Many of us can only dream of being world travelers. Fortunately for me, as managing editor of The WON, I traveled vicariously with Vera Koo as I put together her posts over the years. Whether for competition or pleasure, between her trips within the U.S. and her travel abroad, Vera’s visited more places than I can ever hope. If you’re seeking inspiration for your future travel dreams, you must read the following travel highlights Vera Koo shared at The WON.
Imagine standing beside a camel in the desert, touring medieval temples and seeing the biggest laundromat in the world. In her 2014 article “Adventure with Vera Koo in India,” Vera shares her travel highlights of the Far East. I love how she paints the story, describing colors, architecture and even the people she encounters. Some of the places she toured included the Taj Mahal and the medieval temples of Khajuraho, as well as the cities of Mumbai and Pushkar.
“We took sunrise photos, mid-day photos, afternoon photos, and, of course, sunset photos, where the colors swirled through the skies, creating art as beautiful as the architecture we’d admired all day.”
Vera’s trip to India includes some of the wealthiest and poorest regions of the country. She explains the history of these places and includes breathtaking photos. If you dream of an exotic expedition, these travel highlights will inspire you to consider India.
Although many of her trips require a passport., Vera also writes about some of her travels within the United States. Her article titled “Sightseeing in Alaska: Some Rules are Meant to be Broken” takes us to one of the country’s farthest reaches.
“One of my sightseeing days was an extravagant affair that included a helicopter ride that escorted me to dog mushing and Herbert Glacier.”
When Vera decided to break her own rule in 2019 and mixed business with pleasure, she found herself cramming as much as she could into her two free days in Alaska. She managed to fit in a helicopter flight to a glacier, a dog sledding ride and a special excursion that brought her to the most memorable part of her trip. You’ll want to read her Alaskan travel highlights to find out more.
In 2021, while on a trip to Hawaii, Vera discovered something about herself, her husband Carlos and time. Her article, “Vera Koo: On Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox in Hawaii,” is a testament to the fact that we all get older and things change.
“Still, I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness after the hike – not just because Carlos didn’t join me on the trail, but because of what it symbolized: Our years of tackling adventures side-by-side might be winding down.”
As always, Vera is a role model for anyone who needs the inspiration to tackle an adventure, try something new or just keep going. Her travel highlights from Hawaii are no different. Vera’s two-mile round trip hike with a steep incline seemed to put many aspects of her life into perspective, which she shares with the readers. Whether you want to visit Hawaii or just need a little inspiration, this article is a wonderful read.
Vera’s trip to London at 75-years old is one of my favorites of her travel pieces. When you read “Vera Koo at the Chelsea Garden Show,” I think you, too, will agree. Her excitement during this trip shows as she shares her travel highlights.
“My philosophy on life also applies to travel: Don’t let an opportunity escape you, even if it is one for which you never planned. Often, the most exciting opportunities are those you feel you are not ready to experience. But, if you wait until you feel ready, the window will close, perhaps never to open again.”
If you follow Vera on social media, you know how much she loves flowers, gardening and the theater. During her trip to London, she had an itinerary that allowed her to immerse herself in exactly those things.
Whether it’s her stunning photographs or the descriptions of her adventures, Vera’s travel highlights will make you want to hop on a plane or at least do some research for your next travel adventure.
Here are more collections of Vera’s writings:
Advice from Ancient Chinese Culture
Find all Vera’s posts here.
Visit Vera’s website here.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
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