50 Reasons to #LoveTheWorld (2024)

Meteora, Greece, is a place of solitude (Credit: Laurel Robbins)

- 50 -

Because in Meteora, Greece, the drastic measures monks took to seek solitude made me realise the power in seeking quiet in our hectic world.

– Laurel Robbins, BBC Travel Localite, t: @Laurel_Robbins

An amazing moment at Machu Picchu (Credit: Matthew Long)

- 49 -

Because in one amazing moment at Machu Picchu, I was reminded not only how spectacularly beautiful the world is, but how fun and spontaneous it can be as well.

– Matthew Long, BBC Travel contributor, t: @landlopers

(Credit: Jon Mancuso)

- 48 -

Because sleeping high in the Himalayas, peering at Mount Everest the day before the catastrophic earthquake, reminded me that nothing is permanent and that nature deserves our highest respect.

– Melissa Arnot, mountaineer, t:@MelissaArnot

Paris1920x1080

- 47 -

Because you can make a sentimental journey to a place that changed your life 40 years ago in the hope of finding some trace of your younger self, and then discover that this younger you has been living in Paris all these years, just as Paris has been living all these years in you.

– Don George, BBC Travel contributing editor, t: @don_george

(Credit: Dave and Deb Corbeil)

- 46 -

Because we walked with giants and realised how vulnerable and precious all life is on Earth. The polar bear stands as a symbol of strength in a fragile environment.

– Dave and Deb Corbeil, BBC Travel contributors, t:@theplanetd

A trek through the jungles of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountains (Credit: Daniel Noll)

- 45 -

Because I trekked with an indigenous guide through the jungles of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Lost City and found that we and nature are all connected.

– Audrey Scott, BBC Travel contributor, t:@umarket

(Credit: Diane Selkirk)

- 44 -

Because watching Madagascar’s sailing dhows head out on the day’s first whispers of wind, while their crews laughed and cheered, reminded me that joy is best found in the simplest moments.

– Diane Selkirk, BBC Travel contributor, t:@dselkirk

(Credit: Kelly Phillips Badal)

- 43 -

Because after ignoring advice that winter in Cappadocia, Turkey, wasn't the best time to visit, the clouds parted, and my husband and I quickly hiked up above the city for this magical, white-capped, so-worth-it view.

–Kelly Phillips Badal, BBC Travel contributor, t:@kellybadal

(Credit: Lola Akinmade Åkerström)

- 42 -

Because paying homage to thousands of wheels of traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano makes you fully appreciate the delicious impact of Italian food across the world.

– Lola Akinmade Åkerström, BBC Travel contributor, t: @LolaAkinmade

(Credit: Naomi Arnold)

- 41 -

Because I’d never cared much for botany until a walk to the summit of Mt Arthur in Nelson, New Zealand, when an older man stopped to explain the peculiarities of every tiny plant dotting the meadows around us – like this whipcord hebe – giving me a sense of the enormous variety of life flourishing in some of the harshest environments.

– Naomi Arnold, BBC Travel contributor, t: @NaomiArnold

Ireland's oldest iron suspension bridge (Credit: Allison Busacca)

- 40 -

Because despite landing in Ireland with little to no plan, I stumbled upon the country’s oldest iron suspension bridge, built around 1810, during an impromptu visit to Birr Castle.

– Allison Busacca, former BBC Travel editor,t:@acbusacca

(Credit: Brad Cohen)

- 39 -

Because I went to Burning Man and realised magic is, in fact, very real.

–Brad Cohen, BBC Travel

Thirsty Explorer,t:@BradCCohen

Adam Rodriguez on USO Tour with some friends (Credit: Adam Rodriguez)

- 38 -

Because I'm lucky enough to participate in aUSO Tourwith some friends.

– Adam Rodriguez, actor, t:@_Adam_Rodriguez

(Credit: Andy Isaacson)

- 37 -

Because one frigid morning at the 83rd parallel, I stood atop the frozen Arctic Ocean and watched in awe as the sun reappeared above the horizon, casting aside the cloak of polar night.

– Andy Isaacson, BBC Travel contributor,t: @AndyIsaacson

Bindi Irwin Instagram (Bindi Irwin)

- 36 -

Because following in my dad's footsteps, continuing his crocodile research and studying the world's largest reptiles [allows me to] protect them for generations to come. To see, experience and touch these modern-day dinosaurs ultimately touches you.

– Bindi Irwin, actress and conservationist, t: @BindiIrwin

(Credit: Celia Knox)

- 35 -

Because it's always possible to find beauty in the most unexpected of places, like thissakura-filled canal in the middle of a quiet, residential Tokyo neighbourhood.

