Scenic excursions that combine cultural attractions & the great outdoors.
The post Travel Well: Escape & See Nature’s Masterpieces appeared first on Sharp Magazine.
SHARP Travel Guide, Presented by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
There’s over eight billion people in the world, yet it seems like ‘travel’ appeals to us all. Next time you’re struggling through small talk, put our theory to the test: ask the stranger in question about their dream destination. As an icebreaker, it’s as close to ‘foolproof’ as you can get. Swap globe-trotting fantasies, from bubbling hot springs to flora-filled jungles, and you’ll find that travel — even before you board the plane — brings people together. With that in mind, it’s fitting that 84% of Canadians say ‘meaningful travel’ means connecting to travel companions. That’s why we’ve chosen getaways through KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; the sky-high experts know that ‘travelling well’ means living in the present and building genuine connections across continents. With their help, we’ve curated a sweet list of scenic getaways that provide a mix of modern convenience and authentic company. Find our favourite outdoor adventures listed alongside their respective airports. Travel well.
Rundemannen, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Trolltunga, Norway
Nicknamed “the city between seven mountains,” Norway’s second-largest city makes a first-rate vacation. There’s no shortage of outdoorsy excursions in and around the city; the Bergen Mountain Hiking Association puts on an annual romp through the seven mountains — Ulriken, Løvstakken, Fløyfjellet, Damsgårdsfjellet, Lyderhorn, Rundemannen, and Sandviksfjellet — so experienced travellers can find out how the city earned its nickname firsthand.
There’s more to Bergen than the mountains, however. Within the city limits, a 15km long fjord — Byfjorden — separates the island of Askøy from mainland Bergen. Boat charters and world class hiking take full advantage of Bergen’s oceanic climate, which gives the city relatively mild winters and cool summers compared to its Nordic neighbours.
The city is also a leader in street art. All year round, visitors can stroll through the city centre to see vibrant illustrations crawling up cobblestone buildings. Bergen is quite proud of its street-art heritage. When the Bergen-born artist Dolk sprayed his stencil-graffiti on a municipal building, the city installed glass to protect it. Open-minded and off the beaten path, Bergen is a must-see spot for anyone looking to find a meaningful travel experience.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Heading a few thousand kilometres south to Rwanda, our next stop is Volcanoes National Park. A two hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is the oldest national park on the continent — and the ultimate safari destination. Mountain gorillas are perhaps the best known residents of Volcanoes, though the jungle is teeming with wildlife: African buffalo, black-fronted duiker, golden monkeys, and spotted hyenas flood the lush park.
A few ‘mini-parks’ fall within the borders of Volcanoes National Park. Among them are Buhanga Eco-Park, a storied, woodsy patch that inspired a slew of Rwandan folklore, and the Musanze Caves, a series of stunning subterranean tubes formed over sixty million years ago. Both sites are riddled with heritage; guided tours are available for any curious travellers.
In fact, Volcanoes National Park offers a broad range of activities for groups. There’s a hike up Mount Karisimbi, a jaunt to see the waterfalls, and (most famously) an 8-person Gorilla Trek. That’s without mentioning the immersive tour through the neighbouring Iby’Iwacu village: pottery classes and local cuisine — banana beer, especially — will surely leave a lasting impression.
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira, Portugal
With a balmy Mediterranean climate that rivals coastal California, Portugal’s Costa de Prata is a surf-lover’s paradise. Stretching for 240 kilometres alongside the country’s west coast, Costa de Prata (or the Silver Coast) is filled with maritime marvels. Sun-drenched saltwater laps at the white sand beaches of Ericeira, informally called the surfing capital of Europe. Stunning views of the glassy Atlantic waters make Ericeira a year-round attraction, while an influx of digital nomads has bolstered the local tourism industry.
Heading north to Aveiro — generally considered the northern end of the Silver Coast — visitors will enjoy authentic Portuguese architecture. Thanks to an economic boom in the 1900s, Aveiro’s downtown core is packed with Arte Deco and Arte Nova buildings, all painted with dazzling pastels like they’re in a Pixar movie. In fact, Aveiro’s glittering streets earned a mention in the elite Réseau Art Nouveau Network, a designation reserved for just 20 cities worldwide.
Aveiro, Portugal
Aveiro, Portugal
With canal cruises, group church tours, and fishing excursions, companionship is easy to find. Portugal’s sunny strip offers friendly locals and balmy temperatures year-round, one of the few spots in Europe to do so without suffering from over-tourism (yet). With plenty of charming Portuguese coves between Ericeiro and Averio, there’s no shortage of adventure.
Despite sheer size and scale of these attractions, our favourite gift of travel isn’t something you see — it’s something you feel. Each location, easily accessible via KLM flights, is an invitation to dive in and discover what we’re talking about. Perhaps, as you’re coasting the Portuguese canals or switchbacking through the wild Norwegian woods, you’ll come to agree: ‘travelling well’ means travelling with spontaneity, companionship, and connection.
The post Travel Well: Escape & See Nature’s Masterpieces appeared first on Sharp Magazine.
