it’s the island life for you

As I mentioned in the previous edition, I’m currently in the Philippines and writing this latest update to you from another airport, this time in the hugely popular destination of El Nido. You’ve probably seen videos and pictures of it all over social media (and my accounts will soon be joining the hundreds of posts once I get back to reality and start uploading). In the meantime, given my two main trips of the year have been Iceland and the Philippines - my 39th and 40th countries, respectively - I thought theming this fortnight’s ‘The Sunrise Chaser’ around islands felt correct. Not just tropical islands, like the one I’m currently on, but all sorts of islands - like Iceland.

I mentioned that there will be a special Philippines edition coming up, so please continue to send your questions and I’ll answer as many as I can. As a first-time visitor, I’ve got loads of handy tips to share.

But until then, dust off your flip-flops, dig out your sunscreen and jump into the cool waters of ‘The Sunrise Chaser’.

predicting tip

Here is where I’ll share an additional or new tip to help with your sunrise and sunset chasing.

what in the world…

Inspiration to improve your dedication

sky of the fortnight

The video does not do the madness of this spot justice. Catangan Bridge on the island of Siargao is appropriately nicknamed ‘Sunset Bridge’. Every evening locals, along with tourists, descend onto the bridge to not only watch the sunset but eat or drink at one of the many stalls lining the road. The bridge stays operational while all this is going on - because of course it does.

@dwaroundtheworld

so many sunset chasers

where to visit?

I am actually an islander, born on the isle of Jersey in the Channel Islands situated between the UK and France. The OG Jersey, with a modest land mass of 9 miles by 5, is a melting pot of French, British and more recently Portuguese influence. My family still live there, so I thought it would be remiss of me to not include something about my ‘hometown’. I found this blog post on The Wandering Quinn which includes some highlights for a visit, especially St Ouen’s Bay. It’s only a short 40mins flight from London.

out the window

Whenever I travel somewhere I am often looking for places to stay that have a unique or mind-blowing view.

Whilst the view I experienced when I stayed here was completely overcast and grey, the views on a stunning night would be amazing. This is Panoramic Glass Lodge in Iceland, the below is from the West Iceland location which is the newer of the two current locations.

@dwaroundtheworld

when sky chasing goes wrong and costs! this is my experience staying in one of the beautiful glass lodges in iceland. Possibly one of the ... See more

sky chaser kit bag

Items that can help you be a better sky chaser. 

No trip to an island is complete without a pair of flip flops, or ‘thongs’ for the Aussies reading this. My preference is a simple white pair of Havaianas - a go-to for a few years now, but anyone who knows the brand is aware that they come in a variety of styles and colours. Which would you choose?

bucket list

Sunrise and sunset spots from around the world I’m desperate to visit. Drop me an email (reply to this) to share your favourites for the chance to be featured. This is also a great way for me to highlight other wonderful creators you may want to follow.

sunrise spot

Certainly one of the world’s less visited islands, Greenland is the location for the latest sunrise spot recommendation. Just take a look at the gallery of images in the below Instagram post, and tell me you wouldn’t want to experience it.

sunset spot

Is this Africa’s most famous island? Zanzibar, in Tanzania, has long been a holiday hotspot and if the below video is anything to go by I can see why. Featuring gorgeous scenes of Nungwi Beach, somewhere that has shot up my bucket list, this video sells the locations and then some.

@samiaislam__

What’s your favourite colour? Me: The sunset 😍 #fyp #fypシ #foryou #fypage #viral #trending #traveltok #vacationtok #holidaytok #summer #v... See more

blame it on the moon

We were treated to the most recent full moon just this week - did you catch it? The next one, a Cancerian moon, well into the festive season, appearing on 26th or 27th of December, depending on where you’re watching. Check out timeanddate.com to ensure you get the right timings for your location.

Where is your next island trip going to be to? The variety of islands on this earth is so different that there really is something for everyone - plus some of the best sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see.

Until next time, happy sky chasing.

DW

before you go…

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