14 Must See Destinations
I’m often asked where my favorite place in the world is. If you have ever been asked this question from all the places you’ve traveled, then you know this is such a difficult question to answer. There are so many places I have loved but for all different reasons. I think it would be impossible to pick just one. As of today, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 45 countries. Here is the list of my all time favourites. Surprisingly, it was not an easy task to compile this list. There are many places I have visited that I liked very much that aren’t on this list (there have only been 2 places that I have been that would be on my “never to return list” but I’ll save my thoughts on those for another time). I hope these “favourites” will inspire you to travel to these destinations.
I chose my favourite countries and cities based on activities, great food, safety, transportation and friendly people. Below are my choices.
Favourite Countries
Mayan Ruins of Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico
Mexico
The Yucatan in Mexico seems to be my home away from home. It’s affordable to get to and not too far away so a week is enough time for relaxation. Sunny warm weather is the attraction along with the delicious Mexican food. Although Mexico doesn’t have a great reputation for safety these days, it is a very large country and there are many safe destinations you can travel to. Between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen seems to be a favourite among Canadians but for more of an authentic Mexico trip, I highly suggest visiting Merida, Valladolid, Bacalar, Chetumal, and Bacalar; all reachable by a very comfortable and affordable bus from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. All of these towns are safe to travel, have great food, friendly people and are much less touristy with an authentic Mexico vibe. You really haven’t “been” to Mexico until you get out of the tourist zone.
Turkey
Turkey surprised me. It was not what I thought. The feel was much more westernized and I felt completely safe (even with the government “not to travel warning”). I spent a month touring throughout Turkey. Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Ephesus, Antalya, Canakkale. The dollar goes an incredibly long way in Turkey. The people are so nice and welcoming. If you like the game of Backgammon, the likelihood of playing a few games when you are there with the locals is almost a sure thing! Every city that I went to seemed to offer something different. Lots of history, ruins, mosques, foods, scenery, underground cities, shopping, beaches, the list doesn’t stop. If you want a trip full of culture and variety, Turkey is for you.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Split, Croatia
Croatia
So many beautiful landmarks to visit. Dubrovnik is like no other city I have ever been to. Staying inside the walled city felt like going back in time. The sea organ in Zadar is worth the stop and Plitvice National Park is a must do. Diocletian’s Palace in Split is an experience in itself. More Pricey than the neighboring European countries of Montenegro and Bosnia, which are also highly worth visiting, but a must see country to cross off your list. Croatia will not disappoint!
Thailand
You could spend weeks in Thailand and still not be ready to leave. If you can handle the heat, you will love Thailand. From hiking and jungles in the north, the huge bustling city of Bangkok in the middle, and then sun and sand on the east, south and west, there is always so much to do and extremely affordable. For under $100 a night, you can more often than not have the best room in the resort! (and of course the average room price is almost 1/2 of that for a very comfortable clean modern hotel) With food choices of 25 pages in most restaurants, and all the street vendor food, you will never go hungry.
Visiting a temple, Thailand – image by Mathew Schwartz
Ios Island, Greece
Greece
Island hopping in Greece is a must! With affordable transportation by way of plane, train, bus, and ferry, it is easy to get around Greece to see top attractions. I absolutely loved my time in Greece. All the islands offer a different vibe and Santorini is the most magical and stunning place I have ever been. Meteora is a different world with it’s cliffs and monasteries and Athens has so much to explore. Prices varies throughout Greece with the mainland being the most affordable and the islands being most expensive. But trust me, seeing Greece is worth every penny!
Vacations Priced Right is planning a trip with members to Greece – Stay tuned for information on a trip of a lifetime for an unbelievable price!
Favourite Cities
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Ireland was different than any city I have been in. Like other cities, it is beautiful with lots to see and easy to walk around, but in this case, I’m talking about the people. Everyone is always smiling and the people are so friendly and passionate; everyone always has a story to tell. Drinking is definitely the culture and like the Irish you won’t have a hard time finding a good time in this friendly vibrant city.
