My RTW Trip Itinerary: Re-visiting Old Favorites
The world is a vast and wondrous place, and the desire to explore it often pulls at our adventurous spirits․ After years of dreaming and planning, I’m embarking on another round-the-world (RTW) trip! This time, instead of focusing solely on new destinations, I’m revisiting some of my absolute favorite places, offering a chance to reconnect with cherished memories and experience them with a fresh perspective․ Get ready to follow my journey as I share my meticulously planned itinerary, designed for both comfort and adventure, focusing on revisiting those special spots that hold a piece of my heart․
My RTW trip begins in Southeast Asia, a region brimming with vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes․ This leg of the journey is all about immersing myself back into the familiar warmth and exploring some hidden gems I may have missed the first time around․
Bangkok, Thailand: A Sensory Overload (in the Best Way!)
Bangkok is always a feast for the senses․ This time, I plan to delve deeper into the local culture, beyond the bustling tourist spots․
- Accommodation: A boutique hotel near the Chao Phraya River․
- Activities:
- Exploring hidden temples and local markets․
- Taking a Thai cooking class․
- Enjoying a traditional Thai massage․
- Food: Street food adventures and rooftop bar cocktails․
The temples of Angkor are breathtaking, no matter how many times you see them․ This time, I’m focusing on lesser-known temples and sunrise viewing․
Fun Fact: Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world by land area․
From the tropical warmth of Asia, I’ll be heading to Europe, a continent steeped in history and boasting incredible architecture and diverse cultures․ This phase is about rekindling my love for iconic landmarks and savoring the European lifestyle․
Rome is a city that always captivates․ I’m excited to wander through its ancient streets and enjoy the delicious Italian cuisine once again․
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revisit the Colosseum and Roman Forum |
| 2 | Explore Vatican City and St․ Peter’s Basilica |
| 3 | Indulge in pasta-making class and sample local wines |
Paris, the city of love, is a must-visit on any RTW trip․ This time, I’m focusing on exploring the charming neighborhoods and enjoying the simple pleasures of Parisian life․
Tip: Skip the Eiffel Tower queues and enjoy the view from the Montparnasse Tower․
The final leg of my journey takes me to South America, a continent known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality․ This is a chance to reconnect with the natural beauty and the passionate spirit of the region․
Rio de Janeiro, with its iconic beaches and vibrant culture, is the perfect place to end my RTW trip․ I’m looking forward to soaking up the sun, dancing to samba, and enjoying the breathtaking views․
Remember: Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft․
My round-the-world trip is more than just a series of destinations; it’s a journey of rediscovery and reconnection․ Re-visiting these special places allows me to appreciate them with a new perspective, creating lasting memories and enriching my soul․ I’m excited to share my experiences and inspire others to embark on their own adventures, whether it’s exploring new destinations or revisiting old favorites․ Traveling is a gift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore the world and create memories that will last a lifetime․ I hope this itinerary inspires you to create your own unforgettable travel experiences․ Safe travels!
The world is a vast and wondrous place, and the desire to explore it often pulls at our adventurous spirits․ After years of dreaming and planning, I’m embarking on another round-the-world (RTW) trip! This time, instead of focusing solely on new destinations, I’m revisiting some of my absolute favorite places, offering a chance to reconnect with cherished memories and experience them with a fresh perspective․ Get ready to follow my journey as I share my meticulously planned itinerary, designed for both comfort and adventure, focusing on revisiting those special spots that hold a piece of my heart․
Phase 1: Southeast Asian Delights
My RTW trip begins in Southeast Asia, a region brimming with vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes․ This leg of the journey is all about immersing myself back into the familiar warmth and exploring some hidden gems I may have missed the first time around․
Bangkok, Thailand: A Sensory Overload (in the Best Way!)
Bangkok is always a feast for the senses․ This time, I plan to delve deeper into the local culture, beyond the bustling tourist spots․
- Accommodation: A boutique hotel near the Chao Phraya River․
- Activities:
- Exploring hidden temples and local markets․
- Taking a Thai cooking class․
- Enjoying a traditional Thai massage․
- Food: Street food adventures and rooftop bar cocktails․
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Angkor’s Majesty Revisited
The temples of Angkor are breathtaking, no matter how many times you see them․ This time, I’m focusing on lesser-known temples and sunrise viewing․
Fun Fact: Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world by land area․
Phase 2: European Charm and History
From the tropical warmth of Asia, I’ll be heading to Europe, a continent steeped in history and boasting incredible architecture and diverse cultures․ This phase is about rekindling my love for iconic landmarks and savoring the European lifestyle․
Rome, Italy: Eternal City, Everlasting Memories
Rome is a city that always captivates․ I’m excited to wander through its ancient streets and enjoy the delicious Italian cuisine once again․
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revisit the Colosseum and Roman Forum |
| 2 | Explore Vatican City and St․ Peter’s Basilica |
| 3 | Indulge in pasta-making class and sample local wines |
Paris, France: Romance Redefined
Paris, the city of love, is a must-visit on any RTW trip․ This time, I’m focusing on exploring the charming neighborhoods and enjoying the simple pleasures of Parisian life․
Tip: Skip the Eiffel Tower queues and enjoy the view from the Montparnasse Tower․
Phase 3: South American Adventures
The final leg of my journey takes me to South America, a continent known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality․ This is a chance to reconnect with the natural beauty and the passionate spirit of the region․
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Sun, Sand, and Samba
Rio de Janeiro, with its iconic beaches and vibrant culture, is the perfect place to end my RTW trip․ I’m looking forward to soaking up the sun, dancing to samba, and enjoying the breathtaking views․
Remember: Always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft․
My round-the-world trip is more than just a series of destinations; it’s a journey of rediscovery and reconnection․ Re-visiting these special places allows me to appreciate them with a new perspective, creating lasting memories and enriching my soul․ I’m excited to share my experiences and inspire others to embark on their own adventures, whether it’s exploring new destinations or revisiting old favorites․ Traveling is a gift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore the world and create memories that will last a lifetime․ I hope this itinerary inspires you to create your own unforgettable travel experiences․ Safe travels!
Reflections on Phase 1: Southeast Asia ― A Personal Account
Looking back on my time in Southeast Asia, it wasn’t just a repeat performance․ It was a deeper dive․ I found myself appreciating the nuances I’d missed before․ Take Bangkok, for instance․ The last time I was there, I rushed through the Grand Palace, ticking it off my “must-see” list․ This time, I spent hours wandering the grounds, mesmerized by the intricate details of the architecture and the vibrant colors of the murals․ I even took a longtail boat ride down the Chao Phraya, something I hadn’t considered before, and discovered a whole different side of the city – quieter, more authentic, and incredibly beautiful․
The Unexpected Joy of a Thai Cooking Class
I’d always enjoyed Thai food, but I never thought about learning how to make it myself․ On a whim, I signed up for a half-day cooking class at a local culinary school․ It turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip․ I learned to prepare Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice from scratch․ The instructor, a woman named Somjai, was incredibly patient and knowledgeable․ I even managed to impress myself with how well my dishes turned out! Now, back home, I can recreate those delicious flavors and transport myself back to Thailand with every bite․
Angkor: Beyond the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Of course, I couldn’t miss sunrise at Angkor Wat․ It’s a cliché, I know, but it’s a cliché for a reason․ The golden light illuminating the temple is truly magical․ However, this time, I made a point of exploring some of the lesser-known temples, like Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women․” Its intricate carvings were incredibly well-preserved, and the atmosphere was much more peaceful and serene compared to the bustling crowds at Angkor Wat․ I hired a local guide named Dara, who shared fascinating stories about the history and mythology of the temples․ He really brought the place to life for me․
Europe Revisited: A Different Perspective
Europe held a special kind of nostalgia for me․ The cobblestone streets, the charming cafes, the weight of history․․․ it’s a continent that stays with you․ Returning to Rome and Paris felt like coming home in a way, but I was determined to experience them differently this time․
Rome: Escaping the Tourist Traps
In Rome, I made a conscious effort to avoid the main tourist crowds․ Instead of spending hours waiting in line for the Colosseum (which I had seen before), I explored the Trastevere neighborhood, with its narrow streets, ivy-covered buildings, and vibrant street art․ I stumbled upon a hidden gem – a small, family-run trattoria where I enjoyed the most authentic and delicious pasta carbonara I’ve ever tasted․ The owner, a jovial man named Marco, even shared his family’s secret recipe with me (which I promised to keep a secret!)․
Paris: Embracing the Simple Pleasures
Paris, for me, was about slowing down and savoring the simple pleasures․ I spent my mornings wandering through the local markets, buying fresh bread, cheese, and fruit․ I would then find a quiet spot in the Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoy a picnic lunch, watching the world go by․ In the evenings, I would stroll along the Seine, listening to street musicians and admiring the twinkling lights reflecting on the water․ One evening, I even took a tango lesson at a local dance studio․ It was embarrassing and awkward, but also incredibly fun!
My RTW trip, so far, has been an incredible journey of rediscovery․ It’s reminded me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them in a meaningful way, connecting with the local culture, and creating lasting memories․ I can’t wait to see what adventures await me in South America!
