Mindful energy bundle from Hawaii

She is a photographer, model, former journalist, acroyoga instructor and content creator: on her Instagram account the multi-hyphenate from Kauai offers inspiring insights into her life in Hawaii – and her mindful (environmentally conscious) travels around the world.

Fresh content: Chelsea Yamase likes to throw herself into adventures - and into the floods. She then shares her photogenic experiences with over a million Insta-followers. © Chelsea Yamase

What drives you to travel?
I’m always looking for unique experiences and perspectives. Regardless of where I am, I always need to be able to connect with na- ture and find adventures. One of my favour- ite journeys so far was a camping trip in the mountains bordering South Africa and Lesotho where a helicopter dropped us off in the middle of nowhere.

Freediving, acroyoga, surfing: does your love of exercise influence your destinations?
Definitely! I 100% go out of my way to plan trips around great diving destinations and to attend or teach at acro conventions. I think movement is the lens through which I get to know a place – but the most important thing is the people I meet along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chelsea 🌊✨🤸🏽 Adventure Travel (@chelseakauai)

How do you manage to travel sustainably?
I stay longer, fly less and try to savor every experience. I also often visit local nonprofit organizations and teach free yoga classes.

What are the most important lessons your travels have taught you so far?
That people are largely kind, helpful and want you to love their country. To have cash because you can’t rely on your credit card everywhere. I’ve learned that you should go back to the same countries to find the coolest spots. And finally, to see things for what they are without trying to change them. There’s beauty in diversity of cultures and comparison is the thief of joy.

Sailing in Kenya

Famous for its spectacular animal migrations, this East African country knows how to surprise visitors with its incredible diversity: the East African Rift Valley is as awe-inspiring as the big city of Nairobi, but Kenya’s sandy beaches, savannahs, lakes and deserts as well as its national parks should be on your bucket list as well. A nostalgic highlight: watch the traditional dhow sailing boats flit back and forth between islands in the Indian Ocean.

The travel blogger wows her 1.2 million followers with stunning images. © Chelsea Yamase

Highlights

• Lamu, Kenya: Explore the coastline of the beautiful Lamu archipelago in a traditional dhow boat.
• Great Migration: The huge animal migration between Tanzania and Kenya is one of the biggest spectacles in the world.
• Segera Retreat Lodge: The five-star hotel with eight villas is situated in a game reserve overlooking Mount Kenya.
• Lake Bogoria, Baringo County: The lake is home to Africa’s largest geyser field – and the world’s biggest flamingo colony.

A mix of culture in South Africa

The Hawaii-native also lived in South Africa for a while, which she appreciates for its mix of millennia-old culture, impressive nature and vibrant city life. While there, she explored the Panorama Route and went on safari in Kruger National Park. In Cape Town, she climbed Table Mountain and discovered the delights of the Winelands. At AfrikaBurn, a spectacular art and performance festival, she partied in the desert.

Cool festival style: at Africa Burn, the blogger pulled out all the stops. © Chelsea Yamase

Highlights

• Cape Town, Western Cape: South Africa’s capital is a great coastal metropolis; must-sees are Bo-Kaap and Waterfront.
• The Panorama Route, Mpumalanga: Wander the path along Blyde River Canyon and admire dozens of cultural sights.
• Babylonstoren, Western Cape: The five-star hotel and winery offers countless culinary delights and even has a garden spa.
• Kampsbaai, Western Cape: Beach day: The suburb scores with white sands, fine restaurants and a view of the Twelve Apostles.

Celebratory mood and awe in India

This country even manages to impress a globe trotter like Chelsea Yamase: in the land of millennia-old culture, you visit a breathtaking mosque one day and marvel at the architecture of a Buddhist stupa the next. The curry here is fantastic, but considerably hotter than most travellers might be able to handle. Festivals such as Holi in March or Ganesh Chaturthi at the end of August showcase the locals’ fervor for life and celebration.

The influencer appreciates India's rich cultural heritage. © Chelsea Yamase

Highlights

• Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Witnessing the sunrise in the mosque next to the impressive Taj Mahal is a unique experience.
• Udaipur, Rajasthan: Countless lakes, palaces, markets and temples make the romantic city a multifaceted highlight.
• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur: The historic open-air observatory is a Unesco World Heritage Site and comprises 14 structures.
• Badi, Udaipur: Not far from Udaipur, Badi Lake is situated amid picturesque hills – a perfect spot for short hikes in nature.

In touch with nature in French Polynesia

In Hawaii’s “kindred spirit on the other side of the sea”, as Yamase calls the island group, the passionate freediver fell in love with the ocean all over again. She went diving with humpback whales in the waters of the archipelago around Moorea and explored the white and black sand beaches on horseback while on Nuku Hiva. Another stunning feature of the islands: jungle trails that stretch over several kilometres.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by EMMETT SPARLING 🌎 TRAVEL (@emmett_sparling)

Highlights

• Free Diving, Tahiti: With an abundance of different species, the Aquarium and The Arue Faults are great freediving spots.
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort: The award-winning five-star resort focuses on luxury and sustainability in equal measure.
• Nuku Hiva, Marquesas: In the center of the island, you can hike or cycle through the tropical forest along the Anaho-Atuatua trail.
• Underwater tour, Moorea: In the Pacific Ocean, you can swim with sharks, manta rays, humpback whales and numerous smaller fish.

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