There is no feeling in the world quite like spending time with your best friend is there? No matter how cliche it is, your best friends are your soul mates. Unfortunately but fortunately, almost all of my best friends live on different corners of the globe, allowing for even more reasons to feed my travel addiction. When it comes to travel, and pretty much everything else, I have one partner in crime, Mrs. Alexandra (Davis) Pryke. This girl is the reason I know hardly any geometry, as she and I spent most of the class exchanging notes - completely unrelated to math, when she came to my high school in Miami for a semester. Alex lives in Sydney, Australia, making it a very long distance relationship. Thirteen years later we have met up, usually at least once a year, in different countries. There is no one I would rather explore the world with. One of the hardest parts of COVID-19 has been not being to make any plans to see each other, something that is so natural to us. Here are some of our escapades and most recommended trips. I hope it inspires you to dream on where to go next with your bestie!
Once upon a time, Camila had a greek boyfriend, and he was lucky enough to third wheel our trip. In all seriousness, Greece is one of the most special places I've ever been to, and seeing it with a local made it that much more special.
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In Greece anything goes, life is spontaneous, allowing for endless adventures. Everything looks like a postcard, the water really is that blue and clear, the people are a genuine pleasure, even if you can't communicate in the same language. Another bonus, Greece is crazy cheap (excluding islands like Santorini and Mykonos), especially if you're coming from the US.
Islands we visited: Crete, Santorini, Koufonisia
Next time: Antiparos, Milos, Corfu
Something we had every day: tzaziki, literally on the side of any dish, on top of any dish, or inside any dish
1. Island Hopping, Greece
Alex and her family enjoy skiing in Taos, New Mexico every year. In 2016 I had the pleasure of going with them. Normally I ski in La Parva, Chile, occasionally skiing in Colorado or Canada. A new mountain is always an exciting change.
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The summer run started in Chile when my brother and I decided to ski in summer clothes - official origin is a longer story. Now every time I ski there is one mandatory summer run. This time we brought it to the whole group, the boys in their Budgy Smugglers. If you haven't already done it, you must remember to pack a summer outfit next time. The best part about ski trips is you have your adventures on the mountain and get to have the apres ski with your friends having some fondue and playing games in the cabin.
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Favorite ski spots: Vail, Taos, La Parva, Whistler, Aspen
Next time: Jackson Hole, Courchevelle
Something we had every day: on this trip - mountain martinis
2. Ski Trip, Taos
Fiji, I can't think of this trip without having a smile on my face. Alexandra and I went with a group of friends, and made friends along the way. A classic hostel hopping adventure, finding ourselves experiencing new encounters every day. We never knew what was in store for us, often times not knowing where we would be sleeping that night.
We visited caves both above and below the water, snorkeling, diving, 4x4 buggies into the jungle to hidden waterfalls, floating restaurants, swimming with manta rays, fire dancing, just to name some of the things. I cannot wait to go back to this beautiful little country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
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Favorite islands: the Yasawa islands
Next time: Philippines
Something we had every day: fruit and piney-rums (pineapple + rum)
3. Tropical Escape, Fiji
Usually every trip we take there is a road trip portion. This trip was particularly special because we normally meet up with friends in different places, however, this time it was just us. There was a lot of quality time and enjoying the Tuscan countryside which is unbelievably special.
We were based in Siena and did day trips to vineyards, medieval towns, sunflower fields, the spectacular Val d'Orcia, meeting several classic - and not so classic, Italian characters. Normally couples enjoy this as a romantic destination, rightfully so, but it's also perfect if you're hoping to get some chill quality time with your bestie.
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Favorite towns: Siena, Val d'Orcia, Monticchiello, Pienza
Next time: Sardinia
Something we had every day: gelato - every single day
4. Italian Road Trip, Tuscany
Repeat after me, Alex and Camila did not peak in 2010. These were probably the only acceptable pictures from the trip. That being said, this was a month after I had graduated high school and Alexandra was in the middle of her gap year (pronounced gap yah). We drove across the country from Madrid - Salamanca - Zaragoza - Barcelona ending up in Valencia.
