Ever wondered what it’s like to travel the world and dive into adventures that make you question your life choices? Well, buckle up, because I’m taking you on a whirlwind tour of unforgettable destinations that will have you laughing, gasping, and maybe even planning your next getaway (or just mentally adding them to your bucket list). From eating crocodile in Nairobi to conquering the world’s tallest building in Dubai, this is the ultimate list of experiences you can’t afford to miss! Let’s kick things off with a meat lover’s paradise that’s as wild as it sounds.
Let me take you to Nairobi, where I had a dining experience that was as wild as the safari itself—welcome to The Carnivore, a true meat lover’s dream. If you’re a fan of anything that moos, baa’s, or slithers, you’ve found your spot. Here, they serve it all: lamb, goat, ostrich, pork, and yes, you guessed it—crocodile. And before you ask, no, it doesn’t taste like a dinosaur’s leftovers; it’s actually quite like chicken… just with a wild twist.
But what truly sets this place apart isn’t just the menu, it’s the meat parade. Servers stroll around with enormous hunks of sizzling roasted meats and carve them onto your plate like a personal meat concierge. No salads, no tofu—just pure, unadulterated carnivore heaven.
Book in advance though, because you’re not the only one who wants a taste of this meaty masterpiece. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of waiting in line for your adventure (who is, really?).
So, next time you’re in Nairobi and feeling brave (or hungry), make your way to The Carnivore. Just don’t expect a salad bar—this is where the animals come to party!
If you ever find yourself driving 8 hours just to see a waterfall, buckle up for a wild ride! Victoria Falls in Zambia may not have the flashy Instagram fame of Zimbabwe’s side, but it’s a hidden gem that’ll knock your socks off. My adventure started at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort—seriously, this place is like paradise with a side of cheeky monkeys who clearly think they’re the real stars. (They’re into snacks and selfies, FYI.)
The falls are literally steps away, and along the way, you’ll pass historical plaques that’ll make you feel sophisticated—until you’re too busy staring at the falls to read them. Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra fancy, take a helicopter ride over the falls. You’ll be left speechless and probably questioning your life choices (in a good way).
So, an 8-hour drive? 100% worth it! Next time, I’ll be more organized and hop over to Zimbabwe’s side, but for now, Zambia’s got my heart (and maybe my snacks, courtesy of a monkey).
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is a towering 2,712 feet of straight-up jaw-dropping grandeur—basically, it’s like stacking 552 of me (don’t worry, I’m not counting the snacks) and calling it a skyscraper. It’s been the tallest building in the world for over 15 years, so naturally, it’s on every bucket list. You choose your time slot (they’re serious about that), then take a lift that makes you feel like you’re defying gravity to the 124th and 125th floors. The views will leave you speechless—or at least gasping for air. Daytime gives you the sharpest views, while night shifts the whole vibe into something magical. Why not do both? Feeling a little extra? Head to the lounge on the 148th floor for even more dizzying vistas. And yes, you get a guided tour, complete with some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. By the time you’re taking it all in, you’ll already be planning your next trip. Just don’t forget to wear shoes that can handle all that “up.”
Welcome to the Dubai Mall, where the term “shopping” takes on a whole new meaning. With 450+ stores and enough photo ops to make a Kardashian jealous, this place is a universe all on its own. You’ll think you’ve covered it all, then—boom!—another section appears, like a mall-level game of Where’s Waldo. Oh, and did I mention there’s an aquarium inside? Because why not add some underwater magic to your retail therapy?
Now, walking past those luxury stores you’ll never shop at feels like a punch to the gut, right? Your self-esteem might take a hit stronger than that last attempt at a gym membership. But honestly, it’s all part of the Dubai Mall experience. This isn’t just shopping; it’s a sensory overload, a jaw-dropper, and honestly, it’ll make you question whether you’ve really seen the world until you’ve been here. And if you’re not wiped out from walking, you’ll definitely be overwhelmed by all the amazing things you’ll never buy.
In short, if you’re not adding the Dubai Mall to your bucket list, are you even living? Even if it’s just to window shop and pretend you could afford the gold-plated pens.
