The destinations in the seventh installment of our Staff Travel Wish List series reflect the curiosity and passion for travel of the entire Andrew Harper staff. This list tells of an all-encompassing Turkish tour, classic North American cities, an aspirational travel list of a lifetime and a memorable Japanese itinerary.
Who: Phyllis, Travel Consultant
Why: This year I hope to visit the outer areas of Turkey such as Cappadocia, Ephesus and Kusadasi. I find that visiting the countryside of any country that you get a different feel for the people and customs than you do when you are in a major city, and since I haven't been to that area, it is on my wish list. I don't really care about the hotel as much as I care about the history and the people in an area.
Who: Corinne, Air Coordinator
Why: 1. Vancouver, Canada, because I have never been to Canada and I have friends to visit there. I would want to stay somewhere near the city, maybe the Shangri-La Hotel. 2. NYC because I used to live there and it's my favorite place in the world. Maybe staying at the Plaza Hotel because I want to be near Central Park West and Columbus Circle area and Times Square. 3. Portland, Oregon, to visit my sister and her kids and maybe the vineyards and wonderful landscape.
Who: Linda Petrasek, Travel Consultant
Why: East Africa: Kenya and Tanzania are not only about wildlife but also about the Maasai culture. Plus, both countries have superb camps that would be an elegant way to safari but also enriching, as some of the best wildlife guides in the world live in East Africa.
Why: Thailand/Cambodia/Laos: My top pick would be to stay at the Four Seasons Tented Camp for a few nights to experience as much as possible with the elephant project and be able to see the hill tribes in the Golden Triangle. I also want to visit Siem Reap and stay at the Aman property to experience a private tour with one of the guides.
Why: Barbados: This will be my third time in Barbados, and we stay in a condo right on the beach with two pools, plus lots of local bars/restaurants along our street. The beaches are gorgeous and the water warms especially during winter break. There are a few things to do on the island, but vacationing here is about relaxation and enjoying paradise!
Who: Kelly Zhu, Photo Editor Intern
Why: Even though I have been to Japan before, I would like to travel there outside of a tour group and get a chance to experience the beautiful country for myself. I especially want to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum as well as Sukiyabashi Jiro (the restaurant from "Jiro Dreams of Sushi") in Tokyo. Other places I'd like to visit in Japan include the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto City, Okunoshima (aka Rabbit Island), and a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) in a remote area of Japan. It would also be a dream to be in Japan for Hanami: The Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring. I have always been interested in Japanese culture and customs as well as the unique landscape of the country, which is why these places have always been on my travel wish list!
This is the seventh post in our 2014 Staff Travel Wish List series.
Where are you heading this year? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @HarperTravel.
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