– Celia Knox, BBC Travel Localite,t:@celiaintokyo

Jean-Philippe Blondet in Sti Fadma, in the region of Marrakesh (Credit: Jean-Philippe Blondet)

- 34 -

Because I visited Sti Fadma, in the region of Marrakesh, and met incredible women who use traditional methods to produce argan oil. It reminded me how food is not only about the taste, but also about the memory you get from a genuine encounter.

– Jean-Philippe Blondet, chef@thedorchester

Banff1920x1080

- 33 -

Because in Canada’s Banff National Park, every drop I drink comes from glaciers found here.

– Carol Patterson, BBC Travel contributor, t: @Reinventure

(Credit: Ann Babe)

- 32 -

Because while spending my birthday in Jerusalem with a small friend at what might be the world’s grandest dome, I learned that feeling insignificant is important, too.

– Ann Babe, BBC Travel contributor, t: @ann_e_babe

Jonathan Scott at Oktoberfest in Munich (Credit: Jonathan Scott)

- 31 -

Because I went to Oktoberfest in Munich for the fourth time and it reminded me why I love my friends and I love my beer!

– Jonathan Scott, TV host, t: @MrSilverScott

Drew Scott at camp fire (Credit: Drew Scott)

- 30 -

Because this picture reminds me that wherever you are, it's the people you spend time with that turn any spectacular view into cherished moments. Here we are enjoying the fresh air, music, mountains, roasted marshmallows and each other.

– Drew Scott, TV host, t:@MrDrewScott

(Credit: Stephen Fabes)

- 29 -

Because I awoke to the sun rising over my campsite on the frozen surface of Lake Khovsgol in northern Mongolia to the creaks, pops and snaps of the ice: the most memorable alarm clock of my life.

– Stephen Fabes, BBC Travel contributor,t:@cyclingthe6

In Sweden, people break daily for coffee and tea (Credit: Anne Banas)

- 28 –

Because in Sweden, there’s always a time forfika, a special break in the day devoted to connecting with friends, sipping hot drinks and eating sweets (like this sugar-crusted kanelbulle, or cinnamon bun).

– Anne Banas, BBC Travel editor, t:@annebanas

Ade Adepitan is awestruck at Victoria Falls (Credit: Ade Adepitan)

- 27 -

Because I got to see Victoria Falls, I experienced the sheer beauty of our amazing planet and was totally awestruck!

– Ade Adepitan, BBC Travel Show presenter, t:@adeadepitan

(Credit: Lia Barrett)

- 26 -

Because facing my fear of crocodiles in Cuba ignited a newfound respect and love for these ancient creatures.

– Lia Barrett, BBC Travel contributor, t:@liabarrett

This woman in Jericho works every day for almost no money in a couscous co-operative (Credit: Andrew Zimmern)

- 25 -

Because in one of the world’s most notorious and hopeless places, there are people who won’t give up or give in. [This woman in Jericho] works every day for almost no money in a couscous co-operative run by women, for women. Without her job, she told me, she wouldn’t have been able to feed her three kids and put them through school.

– Andrew Zimmern, TV host and chef, t: @AndrewZimmern

(Credit: Simon Griffee)

- 24 -

Because I fulfilled my dream of photographing in the streets of New York City, the great outdoor theatre where humans live with all life's difficulties and moments of love.

–Simon Griffee, photographer,t:@simongriffee

Because sometimes you just need nature to remind you how small you are (Credit: Andy Grammer)

- 23 -

Because sometimes you just need nature to remind you how small you are.

– Andy Grammer, singer-songwriter, t:@andygrammer

(Credit: Anisha Shah)

- 22 -

Because in that instant, as the silverback mountain gorilla gazed directly at me with her piercing eyes, staring straight into my soul, I understood the majesty and supremacy of nature and wildlife.

– Anisha Shah, BBC Travel contributor,t:@anishahbbc

In Vietnam, there's always a reason to leave the diet until tomorrow (Credit: Jess Lee)

- 21 -

Because in Vietnam, there's always a reason to leave the diet until tomorrow.

– Jess Lee, BBC Travel contributor, t:@jessofarabia

(Credit: Benjamin Zand)

- 20 -

Because I rode through the mountains of Kazakhstan on horseback! It made me realise that even the least understood places are beautiful and have amazing stories.

–Benjamin Zand, BBC Travel Show presenter,t:@BenjaminZandBBC

Jacques Torres with cacao beans in Peru (Credit: Jacques Torres)

- 19 -

Because [in Peru], they grow some of the best cacao beans. I can't wait to receive these gorgeous beans back in my factory and have you taste the chocolate.

– Jacques Torres, pastry chef, t:@jacquestorres

Dhaka1920x1080

- 18 -

Because as I rode in a rickshaw in Dhaka watching millions of people go about their business in what seems like an impossible day-to-day situation, I discovered there was a rhythm to the streets and beauty in chaos.

– Tanveer Badal, photographer, i: @tanveerbadal

(Credit: Sarah Feldberg)

- 17 -

Because in Guadalajara, Mexico, I learned that even the most wretched hangover is no match for a tongue-searing, fiercely delicioustorta ahogada.

