Sonia Majumder

What’s on your travel bucket list? What do you daydream about? So many incredible places and so little time. Indulge in enrapturing flavours of biryani and pani puri in India. Trek the spectacular mountains in Argentina. Surf the balmy waves in Sri Lanka. Get lost in cosy bookstores in Greece. Immerse yourself in vibrant music festivals in Cuba or just bask away at magical beaches in Portugal. 

Most of us are chasing a feeling rather than places and people. To want to get lost, to disconnect from the world, distractions, constant news and social media feed. To see the world and people through a different lens. To get a clearer picture of what really matters to us. To reconnect with ourselves and reconnect with inspiration. On the other hand, we crave real human connection with each other -to feel alive. Authentic, raw and meaningful relationships that make us feel deeply. Next time ask yourself how that place or person makes you feel rather than how it looks.

But what drives us? It’s breathing, loving, awareness, experiences and music. The simple things in life. Yet there is always room for pleasure and fun! Can’t decide where to go next? Here are a few of my travel ideas from a world bucket list that hopefully inspires your next escape too.

Explore the Taj Mahal & beaches in Goa India

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world. A stunning piece of architecture was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site and took over 20 years to build. Can you imagine that long – talk about a real love story! 

Then there’s Goa, an incredible blend of idyllic beaches and Portuguese architecture. Relax at Ahilyabythesea a beautiful little escape overlooking the ocean where you feel like you are staying at a family home. Spend the day at the pool, rejuvenate with massages and indulge in Goan, Italian and French cuisine. What more do you need?

Visit Castles & Mountains in Canada 

Canada is known to have stunning landscapes such as Lake Louise with its Turquoise- coloured lakes at Banff mountains and historical castles in Quebec. But if you are looking for a thrilling experience and an adrenaline rush you can go Skiing at some of the top ski resorts in Whistle or Lake Louise. 

Then there is Niagara Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders with its three stunning waterfalls. To top it off if you are looking for something rare, you can view beautiful polar bears in Hudson Bay near Manitoba. Other than that for city life Toronto is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Surf & Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Lush tropical jungles, pristine turquoise oceans, exotic wildlife and a rising surf scene. Arugam Bay is known as one of the best-chilled surf spots as well as Ahangma, Weligama and Hiriketiya. If you aren’t a big surfer you can kick back and relax on the beach or check-in for a yoga retreat. 

Dreamsea is a nice little surf camp located at Ahangma bay with beachfront accommodations and pastel-coloured sunset breaks. Their surf camps are located globally including Bali, Costa Rica, France, Maldives, Nicaragua, Portugal and Spain. TheSpicetrails is a nice little find to get away from the crowds and a stone’s throw away from the ocean in Arugam Bay and Ahangama. You can surf, eat and get into the wild.

Other than the beach you can immerse yourself in the wilderness at Kumana National Park which is 50 minutes away from Arugam Bay. Live in the moment and check out the unique wildlife – elephants, leopards, crocodiles and wild boars.

Marvel at Architecture in Portugal

Portugal’s art and cultural scene are vibrant and flourishing. From the ceramic hand-painted tiles, flourishing street art, rich music, poetry and literature. You can’t miss the beautiful Capela De Santa Catarina also known as the Chapel of Souls filled with blue-tiled art. It’s also a great place to hear captivating stories by renowned Poets such as De Camoes, who wrote a story about a Portuguese Explorer Vasco De Gama’s historic journey to find a sea route to India. 

Lisbon is known to have mouth-watering seafood, croquettes and a good old classic peri-peri chicken. Portugal is also known to have a laid back surfing scene located on pristine sandy beaches in less touristy towns.

Soak up Culture in Cuba

Get lost in the magic and madness of this beautiful country. Start off by grabbing a drink somewhere in Havana. Next stop by Hemingway Museum former home of Ernest Hemingway one of the world’s most influential writers and journalists.

You can find a Cuban band playing around the rum bar near the entrance. Also don’t miss the colourful cobblestone streets of Trinidad to view the vibrant architecture. Cuba is also known for its love and passion for music – go dance the night away. Lastly, check out the classic vintage Cuban cars from the 1940s and 1950s!

Want to connect? Come say hi and follow my adventures on Instagram.