While most Dutch people are choosing to go to France or Germany again this year, these three NUjij members preferred less obvious destinations. They explain why you should also go to, for example, Choquequirao or Tibet.
Marjan Geijssen (70)Destination: Sao Tomé and Principe
Why this trip?Geijssen came across the tour at a travel organization known to her. “It was a completely unknown destination for me. But it piqued my curiosity and I thought it would be fun to go on an adventurous trip.”
What makes this destination extraordinary?The West African country, which consists of several islands, has been lingering somewhere at the bottom of the list of the most visited countries in the world for years. “They are trying everything to attract tourists,” says Geijssen. “But you can only get through the islands with jeeps, because the roads are so impassable.”
Despite the non-touristy nature of the islands, Geijssen was amazed by the beautiful nature of Sao Tomé and Principe. “It’s all so incredibly green there. There are also endemic plants and animals.” Those are plants and animals that you don’t encounter anywhere else.
Why is it recommended?It is a very adventurous holiday, says Geijssen. You should also take into account that it can be “very hot and rainy” there, which she sometimes had trouble with given her age. Nevertheless, she heartily recommends the country to globetrotters who can miss terraces. She cannot name a country that is comparable to Sao Tomé and Principe. “It’s a unique place.”
Mark Jennissen (49)Destination: Tibet
Why this trip?Mark Jennissen prefers to travel to atypical destinations. “I had two travel goals in my life: either the Trans-Siberian Express, or the highest train in the world towards the Tibetan capital Lhasa.” Although the Trans-Siberian Express is no longer running, that second wish did come true a few years ago. That’s how he ended up in Tibet: the highest region in the world.
What makes this destination extraordinary?Tibet is not easily accessible to tourists and visits usually take place through strictly regulated travel agencies, Jennissen explains. Yet he managed to enter the region without a guide. “My sister happened to be living in China at that time. She was able to arrange tickets from Shanghai to Tibet.”
Jennissen wanted to experience the “authentic state of the area”. During his tour, he visited Mount Everest and the gigantic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. He also met many monks.
Why is it recommended?Experiencing the highest railway in the world and experiencing the secluded culture up close was very special, says Jennissen. And the view of Mount Everest was a major attraction. “When I was there in April, the sky was bright blue. You naturally recognize the top of Mount Everest out of thousands. That’s a fantastic sight.”
Yet Jennissen acknowledges that you must be prepared to jump through various hoops as a tourist. “You have to like a bit of a challenge and not expect too much luxury.”
Ilona Falke (42)Destination: Choquequirao (Peru)
Why this trip?Ilona Falke is a seasoned world traveler who likes to look for something off the beaten track. Two years ago, she decided to push her own boundaries by hiking for four days to Choquequirao, a remote Inca town in Peru. “You walk down one day and up the other. Then you take the same way back again. That’s quite a struggle with poles and luggage,” she says.
What makes this destination extraordinary?“The annual number of visitors to this place is about the same as the daily number of Machu Picchu,” says Falke. Choquequirao is often compared to the much more touristy Inca ruin, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. The ruins are similar and date from the same period in history.
Why is it recommended?Falke absolutely recommends that Dutch tourists brave the road to Choquequirao, provided they are physically strong and willing to step out of their comfort zone. “We just went to Italy last month; we think that’s beautiful too. But this really changes your view of the world, because all the habits and amenities are so different there.”