If you’ve never been to Niagara Falls, let me paint you a picture: A never-ending power shower with no off switch. I finally checked it off my list, and wow—photos do not do it justice! Canada totally owns the best view (no offence, America, but we all know it’s true).
The boat ride into the mist? Think of it as nature’s way of giving you an unsolicited deep cleanse. I was drenched, wind-whipped, and grinning like a kid who just discovered candy. For the full experience, I went behind the falls—because apparently, standing in front of millions of gallons of falling water wasn’t close enough. The roar of the water? Deafening. The adrenaline? Absolutely worth it.
But why stop there? I took the zipline across the falls, because nothing says “great life choices” like soaring over a raging waterfall while questioning my sanity. Then came the Whirlpool Aero Car—a suspended cable car ride over a swirling whirlpool that made me rethink every movie scene where people survive falling into one (spoiler: they wouldn’t). And because I clearly didn’t get enough heights for the day, I hopped on the Niagara SkyWheel, where I finally got a stunning, mist-free view of the falls—because let’s be honest, it’s nice to admire nature without getting waterboarded.
To top it all off, I had a meal at the Skylon Tower, where both the observation deck and the restaurant slowly rotate, giving you a 360-degree view of all of Niagara—including the falls, the river, and the city skyline. Eating while the entire floor moves beneath you? 10/10 experience.
Whether you visit in summer’s golden glow, fall’s fiery hues, or winter’s icy magic, Niagara Falls never gets old. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, nature switches things up. So, if you haven’t been yet, go. And if you have? Go again—Mother Nature’s still flexing.
Toronto’s CN Tower is more than just a tall building—it’s a legendary experience. Standing at a towering 1,815 feet, this iconic landmark was the tallest building in the world for over 30 years and still offers one of the best views in the city. If you’re feeling brave, don’t just admire the view from the observation deck—step outside onto the glass-floored ledge, where you can look straight down to the ground below (don’t worry, safety ropes are involved). It’s a heart-pounding moment for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Right next door is Ripley’s Aquarium, which turns the typical aquarium experience on its head. Forget standing in front of tanks—here, you walk under them. Imagine strolling through a tunnel with sharks, eels, and jellyfish swimming above and around you. It’s like swimming with the sea creatures without actually getting wet (bonus for the dry clothes!). And if you’re wondering what fish you’d be if you were one, don’t miss the interactive scale at the entrance. According to it, I’m a tuna. Not quite the exotic shark I was hoping for, but hey, could be worse, right?
So, if you’re ever in Toronto, the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium should definitely be on your must-see list. From breathtaking heights to immersive underwater views, it’s a combination of thrills and chills that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Cape Town is nothing short of breathtaking, and Table Mountain is its crown jewel. With its iconic flat top and commanding presence, it’s exactly what you picture when you think of this stunning city. Take the cable car up, and you’re greeted with panoramic views that’ll have you feeling like you’re on top of the world. From here, you can spot Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, and so much more. It’s a view that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and humbling.
During my high school trip to Cape Town, the experience was a game-changer. But what truly stuck with me was standing at Cape Agulhas—the southernmost tip of Africa—where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It’s an incredible moment that makes you feel simultaneously tiny and vast as you stand at the edge of the world. If you’re a history enthusiast, you can’t skip Robben Island. It’s the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years, making it both a powerful and moving destination.
In short, Cape Town is a blend of adventure, history, and jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re on top of Table Mountain or at the tip of Africa, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced a little piece of magic.
Cape Town is nothing short of breathtaking, and Table Mountain is its crown jewel. With its iconic flat top and commanding presence, it’s exactly what you picture when you think of this stunning city. Take the cable car up, and you’re greeted with panoramic views that’ll have you feeling like you’re on top of the world. From here, you can spot Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, and so much more. It’s a view that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and humbling.
During my high school trip to Cape Town, the experience was a game-changer. But what truly stuck with me was standing at Cape Agulhas—the southernmost tip of Africa—where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It’s an incredible moment that makes you feel simultaneously tiny and vast as you stand at the edge of the world. If you’re a history enthusiast, you can’t skip Robben Island. It’s the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years, making it both a powerful and moving destination.
