Wanderlusting From A Distance: Nina Magon’s Top Travel Picks
The past couple of days have been bright, sunny and exceptionally beautiful; the birds are chirping, the weather is warm, with the perfect balance of the light spring breeze adding that refreshing cool comfort. Being indoors for a considerable amount of time has given me a great appreciation for the beauty of nature, the outdoors and the general beauty and wonders of this world. That saying “distance makes the heart grow fonder” might have some truth to it, as I have been experiencing a strong case of wanderlust.
With the world slowly opening up, I’m hopeful that we will be able travel and explore the world soon, albeit in a hopefully more conscious way. But while we’re still acclimatizing to the outside and travel in general, here are some places to help you cure your wanderlust from a distance and possibly inspire your next trip.
LOST CITY OF PETRA, JORDAN
The Lost City of Petra, carved meticulously out of rosy pink sandstone, is nothing short of a design masterpiece. As a designer, I am in awe of the incredible architectural precision and ancient artistry that still echoes through the city’s 800 tombs and monuments. The intricate carvings, the natural hues of the stone, and the timeless aura of this Nabatean wonder offer endless inspiration. The sight of the Treasury, partially hidden behind towering rock formations, is a perfect example of nature and design working in perfect harmony. This place is a reminder that beauty is timeless, and that design can transcend time itself.
CAPRI, ITALY
Capri, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, is a stunning marriage of elegance and natural splendor. The vibrant azure waters of the Grotta Azzurra shimmer like liquid gemstones, while the island’s dramatic cliffs and chic boutiques speak to a refined sense of luxury and effortless style. The lush landscape, dotted with fragrant gardens and winding paths, offers endless inspiration for designers seeking a balance between natural beauty and sophisticated glamour. Every corner of this Italian island whispers the potential for timeless, luxurious design that’s as free-spirited as the Mediterranean breeze.
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
Nestled in the rugged mountains of southwest Colorado, Telluride is a hidden gem that captures the essence of adventure and natural wonder. The town’s historic charm, with Victorian-style buildings contrasting against the towering peaks, invites you to embrace both the old and the new in design. The surrounding lakes—Blue Lakes, Hope Lake, and Navajo Lake—have a surreal beauty that transports you to another world. The vibrant colors of the autumn foliage or the striking white peaks in winter inspire a love for creating spaces that feel connected to both nature and history, with each season offering a new palette to work from.
BALI, INDONESIA
Bali, for me, represents tranquility and beauty in its purest form. The island’s dense forests, secluded treehouses, and vibrant coral reefs are a feast for the senses and a true testament to nature’s ability to inspire. There’s an energy here that permeates the air, one that feels both soothing and invigorating. As a designer, Bali’s simplicity and reverence for natural materials guide my aesthetic—think rustic elegance with an organic twist. The textures, from the rough stone of the temples to the soft sands of the beaches, remind me that beauty often lies in the most understated of places..
YUCATAN, MÉXICO
The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is a designer’s dream come true. Beyond the stunning Mayan ruins, there’s a world of vibrant colors and textures just waiting to be explored. The lakes, with their surreal bubblegum-pink and bright orange hues against the turquoise waters, offer a vivid palette of inspiration for any design enthusiast. The textures of the salt mounds, the contrast of white against the colorful water, and the intricate ruins invite one to explore how we can incorporate both ancient wisdom and bold modern statements into our design practices.
VINICUNCA, CUSCO REGION, PERU
Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, is a truly awe-inspiring place. The vibrant stripes of red, orange, yellow, and green that stretch across this mountain range remind me of the power of color in design. In this remote part of Peru, nature boldly displays its most colorful attributes, and it’s hard not to think about how color theory in design is directly inspired by the world around us. The natural beauty here provides endless possibilities for creating striking, impactful spaces that evoke the same sense of wonder and energy found in nature itself.
MAURITIUS, EAST AFRICA
Mauritius is one of those rare places where every corner feels like it belongs in a dream. The sparkling lagoons, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs are so striking, they seem almost unreal. On the other hand, the island’s lush interior, dotted with rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains, adds a sense of wildness and adventure to its beauty. The interplay between the calm, tranquil waters and the rugged mountains inspires me to create spaces that balance serene beauty with natural strength—spaces that reflect both elegance and resilience.
CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Cappadocia’s surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, ancient rock formations, and hot air balloons drifting lazily across the sky is a true testament to the imaginative beauty of the world. The colors of the sky at sunrise and sunset, with the glow of the hot air balloons against the landscape, evoke a sense of whimsy and joy. This location inspires me to think outside the box when it comes to design—pushing boundaries, playing with scale, and imagining the impossible. Cappadocia is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected and fantastical design ideas come from embracing the elements of surprise.
ANTELOPE CANYON, USA
Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a photographer’s dream, with its stunning red-hued rock formations and sweeping curves. The way light dances through the narrow passageways and creates patterns of color is absolutely mesmerizing. This natural wonder is an incredible reminder of the beauty of organic forms and the power of light and shadow in design. The swirling patterns and interplay of color inspire me to incorporate a sense of movement and fluidity into my work, creating spaces that are as dynamic and captivating as Antelope Canyon itself.
POSITANO, ITALY
Positano, a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, is the epitome of Mediterranean luxury and charm. Its narrow, winding streets, vibrant architecture, and pristine pebble beaches create a perfect balance of relaxation and elegance. The colors of the town, with its pastel buildings perched above the sparkling blue sea, inspire me to blend soft, soothing tones with bolder, more vibrant accents. Positano feels like a living work of art, a perfect example of how nature and human creativity can intertwine to create a harmonious, beautiful space.
SANTORINI, GREECE
Santorini, with its dramatic landscapes and iconic blue and white houses, holds a special place in my heart. The beauty of the island’s volcanic cliffs, the romantic sunsets over Oia, and the stunning contrast between the deep blue sea and the stark white buildings offer endless design inspiration. It’s a place where simplicity meets grandeur, where every detail feels intentional. Santorini encourages me to embrace the purity of color and form in design, creating spaces that are both timeless and effortlessly beautiful.
BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Bora Bora, with its turquoise lagoons, lush landscapes, and idyllic overwater bungalows, is a true paradise. The vibrancy of the coral reefs and the serene, crystal-clear waters reflect a beauty that’s both tranquil and invigorating. This place inspires me to think about how nature’s textures soft sands, smooth stones, and vibrant underwater life can be translated into elegant and luxurious designs. Bora Bora is a reminder of the power of escapism in design, creating spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and relaxation, no matter where you are.
KYOTO JAPAN
Kyoto’s breathtaking cherry blossoms, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, are a reminder of the fleeting beauty of nature. The cherry blossom tunnel at Kiyomizu Dera Temple is a sight to behold and provides an endless source of inspiration for creating designs that embrace natural cycles, simplicity, and grace. The delicate balance of beauty and impermanence in Kyoto is something I aim to capture in my work, as it reminds me that design, like nature, is always evolving and should embrace both fragility and strength.
HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA
Hallstatt, a quaint village in Austria, looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The pastel-colored Alpine houses, dramatic mountain views, and serene lake create a picture-perfect backdrop for exploring how traditional beauty and modern design can coalesce. The winding cobblestone streets and charming architecture of Hallstatt inspire me to blend rustic elegance with contemporary functionality, creating spaces that feel timeless and effortlessly beautiful.
As we all embrace a renewed appreciation for the world around us, I hope we continue to explore with open hearts and minds. May we take inspiration from these stunning places and bring a sense of adventure into every corner of our lives and designs. The world is full of beauty, and it’s a privilege to be able to appreciate it from near or far.
