestyle is perfectly encapsulated in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, a laid-back beach town on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. In a more remote location, Puerto is surrounded by lush rainforests and pristine beaches, including Playa Negra. Playa Negra is the black sand beach and is easily my favorite. My family lived in Puerto Viejo for over one month experiencing the beauty of the land and the people. Puerto Viejo De Talamanca is home to many Afro-Indigenous people. As a black, queer family, I found so much peace in experiencing a beautiful city full of people who look just like me. Puerto Viejo is full of people and has a buzzing nightlife, but also a bustling daytime with tons of activities. One of my favorite activities: yoga at Amaser. Classes are $5 and overlook the ocean. There's also a local waterfall, the Bribri waterfall, which you can go to after a wonderful Bribri indigenous chocolate tour. In Puerto Viejo, you can book many excursions through Caribe Fun Tours. While there is so much to do, the beauty of Puerto Viejo is in its nature. The wildlife is impressive with monkeys, sloths, and birds constantly in your vicinity. Biking and tuk-tuks are major forms of transportation, so expect to get some exercise and make some friends. The locals are very kind. The fruterias also provide the freshest fruit and exceptional service. The one downside: Puerto Viejo is very expensive. Costa Rica as a whole is expensive but unfortunately, expats and tourists are driving up the Caribbean side prices with rents going from $300-$400 to thousands and thousands in the past years. It’s a bit out of control at the moment, but as a simple tourist destination and quick stay, it is a good place to visit and experience. Whether you’re looking to relax, surf, snorkel, or explore the nearby Cahuita National Park, home to a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life, Puerto Viejo is a true paradise. Immerse yourself in the local culture, savor the cuisine, and unwind on the sandy shores whilst enjoying the reggae tunes in the air.
From the crystal-clear waters of Cancun to the mystic allure of Joshua Tree, and the cultural richness of Cartagena to the laid-back vibes of Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, each of these top five travel destinations offers an unforgettable experience. These are BIPOC and queer-friendly travel destinations as well, which truly inform everywhere my family travels. To say we’ve had such great experiences in all of these places is an understatement! Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or a getaway from the daily hustle, these gems cater to all travelers' desires. Prepare to embark on a beautiful journey, and create memories that alter your life view!