Overview
You are killing it lately. You’ve been in the gym thrice weekly, managed to convince all of your friends that clip-on sunglasses are back in, avoided all gluten products because of your self-diagnosed coeliac condition, and your gin-based cocktails served in old mismatched jars have got the opposite sex vying for your attention.
But if you really want to be killing it, you’ve got to get your travel game down. Liking cliché quotes on inspiring backgrounds won’t get you on a plane so Concrete Playground’s got you ten jaunts you need to get on to. Maybe you need to break in that recently renewed passport with some fresh ink, or maybe daily life is just giving you lemons and you need to take Paul Rudd’s advice. Either way now is the time to lock in that excursion and get the hell out of Dodge.
Before you check your account balance or ask human resources how much leave you’ve got, just know this list isn’t designed to break the bank or take a year out of your life. Get your budget right, two or three weeks cleared off the schedule, and you’ll be downing that gin at 30,000 feet.
1. KATHMANDU
This place is so rad they named it after a prominent NZ outdoor apparel and equipment company. Given that the man on our five dollar bill practically made Nepal his second home, it’s your birthright as a Kiwi to get over there. From trekking, to rafting, to jungle safaris there’s not much you can’t do so if the wilderness is calling your name, it’s either the voices in your head or you need some adventure in your life. Get amongst the great outdoors.
2. THE MALDIVES
This picture doesn’t say a thousand words, it says, “Go to the Maldives”. It also sums up everything about the place: white-sand beaches and water. 1,200 islands are at your disposal to dive and explore or if that’s not your thing, relax and down copious mojitos on. But make sure you bring the wallet, this is one of the pricier numbers on the list.
3. VEGAS
Classics are classics for a reason. Rent a convertible once you get to California and do the golden triangle: San Fran, LA, and Vegas; America’s playground. Nothing will prepare you to go from a four-hour drive through the desert to being greeted by an assault of extravagance. Head to any one of the numerous pool parties during the days, at night the endless casinos where it’s not gambling because you know you’re going to win, and finish it off with a late night swim inside one of the most ridiculous clubs you’ll ever go to.
4. KENYA
Because giving your money to charity is way too mainstream these days. Experience Africa whilst helping people to live better lives. Why sit behind a keyboard when you can teach English or build houses in Nakuru? Travel can be a rewarding experience but this will pay dividends.
5. TAHITI
In August each year, Teachupo'o, Tahiti, plays host to the Billabong Pro, home of the seventh stop and one of the heaviest waves on the ASP World Tour. Spend your days out on the water watching 34 of the world’s best surfers ride barrels that could fit most city buses. While you’re at it, make friends with the locals who drive the boats and they might just treat you to a side of Tahiti most tourists don’t get to see with home-cooked meals and hidden getaways on the island.
6. BYRON BAY
If you’re into that healthy, in-shape, don’t-eat-anything-if-it-comes-from-something-with-a-face type thing, you don’t need to go any further than our friendly neighbours across the Tasman. This Byron Bay retreat boasts some pretty awesome facilities and features with their meditation, yoga, and spa retreat. If you want to get the mind, body, and spirit happening, this is the place be.
7. PERU
One of South America’s greatest treasures, Peru is full of cheap but incredible experiences. The obvious ranges from hiking the Inca Trail to the unforgettable Machu Picchu (pictured), through to roaming through the capital city of Lima. If you time it right, once you’re off the mountain you can head to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup en route home.
8. CROATIA
The culmination of any Europe excursion has got to be this famed country. Explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik or stand on the point of Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac Island before you undertake the bucket-list event that is Yacht Week. Seven days with you and a crew of your closest mates on a private yacht sailing the Croatian coast is worth every Euro.
9. QUEENSTOWN
For those searching for colder climates and something to slide down in the winter months, nowhere is cooler than Queenstown. If you can’t find something to do here, you’ve probably caught the flight to Invercargill instead. Any one of the mountains are a must for snowboarders and skiers, but the ultimate experience is a Heliski. Untouched snow in the most remote of locations, nothing will prepare you for what’s lurking in our collective backyard.
10. THAILAND
Everything you’ve heard about Thailand is true and that’s why you need to go. Get lost in the chaos of the sprawling concrete jungle that is Bangkok, head north to the mountainous riverside town of Pai to sleep in a tree house, and lastly go south to the islands finishing with the infamous Full Moon Party . There’s almost nothing you can’t do here and that Thai Baht is so mellow on the bank balance you’ll be back for seconds in no time.