Located just over an hour outside of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa took me by surprise with its colorful streets, breathtaking scenery, and distinct French flair. Even though it was cloudy and cold and nearly deserted during my visit, I couldn’t help but fall in love. I don’t know if anyone could.

I wrote a short post about falling in love with Akaroa after my visit there, but there’s still much more to show.

Here, then, are all 25 reasons (i.e. photos) why I fell in love with Akaroa:

The harbor

The harbor and lighthouse

One of the town's many docks

Cleaning off some boats

The main pier

Who doesn't love a bar on the beach?

Tilted harbor

Low clouds on a fall day

The streets

A sculpture and plenty of benches

Akaroa has a very artsy flair

The colors in fall are pretty

Could it be any cuter?

Outside a house

A random sidewalk

This was my favorite building

Outside a great locally-owned restaurant

Some French street names mixed in

Colorful, even under cloudy skies

I think maybe I'll retire here

War memorial

The scenery

Looking down toward Akaroa

Low clouds, big hills, tiny buildings

Sea cave

And there’s of course there’s the wildlife, too — penguins, dolphins, seals and more!

——

So what do you think? Is Akaroa the type of place you could see yourself falling in love with, too?

You may also like:

A country so full of wild beauty that it literally explodes every now and then. (Come on, you all remember the evil ash cloud a few years back, right?)

Photo by origine1, on Flickr

By all accounts, this rather obscure European country in the middle of the Atlantic is amazing. Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, it’s been on my radar for the past few years, ever since others began telling me I would love it because I love New Zealand.

Because, as you all know, I do love New Zealand. A lot.

But the more I read about Iceland, the more I am inclined to believe that those who say I will fall in love with it too are right. And even though I doubt any other place could steal my heart the way that New Zealand has, part of me is worried that Iceland could become a contender for “my favorite country ever.”

I guess I’ll find out soon enough, because I’m heading to Iceland in March!

Photo by Funky Tee, on Flickr

While Iceland certainly isn’t your average Spring Break destination, it’s exactly where I’m heading during my week off from grad school in late March. I had toyed around with some tropical and warm-weather destinations while laying out my 2012 travel wishlist, but, when it came down to it, none of them sounded as appealing as Iceland.

Photo by vestman, on Flickr

Yes, I’ll be traveling there during the unpredictable month of March. But while I do run the risk of being kept indoors by bad weather, I will also be in Iceland during the off season — when things are slightly more affordable, and there are less tourists around.

And another plus of traveling to Iceland in March? I’ll be there during the week of the Equinox (when there are equal hours of day and night), which is supposed to be one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights.

Photo by http://heatherbuckley.co.uk, on Flickr

The Northern Lights! I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am by the knowledge that I could very well be seeing the Aurora Borealis with my own two eyes in just over a month… Let’s hope that the weather cooperates.

Along with *hopefully* chasing down the Northern Lights, here are some other things I’m hoping to do during my 5.5 days in Reykjavik:

• Tour the Golden Circle to see Iceland’s famous waterfalls and geysers.
• Go snowmobiling on a glacier.
• Ride an Icelandic horse.
• See Reykjavik from atop Hallgrímskirkja church.
• Soak in the Blue Lagoon.
• Hunt for elves (hopefully more on this later!).
• Maybe go whale watching.
• Try to learn how to pronounce at least 5 Icelandic words correctly.

Of course, I may do more than this, or I may do less. Or I could end up doing different things entirely — that’s the beauty of going into a trip with virtually no plans!

Photo by origine1, on Flickr

Even though I’d love to be able to travel to all parts of Iceland, I’ll be basing myself in Reykjavik all 5 nights, simply because it’s easiest this time of year, when roads to more remote parts of the country could potentially be closed due to snow. I’ll be cosying up in a Roomorama apartment in downtown Reykjavik for my first 3 nights (the other 2 nights still TBD), and the lovely Susanna of ICELANDisHOT is helping me plan some adventures for the daylight hours.

Photo by Kyle Taylor, Dream It. Do It. World Tour, on Flickr

And the time leading up to this trip is absolutely flying. There’s only a month left now, and I’m starting to get really, really excited.

