Top 3 Favourite Countries of GlobeRovers Founder Peter Steyn
Posted: November 20 2023 | Tagged: Top 3 Favourite Countries
Peter Steyn, South African traveller, global nomad, photographer and founder of GlobeRovers Magazine talks about his Top 3 Favourite Countries.
This series has already featured top travellers such as Jonny Blair of Don't Stop Living, Ric Gazarian of GlobalGaz and Steve Rohan of Morbid Expeditions, so if you are a traveller and blogger and would like to be featured, email me!
This series has already featured top travellers such as Jonny Blair of Don't Stop Living, Ric Gazarian of GlobalGaz and Steve Rohan of Morbid Expeditions, so if you are a traveller and blogger and would like to be featured, email me!
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Introduction:
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience 122 different countries so far in my extensive travels around the globe, and I'd like to share my favourites.
Among the most interesting destinations I have photographed are Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Greenland, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Africa, Svalbard (Norway), Syria, Tibet, and Yemen. In fact, I loved every country I’ve travelled to!
During Covid, I was stuck in Thailand so I visited almost every island that offered accommodation, though sometimes I camped in my tent on the beach. On most of the islands, I had all the beaches to myself.
Over the last few months, I have been fortunate to be able to spend three weeks in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where I photographed many colourful tribes and attended the annual Sing-Sing Festival in the town of Mount Hagen. After that, I spent almost a month as the only guest on a very remote island in Myanmar, where I had the choice of no less than eight idyllic beaches!
Choosing only three out of the many amazing places I’ve visited is difficult, but those I selected stand out because they offer an unparalleled wealth of wonders that deeply resonate with me.
I blog at https://globerovers.com/ where you can also access my biannual travel publication GlobeRovers Magazine, which is available to readers online for free and also in glossy print. [Nomadic Backpacker is featured on the December 2023 edition].
Among the most interesting destinations I have photographed are Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Greenland, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Africa, Svalbard (Norway), Syria, Tibet, and Yemen. In fact, I loved every country I’ve travelled to!
During Covid, I was stuck in Thailand so I visited almost every island that offered accommodation, though sometimes I camped in my tent on the beach. On most of the islands, I had all the beaches to myself.
Over the last few months, I have been fortunate to be able to spend three weeks in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where I photographed many colourful tribes and attended the annual Sing-Sing Festival in the town of Mount Hagen. After that, I spent almost a month as the only guest on a very remote island in Myanmar, where I had the choice of no less than eight idyllic beaches!
Choosing only three out of the many amazing places I’ve visited is difficult, but those I selected stand out because they offer an unparalleled wealth of wonders that deeply resonate with me.
I blog at https://globerovers.com/ where you can also access my biannual travel publication GlobeRovers Magazine, which is available to readers online for free and also in glossy print. [Nomadic Backpacker is featured on the December 2023 edition].
1. Japan:
In over four decades of world travel, I have found that the longer I spend in a country, the more it charms and fascinates me. This perfectly describes my love affair with Japan which I have now visited 26 times. And still, whenever I explore Japan it continues to wow me around every corner, thanks to its endless wonders.
The major aspects of Japan I adore are the culture and its people, whose graciousness and dedication to tradition is humbling. The Japanese way of life revolves around community, order, and respect. Experiencing this firsthand through local festivals, tea ceremonies and daily interactions continues to open my eyes to the beautiful spirit of their culture. Japanese people are so gracious, kind and considerate. Their smiles, bows, and hospitality are heartwarming, and make me feel welcome wherever I go.
A highlight of any trip to Japan is the mouthwatering cuisine. With so many varieties of food and drinks and their mastery of flavours in each dish, I can never decide on just one favourite! The fresh sashimi at Tokyo's fish markets and sushi bars showcase the very best seafood sliced and served to perfection. Beyond sushi, the piping-hot bowls of ramen, crispy tempura, savoury yakitori skewers and elegant multi-course kaiseki meals always leave me wanting more. And what pairs with them better than Japanese whiskey and sake? I love sampling sake wine and Japanese brandies and whiskeys while appreciating their craftsmanship.
Scenically, Japan delights the senses through immaculate natural landscapes on Hokkaido Island in the far north to the tropical beaches of the islands of Okinawa in the far south. The great outdoors here are so well preserved, with virtually no litter to mar the tranquillity. Verdant bamboo forests, zen gardens, snowcapped Mount Fuji—each scene appears to be crafted by a painter's hand. And the wildlife! Cranes, foxes, swans, deer, monkeys and melodic songbirds flourish, especially in protected reserves.
