Hello, dear travelers! It’s Tina here, your globetrotting companion, ready to share with you my personal itineraries for some of the most enchanting trips around the globe. Traveling has always been my passion, and over the years, I’ve learned that a great journey begins with a well-planned itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of the cobblestone streets of Europe, the vibrant markets of Asia, or the majestic landscapes of Africa, I’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on this journey together, exploring key locations and navigating our way through them with ease.

1. Romantic Escape to Paris, France

**Day 1-3: Exploring the Heart of Paris**

Start your journey at the iconic Eiffel Tower, then meander through the charming streets to the Louvre Museum. Don’t miss a stroll along the Seine River and a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Use the efficient Paris Métro to hop between sights. Purchase a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel on the Métro, buses, and trams.

**Day 4-5: Day Trips from Paris**

Venture out to the Palace of Versailles, easily accessible by the RER C train. Another must-visit is the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reachable by train from Gare de l’Est.

2. Adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand

**Day 1-2: Thrills and Spills**

Kickstart your adventure with bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge or jet boating on the Shotover River. Rent a car for flexibility, as many attractions are spread out and not easily accessible by public transport.

**Day 3-4: Explore the Great Outdoors**

Drive to Milford Sound, witnessing breathtaking landscapes along the way. Consider a scenic cruise to fully appreciate the fiord’s beauty. On your return, stop by Te Anau for a glowworm cave tour.

3. Cultural Immersion in Kyoto, Japan

**Day 1-2: Temples and Traditions**

Begin your journey in the historic Gion district, where you might spot a Geisha. Visit the serene Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the expansive Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto’s bus and subway system will be your best friend, with day passes offering unlimited rides.

**Day 3-4: Day Trips from Kyoto**

Take the JR train to Nara, home to friendly deer and the impressive Todai-ji Temple. Another worthwhile trip is to Osaka, where you can indulge in street food and visit Osaka Castle, easily accessible via the JR Osaka Loop Line.

4. Safari Adventure in Tanzania

**Day 1-3: Serengeti National Park**

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and take a small plane to Serengeti. Join a guided safari tour to witness the incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. Safari tours often include transportation, making it hassle-free.

**Day 4-5: Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar**

Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for a unique safari experience in the caldera. Then, catch a flight to Zanzibar for a relaxing end to your adventure, exploring its beautiful beaches and historic Stone Town.

Day 6-7: Tarangire National Park and Cultural Experience**

After your initial adventures in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, make your way to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant population and majestic baobab trees. This park is less crowded and offers a more intimate wildlife viewing experience. Engage with local Maasai communities through a cultural tour, providing insight into their traditional ways of living harmoniously with nature. These tours can be arranged through most safari operators and offer a unique perspective on the local culture.

**Getting Around**

In Tanzania, especially for safari adventures, the most convenient way to travel is through organized tours that include transportation, usually in 4×4 vehicles designed for rough terrains. These vehicles are perfect for the uneven roads of Tanzania’s national parks and offer excellent viewing opportunities for wildlife photography. For inter-park travel, small charter flights are available, which save time and offer stunning aerial views of the landscape.

5. Historical Exploration in Rome, Italy

**Day 1-2: Ancient Rome and Vatican City**

Dive into history with a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Purchase a Roma Pass for free entry to two sites and discounted tickets thereafter, plus unlimited public transport. On your next day, explore Vatican City, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Remember, the Vatican has its dress code, so dress respectfully.

**Day 3-4: Renaissance Rome and Beyond**

Stroll through the cobblestone streets to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in Trastevere, a charming district known for its lively atmosphere. Consider a day trip to Pompeii or Tivoli’s Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, accessible by regional train services from Rome’s Termini Station.

6. Island Hopping in the Philippines

**Day 1-3: Boracay and Water Activities**

Fly into Caticlan Airport and take a short boat ride to Boracay. Enjoy white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Activities include kite surfing, snorkeling, and island hopping. Tricycles and e-trikes are convenient for short distances, while boats are essential for exploring nearby islands.

**Day 4-5: Palawan’s Natural Wonders**

Next, head to Palawan by flying to Puerto Princesa and traveling to El Nido or Coron. Island hopping tours in El Nido showcase stunning lagoons and beaches. Coron is famous for its world-class wreck diving and beautiful lakes. Vans and boats are the primary modes of transport within and between these locations.

7. Culinary Journey in Oaxaca, Mexico

**Day 1-2: Oaxaca City’s Flavors**

Start your culinary adventure in Oaxaca City. Explore the vibrant markets like Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a taste of local delicacies such as tlayudas, mole, and mezcal. Walking is the best way to explore the city center, but taxis are readily available for longer distances.

**Day 3-4: Surrounding Villages and Sites**

Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, reachable by bus or guided tour. Visit the artisanal towns of Teotitlán del Valle for textiles and San Bartolo Coyotepec for black pottery. Public transportation and colectivos (shared taxis) are affordable options for reaching these villages.

8. Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Iceland

**Day 1-3: The Golden Circle and Reykjavik**

Rent a car to explore the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Spend your evenings enjoying Reykjavik’s culture, with its museums, Hallgrímskirkja church, and vibrant nightlife.

**Day 4-5: South Coast and the Blue Lagoon**

Drive along the South Coast to witness waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the stunning black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Conclude your trip with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon, located near Keflavik Airport.

**Day 5-6: Mezcal Tasting and Hierve el Agua**

No culinary journey in Oaxaca would be complete without diving into the world of mezcal. Visit local mezcal palenques (distilleries) in the surrounding valleys where you can learn about the production process of this traditional spirit from agave plant harvesting to fermentation and distillation. Many distilleries offer guided tours and tastings.

Next, take a trip to Hierve el Agua, a set of petrified waterfalls and natural mineral pools located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Oaxaca City. The site offers not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a chance to learn about the area’s indigenous cultures and history. It’s accessible by car or through organized tours, which often include a stop at a local mezcaleria.

**Getting Around**

In Oaxaca and its surrounding areas, the best way to explore is on foot, especially within the city center where many of the culinary and cultural attractions are located. For trips outside the city, such as to mezcal distilleries, Hierve el Agua, or nearby artisan villages, consider renting a car for maximum flexibility. Alternatively, there are numerous organized tours that offer convenient day trips to these attractions, complete with guides who provide valuable insights into the local culture, history, and cuisine.

Both in Tanzania and Oaxaca, engaging with local guides and tours not only enriches your travel experience but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism practices. Whether you’re witnessing the Great Migration in the vast plains of the Serengeti or savoring the complex flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, these journeys offer a deep dive into the heart and soul of each destination. Happy travels!