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adelko55 · 1 year ago

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Bucket List Travel: The Top 50 Places In The World

According to a new survey, Bali is the top bucket list destination in the world.Getty

The website surveyed its 1.5 million-strong social audience in order to determine the best bucket list places around the world. According to Sarah Clayton-Lea, head of content with Big 7 Travel, this is the first time the site has assembled this list. "Bucket list travel was a trend that popped up again and again in previous surveys when asking our readers what sort of travel content they most enjoyed consuming," says Clayton-Lea. "So, our curiosity got the better of us and we wanted to know which destinations people are dreaming of for 2019/2020."

READ MORE: "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places"

The results of the world’s top 50 bucket list destinations include some of the most beautiful places on earth. "White sandy beaches are still a must-visit for many, with vibrant cities also making an appearance on a lot of people’s bucket lists," says Clayton-Lea. Countries with naturally beautiful scenery and world-famous landmarks came out on top: 22% of the destinations on the list have white sandy beaches, while 52% are iconic cities.

The famously colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa.Getty

In the study, Big 7 Travel found that people were also more likely to add a destination to their list if they had seen it on social media, and 33% of people research vacation destinations on their Instagram feed. "With over one-third of our readers saying they look to Instagram for travel inspiration, it makes sense that cities with colorful neighborhoods (such as Cape Town’s Bo Kaap) made the cut," says Clayton-Lea.

Bali topped the list of the 50 most popular bucket list destination on earth, but there were also some unexpected picks. "The top 10 list has a lot of the expected dream destinations, but there are a few surprises on the list: Paro Valley in Bhutan, for example, or Virunga National Park in the Congo," says Clayton-Lea. "I think this shows a great appetite for a need to get off the grid and can only assume that social media (and Netflix, in the case of Virunga!) is responsible for spreading the word of these amazing places."

An interesting factoid uncovered in the study: Most people have an average bucket list of just 11 places, with the hope of visiting seven of those locations during their lifetime. Read on for the top 50 bucket list destinations in the world and what Big 7 Travel had to say about each one.

Overlooking the jungle on one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings.Getty

1. Bali, Indonesia: "You’ll find beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Basically, it’s paradise. It’s likely you’ve seen an image of Bali on social media at least once in the past seven days, as it’s such a popular bucket list destination for 2019."

2. New Orleans: "The lively city known for its street music, festive vibe and a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is well worth the trip. NOLA is a city packed with adventures at every turn and should be on everyone’s must-visit list."

3. Kerry, Ireland:" All the way west in Ireland is one of the country’s most scenic counties. Kerry’s mountains, lakes and coasts are postcard-perfect, and that’s before you add in Killarney National Park. The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm."

El Badi Palace in the Marrakesh medina.Getty

4. Marrakesh, Morocco: "This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City thanks to the color of the brick walls surrounding the city. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre."

5. Sydney: "Sydney is known around the world as one of the greatest and most iconic cities on the planet. Amazing things to do aren’t hard to find; the city has gorgeous beaches, great cafes and world-class entertainment on offer wherever you look."

6. The Maldives: "This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters."

7. Paris, France: "One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops many people’s bucket lists. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral—the list is never-ending."

8. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters."

9. Dubai, U.A.E.: "The high-flying city of the U.A.E, Dubai is one of the most glamorous destinations you’ll ever visit, and is particularly popular with Big 7 Travel readers."

Sunset In Bora Bora, French Polynesia.Getty

10. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: "Bora Bora is Tahiti's most famous island. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you? To us, it’s everything we could want from a bucket list destination."

11. New York: "New York is one of America’s most exciting states. With charming upstate scenery, world-class cuisine and culture and more things to do than you could fit in one lifetime. The city’s five boroughs all have special features; it’s almost impossible to narrow it down"

12. Dubrovnik, Croatia: "As George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.' With its winding streets, cliffside beach bars and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is such a popular spot."

Carlton hill in Edinburgh, Scotland.Getty

13. Edinburgh, Scotland: "With the historic Edinburgh castle looming over the city, culture in spades and wonderfully friendly locals, this is one of the world’s greatest city breaks."

14. Rome, Italy: "Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your 50th, the best thing about this city is that you’ll always discover something new each time you stroll the scenic streets."

