Working in travel is one of the most exciting, rewarding occupations in the world; being passionate about exploring the globe is just part and parcel of being successful in the industry, so it pays to be well-travelled. But where are the ultimate, ultimate places that travel experts want to go? Here we talk to 7 folks who work in the travel industry about their absolute dream destinations that they haven't yet managed to tick off...
Machu Picchu, Peru - James Hamlyn, Silk Road Tours
"One of my life goals is to trek the Inca trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Incas has always intrigued me; its amazing history and the incredible remains are just mind-blowing, and the sights along the way will make every ache and pain of trekking worth it. I have been working my way up to the 4 day trek with some basic training and I am hoping to travel to Peru next year."
"Machu Picchu" by David Stanley is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Socotra Island, Yemen - Jon Ruben, Golf Escapes
"Socotra Island is the most alien-like place on the planet. It's so unique in fact, that it is home to 825 plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It's a completely alien ecosphere, and trees such as the Dragon's Blood Tree and the Cucumber Tree look like a figment of your imagination. Unfortunately the FCO advise against all travel to Yemen so Socotra is out of bounds for now. We can but dream..."
"Desert Rose" by Gerry & Bonny is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Makepeace Island, Australia - Helen Thomas, House Parties
"I'm a hopeless romantic at heart so when I found out about this heart-shaped island, I knew I wanted to get married there! I've never been much of an off the beaten path adventurer; glorious sun, sea and sand is my main motivation for travel. But my ultimate destination would be the amazing Makepeace Island in Australia."
Harbin Ice City, China - Richard Would, Navigator Travel
"China is such a diverse and interesting city. It really is full of surprises. I've travelled there several times yet I don't feel like I've even scratched the surface. There are so many things I am desperate to see but if I had to pick just one, my dream destination would be Harbin Ice City. It's the largest winter festival in the world, and features an entire town carved out of ice between the months of January and February in Heilongjiang province."
"Snow and Ice World festival in Harbin, China" by Rincewind42 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Atlas Mountains, Morocco - Sian Willams, Baby Friendly Boltholes
"Having been to Marrakech three times, it's now become my dream to trek the Atlas Mountains. The views would be spectacular and I have a number of colleagues who have already been there and got the t-shirt, as well as telling me it is baby friendly! I'm particularly interested in meeting the unique Berber people and seeing their way of life."
"Berber Village & Mount Toubkal, Morocco" by Julia Maudlin is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Tristan da Cunha Island - Christos Hajipapas, Cyplon
"Tristan da Cunha Island is one of the most remote islands in the world and if you're after an off the beaten path adventure, it doesn't get more alternative than this. South Africa is the nearest country and set out in an isolated area of the South Atlantic, there are no travel agencies that go there. With no hotels or restaurants, it would be a completely independent adventure."
"The Main Settlement on Tristan da Cunha" by The Official CTBTO is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia - Davide Bolognesi, Roma Experience
"I've never been to Bolivia but it's definitely on my bucket list! Seeing the Salar de Uyuni would be a huge tick off my list. This is the world's largest salt flat which is over 6,000 miles. Walking over it would be like walking on water, and in the right light, it creates perfect reflections of the cloud formations in the sky."
"Before Sunrise, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia" by Dimitry B. is licensed under CC BY 2.0
So there you have it! These folks spend their days inspiring people about travel, but these locations are good enough to even inspire them! What are your dream travel destinations? Have you been to any of the ones highlighted here? Time to get the bucket list out!