In short, Cape Town is a blend of adventure, history, and jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re on top of Table Mountain or at the tip of Africa, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced a little piece of magic.
The West Edmonton Mall: 29th largest mall in the world, and honestly, it feels like it’s still growing! With more than 800 shops, an indoor beach (because why settle for a regular mall?), a full-fledged amusement park, and even a hockey rink, this place is the ultimate one-stop shop for a day (or two) of non-stop adventure. You’ll easily find yourself walking for hours and discovering new sections you didn’t even know existed. It’s so vast, you could probably make a whole map of it and still get lost. But hey, getting lost is half the fun, right?
For anyone who’s a Lego enthusiast (guilty as charged), the Lego Store is a must-visit—it’s like a mini wonderland tucked inside this already epic mall. But beyond the shopping, there’s something magical about how everything’s connected. If you’re coming from Calgary, this place is your ultimate day trip destination. Stay in one of the two hotels connected directly to the mall, and trust me, you won’t go hungry. With over 100 dining options, you could try a different restaurant every meal and still have more to explore.
So, whether you’re there for a shopping spree, a beach break in the middle of winter, or just a good old-fashioned Lego fix, the West Edmonton Mall has you covered. It’s more than a mall; it’s an adventure you won’t forget (unless, of course, you end up in one of those hidden sections and forget to leave). Happy exploring!
As a child into my early teenage years, my father worked on and off in Pristina, Kosovo, and during our frequent trips, we often stopped in Switzerland. It became a second home of sorts, especially with its magical Lake Geneva, which stretches between Switzerland and France. Picture this: standing on one side of the lake, you can see both countries on a crisp, clear day, like a natural version of Niagara Falls.
Lake Geneva has a way of capturing the heart. The scenery? Pure dream material. The water is so clear, it could be a postcard. I remember wandering its shores with my trusty Kodak camera in hand, snapping photos I eventually lost (thanks, moving boxes!). If I could go back, I’d definitely return with a smartphone and camera, ready to capture every magical moment this time.
The place made me appreciate the beauty of nature and how cities can harmonize with it. The juxtaposition of Switzerland’s calm and Kosovo’s chaotic energy helped shape how I view the world today. It’s funny, too – I was too small to wander off on my own back then, but now I’d love to walk those same streets again, camera in hand, exploring even more of this stunning city. If you ever have the chance, take it – Lake Geneva will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Driving the Trans-Canada Highway – over 8,000 km of epicness – is not a feat for the faint of heart. But, of course, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. Twice, I drove more than 4,000 km across this vast stretch of land, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride (but shh, don’t tell my parents, they’d freak out).
It all started when I moved from Ontario to Alberta and took the scenic route through the U.S. via Fargo, North Dakota. Fast forward to when I had to return to Ontario, and I thought, “Why not drive across Canada this time?” I was ready for an adventure, so I crossed Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and, after 35 hours of road time, finally made it to southern Ontario. Side note: 77 hours nonstop? Yeah, no thanks. I opted for the 35-hour version.
After a quick rest in Winnipeg, I drove through the night (because who doesn’t love night driving?), snuck into Michigan for a brief nap, and finished with a ten-hour stretch to Guelph. As crazy as it sounds, I highly recommend this journey – but bring friends. The solitude of endless road miles can get overwhelming, no matter how much Red Bull you drink.
And here’s the kicker: it made me think, “Why doesn’t Africa have something like this?” Imagine a road stretching across the entire continent with smooth roads, no border delays, and no paperwork hassles. That would be the ultimate road trip! So, if you’re planning on taking on the Trans-Canada Highway, take my advice—bring some company and enjoy the ride. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
And there you have it—a tour through some of the most jaw-dropping, quirky, and downright awesome destinations I have ever come across. Whether you’re savouring meats that could make a lion jealous or staring down waterfalls that make you feel like a tiny speck of awe, these places will leave you with stories to tell and memories to cherish. So, what are you waiting for? Share this post with friends and family, because if you’re not planning your next adventure by now, you’re missing out on the ride of a lifetime. Go ahead—let the world be your playground!