Once in a lifetime destinations - Mare, New Caledonia

I’ve visited many places in recent years and I have a lot of experiences, especially travelling the world on a cruise ship. Here are some of my best ones, once-in-a-lifetime destinations. The list is way so long, so probably I will do more posts about it.

Table of Contents

Once in a lifetime destinations

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

I am obsessed with various helicopter tours. I was thinking about the last one a lot because of the weather conditions to do it or not to do it. Then I thought, I am here now, so I can’t miss it. Who knows when I will have the chance to come back here again and I have to take this opportunity now. I did not regret the decision. I loved every second of it. The view was incredible. Sometimes it was sunny and rainy but without rain, there is no rainbow. The lady with whom I made the reservation asked curiously how I’ve found them because it’s a very new company on the island. Well, everyone who searches will find it.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Bora Bora, French Polynesia

2. Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Seven of us teamed up and rented a car on the Big Island in Hawaii. The plan was to visit Mauna Kea. I’ve never been above the clouds like this before. We were 13,800 feet high, on the highest sleeping volcano in the state of Hawaii. If we include the parts below sea level, it is the highest mountain on Earth at more than 33,000 feet. Interesting fact that astronomical telescopes were built on top of Mauna Kea.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

3. Skagway, Alaska

Another helicopter ride, but this time over the snowy mountains. At the top of Denver Glacier, there is a dog sledding camp hidden away on a snowfield with approx. 300 dogs. Where Alaskan sled dogs are ready to take you on the ride of your life.

Fun fact: my camera broke down at the beginning of the trip, but I managed to take some photos with my phone. Also, there is a photographer who takes photos during the trip and at the end, you can buy them. This is one of my best memories. Definitely once in a lifetime experience.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Skagway, Alaska

4. Airlie Beach, Australia

Skydiving from 15,000 feet (close to the height of Mauna Kea I mentioned above). This is considered to be the most beautiful point in Australia to jump and meanwhile we can admire plenty of islands called the Whitsundays. After one of my contracts, I decided to stay in Australia for a while and this was one of the best programs. Free fall at over 200 km / h for a minute and 5-7 minutes of admiring the breathtaking views. If you want to step out of your comfort zone, this program is perfect for you.

I couldn’t miss another sightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef. Breathtaking! From the pretty Airlie Beach, you can take this amazing half or full-day tour in paradise. Don’t miss it when you visit Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast!

Once in a lifetime destinations - Airlie Beach, Australia

5. Seoul, South Korea

When I’m on work break between two contracts, I’m not just relaxing but travelling a lot from home as well. Two years ago with my best friend, we decided to visit South Korea. I was absolutely impressed with this country. With its sophistication, culture, kindness and helpfulness, even though many locals don’t speak English, it was worth the visit. The capital, Seoul, is one of the largest and most expensive cities in the world. Its transport and public safety are very good. The country is famous for K-pop and beauty care. There are plenty of attractions, so you won’t be bored at all.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Seoul, South Korea

6. Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Alaska is one of my favourite bucket list destinations. I visited every week one of the most spectacular fjords, the Tracy Arm Fjord by cruise ship. Usually, I spent my whole break photographing nature. I was very pleased with the result. National Geographic Hungary selected one of my photos from the submitted images and published it in the magazine as the ‘image of the month’. (I applied for the picture of the day actually.) Since then, I’ve managed to take more photos of falling icebergs. These images were taken from the open decks.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

7. Africa

I first stepped into the African continent 3 years ago. I spent one week in South Africa and one in Zanzibar (Tanzania). On the island of Zanzibar, I got a huge culture shock, while I was able to accept Cape Town, the capital of the Republic of South Africa more easily. There are many attractions in both places to visit, but there are big differences.

Zanzibar is famous for its spices and beaches and is the birthplace of the legendary Freddie Mercury. His house operates as a hotel in Stone Town. In South Africa, Cape Town is considered one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. It got its name from being close to the Cape of Good Hope.

Once in a lifetime destinations - South Africa, Cape Point

Once in a lifetime destinations - Zanzibar, Tanzania

8. Qaqortoq, Greenland

I had a random photoshoot on the world’s largest island, Greenland. In the southern part of the island, in Qaqortoq, where the cruise ship anchored. From the ship, we could get ashore by tender or also known as water taxis. Walking up the hillside offers a beautiful view of the whole city, which is full of neat colourful houses. The interesting thing is that there is only one gift shop in town. If someone wants to buy a souvenir, they have to go there very early. I wanted to buy a fridge magnet for my collection but I didn’t find any in the shop. One more reason to go back to the island.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Qaqortoq, Greenland

9. New Caledonia

The colours of New Caledonia are completely enchanting, both from the boat and from the shore. Whenever I could (and of course the ship anchored here), I went out to the island of Lifou. I walked up to the small church at the top of the hill (Notre Dame de Lourdes) from where the view is also fabulous. In Mare and Isle of Pines, I did the same things. I read or simply admired this almost untouched world. New Caledonia is a perfect place for scuba diving where you can meet a lot of turtles.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Lifou, New Caledonia

10. Cozumel, Mexico

Swimming with dolphins was a dream come true in Mexico. I booked the excursion on the boat and the place was the Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel. In the park, in addition to dolphins, we can have lifelong experiences with seals or even manatees.

Once in a lifetime destinations - Cozumel, Mexico

Overall

Working on a cruise was never easy but it’s worth trying. Visiting many different countries everywhere in the world is one of the best experiences. You can make your own bucket list, you can do all the excursions in your free time and you can meet amazing people during your travels.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I hope you enjoyed this little journey. What is your favourite once-in-a-lifetime destination? Let me know in the comments!