But what’s so exciting about Iceland, you ask?

Things about Iceland that excite me:

• I’ve heard that Icelandic people are incredibly friendly.
• Iceland is small and compact — you can see a lot in a short amount of time.
• This country has some truly stunning, wild landscapes.
• Icelandic horses!
• Some Icelanders hold a belief in mythical creatures like elves and fairies.
• If you’re lucky, you can see the Northern Lights.

Things about Iceland that worry me:

• Impossible-to-pronounce words with far too many consonants.

… That’s it, really… Well, that and the fermented shark meat. I’m sorry, but I will not be trying that.

Photo by o palsson, on Flickr

So far, 2012 is shaping up to be my most epic, travel-packed year yet, and this trip to Iceland will definitely be adding to it. I can’t wait!

What sorts of things would you like to read about in regards to Iceland? Have you been there? Is it a destination on YOUR travel list?

——

You may also like:

1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?

A “traveler” is someone who leaves the familiar to venture into the unknown. Though this is typically in the physical sense, I also think it’s possible to travel without actually going anywhere. I know that, as a kid, I traveled all around the world through books. (And, like you, Amanda, through Carmen Sandiego!) I consider myself a traveler because I am constantly in search of the unfamiliar. Arriving in a new country, city, or even a new restaurant is a natural high for me… and one to which I am very addicted!

2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?

Wow, this is tough! The two that immediately come to mind are hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (magical) and attending elephant mahout training camp in Thailand. I’m kind of obsessed with elephants, so that was a dream come true for me.

3. How about your proudest travel moment?

My proudest travel moment may have been at the Cartagena airport, which I know, sounds ultra lame. But, hear me out. Pretty much, it was an airline bungling of epic proportions, and I spent all day negotiating with airline employees, talking to travel agencies, and calling alternate transportation companies on the phone. It was a very stressful day, and I barely had time to think. When we were finally on our flight to Panama, I realized that I had accomplished all of it… in Spanish. I really enjoy learning new languages, so that was a huge accomplishment for me.

4. Have you had any travel mishaps or bad experiences? If so, have these influenced how you view the place where they happened? Would you go back?

What is travel if not mishaps? I have had too many mishaps to count, and though probably cranky about them at the time, in the end I consider them just part of the experience. They’re what make the good stories, right? I did have one bad experience in Chiang Mai, but it hasn’t influenced my view of Thailand at all. It could have happened anywhere. Luckily, it was a wake-up call for me. It’s unfair, but especially as females, we need to always be aware of our surroundings and not allow ourselves to get overly comfortable.

5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.

Pepto-bismol tablets. They are my crack. I love food, and especially street food. I eat anything and everything I can get my hands on, and when that turns out to be an awful awful idea, Pepto is there to save the day. Usually. Plus, they taste (sort of) like Necco Wafers!

6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.

My passport. Do you remember that egg-baby challenge they make you do in high-school? Where you have to carry around an egg for a week without breaking it, to make you realize that having a baby is a lot of work? Well, that’s how I feel about my passport. I always am worrying about it, wondering where it is, if it is warm and dry, blah blah. I’ll have these panicky times where I’m sure I lost it, and will be scrambling around looking for it, and then realize it’s on my dresser. Traveling would be so much easier if they could just scan my retinas or something. So please get on that, State Department!

7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?

While traveling, I am constantly learning. Languages, cultures, self-reflection, it never stops. To be completely cheesy, I think that the most important thing I’ve learned is that people are the same everywhere. People may look different, speak different languages, eat different things, but, ultimately, what’s on the inside is pretty similar. We all love to spend time with our friends and families, eat good food, and laugh with each other. It’s beautiful, really.

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Anywhere? Inside the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. That place is my version of heaven.

9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.

I guess I’m not allowed to say everything, am I? Hmm, I’ve had this dream trip in my head for a while of backpacking through Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. Nepal for the trekking, India for the food, and Sri Lanka for the animals — elephants, leopards, and SLOTH BEARS (I don’t really know what they are, but they sound awesome). I’m there! Ooh, or diving with whales. That would be absolutely incredible.