My favourite time for nature viewing is during autumn for the brilliant foliage and winter for its dreamy snowscapes. Crimson maple leaves contrast elegantly with stone temples and pagodas, and a blanket of powdery snow transforms landscapes into minimalist art. Enjoying an outdoor onsen (hot spring) while snowflakes drift down is blissful, and when sipping warm sake wine it creates a sense of contentment no other destination provides.
Whether it’s culture, cuisine, scenery or people, Japan rewards travellers who want the finest experiences. Even after multiple visits, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what this dazzling country offers. That mystery ensures I’ll eagerly return to discover more of Japan’s magnificent beauty.
The major aspects of Japan I adore are the culture and its people, whose graciousness and dedication to tradition is humbling. The Japanese way of life revolves around community, order, and respect. Experiencing this firsthand through local festivals, tea ceremonies and daily interactions continues to open my eyes to the beautiful spirit of their culture. Japanese people are so gracious, kind and considerate. Their smiles, bows, and hospitality are heartwarming, and make me feel welcome wherever I go.
A highlight of any trip to Japan is the mouthwatering cuisine. With so many varieties of food and drinks and their mastery of flavours in each dish, I can never decide on just one favourite! The fresh sashimi at Tokyo's fish markets and sushi bars showcase the very best seafood sliced and served to perfection. Beyond sushi, the piping-hot bowls of ramen, crispy tempura, savoury yakitori skewers and elegant multi-course kaiseki meals always leave me wanting more. And what pairs with them better than Japanese whiskey and sake? I love sampling sake wine and Japanese brandies and whiskeys while appreciating their craftsmanship.
Scenically, Japan delights the senses through immaculate natural landscapes on Hokkaido Island in the far north to the tropical beaches of the islands of Okinawa in the far south. The great outdoors here are so well preserved, with virtually no litter to mar the tranquillity. Verdant bamboo forests, zen gardens, snowcapped Mount Fuji—each scene appears to be crafted by a painter's hand. And the wildlife! Cranes, foxes, swans, deer, monkeys and melodic songbirds flourish, especially in protected reserves.
My favourite time for nature viewing is during autumn for the brilliant foliage and winter for its dreamy snowscapes. Crimson maple leaves contrast elegantly with stone temples and pagodas, and a blanket of powdery snow transforms landscapes into minimalist art. Enjoying an outdoor onsen (hot spring) while snowflakes drift down is blissful, and when sipping warm sake wine it creates a sense of contentment no other destination provides.
Whether it’s culture, cuisine, scenery or people, Japan rewards travellers who want the finest experiences. Even after multiple visits, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what this dazzling country offers. That mystery ensures I’ll eagerly return to discover more of Japan’s magnificent beauty.
2. South Africa:
With its diverse landscapes and cultures, South Africa truly encapsulates the national slogan: "A World in One Country”. Nowhere else can you so easily explore snow-capped peaks, subtropical coasts and untamed wildlife in the same vacation, let alone within the same day! My adventures across South Africa have revealed a country overflowing with natural beauty, outdoor thrills, picturesque vineyards, cultural treasures and culinary variety.
I always love visiting natural attractions like the Kruger National Park to see some or all of "The Big 5" often just a few feet away. The park's amazing biodiversity ranges from tiny dung beetles crawling on leaf litter to giant elephants roaming beneath infinite African skies.
South Africa’s raw natural beauty also shines in the Drakensberg Mountains, where towering basalt cliffs and jagged peaks make for exhilarating and scenic hikes. The Drakensberg's tranquil streams and green valleys contrast beautifully with the windswept stone ramparts of the summit ridges—there is just nothing more thrilling than to embark on a multi-day hike in these majestic mountains. In winter, the skiing is superb!
For golden sands flanked by the warm Indian Ocean, the beaches lining South Africa's northern East Coast are the best. Their remoteness and fresh seafood are difficult to beat, except maybe by the northern beaches along the cold waters of the Atlantic West Coast. I could linger in both these regions for weeks.
South African cuisines are so diverse—the Indian curries, Cape Malay stews, European delicacies, traditional braai barbecues, and innovative fusions in cosy restaurants always make me eat way too much. Of course, pairing meals with the aromatic local wines is mandatory.
The Cape Wineland estates with their Cape Dutch architecture set amidst stunning mountain backdrops are probably the most beautiful part of the country.
Whether climbing Table Mountain or gazing into Blyde River Canyon, South Africa's range of adventures never ceases. I truly love this country and can't wait to explore more.
I always love visiting natural attractions like the Kruger National Park to see some or all of "The Big 5" often just a few feet away. The park's amazing biodiversity ranges from tiny dung beetles crawling on leaf litter to giant elephants roaming beneath infinite African skies.
