With a new season upon us, there's something in the crisp autumn air that has us itching to pack our bags and travel to new terrain. Whether it's a camping trip up north packed with gram-worthy foliage or a globe-trotting voyage filled with bustling night markets, here are five of our favorite places to explore for every kind of excursionist (living your best life, guaranteed).
Photo Credit: WWOOF New Zealand
If you‚'re looking for a real cultural exchange, a budget-friendly way to travel, and don't mind a little dirt between your fingernails, consider volunteering with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms in one of the organization's top-rated destinations. Not only will you stay with the locals and get an up-close look at living off the country's lush lands, but you'll leave with a bounty of knowledge about sustainable farming. After registering with WWOOF online, you'll be able to browse host families and farms, then choose the duration of your stay (which can range from a week to a year). Warning: Don't blame us if you get a serious case of the travel bug.
Copyright ©2012 William Cho
Okay, so maybe we're dying to nosh our way around a night market after seeing Crazy Rich Asians, but this Southeast island has long been a favorite travel spot for dedicated gastronomists. From national delicacies like satay (skewered meat with peanut spicy-sweet peanut sauce) and succulent Hainanese chicken rice to char kway teow (stir-fried noodles with Chinese sausage and egg, among other tasty variations), every food vendor promises flavors that'll tickle your taste buds. While the Chinatown Street Market is one of the most popular, it's by no means the only one; consider also wandering Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat among dozens more.
Photo Credit: Firelight Camps
Picture this weekend escape: morning yoga by the waterfalls, sunset hikes, and evening walks through the vineyard‚ need we continue? Perfect for the city slicker who needs to get away (but not for too long...or too far!), this outdoor oasis has everything you need to unwind and unplug. Located four hours from The Big Apple, FireLight's glamping experience hosts guests in the adorably chic tents featuring delicious and locally-sourced breakfast, roaring campfires, and the softest fleece sheets for snuggling up in. During the day, you can join a food tour through town, shop a lakeside farmers market, indulge in the spa, and take on all that gorgeous foliage. You‚'e welcome.
As if we needed another reason to visit NOLA (hello, Bourbon Street nightlife!). But if you‚'e really looking to go full-swing party mode this fall‚ not to mention on Halloween weekend, pack your craziest costumes and get ready to jam with Childish Gambino, the Arctic Monkeys, Janelle Monae and more to kick off the Voodoo festival's 20th anniversary. Prepare to fill up on the best poboys and BBQ in town before dancing your heart out to more than 65 bands and three days of live entertainment, culture, and art. Rest up in a villa by the French Quarter and be sure to save some time for perusing all the sights and sounds of Louisiana‚ Crescent City.
Photo Credit: Cheltenham Festivals
If your idea of a dream getaway is cozying up in a cottage to pen your first novel and drink copious amounts of tea (pinkies up, of course), head to this scenic town in Gloucestershire, England for some well-read inspiration. Catch one the largest international lit fests which kicks off in October and features 10 days of pop-ups, free family-friendly events, readings, workshops, and over 600 guest writers, poets, and bibliophiles from around the world. Afterwards, get lost in fine art at The Wilson’s gallery and museum, tour the historic Whittington Court, and bury your nose in a book among the greenery of the Imperial Gardens.
See anything on this list that has you itching to travel? Comment below with your next must-go destination and be sure to check out Sakroots' collection of lifestyle and travel accessories in Wanderlust print!
This post was written by Sakroots guest blogger, Alexandra Lim-Chua Wee.
