Our top 10 travel experiences of 2019

Vietnam was such a fantastic and varied experience that we could not pick one place or one experience, it had to be the whole 4 week adventure. Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City north through Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay was one of our favourite parts of the whole trip. Everything from the incredibly delicious (and cheap) food to the history, the culture, the stunningly beautiful countryside and the people was incredible. As a travel destination, Vietnam really does have a little bit of everything and we would go back in a heartbeat, even just to get another bowl of delicious Bun Cha or Bun Thit Nuong. 

Check out all of our Vietnam blog posts here.

Before we had even left England we knew without a doubt that this was one experience we were going to have to do. On our second stop in Thailand we stayed in the bustling city of Chiang Mai (which we absolutely fell in love with) and ventured out to the countryside for a day at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. To say it lived up to expectations would be an understatement and to this day it is one of our favourite experiences.

We spent hours feeding them, learning about them and even bathing with them in the river as well as trekking through the jungle with them. It was an unforgettable day and an experience that we would highly recommend if you’re travelling to Thailand. The sanctuary has locations in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

Check out the full blog post on our experience here and the vlog here.

The 4 weeks we spent in the Philippines was a rollercoaster, from the highs of some of the most incredible beaches we’ve ever seen to the worst bus journeys we’ve ever taken. One stand out high was getting engaged on Las Cabanas beach as the sunset over the ocean. After a day spent swimming, walking and kayaking, Tony popped the question over a couple of San Miguels as we lay on the beach. The beach is one of the many amazing beaches in El Nido, Palawan and happens to be one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the area. Check it out for yourself, we promise you won’t regret it!

Read our Philippines blog posts here and watch our vlog from that day here.

Japan was one of those destinations that was very high on both of our bucket lists and even though it was far more expensive than our other stops on our trip so far (understandably) it was completely worth blowing the (£20 a night) budget for. From Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) to Kyoto and Osaka it was a whirlwind tour of the hotspots that left us wanting more. The food was incredible, the culture fascinating and the scenery breathtaking. A particular standout highlight was spending a few days by Mt Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko and cycling around the entire lake. We were very lucky to get clear skies and see the awe inspiring Mt Fuji, a mountain that has left a lasting impression. Japan is already calling us back and we cannot wait for a future trip to explore more of this fascinating country, this time a little off the beaten track.

Stay tuned for our Japan blogs and in the meantime check out our vlog series here.

As budget travellers we went back and forth on doing our PADI certifications due to the cost. However, we decided to take the plunge and I am so glad that we did. From the first open water dive we knew it was worth every penny and that this was something we would endeavour to do as much as we could going forward. We were also lucky enough to encounter an incredible whale shark on our first deep dive on the advanced open water course. Jumping off the boat we very quickly realised we were on top of one of the most beautiful creatures we’d ever seen. The 4m+ long whale shark swam below us and around us before swimming off into the blue and leaving 10 very happy and excited divers.

If you’re on the fence about doing a PADI Open Water diving course then take the plunge! It opens up an entire new world, one of beauty and wonder and will give you a new way of exploring the world and seeing new things on your travels. 

Check out our vlog from the week long PADI course in Koh Tao, Thailand here.

One of the less travelled locations on this list, Seoraksan National Park is one of those places that we’d seen a couple of photos from and had decided to go based off of that alone. A slightly insane 30 minute bus ride from Sokcho on the east coast of South Korea lies this beautiful National Park full of hiking trails and epic views. The hike starts off very easy at first and gives you a false sense of what is to come. Only a few kms into the hike you begin the climb up, ultimately climbing over 800 stairs to the very top of the trail. It may be a complete lung and leg burner but the views are truly breathtaking, making it all worth it. If you’re in the mood for a unique experience in South Korea, then this is it.

Check out our vlog from this hike here.

After months of saving up every avios point imaginable thanks to our trusty BA AMEX cards we finally splurged on a very exciting experience: flying business class! We had been lucky enough to fly premium economy to Japan from Manila which was incredible but we knew we had to fly business, even if it was just once. From the moment we arrived at the airport it was a complete dream. We spent hours in the Pier Lounge at Hong Kong airport sampling everything imaginable from coffees and snacks to G&T’s and noodles. To say it lived up to expectations would be an understatement and that was before we even stepped onto the plane. A 4 hour flight flew by far too quickly thanks to the lie flat seats, amazing movie collection and the best food we’ve ever had on a plane – plus endless champagne. Yup, it was worth every point.

Check out the vlog here.

After 8 months of travel and being away from home, Tony’s Dad and partner flew out for an amazing two weeks in a luxury villa in Canguu, Bali. Considering where we had been sleeping for the past 8 months we were absolutely living the dream in that amazing villa complete with outdoors kitchen, gorgeous plunge pool and balconies. It was the perfect way to spend our last couple of weeks in Asia and made up for some very questionable accommodation elsewhere.

Check out the vlog here.

Our 2 week trip in Australia went by in the blink of an eye as we explored Cairns and Sydney. Whilst we absolutely loved the city, we knew we simply had to get out and see the countryside. Cue a 2 hour sunrise train out to the Blue Mountains for an unforgettable day of hiking. From the famous viewpoint over Echo Point to the quiet trails between Wentworth Falls and Empress Falls, we were in love. If we have one tip for you visiting the Blue Mountains, it’s to do it DIY, not only will you save a LOT of money, but you will experience places and views that are far beyond expectations. Check out our blog post on how to do just that here and watch the vlog here.

After an incredible 9 or so months across Asia and Australia we headed to North America for the last month. Another item very high on both of our bucket lists was to road trip through Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada. We knew that it would be worth the cost and decided to end the trip with a bang, hired a campervan and drove towards the mountains. The following week gave us some of the most incredible views of the entire trip and proved to be even more breath-taking than we had ever imagined. For anyone who loves a road trip, mountains and hiking in the great outdoors, make sure to add this to your list and get there quick.

Check out our blog posts from Canada here and the vlogs here.