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Spain is always a good idea, particularly because you can visit any time of the year. I was the most pleasantly surprised by Salamanca, this little city was beautiful with some of the funnest nightlife I've experienced. Everything from Gaudi's art throughout Barcelona, the soccer stadiums, to the fairytale castle in Segovia all contribute to the colorful Spanish culture.
Favorite towns: Salamanca and Valencia
Next time: San Sebastian, Formentera, Sevilla, Malaga
Something we had every day: tapas, every single meal
5. España por favor!
Mexico is always a great time. It's also extremely accessible if you live in North or South America. Going to the Riviera Maya you have everything from the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun to boho-chic Tulum or exploring ancient cenotes next to Mayan ruins. The food itself is reason enough to go and visit, as it is home to some of the best dishes in the world.
Yes, we ended up in another cave, I don't know why it always happens. After exploring the ancient ruins of Coba we ended up in the Cenote Tankach-Ha (right picture). Mexico is a perfect place to go with a group of friends, as there is something for everyone to do. Being based in Tulum and Playa del Carmen gives you access to the main sites. We got a driver and a minivan to take us where we wanted to go and went based off of local recommendations instead of the tourist trap tours.
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Favorite towns: Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Next time: Holbox
Something we had every day: Margaritas (duh) and guac
6. Ancient visits, Mexico
Lovely, chilly, green Scotland. This is one of my favorite places Alex and I have travelled to, I might be a bit biased since it's where I was born but still. We've been to Scotland twice together. Most of the time when thinking of the UK, it's beautiful and cozy but probably not very adventurous. Not true, Alex and I have had our fair share of experiences here. Getting lost with no phone battery or a map on the way to Inverness or climbing up Arthur's Seat and making unwise decisions on how to get down.
The hospitality in Scotland is incredible, the people are naturally helpful and kind. There are so many things to see, lots of history to learn and haunted castles to visit.
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Favorite towns: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness
Next time: Isle of Skye
Something we had every day: cider and fish & chips
7. Bonnie Scotland
Yes, I know what you're thinking, yes it is far away, and yes it is worth it. I have been over to Alexandra's home country three times, the last one being for her spectacular wedding in September 2019. We have been to Sydney, driven through the Blue Mountains, done the Jenolan Caves, Canberra - where she studied, Bermiagui, and Byron Bay together.
I am proud to say I have seen the Australian Wallabies play twice, both fantastic defeats over France and Wales, and absolutely an experience you can't miss, even if you don't know anything about rugby. The wombat is the cutest thing to walk this earth, yes, there are a lot of kangaroos. If you have the chance to go, be sure you go to the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef are truly spectacular.
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Favorite towns: Byron Bay, Sydney, Bermagui
Next time: Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania
Something we had every day: Tim-tams
8. Aussie, Aussie, Australia
Disney World is always a good idea. I can already see some mothers rolling their eyes and scrolling right passed this one. The thrill of the rollercoasters, the beautiful parades and fireworks, it must be checked off the list. Alexandra and I have done Disney World and Universal Studios & Islands of Adventures together. Between the Disney jams on the way up from Miami and the screams on the rollercoasters we were left completely voiceless by the end, well worth it though.
If you are going to be exploring Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I highly recommend staying at one of the resorts, I love the Loews Royal Pacific. It gives you direct access to City Walk and the parks so you don't have to worry about driving anywhere.
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Favorite parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures, Disney World (all of them)
Next time: do them again
Something we had every day: theme park junk food...
9. Theme Park, Orlando
10. 305, Miami
Miami kind of had to make the list since it's where it all began. Alexandra used to come back to Miami on her annual US trip, not anymore... That being said there are so many fun things to do in Miami with your best friend. I will be doing a full Miami post very soon.
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UP NEXT
Due to COVID-19 our plans have been put on hold. However, I think it's about time we explore South America together, so likely Machu Picchu and/or Patagonia.
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PLEASE NOTE: I will be doing individual posts about each of these places. I am more than happy to provide itineraries, just e-mail me (below) with any questions!
have recommendations or experiences with your bestie?
I want to hear it
@camilaime