10. If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?

It is not going to be all sunshine and unicorns. Bummer, I know. It is going to be really hard. As douchey as it sounds, there is a big difference between taking a “vacation” and traveling. There are going to be times you really just want to go home and times when you wonder what the hell you were thinking. But, STAY POSITIVE. If you get into a bad mood, treat yourself. Go lie on the beach, eat a nice meal, or, my personal favorite — go to the movies. Take a “vacation” during your travels, and you will soon again feel refreshed and appreciative of all the amazing experiences you’re having.

Visit Susan’s site: Travel Junkette
Follow Susan on Twitter: @travljunkette
“Like” Susan on Facebook: Travel Junkette

——

Are you a travel blogger who has something to say on these topics? Do you know of somebody really interesting in the travel universe that you’d like to see interviewed? Speak up! The Thursday Traveler needs some interview subjects.

You may also like:

But, seeing as how it’s Valentine’s Day and love is apparently in the air, I got to thinking about some of the places that I picture as being romantic; places that I would only want to visit again (or for the first time) with a significant other at my side.

Here, then, are the most romantic places I can think of to travel:

The Givens

Paris, France

Usually referred to as the City of Love, I don’t think any pre-teen girl hasn’t pictured kissing under the Eiffel Tower or walking hand-in-hand next to the Seine with her sweetheart. I’m guilty of these Paris fantasies, too — mine are usually peppered with music from “Amelie,” and always include me wearing my favorite beret. (Yes, I’m THAT girl.)

Photo by Vassil Tzvetanov, on Flickr

Rome, Italy

I almost put Venice on this list, simply because of all the bridges and cheesy gondolas. But I’ve been to Rome, and I really do think this ancient city would make a great romantic destination — I mean, it is home to one of the world’s dreamiest romance languages, right? My perfect evening in Rome would include pasta and gelato for two, following by a trip to the Trevi Fountain after dark.

The Maldives

Any tropical destination with palm trees and white sand would probably do, but I always start daydreaming after seeing photos like the one below from the Maldives. I may not have taken many luxury holidays, but if that’s not paradise, I don’t know what is.

Photo by Sarah_Ackerman, on Flickr

The Not-So-Givens

The Scottish Highlands

If I’m being completely honest, when I think of “romance,” I picture wind-swept rolling vistas of the sort you’d find in Scotland’s Highlands. Why? I’m not sure. I’ll blame it for now on the covers of romance novels. But, regardless, I think visiting castles and chasing rainbows with my honey would be an incredibly romantic adventure.

Photo by Shadowgate, on Flickr

Akaroa, New Zealand

When I asked a question about readers’ most romantic destinations on Facebook, I was surprised that someone else mentioned Akaroa. I shouldn’t have really been surprised, though, because this little French-infused town on NZ’s South Island is nothing short of charming. This is the sort of place where it would be perfectly acceptable to hole up in a cute B&B for a few days, venturing out only to cruise on the harbor, take sunset walks in the hills, and have quiet, intimate meals together.

Istanbul, Turkey

I have not been to Istanbul, but it’s a place my boyfriend and I would both really like to visit someday. I don’t have a very convincing reason for putting Istanbul on this list except that I imagine the city — with East and West meeting and weaving together — as a very exotic place. And, in my mind, exotic could be very romantic.

Photo by archer10 (Dennis) SLOW, on Flickr

While I may be no expert, and while I know these “most” and “best” and “top” lists are totally subjective, these are the destinations that come to mind when I think “romantic.”

Now how about you? What are some of the most romantic places you’ve traveled to, or would like to travel to someday?

*This post was sponsored by The Turquoise Holiday Company.

You may also like:

So welcome to Best Blogs of the Month! I’ll be doing these round-ups once a month, summing up my favorite 15-20 reads from the previous few weeks.

Here are my favorite reads from January 2012:

My Top 3

Can you date the non-traveler? at Matador Life

It’s a question that many travelers find themselves pondering — is it possible to date or fall in love with someone who is not a traveler? Answers will differ, of course, but this very well-written piece examines one side of the debate.

