Hello. My name’s Zoe and I could describe myself as a globetrotter. I’ve been on all continents, yes, including Antarctica! I could talk for hours about my trips, but they only gave me 5 minutes, so I will describe my 4 favourite places in the world. 

Number 1: Kenya in Africa. 

One of the most exciting travel experiences in Africa is spotting big game while on a safari, (by the way the word ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Swahili). When you see your first rhinoceros, elephant, or lion (or any of the big five) you will be completely overwhelmed. I remember waiting in the van for two hours to watch two lions just chilling. You may think it was boring, but quite the opposite, it was one of the most amazing experiences. 

When in the bush, however, you must obey some regulations. The first rule is to be quiet, as animals are easily startled, and you don't want to miss a pride of lions just because you were talking too loudly. 

The second one is to remember that Africa is not a zoo, and the animals will eat you if you get out of the van. I’ve heard of many people who have died as a result of getting out to take the perfect photograph. 

The third rule to remember in Africa is that you will be exposed to a range of infections, so make sure you've got all the necessary vaccinations and watch out for what you eat and drink. Insect bites are also common in Africa. Avoid them by wearing white, long, loose‑fitting clothes, applying insect repellent at all times, and using mosquito nets while sleeping. I didn’t use the net the first night I slept in a lodge, and I had about 50 mosquito bites in the morning. It’s worth investing in a good‑quality camera before going on a safari. However, make sure it’s charged or carry spare batteries, before you set off to ‘hunt’ wild animals. 

Number 2: Thailand in Asia. 

The most common way of travelling in Thailand is to rent a motorcycle, or a moped. All you need to have is an international driving licence and… nerves of steel. There are a lot  of road  accidents and road fatalities in Thailand. Thousands of visitors check the “I have an international driving licence” box and rent a scooter illegally. If you’re stopped by a policeman, you may have to pay a fine, or rather a bribe. Police officers don’t earn a lot in Thailand, that’s why you can get away with paying an official fine. 

However, one of the most popular crimes in Thailand is drive‑by bag snatching by thieves on motorbikes. A motorcycle passes by extremely quickly, and the passenger at the back snatches your bag off your shoulder and  rides away with it. If you try to hold on to your luggage, you may be pulled along with it until the handle breaks, causing serious injury. It’s better just to let go of the bag. I have experienced it myself, but luckily, I ended up only with some scratches and bruises.  

Number 3: Colombia in South America. 

If you think I’m going to talk about illegal activities in Colombia, you will be disappointed. In fact, the most dangerous experiences can be natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. From June to November, Colombia is hit by hurricanes, which can cause flooding, landslides, and torrential rain, disrupting your travel plans, so make sure you know the best season to travel. 

Moreover, Colombia has also been affected by both the El Niño and La Niña weather patterns since 2015, with many areas suffering from water shortages and high rainfall. Another thing is that when I was in Bogota, which sits at 2,640 metres above sea level, I suffered from altitude sickness. I was short of breath, I felt dizzy and tired, and needed two days to acclimatise to thinner air. Be aware of that if you suspect you may have the same problem. 

And the last one, Number 4: Antarctica. 

It’s the white area at the bottom of a map. If you want to get to the Antarctic Peninsula, you must travel through the extremely dangerous Drake Passage, and if you suffer from severe seasickness, fortunately I don’t,  you should consider getting there by plane. Because of the extremely cold temperatures, you should have warm boots with a strong grip and a warm winter jacket with a fleece. 

Remember to wear layers, so you will avoid getting too warm or  too cold. I know that it may sound strange, but you should keep your hands out of your pockets in case you fall. You may always use hand warmers if they get too cold. If you want to take pictures, you can, but keep your camera out for as little time as possible. Cameras struggle in freezing conditions. I managed to take a picture of a  penguin, and after that my camera just went dead for an hour. 

These are only four top places for me in the world. There are so many more to explore! If you want to learn more, I write a blog, so check it out on www.zoetravelling.com

Travel safely!