15. Paro Valley, Bhutan: Paro Valley is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes. Tucked between China and India, Bhutan is a mysterious country that prides itself on sustainable tourism. You’ll find Paro Taktsang here, a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site."

At the Jal Mahal Palace at sunset in Jaipur, India.Getty

16. Jaipur, India: "Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’ for its pale terracotta buildings. This was originally done to impress the visiting Prince Albert during his 1876 tour of India by order of the Maharaja (Sawai Ram Singh). Even today, it’s illegal to paint buildings any other color."

17. Waikato, New Zealand: "Waikato, a region in New Zealand’s North Island, is home to massive underground caves, lush rainforest and the buzzy city of Hamilton. But the area’s main attraction? A Middle-earth adventure on the film set of Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton Movie Set still has the original Hobbit holes from the making of the films."

18. Havana, Cuba: "Cuba’s capital is almost 500 years old and a riot of color. Brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make Havana a photogenic dream."

A view of Tokyo Skytree and the city skyline from the Tobu Levant Hotel.Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bloom

19. Tokyo, Japan: "Visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future—flashing neon lights, incredible technology—yet there’s still a rich sense of culture and history."

20. Antarctica: "Earth’s southernmost continent, Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Nowhere else can compare with the extreme remoteness of this snowy place. It’s not an easy trip to make, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the white wilderness, icy sea kayaking and whale sightings."

21. Vancouver, Canada: "Vancouver is surrounded by water yet close to the mountains and has world-class art, restaurants and heaps of other attractions to keep you entertained."

22. Los Angeles: "In a city with year-round sunshine, glam bars, beaches and hikes, there are endless incredible experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder there are almost 5O million ‘LA’ hashtags on Insta."

In Kruger National Park, South Africa.Getty

23. Kruger National Park, South Africa: "The Kruger National Park is a vast space in northeastern South Africa that is home to a huge array of wildlife. The park has safari experiences of all kinds, allowing you the opportunity to escape busy city living and get back to nature."

24. Santorini, Greece: "Santorini is actually a group of islands; Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters make this an ideal holiday spot. With its famous Santorini sunsets, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular bucket list destinations."

25. Moscow, Russia: "Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, Moscow is a beautiful destination to visit in any season. Colorful domes and bell chimes ring out from over 600 churches in the city, and the sense of history is immense. Culture lovers will be impressed with the museums and ballet."

26. Singapore: "Singapore is a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on a global level. It’s a modern city with colorful buildings, futuristic bridges and a cloud forest."

London's Westminster Bridge.Getty

27. London, England: "Pretty pink restaurants, futuristic space-age toilets and jungle skyline views are just some of our favorite things about London. And of course, all the classics: Big Ben, red phone boxes and world-class museums and galleries."

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: "Rio de Janeiro has always been one of the most iconic cities in the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks."

29. Petra, Jordan: "The ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and steep gorges. The world wonder is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction."

30. Hong Kong: "Famous for its skylines and vibrant food scene, what most people don’t know is that 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and lush parks. Colorful playgrounds and sci-fi apartment blocks give HK an enviable edge."

Beach and sea waves shot from above in Barbados.Getty

31. Barbados: "Barbados is one of those magical holiday destinations that everybody dreams about visiting. Who wouldn’t put this on their bucket list? Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, it offers stunning beauty and wonderful local culture and is the perfect place to unwind."

32. Amsterdam: "Forget about cliched images of smoke shops and gaudy red lights. From floating flower markets to bohemian neighborhoods, this city has it all."

33. Santiago, Chile: "Santiago is a cosmopolitan city with the very best of Chilean culture; art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as lively Latino nightlife. You’ll stroll through historic neighborhoods with pretty winding streets and charming bars and cafes."

34. Cairo, Egypt: "Cairo is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Sitting on the Nile river with wonderful museums, vibrant culture and friendly locals, it makes for a great holiday."

Biking in Copenhagen.Getty

35. Copenhagen, Denmark: "Copenhagen’s rustic fishing ports, modern graffiti and winding red brick streets are just some of what makes it such a beautiful bucket list destination. It oozes Scandi cool from every corner, with top-notch food, stylish design and an always hip atmosphere."

36. Seoul, Korea: "Seoul is a vibrant metropolis where old-meets-new, with pop culture (K-Pop!) alongside Buddhist temples.

