When it comes to travel, 2017 was certainly a year to remember and full of the best travel moments.

From adventuring through bustling cities to exploring the untouched beauty of natural landscapes, there was no shortage of excitement and wonder. With so many countries visited and destinations explored, countless moments left a lasting impression, each unique and unforgettable.

Whether it was the taste of new cuisines or the thrill of embarking on new adventures, each experience helped create memories that would stay with us for years. It’s safe to say that 2017 was a fantastic year of travel.

 

 

 

Travelling is one of life’s most exciting and rewarding experiences, and 2017 was no exception. This year was an adventure for the books, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to the tranquil beaches of Khao Lak in Thailand.

Even the cultural hub of Ubud in Bali and the laid-back streets of Vientiane in Laos added something unique to the mix. But out of all the fantastic memories, one specific event outshined them all. And although ranking the top five travel moments of 2017 wasn’t easy, this one experience truly stood out amongst the rest.

So, let’s dive into the list and reminisce on the best travel moments of the year.

 

 

 

 

Reflecting on 2017: Best five travel moments of the year

 

As we bid farewell to 2017, it’s only natural to reflect upon the past twelve months and the travel adventures that made them so special. Whether exploring a new city, trying a local delicacy, or simply relaxing on a pristine beach, we all have those moments that stand out in our memories. For myself, it’s hard to narrow it down to just five, but there were undoubtedly a few moments that left lasting impressions.  

 

 

1. Volunteering in Laos

 

 

Time Travelled: May/June 2017

Volunteering abroad was a fantastic experience that will never be forgotten with the people I met and the challenges encountered.

I chose Vientiane, Laos, as the location for my volunteering duties organised through the International Volunteering Headquarters. The program I set out to do was to teach English to primary school kids, and at the time, I had no idea was I was getting myself into.

Teaching the kids at their primary school was a real challenge, to say the least; holding the little one’s attention during class was a difficult task, but when things clicked and we songs were songs, read out the alphabet and counted numbers, the mojo got going.

I also enjoyed teaching the Monks English, which was an epic experience. The monks desired to learn, making the teaching more enjoyable. The class with the monks was full of laughter, cheekiness and special memories that will last a lifetime.

If you get the chance to volunteer abroad, take it; it can be an expensive expedition, but special moments like these don’t hold any dollar value.

 

 

 

 

  

2. Staying at the Amazing Alaya Resort in Ubud, Bali

 

Time Travelled: March 2017

I have stayed in many stunning resorts, but Alaya Resort in Ubud, Bali, is the clear leader.

A wonderfully designed resort with a solid Indonesian flavour to it, whether inside the hotel rooms or out and about on the grounds of the resort, Alaya is proud of its Indonesian heritage.

The dining experience at Alaya is five-star standard with two fabulous restaurants: The Petani and Manisan Restaurants. The Manisan will stir up those romantic strings, with the restaurant conveniently located amongst the rice fields that comes with delicious Indonesian cuisine.

I always rate any resort primarily based on the customer service, and the staff at Alaya Resort are top-notch, with their friendly greetings and pampering of the highest order. It made the experience alone at Alaya that extra special.

 

 

 

 

3. Christmas Wonderland in Singapore

 

 

Time Travelled: December 2017

Lights, colours and Christmas carols hover through the speakers above. Gardens by the Bay is the setting for the glorious Christmas Wonderland in Singapore and is entirely appropriate with the Super Trees sparkling high above.

It was a savouring moment to wander through the festive grounds, witness many people in high spirits, and take in the Christmas spirit that was well and truly alive, with the magnificent choir belting out a Christmas tune or two.

Everyone got their money’s worth when the fantastic Christmas lights display began, and it stopped everyone in their tracks with their eyes glued to the spectacular show. For this event, I was fortunate enough to witness the show from high above on the OCBC Skyway and get more brilliant views of Singapore.

 

 

 

 4. Exploring the outdoors of Da Lat in Vietnam

 

Time travelled: January 2017

Gorgeous Da Lat. I ventured to this Southern Central Vietnamese city through a recommendation, and I’m glad I did. While the city centre is a unique attraction with great food, shopping and a lively atmosphere, the lure will always be to escape to the outdoors in and around Da Lat. 

The surrounding area is green, with prominent hilltops, forests, lakes and magnificent waterfalls. There are plenty of scenic views in Da Lat; the best way to see it all is to hire a personal driver and have a great day out exploring Da Lat. Just don’t forget to charge your camera; you’ll need it for this particular day trip.

 

 

 

 

 

5. A family outing to Phang Nga Bay in Thailand

 

 

Time travelled: September 2017

Thailand often delivers when searching for those precious moments, and Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand delivers on all fronts. For this family outing, we took the Longboat into the Bay and witnessed paradise at its best.

It started with a canoe in the mangroves and the limestone caves, a blissful way to start any day trip as you lay back and take in the surroundings, with the only sounds coming from the oars hitting the water.

Next, the Longboat went deep into The Bay, and we stopped at the famous James Bond Island for a quick dip, sightseeing and more photo-taking opportunities with the little islet made famous in the 1974 James Bond film taking most of the glory.

The experience in Phang Nga Bay ended at Panyee Island. This floating village is set up for tourists and solid food at lunchtime and a way to view a unique lifestyle for locals who live in the floating town yet still have the luxuries of schooling, housing and a Mosque for prayer time.

 

Memorable travel moments of 2017, five of the best, and it could have been many other adventures throughout the year that could have made the list. What does 2018 have in store? Who knows because I liked to go with the flow and see what surprises would come my way next.

Happy travels.