Reversed Itineraries: Popular Routes Done Backwards
The thrill of traveling is all about exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and stepping out of our comfort zones. It’s about challenging ourselves and embarking on unique adventures. And what better way to inject some excitement into our travels than by reversing popular itineraries? Yes, you read that right – going against the norm and traveling to familiar places in a completely different way. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the concept of reversed itineraries and why you should consider adding them to your travel bucket list. So, buckle up and get ready for a new and exciting way to see the world – popular routes done backwards.
Why Reversed Itineraries?
First things first, let’s define what we mean by reversed itineraries. Simply put, it’s the act of starting a trip from the end destination, and traveling backwards to the starting point. For example, instead of doing the famous backpacking route in Southeast Asia from Thailand to Vietnam, you’d start in Vietnam and work your way back to Thailand.
Now, you might be wondering – why would anyone want to do that? Well, for starters, it offers a fresh perspective on a well-known destination. Reversed itineraries allow you to experience a place in a whole new light. You’ll see things from a different angle and notice details you may have missed if you followed the traditional route. It’s like watching a movie in reverse; you’d be surprised how many things you didn’t pick up on the first time.
Another advantage of reversed itineraries is that it’s a great way to avoid crowds. Many popular routes tend to get overcrowded, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the destination. By traveling backwards, you’ll be going against the flow, giving you the chance to explore at your own pace and possibly even have some places all to yourself.
5 Reversed Itineraries to Add to Your Travel List
1. South America: Peru to Bolivia
When it comes to South America, the most popular route is usually to begin in Lima, Peru, and make your way down to Buenos Aires, Argentina. But why not turn the tables and start in Bolivia instead? This way, you can visit the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats and work your way up to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. It’s a unique way to experience two of the continent’s most famous destinations.
2. Europe: Amsterdam to Paris
The quintessential European route is usually to start in London and end in Rome. However, consider reversing this and start in Amsterdam, a city known for its charm and vibrant nightlife. Then, make your way to the city of love, Paris, where you can indulge in delicious croissants and explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
3. Africa: Morocco to Egypt
For an African adventure like no other, why not start in Morocco and make your way to Egypt? Begin in Marrakech, a bustling city full of vibrant markets and stunning architecture, then head down to Egypt and explore the ancient pyramids and temples. Plus, you’ll get the chance to experience two of the most beautiful cultures in North Africa.
4. Asia: Japan to South Korea
Japan and South Korea have so much to offer, from delicious food to fascinating cultures. Instead of starting in South Korea and ending in Japan, switch things up and begin in Japan, where you can visit cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Then, take the ferry over to South Korea and explore all it has to offer, from bustling cities like Seoul to beautiful historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
5. North America: New York to San Francisco
Traditionally, when traveling in North America, the route usually begins in Los Angeles and ends in New York City. But why not start in the city that never sleeps and make your way to the sunny state of California? You’ll get to experience the bustling city life and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, then relax on the West Coast and explore San Francisco’s famous bridges and wine country.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – five popular routes that can be done backwards for a unique and exciting travel experience. Remember, reversing an itinerary doesn’t mean you have to do an exact reversal; you can always mix things up and create your own personalized route. So, next time you plan your travels, consider going against the flow and experiencing popular routes done backwards.
Who knows? You might just discover a whole new perspective on a destination and create unforgettable memories in the process. Happy travels!