Dublin, Ireland image by Diogo Palhais
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
Where exactly are we? In Russia, or Europe? The food, the mountains, the wine…. did I mention the wine? Getting around the country of Georgia can be a little challenging to do on your own so I would suggest hiring a cab or taking a tour once you are there, but navigating through Tbilisi on foot is a great way to experience the city. You definitely want to try a traditional meal such as Khinkali (dumplings) or Khachapuri (cheese stuffed bread) or a popular Georgian Snack, Churchkela (like fruit leather with nuts). If you are a lover of wine, Georgia is known for all their wineries. Take a day trip to Kheti, the wine region of Georgia, or head to Batumi to relax at the the beach, or go hiking in the beautiful mountains in Kezbegi. You can go to the Stalin Museum in Gori or see the famous church in Mtskheta where Jesus’ robe is rumored to be buried. This country is beautiful and extremely affordable and full of history. I highly recommend it!
Sarejevo, Bosnia
Wow! That’s all I can say. Sarajevo was a very large bustling modern city which I wasn’t expecting. I think since watching the war in the ’90s on TV, we are all thinking the war is still going which is not the case. The people are resilient and the most forgiving people I have ever met. If the people of Sarajevo can live in peace, the rest of the world should have no problems following them. Learning about the history and seeing it for yourself is life changing. I highly recommend visiting Bosnia if you are in Europe. The scenery is beautiful and the food is cheap and yummy too!
At the Tunnel of Hope, Sarejevo, Bosnia
Llubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
I arrived at 5:30 am and walked throughout the city upon my arrival. The old city has no vehicles and being the only person walking around besides the water sweepers and garbage collectors was such a special moment. The city felt like a “Harry Potter” film to me. Quaint city with brick buildings and narrow streets that sits on a canal that wanders through the city. Overlooked by a castle, that you will want to visit to see all of Ljubljana. Slovenia is a very special country. Lake Bled is also not to be missed.
Bangkok, Thailand
Millions of people going about their daily lives. Watching the traffic, trying to figure out how to cross the road. Looking for bargains (shoe shopping is the best!) A crazy city with lots of markets and shrines. I thought I would absolutely hate Bangkok but it was just the opposite. I loved it! The culture, the food, the people….. do I need to say more.
Bangkok, Thailand image by Vanaporn Yangsiri
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Just like we have all seen in the movies. Small passageways between the buildings, canals running through the city, and using boats as a mode of transportation. It is a really really cool city to experience! Unfortunately, everyone wants to see Venice and it has become overrun with tourists. However, if the touristy thing doesn’t bother you, I definitely recommend touring the city throughout the day, taking in all the sites and shops and enjoying a great meal while enjoying the scenery. Although this is on my favourite city list, I don’t think I would go back; for me once is enough. But I think it is a must see!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
I don’t know what I was expecting but a completely walled city with thousands of people is not what I expected. I felt like I had stepped back in time and got to experience the history of the city. Walking the outside of the wall and taking it all in was such an experience; one that I hope you all can enjoy yourself one day.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
City Square, Krakow, Poland image by Lucas Albuquerque
Krakow, Poland
I did not expect Poland to be a beautiful country. If I would have known, I would have book 2 weeks to site see. The only city I got to see was Krakow, and wow…… what a great city! They have the biggest square I have ever seen! Food is top notch and prices are extremely reasonable. Thousands of people out at night enjoying the nightlife. I felt very safe walking around even at night. There are several day trips outside the city, and Auschwitz is a must do. I can’t wait to go back and do some more exploring.
London, England
My first trip to London was actually against my will. I am not a city person and as I had already spent 3.5 months touring Europe, I didn’t want to stop in the city for the night on my way home seeing as I had to figure out how to get into the city. I knew it would take at least 1.5 hrs by train, subway, then walking to find my hostel. Ugghh! To my surprise, it was super easy to find and as soon as I stepped off the subway into the streets the vibe was incredible. You could feel the excitement in the air. I spent the next day walking all over the city. Seeing tons and tons of sites that I had seen on TV. I was in complete awe of how much there is to see and do. So much in fact that 8 months later I spent another 2 days on a stop over to see everything I hadn’t been able to see. AND to my dismay, I still didn’t see everything I wanted. I can’t wait to go back! Even though it is super expensive,(the pound is pretty much double the Canadian dollar) it is worth the trip. I would recommend no less than 5 days.
Tower Bridge, London, England image by Charles Postiaux
Have you been to any of these cities? Do you agree with my list? Do you have a favorite place? I would love to hear about it! Please write your comments below!
If you are planning a trip to any of these destinations, please feel free to book a consultation. I would love to help you with any questions you may have.
Happy Travels!