Getting Scammed in the World’s Oldest City at Where’s My Toothbrush?

Getting scammed is never fun. But the fact that it happened to her in the midst of India’s holy city of makes the experience even more difficult for Sarah to accept. Not only is this a very well-written post about falling prey to a popular scam, but it also gives perspective on Varanasi.

Into a Soviet Bunker at Katie Going Global

Read this awesome tale of venturing into a former Soviet bunker, and share in Katie’s confusion over the whole intense experience.

My Other Picks

Argentina: I Love You But I’m Not In Love With You at Travelated

In this post, Rease, an American expat, discusses her decision to bid farewell to Argentina, where she had been living in Buenos Aires. Written in the style of a breakup letter, this post is very honest in acknowledging Argentina’s faults — something we need more of in travel blogging!

Sex when traveling: location, location, location at Finding the Universe

Normally, a “how/where to have sex when you travel” post would not hold my attention long enough to make it onto this list. It’s been done before. Many times. But not quite like this! The illustrations Laurence includes in this post make it totally list-worthy in my eyes.

Into the Sahara: My Camel Hates Me at Hecktic Travels

One travel couple. The Sahara Desert. And a camel named Farty. … Pete and Dalene ventured into Africa’s Sahara desert recently, and even though Dalene’s camel didn’t like her very much, the experience seems like it was amazing. Some great photos in this post, too!

A taste of Thailand… Our first impressions at Globetrotter Girls

This photo-filled post will catch your attention in much the same way I imagine Thailand itself would. Check out Dani and Jess’ first impressions of this crazy, beautiful country.

How Anxiety Helps Me Travel at Brooke vs. the World

In this very honest post, Brooke talks about how her struggles with anxiety have actually made her a better traveler. The things Brooke gets anxious about are things I feel like many people (including myself) can relate to. But instead of letting them stop her, Brooke is motivated most by the anxiety that her anxiety will hold her back.

How to Seduce and Ostrich: A Step by Step Guide at Expert Vagabond

Whether you really want to learn how to seduce one of these large birds or you just want to learn a few fun facts about them, definitely check out this post. It certainly gave me a chuckle!

Budapest’s Steamy Széchenyi Thermal Baths at Technosyncratic

The photos alone in this post make me want to get to Budapest and all her thermal baths ASAP. This place is definitely going on my list for this summer.

Chiang Mai is Not For Everyone at Adventurous Kate

Even though Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular places for nomads to relocate to in South East Asia, it is not without its faults. Though most of these faults are never mentioned, Kate brings attention to them in this post about why she could never live there. You can always rely on Kate to present an honest dissenting viewpoint if one is warranted.

Ten Weird Laws From Around the World at GapDaemon

I love the weird and quirky, and this post is a perfect example. Check out some of the strangest rules/laws from around the world. For example, did you know emo clothing is not allowed in Russia?

Hitchhiking in New Zealand: The Adventure at Travel Freak

Jeremy proves in this post that travel is very often all about the journey instead of the destination. I loved reading this tale of hitchhiking from Wellington to Gisborne to celebrate New Year’s.

Video: A Mystical Call to Prayer at Wanderplex

The video in this post, of the call to prayer echoing out across Wadi Rum in Jordan, is beautiful and haunting and incredible all at once. Definitely have a listen.

Video Posts

Dance of the Spirits: Real-Time Aurora Footage

This footage of the Northern Lights from last month in Norway absolutely blows me away. THIS is what I want to see myself someday.

Our visit to Forks at Captain and Clark

I love Tawny and Chris, and especially love this tongue-in-cheek video from their visit to Forks, Washington, home to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.

Shit Travel Bloggers Say at Travel Yourself

Just because it’s true and funny…

——

Have you read or written a post that you’d like me to consider for next month’s round-up? Leave a link in the comments!

You may also like:

10 Exciting Places to Study Abroad

The world is a big place, and there are some incredible adventures to be found wherever you go. Combining study with budgeting and adventure is surprisingly easy if you know where to look. We’ve compiled 10 of the most amazing places to study abroad for a flavor of what’s out there.

