Everyone has their bucketlist, why not add these fabulous 8 to the list!

1. FLOAT IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON IN CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY

One of the most spectacular sights with surreal landscapes is the picture-perfect image of vibrant hot-air balloons drifting over and between fairy chimneys. Experience flying high in the sky – in the semi-arid town of Cappadocia, Turkey. Accompanied by a mesmerising call to prayer, hot-air balloons sweep over Cappadocia’s plunging canyons, high plateaus and underground dwellings.

2. THROW TOMATOES AT LA TOMATINA FESTIVAL IN BUNOL, SPAIN

The biggest food fight in the world, La Tomatina is held every year since 1945 on the last Wednesday of August in the small town of Bunol in the province of Valencia, Spain. Tomatoes will be flying everywhere with over 20,000 people in attendance in this week-long festival also featuring bands, parades, dancing and a paella cooking contest on the eve of the great tomato fight.

3. SNEAK TO TIGER’S NEST IN BHUTAN

One of the world’s most remote temples, the Tiger’s Nest (or Paro Taktsang) is a trekker’s delight. It has been a place of pilgrimage ever since Guru Rinpoche (arrived here on the back of a flying tigress) defeated a troublesome local demon in the eighth century. Not only is it stunningly beautiful and serene, but it gives you a chance to uncover yet another secret of happiness that Bhutanese people know.

4. TAKE A BOAT RIDE DOWN GANGES AT VARANASI

Whether you believe in the existence of God or not, the holy city of Varanasi is a spectacular place where you will start to believe in your existence and may very well end up giving a whole new meaning to it. You can merely hop on the boat at one of the ‘ghats’ and slowly sail along the shores to witness the whole cycle of life – from small kids learning to walk on the steps, to mid-aged men and women doing the laundry and bathing a few meters away, and finally funeral fires set at the most distant ‘ghats’ where the passed-away are bathed in the Ganges for the last time and cremated on a holy fire. It is an experience that will make you feel complete in many ways.

5. TAKE A ‘POLAR BEAR PLUNGE’ IN EXTREME CANADIAN WINTERS

‘Polar Bear Plunges’ in icy-cold oceans, rivers and lakes are one for the brave individuals. The ‘polar dip’ is the most adventurous Canadian experience that awakens your soul, when we drove all the way up North (in the province of Ontario) – which included a half-hour drive on the frozen lake to reach his cottage. In the middle of nowhere, it took us over 3 hours to dig the lake 6ft. deep before we took off our clothes and jumped right in, only to be standing on another thick layer of ice at the bottom.

6. SWIM IN THE BLUE LAGOON IN ICELAND

The Blue Lagoon, about 50 minutes from the capital city Reyjavik, is a man-made lagoon fed by geothermal seawater providing the energy for life through the forces of nature. The spa contains soothing 100°F water and is said to have many healing properties due to its rich silica, algae, and mineral contents. The silica causes it to have a milky shade, and the reflection of the sunlight makes it appear bluish.

7. ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING WITH COLORS

The Hindu ‘Festival of Colors’ is celebrated throughout India after the first full moon of March to mark the arrival of Spring. Holi is a vibrant and multi-colored celebration of love and a grand display of the triumph of good over evil. Start your day as a blank canvas and metamorphose into a brilliant masterpiece by the end of the day with people throwing brightly tinted vibrant colors (powdered and liquid).

8. INDULGE YOURSELF IN CULTURE & TRADITION AT THE KHYBER RESORT & SPA

Despite the vagaries of terrorism, ‘Kashmir’ is still described as heaven on earth. The natural beautification of this paradise city and state is collectively represented at The Khyber Spa & Resort in Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir, India). The moment you step into the resort, you can sense the warmth of people from the city. The interiors and hospitality reciprocates the culture and tradition. Indulge in the heated pool across glass walls, which provide the most beautiful view of the snow-cladded Kashmir valley. P.S. Do not miss the most authentic ‘kashmiri-kahwa’ & ‘sheesha’ at the Calabash lounge.

Guest Post Author: Varun Phogat (IG: gypsyh0rse)