Chez Spaceswe wander through Quebec, but also all over the world. And there is nothing we love more than discovering new landscapes, realities and cultures.
Over the years, thanks to my work as a travel journalist, I have been able to explore places of all kinds. I admit that my list of favorite destinations is constantly changing. But, – since I have a weakness for nature, the road trips and the sea -, certain places tend to always end up somewhere in my top 10 at the moment!
Also read: 15 trips to Quebec to put on your list in 2026
Here are 5 destinations I would return to tomorrow morning:
1. French Polynesia
The pointed mountains of Moorea, the turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora, the Fakarava atoll, the jungle of Tahiti… The islands of French Polynesia are stunningly beautiful. Their ancestral culture – linked to those of Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand – also makes them very special.
Why go there? We can of course go for a romantic trip to an overwater villa! But this is not the only way to stay: small hotels and Airbnbs are numerous. Among the activities: hiking, boat tours, snorkeling, surfing, pearl or vanilla farms, barbecues on the beach, cultural events, etc.
Namely: there are 118 islands divided into 5 archipelagos, covering more than 4000 km2. You have to make choices and plan. Multi-island flight passes are a good way to not (completely) break the bank.
Also read: 5 dream activities to do in French Polynesia
2. Ireland
With its hills, castles, villages and legends, Ireland exudes something very romantic. Moreover, relics of Saint Valentine himself are found in Dublin! But “the Emerald Isle” also has a wild side with its steep cliffs, its deserted beaches and its islands beaten by the ocean.
Why go there? To make a road trip on (very!) narrow country roads, discovering grandiose landscapes and a unique culture. The Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, 2,500 km long, is a great source of inspiration. Among my favorite segments: Connemara and the Sky Road, County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Islands and the entire Dingle Peninsula.
Namely: It’s not a myth, the weather is very changeable in Ireland. Think multi-layered, waterproof and windproof when packing. That said, the island is green all year round, even in the middle of winter!
Also read: 17 must-sees for an unforgettable trip to Ireland
3. Namibia
Have you always dreamed of going on a safari in Africa? Namibia is not the first country that comes to mind, but it is worth considering because it combines both wildlife parks AND incredible deserts, including the Namib which flows into the Atlantic.
Why go there? To go on safari to meet the elephants of Damaraland, the giant orange dunes of Sossusvlei and thousands of animals of the Etosha National Park. Also to discover the surprising German colonial architecture of Swakopmund and to sleep in incredible lodges under millions of stars.
Information for the more adventurous: in Namibia, you can make a road-trip-safari on your own, without an organized group. Just rent a car (with a tent on the roof, for example) and set off on an adventure (carefully, though).
Another info : It is extremely difficult to take a bad photo in Namibia!
4. Read îles Lofoten en Norvège
Welcome to the Arctic! The Lofoten Islands are a series of mountains that rise from the Norwegian sea, with fjords, beaches, translucent waters and fishing villages. They are located well beyond the Arctic Circle, but unlike the Canadian Arctic, the Norwegian Arctic is easily accessible and more inhabited, due to a milder climate.
Why go there? To go hiking, do one of the road trips the most photogenic of his life, surfing in icy water, finding cool little cafes, visiting art galleries, warming up in panoramic saunas, enjoying the midnight sun (in summer) and admiring the northern lights (in winter). Oh, and also to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings!
Note: The best months to visit Lofoten are July and August, but they are very busy and are best avoided. Overtourism has even become an issue in recent years.
Also read: Norway: 12 unforgettable things to do in the Lofoten Islands
5. The Magdalen Islands in Quebec
They are with us, yes, but they are more distant and exotic than it seems. We realize it when we see them from the top of the plane, alone and tiny in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Or when we finally arrive at the port of Cap-aux-Meules after 12 hours by car (from Montreal) and 5 hours by ferry.
Why go there? For landscapes made of white beaches (300 km), red cliffs and green hills. For craftsmen. For gourmet addresses and lobster rolls. For sports like cycling, hiking, kitesurfing or surfing. And to slow down. Because even though there’s nothing like a party at the edge of a Madelinot campfire, the 85 km long archipelago remains an ideal destination for a slightly more contemplative vacation.
À savoir : iYou need to book your ferry early if you want to go to the islands by car in high season. Same for vacation homes.
Also read: 8 houses to rent this summer in the Magdalen Islands
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