South Africa’s raw natural beauty also shines in the Drakensberg Mountains, where towering basalt cliffs and jagged peaks make for exhilarating and scenic hikes. The Drakensberg's tranquil streams and green valleys contrast beautifully with the windswept stone ramparts of the summit ridges—there is just nothing more thrilling than to embark on a multi-day hike in these majestic mountains. In winter, the skiing is superb!
For golden sands flanked by the warm Indian Ocean, the beaches lining South Africa's northern East Coast are the best. Their remoteness and fresh seafood are difficult to beat, except maybe by the northern beaches along the cold waters of the Atlantic West Coast. I could linger in both these regions for weeks.
South African cuisines are so diverse—the Indian curries, Cape Malay stews, European delicacies, traditional braai barbecues, and innovative fusions in cosy restaurants always make me eat way too much. Of course, pairing meals with the aromatic local wines is mandatory.
The Cape Wineland estates with their Cape Dutch architecture set amidst stunning mountain backdrops are probably the most beautiful part of the country.
Whether climbing Table Mountain or gazing into Blyde River Canyon, South Africa's range of adventures never ceases. I truly love this country and can't wait to explore more.
3. Yemen:
From the labyrinthine alleys of Old Sana'a to the precipitous mountain villages in the northwest, Yemen has captivated me with its deep-rooted history and culture.
Nowhere is the country's medieval Islamic heritage more evident than in the extraordinary mudbrick capital city of Sana'a. A UNESCO site, its cobblestone alleys, towering apartment complexes, ornate doors, and stunning mosques with towering minarets, epitomise historic Yemeni architecture. Losing myself in Old Sana'a while absorbing its time-worn magnificence remains my favourite experience in Yemen.
Equally spectacular are the highland towns including Thula, Al-Mahwit, and Kawkaban, which seemingly cling to sheer mountainsides. Walking the stone-paved streets to gaze at precariously perched homes and soaring vistas reminds you that humanity can exist in the most improbable places. Descent into the Wadi Dhahr valley reveals the iconic “Rock Palace,” a stone complex dramatically balanced on a rock that exemplifies Yemen’s ingenuity.
No visit is complete without admiring the remarkable centuries-old tower houses of Shibam in the arid Hadramawt Valley of Central Yemen. Rising like desert fortresses, these grand mudbrick skyscrapers have stood for centuries and continue to shelter vibrant local life today. Nearby Sayun's stately Sultan's Palace stands a testament to the country’s prosperous medieval era.
From bustling markets piled with vibrant qat bundles to the calls for prayer resonating through urban mosques, Yemen totally overwhelmed my senses. I could walk for days on end through the fresh markets and bazaars while meeting the locals to experience their unparalleled warmth and unrivalled hospitality.
While the ongoing conflict has put tourism on hold, Yemen's magnificence endures. I cherished everything about this country—its sights, sounds, and flavours—and pray its remarkable treasures will soon be shared with the world once again. Nowhere else can match Yemen's power to transport you into a living past. For me, it felt like time turned back over 100 years! My memories there will forever continue to inspire dreams of returning for more.
Nowhere is the country's medieval Islamic heritage more evident than in the extraordinary mudbrick capital city of Sana'a. A UNESCO site, its cobblestone alleys, towering apartment complexes, ornate doors, and stunning mosques with towering minarets, epitomise historic Yemeni architecture. Losing myself in Old Sana'a while absorbing its time-worn magnificence remains my favourite experience in Yemen.
Equally spectacular are the highland towns including Thula, Al-Mahwit, and Kawkaban, which seemingly cling to sheer mountainsides. Walking the stone-paved streets to gaze at precariously perched homes and soaring vistas reminds you that humanity can exist in the most improbable places. Descent into the Wadi Dhahr valley reveals the iconic “Rock Palace,” a stone complex dramatically balanced on a rock that exemplifies Yemen’s ingenuity.
No visit is complete without admiring the remarkable centuries-old tower houses of Shibam in the arid Hadramawt Valley of Central Yemen. Rising like desert fortresses, these grand mudbrick skyscrapers have stood for centuries and continue to shelter vibrant local life today. Nearby Sayun's stately Sultan's Palace stands a testament to the country’s prosperous medieval era.
From bustling markets piled with vibrant qat bundles to the calls for prayer resonating through urban mosques, Yemen totally overwhelmed my senses. I could walk for days on end through the fresh markets and bazaars while meeting the locals to experience their unparalleled warmth and unrivalled hospitality.
While the ongoing conflict has put tourism on hold, Yemen's magnificence endures. I cherished everything about this country—its sights, sounds, and flavours—and pray its remarkable treasures will soon be shared with the world once again. Nowhere else can match Yemen's power to transport you into a living past. For me, it felt like time turned back over 100 years! My memories there will forever continue to inspire dreams of returning for more.
