Going Places

Bucket List Trips from CAA Travel • Galapagos Islands (February 29-March 13, 2016) Discover a world beyond imagination. Snorkel along the islands of the Galapagos. Encounter the wonders of sea lion colonies and pen- guins. A spectacular world awaits. www.caamanitoba.com/galapagos • Inspiring Iceland (September 18-26, 2016) Take in thundering water- falls and plunging fjords sculpted by massive glaciers. Savour the view from the many geothermal pools, including renowned Blue Lagoon. Forged by fire and ice, Iceland is an awe-inspiring wonder. www.caamanitoba.com/iceland • CAA President's Cruise – Bridge of the Americas (optional post- cruise journey to Machu Picchu) (September 29-October 17, 2016) Get inspired by Latin passion on a journey from southern U.S. through the legendary countries of Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and beyond. Soak up local colour in the delicious food, rhythmic music, extraordinary landscapes and vibrant people. www.caamanitoba.com/ presidentscruise Contact CAA Travel to book today: 204- 262-6000; toll-free: 1-800-222-4357. TRAVEL SMARTS E very traveller has a mental checklist of that ultimate trip (or two) that promises an unparalleled sense of wonder, exhila- ration or luxury. While weekend jaunts or last- minute beach escapes might satisfy your short-term wanderlust, a trip of a lifetime can create deep memories. Making a bucket list lets you prioritize long-term travel plans so your must-see destinations stay top of mind. To help you start your list, here's some inspira- tion from the well-travelled Tracey Payton, senior travel consultant with CAA Travel. Wild Kingdom The beguiling expanse of Africa exceeded Payton's wildest expectations while she was on safari. "It was a completely amazing area, with lodges like I'd never seen before," she says, describing the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat at Kapama, a private game reserve in South Africa, and at Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest inac- tive, unfilled caldera. Lions, flamingos, black rhinos and hippos live in this fertile land, while a collective two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles migrate through here annually. Down Under Wonders Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest, with 900 islands flung across 2,600 kilometres. is extraordinary ecosystem is a diver's playground and a haven for creatures large and small, from 1,500 species of fish to the birds and sea turtles that nurture new life here. Travellers often pair a trip to Oz with a jaunt to New Zealand. It's a laidback country but one amped with adventure for adrenaline junkies wanting to bungy jump, sky dive or raft river rapids. Naturalists seeking a slower pace will find a lush land filled with fascinating flora and fauna, such as volcanic mud pools, caverns lit by glow worms and flightless Kiwi birds. Unequalled Engineering Climbing the Great Wall of China was "an absolute highlight," says Payton, who ranks it 10 G O I N G P L A C E S | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 mandy lau Journeys of a Lifetime There's nothing overrated about these bucket list destinations by Janet Gyenes as her most challenging accomplishment. Indeed, superlatives aren't sufficient to describe the cultural, architectural and histori- cal significance of this engineering feat, built to protect the country and preserve its culture from foreign barbarians. Travellers trek sec- tions of the world's largest military structure (composed of walls, watch towers, fortresses and horse tracks), which rambles for more than 6,000 km, passing through rural villages and climbing steep slopes. A masterpiece and engineering feat, the defensive wall dates back to the 5th century BC and was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. Paradise Found "Pure relaxation, an escape from it all," is how Payton's clients describe the allure of the South Pacific's paradisal islands, especially the nations of Fiji, Tahiti and Indonesia. Bungalows levitate over impossibly turquoise lagoons, and cities and villages are small, making it easy for guests to be immersed in the countries' distinctive cultures. In Fiji visitors can take part in the traditional kava ceremony or watch fire walkers. Indonesia's famed Bali Island offers guests solitude in its many temples. And on the Tahi- tian archipelago, visitors can witness the annual Heiva | Tahiti – a once-banned cultural festival that includes singing and dancing, plus a tradi- tional sports competition. So, what are you waiting for? Take action by starting your own bucket list today. GP

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