37. Laucala Island Resort, Fiji: "Laucala Island Resort is a private island in Fiji, in absolute paradise. It is one of three small islands off the northeast coast of Taveuni in Fiji. There are coconut trees, a sustainable farm and miles of beach, as well as coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and lush rainforest."

38. Providencia, Colombia: "The Colombian island of Providencia is the perfect combination of South America and the Caribbean. It’s best known for Crab Cay: an unspoiled little island where all there is to do is snorkel and lie on the beach."

Photographing Machu Picchu, Peru.Getty

39. Machu Picchu, Peru: "The best way to get here? Arrive at Machu Picchu in style on the 360° Train that will bring you through the Peruvian countryside to the lost city. The wide, panoramic windows are perfect for soaking up the view, plus they serve Pisco Sours on board."

40. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: "Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet and home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. It’s full of lush rainforest and has received even more attention since the documentary Virunga."

41. Lisbon, Portugal: "Lisbon, the hilly capital of Portugal, is postcard-perfect with its cobbled streets, pristine waters and local Atlantic beaches."

42. Hanoi, Vietnam: "Hanoi—the capital of Vietnam—is known for its rich history, busy street life and centuries of French, Asian and Chinese influences all blended into one bustling city. It’s a wonderful base from which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the comforts of a modern vibrant city."

A view of Honolulu's Magic Island And Waikiki Beach.Getty

43. Hawaii: "From the hustle and bustle of Oahu to the romance of Maui and off-the-beaten-path adventures on Lanai and Molokai. The Hawaiian Islands are pure paradise. Explore colorful canyons and waterfalls and eat your body weight in fresh poke."

44. Ibiza, Spain: "While you’ll have your fair share of techno club experiences, Ibiza is also one of the most beautiful Spanish islands, with a pretty Old Town and scenic beaches. Spend the day on the beach and the nights in legendary clubs."

45. Beijing, China: "Beijing is China’s political, economic, and cultural center, with six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone. Discover Forbidden City, street food dishes of Peking duck and of course, the Great Wall of China."

46. Budapest, Hungary: "The capital city of Hungary, Budapest is a fairytale city in Eastern Europe. The city itself is separated by the 19th-century Chain Bridge that connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest—hence the name Budapest."

Photographing Vernazza in Cinque Terre.Getty

47. Cinque Terre, Italy: "Is there anything prettier than this area of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline? The five towns (Manarola, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare) are made for bucket lists."

48. Buenos Aires, Argentina: "Bookstores set in palatial theatres, tango dancing in the streets and brightly painted neighborhoods. These are just some of what makes Buenos Aires so beautiful."

49. Las Vegas: "With the bright lights, party atmosphere and endless things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Las Vegas has become a glittering global tourism destination. Take a chance in the casinos until the early hours or see world-class entertainment."

50: Matterhorn, Switzerland: "The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most iconic peaks—the pyramid-shaped mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world."

READ MORE:• "Ranked: The 20 Most Dangerous Places to Live"• "Bucket List Travel: The Top 50 Places In The World"• "Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places"• "23 Surprising Things That Will Get You In Trouble In Italy"

• "Bucket List Travel: Top 10 Places In The World And Top 29 In The U.S."

#ADELKO55 #HAGSHEY999 #classic car #nature #motorcycle #cars #fast cars #TRAVLES

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tinycoded360 · 14 days ago

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Lilliput Adventures Ch. 8 How to Escape a Jar

@gt-daboss @voraciousvore

Tori huddled in the corner of the glass jar, her knees pulled tight to her chest. Her mind raced, replaying Trina's final moments over and over.

"No, no, no," she whimpered, rocking slightly. "This can't be happening."

The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional creak of the ship. Tori's eyes darted around, searching desperately for some means of escape, but finding none. The jar's opening loomed far above, impossibly out of reach. But Hilgard had left the lid off. It was like a mockery of her ability to get out.

"I can't die like this," she murmured, clenching her fists. "I have to find a way out."

But as she gazed up at the jar's distant opening, despair washed over her anew. There was no escape. She was trapped, powerless, at the mercy of a monster who saw her as nothing more than food.

Tori buried her face in her hands and began to sob.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

A sudden tapping sound jolted Tori from her despair. She froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Tori's heart raced as she slowly raised her head, peering through the curved glass, a familiar face came into focus, and her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Uncle Jim?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

There, pressed against the outside of the jar, was the weathered face of her uncle. His brow was furrowed with concern, his eyes darting around warily as he mouthed something Tori couldn't quite make out.

"Uncle Jim!" she called out, her voice cracking with emotion. "I can't believe it's you! How did you—"

He quickly pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. Tori nodded. She watched as her uncle's eyes darted nervously towards the door, then back to her.

A mix of emotions washed over Tori – relief, hope, and a gnawing fear for her uncle's safety.

But the determined look in Uncle Jim's eyes told her he wasn't going anywhere. He was here to save her.

Tori pressed her forehead against the glass, her breath fogging the surface. "What's the plan?" she mouthed.

Uncle Jim's eyes dart around, assessing the situation. He holds up a finger, then mimes rowing. Tori’s heart leaped – he has a boat! But how? Where?

"Driftwood," he mouths, pointing towards the ocean. "We'll use it as a raft."

Tori nods, understanding dawning. It's risky, but it's our only chance.

"Hilgar?" Tori asks silently, jerking her head towards the deck.

Uncle Jim grins, and he mouths back. "Fishing."

He pats the jar, mouthing, "Ready?"

Tori nodded.

As Uncle Jim stepped back from the glass, Tori's eyes widened in astonishment. Perched on his broad shoulders and peeking out from his pockets were several tiny figures. Captain Mavri's fiery red hair was unmistakable, her blue eyes sharp with determination as she clung to Jim's collar.

"Captain Mavri?" Tori gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "You're all here?"

The Lilliputian captain gave a curt nod, her tiny face set with resolve. Tori's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and renewed hope at the sight of her miniature allies.

Uncle Jim began his ascent, the makeshift grappling hook sailing through the air and catching on the jar's rim. He tugged it secure and started to climb, his movements careful but swift.

"Please be careful," Tori murmured, her hands pressed against the glass as she watched his progress. She could see the strain on his face, the jar's smooth surface offering little purchase.

As Jim reached the top, straddling the wide opening, Tori's breath caught in her throat. He reached down, his hand seeming impossibly far away.

"You've got to jump, Tori!" he called. "I can't reach you otherwise!"

Tori's heart pounded. "But what if I can't reach?" she asked, panic rising in her chest.

"You can do it!" Silvo’s tiny voice rang out, fierce and encouraging. "We believe in you!"

Taking a deep breath, Tori steeled herself. Bending her knees, she sprang upward with all her might, her arm outstretched.

For a heart-stopping moment, she felt suspended in the air. Then, her hand slapped into Jim's, his fingers closing around her wrist in a vice-like grip.

"I've got you!" Jim grunted, pulling her up with a mighty heave.

As Tori scrambled over the edge, she felt her uncle’s strong arms steady her. The Lilliputians cheered.

Tori's legs trembled as she steadied herself on the sold ground, her uncle's strong hands supporting her. Relief washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to sweep away her composure. She looked up, her eyes meeting Captain Mavri's fierce gaze as the tiny woman still perched on Jim's shoulder.

"You did it, lass," Mavri said, her voice carrying pride.

Tori's gaze shifted to Jim's pocket, where Telwin's tousled blonde head poked out, his blue eyes shining with excitement. A grin spread across her face, despite the gravity of their situation.

"I can't believe you're all here," Tori whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She threw her arms around her uncle, burying her face in his chest as sobs wracked her body.

Jim patted her back gently. "Shh, Tori. I know, I know. But we've got to hold it together for now. You can cry all you want once we're safe, okay?"

Tori nodded, wiping her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry, I just—"

"No need to apologize," Telwin piped up, his words tumbling out in excitement. "We're just glad you're okay!"

Jim's expression turned serious. "We need to move. That giant beast could return any moment."

Captain Mavri nodded. "Agreed. We need to move.”

Tori’s uncle grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “We have to get to the top deck, that’s where our ride is.”

**** Tori's heart raced as she watched Uncle Jim drag a large piece of driftwood to the ship's edge. The makeshift raft looked fragile against the vast, dark ocean.

"Alright, little ones," Jim muttered, carefully transferring Mavri to his pocket with the other Lilliputians. "In you go. Hold on tight." He had two pockets, one on his left chest and one on his right. His left chest pocket held Mavri and Fildor, and the right chest pocket held Telwin, Silvo, and Linric.

