Unforgettable Travel Memories
As the world of travel grinds to a halt, we asked iBestTravel staffers to share some of their favorite memories from trips, experiences, and adventures around the world. From wildlife encounters on safari to listening to an iceberg, here are some anecdotes from the great outdoors.
Driving Across Siberia
We’ve driven 10,000 km across Russia to Siberia, then up into the Altay Mountains towards Mongolia. Almost in sight of the border, we turned off, following rough tracks (and rougher notes), fording fast-flowing rivers, to arrive at a high pass littered with prayer flags and empty vodka bottles. This led into Tuva, a mysterious land of nomadic throat-singers, yurts, and wide, empty spaces where the only route indicators were wheel ruts heading off across high grasslands. Finally, we arrived at Khandiktig Khol, a breathtakingly beautiful, searingly pristine lake which felt like the edge of the world. We understood why no one else came here – to leave you must cross 10 km of pristine bog.
Steve Waters, Database Manager, Melbourne
Falconry in Killarney
My husband and I traveled to Ireland for our honeymoon and decided to do something a bit different. This led us to choose “Falconing” in Killarney. I was assigned a fierce Harris hawk, while my husband was paired with a beautiful, snow-white owl reminiscent of a Harry Potter movie. Watching these birds of prey hunt up close was surreal, but the true magic was how Daisy the owl fell deeply in love with my husband. You could see it in her eyes – a moment I cherish deeply.
Amy Nichols, Account Manager, Franklin
Snowboarding in Japan
The dream when snowboarding at Japan’s Niseko Ski Resort is to get “outside the gates” – while off-piste is generally illegal, there are designated areas where you can access less groomed fun if the conditions are right. We spent an afternoon with an instructor to gain insights into the best runs, venturing out to Strawberry Fields after heavy snowfall. As we entered a serene copse of snow-covered trees surrounded by fresh powder, the breathtaking view left me in awe.
Angela Tinson, APD, Guidebooks, Melbourne
Safari in Botswana
The morning was crisp and cool, yet the sky above Botswana was cloudless. We donned thick, lined coats and boarded the safari vehicle, covering ourselves with a blanket. The hint of morning surrounded us as we arrived at a massive, near waterless pan, approximately 100 km from the Chobe National Park. A twitchy jackal was already drinking the last trace of water. Three giraffes scanned the area from a distance, while a cluster of cautious impalas appeared, shortly followed by a magnificent elephant. We were mesmerized by the spectacle as our guide served us piping hot coffee while we observed the dawn unfolding in the African scrub.
Chris Zeiher, Director, Sales and Marketing (Asia Pac)/Spokesperson, Melbourne
Paddleboarding in Alaska
Up close, a summer iceberg crackles like Pop Rocks candy. I discovered this on my first trip to Alaska. In Seward, on the southern coast, I joined a stand-up paddleboarding tour in the bay surrounding Bear Glacier. Wearing an Arctic dry suit and struggling to maintain balance on my first SUP experience, I paddled among icebergs. Some were as large as houses, others as small as basketballs. Fascinated by the sounds they made – the crackles and pops of escaping air bubbles as the icebergs melted in the noon sun – this experience was unforgettable.
Alexander Howard, Lead Editor, Franklin
Tracking Gorillas in Rwanda
Climbing the volcano in Rwanda left my legs screaming, but it was the anticipation that made my heart race. Soon, I spotted a young mountain gorilla basking in a ray of sunshine filtering through the canopy. Not far away, a majestic silverback emerged, his hulking 200 kg frame commanding the area. A moment later, an infant gorilla appeared from the vegetation. Their charming presence was utterly captivating.
Matt Phillips, Digital Editor, London
Road Tripping in Montana
Last September, I had a trip planned to Glacier National Park in Montana. Initially, I intended to explore the park solo, but just days before my departure, two of my best friends found a cheap flight and decided to join me! Together, we road-tripped across the Montana Rockies in a small Mitsubishi Mirage, hiked the 13-mile Highline Trail, and spent a night in an old western brothel converted into a hostel. This magical trip, where everything fell into place, is a memory I will cherish forever.
Laura Brown, Director of Strategy, Franklin
Travels by Scooter in Vietnam
The first trip that my future husband and I took together was a spontaneous “motorbike” trip from Ha Giang in northern Vietnam. Riding 100cc scooters, we navigated winding hills and descended into vast green valleys adorned with terraced rice paddies. I vividly recall immense mountains emerging from the mist, tall silent trees, and an indescribable stillness, all brightened by the vibrant scarves of the Hmong people and their gracious hospitality. This journey bound my husband and me in an unforgettable adventure – a place that will always hold a special spot in our hearts.
Karen Henderson, Senior Editor, Dublin