Studying abroad widens your horizons, teaches you more about yourself, and gives you insights into a whole host of different cultures and languages. Study credits are obtainable, depending on what course you choose, and all sorts of skills and expert knowledge can be picked up along the way.

1. New Zealand

For those who prefer the great outdoors for a classroom, New Zealand is the place to study abroad. Full of national parks and wildlife reserves, these two islands have conservation, scientific exploration, environmental issues and breathtaking views covered — not to mention equally breathtaking activities such as bungee-jumping, sky-diving, white-water rafting and zip-wiring through the canopy of incredible forests.

(Editor’s note: I fully support NZ as a study abroad destination!)

2. Siberia, Russia

For some extreme temperatures, visit Siberian Russia to pick up some Russian, take an internship, work in a museum or cultural centre, and learn about the intricate history of the region — whether in socio-economic terms from its colonisation to industrialisation to a market economy, or in terms of the local and global issues of its changing environment.

Photo by: seseg_h, on Flickr

3. Fiji Islands

Learn how to scuba dive in the soft coral capital of the world. Budget-orientated dive resorts can combine sun, sea, study, and affordability all in one. Gain your PADI Advanced Open Water and become an expert in Fijian marine biology by signing up to Marine Conservation and Diving projects.

4. Pondicherry, India

Develop cross-cultural skills and work for an NGO with Pondicherry University in India. There’s no bigger adventure than India, with its vast railway network spanning the entire continent from the northern deserts to the southern tropics.

Photo by: Nomad Tales, on Flickr

5. Mexico City

Mexico’s ancient civilizations of the Mayans, Aztecs and Zapotecs mean there’s a lot more to history here than beach-break parties. Study social sciences, economics, ancient history, and Spanish language and literature whilst scaling the magnificent Piaccho del Diablo (Devil’s Peak) 10,000 foot peak — there are no signposts, though, so bring a compass.

6. Nepal and Tibet

The little mountain states of Nepal and Tibet have plenty to offer, whether summer programs, internships, academic courses or volunteer schemes. Teaching the local children can gain you a TEFL certificate; community development, trekking and rafting are also on offer; and complete cultural immersion can be found if you choose to live in a hilltop monastery.

Photo by: archer10 (Dennis) SLOW, on Flickr

7. Northern Canada

Take an Arctic Journey from the north of Canada and spend your time camping out in igloos on its barren ice shelf — it doesn’t get much more hardcore than this. Courses available include Arctic Geography and Environment and Inuit Political Development and Governance.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

It’s not often you can spend a day on safari and learn about social activism. The very new democracy of South Africa makes this the perfect place to study contemporary politics. And, if you want to get away from the city, visit Cape Point and its penguin colony or the island prison where Nelson Mandela was held.

Photo by: Paul Mannix, on Flickr

9. Morocco, North Africa

Acquiring knowledge of the ever-more-vital Arabic tongue is always going to be a real feather in your cap. And in Morocco, the terrain is an adventure in itself. Climb the Atlas mountains to the Saharan villages, cross the desert by camel, or take surfing and Yachtmaster courses at a lively coastal resort.

10. Norfolk, England

Next to these exotic locations, England may seem like a no-go for adventurous study abroad. Yet England boasts many of the best educational institutions in the world, and some of the most beautiful landscapes. Renowned summer schools in the East of England offer a vast range of academic programs and the chance to experience English culture at its very finest, with the beautiful Norfolk coastline and the royal seat of Sandringham a stone’s throw away, and the historic cities of London and Cambridge close by.

Photo by: john47kent, on Flickr

Wherever you go, studying abroad expands your perspectives on the world. You’ll be telling your grandchildren about these adventures in years to come.

Have you studied abroad? If so, where? If not, do any of these destinations intrigue you?

——

This article was supplied by the University of East Anglia International Summer School — one of the UK’s top 20 universities offering a wide selection of summer study abroad programs. For more advice about studying in the UK, visit The British Council website.

You may also like: