11 Places to See Before you Die

Maybe it’s not possible for us to travel at this very moment but what we can do is dream about future holidays. That’s why I put together this guide of 11 places to see before you die. Explore the White Desert in Egypt, visit one of the most beautiful Game of Thrones sets or admire history at it’s finest when traveling the Silk Road.

I visited all of these places myself and know first hand what makes them so special. Plus I will throw in a few extra tips on when is the best time to visit each place.

11 Places to See Before you Die

1. Sidemen, Bali

While Bali is already on a lot of people their itinerary, the more unexplored part of Sidemen isn’t! Most tourists tend to stick to Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu but boy are they missing out! While the above places are literally swarmed with tourists, Sidemen is Bali in all it’s glory: empty roads, rice fields as far as the eye can see, waterfalls and a lack of tourists.

During my stay in Sidemen I chose for Wapa di Ume Sidemen as hotel. I loved it that much that I booked myself an extra night last minute. You simply can’t put a price on waking up to the most amazing jungle views.

Besides, Sidemen is only a short drive away from other spectacular locations in Bali.

2. Kyoto during Sakura

If there is one city that took my breath away this past year it has to be Kyoto! And while Japan is an amazing country to visit all year round it becomes absolutely magical during sakura season!

There are many spectacular places in Japan, but Kyoto really stole my heart. From visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine to wandering through the streets in the Gion district. Kyoto is a gem that you should definitely visit in 2020.

3. White Desert, Egypt

Out of my entire trip in Egypt, spending a night in the White Desert was the absolute highlight! There is no haggling, no catcalling, just you and the most beautiful nature.

You’ll spend the day exploring the different deserts and spend the night in the middle of the White Desert. Enjoy a local meal underneath the stars and go sand boarding after breakfast.

My biggest tip? One night isn’t enough! If you have the time go for a 2 night trip with Western Desert Tours.

READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON A TOUR IN THE WHITE DESERT, INCUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – HOW TO VISIT THE WHITE DESERT IN EGYPT

4. The Dolomites, Italy

Even that I just visited them for the first time this year I am already planning to go back in the Winter and Fall next year! The Dolomites are home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. It’s the perfect place to feel one with nature, go hiking, rent a bicycle or simply relax and take in the beauty around you.

My favourite places:

• Lago Di Braies
• Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
• Val Di Funes
• Alpe Di Suisi
• Lago Di Carrezza

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES? I HAVE A TON OF DETAILED GUIDES ON THIS MAGNIFICENT AREA ON NORTHERN ITALY – DOLOMITES TRAVEL GUIDES

5. Khiva, Uzbekistan

A lot of times Khiva tends to get overlooked by tourists. Most of them flock to Samarkand and Bukhara instead and don’t bother taking the detour to Khiva. Well I say that’s a big mistake! While the historic city itself is an open air museum that you can cross under 20 minutes, it was my personal favourite out of entire Uzbekistan!

The easiest way to get here is to either take a flight from Tashkent or take the train from Tashkent, Bukhara or Samarkand.

6. Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco

Nestled in the Atlas mountains lies Aït Ben Haddou. The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. These days only a handful of people still live here while most of them migrated to the other side and live in more modern houses.

Aït Ben Haddou is one of the most famous filming locations in Morocco. It was used in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Prince of Persia and Kingdom of Heaven. The easiest way to get here is by renting a car and going on a little road trip!

Stay at L’oasis Du Bonheur to be in the center of all the action.

7. Guilin, China

While arriving in China can be some kind of culture shock, hellooo no English and no regular seating toilets. All of that fades to the background once you see the beauty that this country has to offer.

I stayed at the He/She Hotel in Guilin which already offers a spectacular view from it’s top room.

To fully enjoy the beauty of Guilin and it’s neighbouring town Yangshuo I advise you to stay 4 nights. You’ll have enough time to explore the entire area and watch some of the most spectacular sunsets in your life.

8. Hallerbos, Belgium

During spring this beautiful forest gets transformed into a purple bed of flowers. Their blooming time is a little different each year depending on the weather forecast. But usually the first bluebells start to bloom half of April.

When planning your visit make sure to arrive in the early morning. This place is very popular with the locals, especially during the weekend.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON HALLERBOS FOREST INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – HALLERBOS FOREST IN BELGIUM

9. Mandalay, Myanmar

When planning my trip to Myanmar I was most excited about visiting Bagan. Unfortunately by the time I arrived it just didn’t feel as magical as I had pictured it. While the setting is absolutely stunning there was almost no pagoda left to climb and only 4 hot air balloons up in the air.

Mandalay on the other hand completely took me by surprise. For one the food in Myanmar is crazy good! I had some of the best street food here during my 3 month trip through Asia.

My favourite locations:

• Mandalay Hill
• Kuthodaw Pagoda
• U Bein Bridge
• Mingun Pahtodawgyi
• Hsinbyume Pagoda
• Saggaing Hill

10. Eibsee, Germany

Eibsee is located in the South of Germany and a must visit for anyone who loves nature. Besides the beautiful lake itself there are a lot of spectacular places just nearby such as Plansee and Wagenbrüchsee. The best way to discover this area is by car.

During my visit I stayed at Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein. It’s name doesn’t lie, it’s a super romantik hotel that offers a spectacular view over the Zugspitze.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON VISITING LAKE EIBSEE, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS – LAKE EIBSEE IN GERMANY TRAVEL GUIDE

11. Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer is probably the most overlooked city when people are planning their itinerary through Rajasthan. And honestly, it’s a big big shame! Jaisalmer has so much to offer! Not to mention, it’s by far the cleanest city in entire Rajasthan!

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON BEAUTIFUL JAISALMER, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS – 10 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN JAISALMER

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