My Favorite Places in the World
There are very few places I’ve ever been that I didn’t absolutely love when an adventure was involved, but there are DEFINITELY places that I’ve explored that are my top memories ever–and I seriously can’t wait to go back and do it all again with Tim/Leni/Baby Boone/any combination of them. I get asked this question a LOT (I compiled a FAQ blog to address even more questions I’m asked frequently, and the answers to them!!) and it’s super fun for me to reminisce on the opportunities I’ve had, so here’s a roundup of my absolute favorite places in the whole world!
The Yukon
No matter how beautiful the photos are, nothing compares to seeing the beauty of the Yukon with your own eyes. It is vast, untouched and there is no way to describe it other than using the word “pure”. It truly is God’s Country. I’ve been there nearly every fall for the last decade with my dad and it’s absolutely one of my favorite places to see, let alone hunt because the hunting is AMAZING. Hello, monster moose and caribou!
New Zealand
I’ve only been to New Zealand once in my mid-twenties but I’ve always wanted to go back. I explored Christchurch and kayaked through Fiordland and tasted allllll the wine in the most beautiful vineyards ever. Plus, I got to go on a Red Stag hunt! New Zealand is a great option for a far-away adventure because it genuinely feels like you’re removed from it all, but since they speak English there, it’s still very easy to settle in and feel comfortable. If I could go back, I’d love to visit Auckland and Queenstown to do all the outdoor activities there!
Namibia
I’ve been lucky enough to explore a handful of countries in Africa and all of them offered incredible adventures but my favorite was Namibia. When I travel, I prefer to see the authentic culture of the place I’m visiting, rather than see the westernized areas and Namibia was just that. It took me completely out of my comfort zone because it was SO different than anything in North America but it felt very safe and the local people were incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Vancouver Island
Of all the places I’ve ever visited, my heart still belongs on Vancouver Island where I was born and raised. It’s the perfect combination of mountains and the ocean and tons of beautiful lakes and I might be a little bit biased, but the people are so wonderful and laid back. You can be skiing in the morning and boating on the ocean in the afternoon and it has some of the most beautiful mountains and hikes I’ve ever seen. Anyone who’s ever heard that I’m from there immediately says “you’re so lucky!” and I agree, Vancouver Island is AMAZING.
Colorado
Sitting on the hillside in Colorado during the fall while the bright yellow aspen leaves flutter off the trees and the bull elk are bugling is by far one of my favorite moments in time…it’s an experience I’ll never forget, and among the ones that has made me feel the most connected to nature and in tune with God’s creations. It’s such an interesting place to hunt, but I am SO excited to eventually go back to ski/fish/shop/dine/do all the things.
North Carolina
Last but far from least in my heart is my adoptive home state of North Carolina. I could literally go on and on about the pure beauty there is in the people, places, and nature here (and I did that, actually, in this blog about why we love it here!) but there is something SO serene and peaceful about being in the beautiful mountains here. Depending on where you are, you can be amongst the Blue Ridge or Great Smoky Mountains: and on a day with good visibility, the beauty is hard to describe, and it’s even harder to get me to leave. We go to Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns every chance we get, and are so proud to be living and raising our kiddos in this incredible place!
I’ve been to a ton of amazing places to hunt, fish, and explore, but there’s something about planning that next adventure that gets me super excited. Experiencing God’s masterpieces with Tim and my kids one day?! That’s the stuff my dreams are seriously MADE of. I dream of fly fishing in the streams of Montana and Jackson Hole, horseback riding on a ranch out West, and going back to Africa with Tim.
What’s on your bucket list for the great outdoors, or even just in general?! Let me know in the comments below!
I’ve only ever hunted in Alberta. So anywhere would be amazing. Me and my husband have a dream to hunt some red stag in New Zealand someday.
Born and raised here in NC outside of Charlotte. Watched a lot change but still think we are one of the best states and of course, it is in THE SOUTH.
Just bought a small 100 acre farm in Anson County with a cabin and planning on making it a hunter’s heaven along with Richardson Creek that runs through it for fly fishing for brim and crawdad trapping.
NC’s coast is second to non and your right, our mountains are beautiful.
You asked about a bucket list. Well, I’m deciding on New Zealand for a tahr hunt or a bear hunt in Hyde County NC for this year. There’s also hunting in Europe (lived in Germany for a couple years) and then y’all killed me with the family trip to Hawaii!! Been there a couple times but never to hunt. That would be awesome.
So much living to do and so little time…….you’re lucky. You’re young.
George H.
I’ve always imagined the beauty of the outback of Australia, but I’ll just have to settle for the Colorado mountain’s and snow covered peaks in the winter. I’ve been Germany and visited lucerne Switzerland! Its nothing short of breath taking as well.
My boyfriend and I always say that when we get married we want to go out west hunting for our honeymoon. We’ve both have been hunting since we were kids and have only ever hunted in our home state of VT and would love to broaden our horizons!
Another intriguing article Eva. I’m always looking for new places to explore. For me, the place I would most likely visit in the near future is Vancouver Island. Work and life keeps me busy, but Vancouver Island is definitely possible. The very best to you and your family.
Husband and I are currently searching for the perfect lake community to move too! Would love suggestions!
You so perfectly summarized what it is to enjoy the Master’s handiwork… and I don’t feel any more connected to the Great Creator, my husband, or the world around me than I do standing, knee deep in the Madison River in Montana tantalizing a gorgeous brown trout with a well crafted dry fly. I have fly fished besided grazing herds of elk in scenes you just can’t plan let alone imagine… beauty unspeakable that just connects to your heart in the purest way imaginable. A trip I have taken numerous times to a place that will always hold my heart captive.
Beyond the trout waters of Montana, there is no place like home! You again epitomized my home as you described NC as serene, pure, and peaceful. I find these attributes refreshed within my soul each time I step outdoors here whether it is chasing trout or turkeys, bear or deer, farming or just letting my sense taking in the morning. These Blue Ridge Mountains never cease to amaze me as God’s creation takes centerstage in new ways every moment in every adventure that has become my love for the outdoors.
If you haven’t experienced either place with your family, you need to tack both to the top of the travel list immediately. They are exquisite… and offer so much for the outdoor enthusiasts.
Which outfitter do you recommend in New Zealand. We are trying to book a red stag hunt soon.
Namibia for sure. We hunted mountain zebra with Profesional Hunter John Wambach. We’ve also been to other African countries but Namibia was the BEST EVER. After our hunt, we spent 10 days on a personal guided tour with John who has 2 advanced degrees and was encyclopedic in his knowledge of everything Namibia. In fact, we were there when your dad was therein 2015.
I have to say I completely agree with your comment about Jackson Hole. Me and my boyfriend took a road trip about a month ago and went through there. The area is beautiful and it would be so fun to see all it has to offer. I want to go back. My boyfriend is a fishing guide in Sitka, Alaska and got me to fish for my first time ever this summer and I LOVED it – now he’s starting to work on the hunting part :). But Alaska is a beautiful place and fishing in the Pacific Ocean for salmon and Halibut is such an amazing experience! Plus Sitka is the cutest little town with the best scenery! I’d love to see what the rest of the beautiful state has to offer, even though the locals who have been to other places say Sitka is the best!!
Your best places blog rightly noted fiords in NZ. My traveler friends would also add the fiords of British Columbia/Alaska panhandle plus Norway. But each to his/her own. . . .