Tori's voice quivered. "Uncle Jim, are you sure this will work?"

He flashed a reassuring smile. "It has to, sweetheart. Now, watch closely."

With a grunt, Jim pushed the driftwood into the water. Tori gasped as he leaped over the side, disappearing beneath the waves.

"Uncle Jim!" she cried.

Seconds later, his head bobbed up. "I'm okay!" he called, climbing onto the raft. He patted his pockets, nodding with relief. "Our tiny friends are safe too."

Tori's relief was short-lived as the deck beneath her feet began to vibrate. Heavy footsteps approached.

"Tori, jump now!" Jim yelled, waving frantically.

She froze, paralyzed by fear. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by an angry bellow.

"Where are you going, my little morsel?" Hilgar's deep voice rumbled.

A massive shadow fell over Tori. She trembled, she was frozen with fear.

Hilgar chuckled darkly. "Trying to escape, are we? How... entertaining."

Tori's mind screamed at her to move, but her body refused to cooperate.

"Tori, please!" Uncle Jim's desperate voice cut through her panic. "You have to jump!"

In that moment, as Hilgar's enormous hand reached for her, something snapped inside Tori. With a strangled cry, she launched herself over the railing, plummeting towards the water below.

Hilgar's booming laughter echoed across the water as Tori plunged into the frigid sea. "Oh, I do enjoy the hunt!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with malicious glee.

Tori surfaced, gasping and sputtering. Uncle Jim's strong arms grabbed her, hauling her onto the makeshift raft. "I've got you, sweetheart," he grunted, his eyes darting nervously towards the looming ship.

"He's... he's getting a fishing net," Fildor yelled from one of Jim’s pockets.

Jim's face hardened. "Then we'd better move." He seized the crude oars, his muscles straining as he began to row with fierce determination.

Tori clung to the raft, her heart pounding. The vast, dark ocean stretched endlessly before them, promising both escape and untold dangers. "Uncle Jim," she whispered, "what if we don't make it?"

"We will," he assured her, though his voice was tight with exertion. "We have to."

A whooshing sound filled the air. Tori looked up to see an enormous net descending upon them. "Look out!" she screamed.

Jim veered hard to the left, nearly capsizing their fragile vessel. The net crashed into the water mere inches from them, sending up a massive spray.

"Hang on!" Jim yelled as he redoubled his efforts, rowing with desperate speed.

Tori gripped the raft tightly, her knuckles white. "He's reeling it back in," she warned, watching the net rise from the water.

Jim's face was a mask of grim determination. "We're not going to be his catch of the day," he growled, pushing himself to the limit.

Hilgar huffed in equal parts annoyed and amused as he watched the tiny raft disappear into the distance. He lowered his fishing net, a smirk playing on his features.

"Aw, I suppose I can let them go this time, pesky prey earned its escape," he mused aloud, rubbing his chin. "Besides, I've been fortunate this month. More will come."

Out on the open sea, Uncle Jim's labored breathing filled the air as he continued to row. Tori sat in stunned silence, her mind reeling from their narrow escape.

Suddenly, a small movement caught her eye. Telwin was climbing down from Jim's pocket.

"Whoa there, little fella," Jim grunted, scooping Telwin up in his large hand. "Where do you think you're going?"

Telwin squirmed in Jim's grasp. "Put me down!" he demanded, his voice high and indignant. "I want to sit with Tori!"

Jim frowned. "You might get knocked into the ocean. It's not safe."

"Please," Telwin said.

Jim sighed heavily. "Fine, but be careful." He extended his hand towards Tori.

As Telwin was placed in her palm, Tori blinked, snapping out of her daze. She cupped her hands protectively around the tiny Lilliputian, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"Tori?" Telwin's voice was gentle. "Are you alright?"

Tori's lower lip trembled. "I... I don't know," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "Everything that happened... Trina... I can't..."

Telwin patted her thumb soothingly. "It's okay, Tori. We're safe now. Everything's going to be alright."

As tears streamed down her cheeks, Tori managed to smile. "How can you be so sure?" she asked.

Telwin stood up in her palm, his tiny face full of determination. "Because you’re not alone! Come what may, we can handle it.”

Ch. 1

Ch. 7

#g/t #giant/tiny #g/t writing #g/t community #g/t writing community #giant tiny #g/t writers #gulliver travles #fanfiction

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