– Sarah Feldberg, BBC Travel contributor, t: @sarahfeldberg

Maui's red-sand beaches and blue waters (Credit: Tawny Clark)

- 16 -

Because after battling the perils of carsickness on Maui's winding Road to Hana, we were warmly greeted with red-sand beaches and blue waters.

– Tawny Clark, BBC Travel contributor, t:@CaptainandClark

A girl from the Tsaatan tribe in northern Mongolia (Credit: Jarryd Salem)

- 15 -

Because when a three-year-old girl from the Tsaatan tribe in northern Mongolia taught me how to ride a reindeer, I realised that I still have a lot to learn.

– Jarryd Salem, BBC Travel contributor, t:@NOMADasaurus

Phil Rosenthal in Tokyo (Credit: Phil Rosenthal)

- 14 -

Because after a meal of eels in this family’s Tokyo restaurant, I made them chocolate egg creams. It felt like I was a part of a great cultural exchange.

– Phil Rosenthal, TV writer and producer, t:@philrosenthal

(Credit: Ben Lerwill)

- 13 -

Because four days among puffins, seals and otters on the remote Scottish island of Unst reminded me that soul-lifting wildlife experiences don't automatically mean big crowds. Sitting utterly alone for hours watching the bird colonies? Unforgettable.

– Ben Lerwill, BBC Travel contributor, t:@benlerwill

A beautiful neighbourhood in London (Credit: Julie Falconer)

- 12 -

Because I travelled all over the world and came home to realise that my own neighbourhood in London is one of the most beautiful places I've seen.

– Julie Falconer, BBC Travel Localite, t:@aladyinlondon

Sailing from mainland Norway to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard (Credit: Daniel Hug)

- 11 -

Because while sailing with a crew of five from mainland Norway to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, I learned that friendships were crucial to surviving the 3,400-nautical-mile journey.

– Terry Ward, BBC Travel contributor, t: @TerryWardWriter

The bewitching hill town of Calcata (Credit: David Farley)

- 10 -

Because you can turn a corner in the Italian countryside and suddenly a bewitching hill town like Calcata halts you in your tracks.

– David Farley, BBC Travel Eatimology columnist, t:@davidfarley

(Credit: Ben McNamara)

- 9 -

Because in Nepal, I used the magic of photography to make a new friend.

– Ian Neubauer, BBC Travel contributor,t:@ian_neubauer

(Credit: Aline Escalon)

- 8 -

Because, even after seven months of sailing in the Indian Ocean, I can enjoy freediving back home at Reunion Island, where I can feel the calm of the water, the precious air in my lungs and the hug of the ocean.

– Aline Escalon, BBC Travel contributor, f: AlineEscalonStudio

Volunteering with refugees in Berlin during Eid festivities (Credit: Candice Walsh)

- 7 -

Because while volunteering with refugees in Berlin during Eid festivities, I learned that even in times of crisis people can find joy through song and dance.

– Candice Walsh, BBC Travel contributor, t:@candicewalsh

Great Ocean Roadscreenshot

- 6 -

Because as I drove along Australia’s magnificent Great Ocean Road, I felt as though I was on the very edge of the Earth.

– Ellie Cobb, BBC Travel contributing editor, t: @elliecobb1

Creative pursuits on the island of Madeira (Credit: Jodi Ettenberg)

- 5 -

Because even within the aggregate natural beauty of an island like Madeira, there is always room for creative pursuit. This door in Funchal captures my feelings about the island: all colour and artistic wonder, swirling beauty against a backdrop of solid rock.

– Jodi Ettenberg, BBC Travel contributor, t:@legalnomads

Mount Whitney, in California's Alabama Hills, is a famous film set (Credit: Sarah Shearman)

- 4 -

Because visiting Mount Whitney, in California's Alabama Hills, I was able to play around in one of nature's most famous film sets, without another person – or cowboy – in sight.

– Sarah Shearman, BBC Travel contributor, t:@Shearmans

Antarctica has humpback whales and krill (Credit: Eric Guth)

- 3 -

Because when I'm in Antarctica, looking down the throat of a feeding humpback whale and watching thousands of krill swim for their lives, I'm reminded that to achieve my goals, every little bit counts.

–Eric Guth, BBC Travel contributor,i:@eric_guth

Dave Seminara spots a rainbow (Credit: Dave Seminara)

- 2 -

Because after the rain, you get this...

– Dave Seminara, BBC Travel contributor, t:@DaveSem

The milky way seen from the Namibian desert (Credit: Vivien Cumming)

- 1 -

Because lying under a tree in the Namibian desert mesmerised by the Milky Way above me, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky we are to be able to call a planet that gives us such an incredible variety of life our home.

– Vivien Cumming, BBC Travel contributor,t:@drvivcumming