There are some places in the world that are just too incredible to look at in pictures, and you should plan a trip to go see for yourself. The problem for most people is that finding time to do the things you want, like travel to exotic destinations, isn’t possible with your 9-to-5 job. Even if you are lucky enough to get paid time off, you may feel pressure from your boss to work while you’re on vacation, checking email, being available on your cell phone, and generally missing out on the pleasure of traveling.
Being your own boss allows you to take control of your time, which means you can travel when and where you want—and have the flexibility to spend a few weeks instead of just a few days in paradise. Here are three incredible places that should be on your travel bucket list.
Alaska
It’s hard to find a place on earth with as much natural beauty and variety as Alaska. A trip to the northwestern tip of North America can include everything from deep sea fishing and fly fishing to glacier tours, helicopter and seaplane adventures, wildlife spotting, whale watching, and hiking. You can test your skills as an amateur (or professional) photographer and spend time learning about the local culture while visiting the vast range of national and state parks. Vacation options include ocean cruises, land tours, adventure or ecotours, as well as private cruises and excursions.
Maldives
If you love looking at a starry night sky, imagine what it would look like in the ocean. As if the beautiful crystal-blue waters and white-sand beaches weren’t enough, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean is also famous for a place called the Sea of Stars. Small dinoflagellatemicroorganisms (a type of phytoplankton) called Lingulodiniumpolyedrum that live in the water generate light, emitting a blue bioluminescent light as a defense mechanism. The sheer volume of phytoplankton can light up the black ocean at night, appearing just like the stars above. The best place to see it is on Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, and you’re more likely to experience it in late summer through December.
Norway
Along the coast of Norway you will find more than 1,000 fjords,saltwater inlets from the sea that have the appearance of a serene blue lake at the bottom of towering mountain cliffs. These were the historic settings of farmers who made a living in seemingly impossible settings (some are still there today). You can tour the fjords by boat, stopping along the way for glacier walks, mountain hikes, and guided tours of the local villages.
Ready to start your adventures traveling the world? If you’re still held back by your day job, start your own business with Life Outside the Boss where you can build lasting wealth, set your own schedule, and start checking off that travel bucket list.
