Travel Article
Make every trip a wish list journey
By Kim Hart, Travelwise luxury travel specialist
It might sound a bit cheesy, but here at Travelwise we really believe this: there’s no such thing as a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Why? Because once you’ve experienced something incredible, it tends to inspire more - not less - travel.
As I approach my 40th year in the travel industry, I’ve found myself reflecting more on the places I’ve been and the places I still want to go. From backpacking solo around the world in my 30s (the best year of my life!) to flying by private jet to far-flung destinations, I’ve had a pretty wide range of experiences – and they’ve only fuelled my passion further.
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
Start your wish list early.
I’m not a fan of the phrase bucket list – it sounds too final. Instead, I like to think of it as a wish list. And the best time to start one? Now.
Don’t wait for a big birthday or retirement. Think about the things that make you feel most alive – whether that’s wildlife, food, photography, architecture or adventure and build your travel dreams around those passions.
I’ve recently ticked off a few long-standing dreams: a Serengeti safari, snorkelling in Bora Bora, tracking grizzlies in the Great Bear Rainforest and exploring the wilds of the Outer Hebrides. But my list keeps growing. The Galápagos, Raja Ampat, the Scilly Isles and Cinque Terre are still calling…
What matters most to you?
It’s easy to get swept up in the five-star hotels, the Michelin-starred dining and the luxury spa menus (and don’t get me wrong – I love all those things). But I always advise clients to come back to what really matters. What’s the moment you’ll remember long after the bathrobe’s been returned and the cocktails are gone?
For me, it’s wildlife.
That electric eye contact with a silverback gorilla. The shock of a polar bear peering through the window of my tundra buggy. A leopard descending a tree in the golden light. A lion stirring on a branch. A grizzly with a salmon locked in its jaws. Or the sheer adrenaline of swimming alongside a whale shark – mouth first(!)
A tip for wildlife photographers.
If, like me, you love wildlife photography, one tip I’ve learned: take your shots early. When you first approach a wild animal, they’re most likely to look up and notice you – that’s your chance to capture something special. After that, they tend to ignore you.
I’m still learning, but I can see my shots improving with every trip. The beauty of it? There’s always more to discover, more to learn and more reasons to go again.
What’s on your list?
Is there somewhere you’ve always longed to go back to? Or something brand new calling your name? Whether it’s a return to a place you love or ticking off a long-held dream, I’d say: don’t wait. Do it now, while you can. You never know when life might shift.
Let’s build your wish list together.
I’d love to help you shape your next unforgettable journey – one that aligns with your passions and brings those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments to life. Get in touch and let’s turn your dream trip into a reality.
