The world through Tom's eyes…
In our monthly magazine, we ask residents to share their favorite UAE hotspots and hidden gems. But since this is a dedicated travel special, we thought we'd ask someone with a bit of global oversight, a wanderlust keeper, to act as our tour guide. This is Tom Grond (@voyagetomtom) alias voyagetomtom.neta man on a perpetual journey with a passport stamped with 159 countries (and counting), and is therefore uniquely qualified to hold court for the world's best destinations to relax, explore, defy expectations and spark inspiration.
Best Destinations for Budget Travel
When traveling on a budget, you need to choose your destinations wisely, this will define the duration for which you can travel. I would say that Southeast Asia is a wise choice because you can find affordable accommodation and delicious food there. But for places off the beaten track: Uzbekistan, Nepal (photo), Guatemala, Bolivia and Algeria. They're safe, affordable, and filled with incredible adventure, sights, architecture, and hikes.
Best destination for relaxation
Bali is, for me, the perfect place to relax, think about future destinations and travel plans, and recharge before my next big trip. When I need a break, I hop on my rental scooter and get lost in the rice fields, the wind in my face. Additionally, getting a massage three times a week is a normal thing.
Best Destinations for Beach Living
One of my favorite beaches is on a desert island near Tortuguero, Costa Rica, where I volunteered for a turtle conservation project. It is framed between jungle and ocean. Special mention goes to the under-explored beaches of the South Pacific, for example Palau (pictured), the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. And the Valdés Peninsula in Argentina, where you can observe orcas from the shore.
Best Destinations for Adventure
Vanuatu is one of the lesser known travel destinations, but a true hidden gem. It's found in the South Pacific, so expect the most amazing beaches, lush tropical islands, super friendly indigenous tribes, and an active volcano that you can stand on the edge of and watch it erupt in front of your face .
Best Destinations for Personal Growth
I've visited 35 of Africa's 54 countries and had some incredible adventures, but traveling to parts of Africa can be a challenge. Life can be hard in Africa and people hustle every day. You can see with your own eyes where some of our luxury products come from, and it's often not a pretty sight.
Images: provided
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