Heres a topic that I think makes for a fun discussion what are your favorite places that youve traveled to? Its a question that Im often asked, but struggle to answer. Thats not because I never leave the airport (contrary to what some people may believe), but rather because I have a hard time picking some destinations over others. Let me explain.
Would you recommend Bhutan Six Senes or Aman?
I visited the Six Senses in Bhutan and it couldnt have been a better experience. My guide and driver were both former employees of the Aman there.
I just came back from Bhutan and I could have never afforded Aman or Six Senses (quote was over $30k for those); but I think it was for the best because in the end, if you have a good itinerary, you will spend very little time at your hotel so it's quite literally thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars wasted since you'll barely enjoy the facilities except for dinner and sleeping. Had a fantastic experience with independent (but still very nice and on the luxury side) hotels. Guides should be fantastic regardless of where you book, since they all have to go through the same training.
Do you mind saying what you booked? SS/Aman are expensive but all inclusive but still unsure as to your point it is a lot of money for a trip that's not a resort (aka you'll be out and about most days).
Dn10, Aman is the original (5 locations within the country; have been to 3); Six Senses came later; &Beyond opened near Punaka, recently. Otherwise, there are some Marriott affiliates in Paro, Thimbu, that may be more your budget. However, generally, it’s not a ‘cheap’ place for an international visitor. Regardless, I highly recommend Bhutan, at least once.
Iceland didn't make the list? Such a wonderful country.
One is so relieved that none of our ‘goto’ holiday destinations are on your favourites list Ben.
Nuff said.
How does this happen?
Sorry Russ, the post above was never intended to present itself as a response to your own post …. my finger trouble or Ben’s website?
Thanks Russ, very generous of you.
I’ve just posted above, in the right place this time but double tapped! It must be me …. 🙂
My favorite place in the whole world is the FCT in FRA
Switzerland and Singapore.
Looking back Kuala Lumpur was the least memorable.
Yes D3S, many have said that the best thing to come out of KL is the train line to JB and then onto the Johor Causeway to Woodlands.
I couldn’t possibly comment …. 🙂
CALGARY
I’d be a little more specific, like Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, but, not when it’s too crowded, so, I guess, off-season, super early, clear morning. Yeah, that’s special.
I'm going soon. Calgary and the areas surrounding Banff National Park look wonderful. The exchange rate is so favorable too.
I remember your trip report to Yukon years ago! And how about your train ride in Uzbekistan?! heh
Ive loved reading this blog for the past 15 years, here are a few of my favourite places:
San Pedro de Atacama - Chile: This has to be the most unique town in the western world.
Buenos Aires/Montreal: I put these in the category of, if you can't have fun here, you're the problem.
Cape Town: The most unique western city on earth
Denmark: Delightfully boring
Tunis and Tunisia in general: It feels like an alternate universe
Lima: For the food
Switzerland: For the trains
Thanks for your hard work Ben!
Adam
Most naturally beautiful place I’ve visited: South Island, New Zealand
Most underrated city I’ve visited: Trieste, Italy
Most profound place I’ve ever visited: Ponta de Sagres and Cabo São Vicente, Portugal
1. Saint. Maarten - Flying in on the KLM 747 and then Island hopping to St. Barts & Saba
2. Kathmandu - Delightfully chaotic City and then Flying out into the mountains, Lukla and the Everest sightseeing flight
3. Cancun - Nice weather, food, beaches and resorts. Great Scuba diving, in the sea and the Senotes
I draw my pick of host countries from your blog, the best choice was Bhutan, and Fodors for input but weather is the top consideration when I visit. I hope you will put African destinations on your radar for next year's itineraries, not necessarily the only emphasis on safaris. I focus on the "off the beaten path" destinations where most people have not been to or cannot locate on the map. My favorite countries are:
Cultures/ cuisines: Bhutan, Indonesia (both Bali and Java), Malaysia (Borneo and Penang), Hong Kong, Vietnam and Italy.
Histories: Japan, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Greece and France.
Landscape: Mongolia (so vast and empty), South Africa (wildlife), Chile and Argentina (so green--trees and lakes).
Can't help but notice that Cairo and it's wonderful airport are missing... Pls fix
Absolutely Mamad ….
Mina House Hotel, Giza (but only in the old palace away from the Marriott riffraff)
Winter Palace, Luxor.
Old Cataract, Aswan.
Lake Nasser cruise (MS Kasr Ibrim).
Aswan-Luxor cruise (Oberoi Philae)
Alexandria by train for a side trip from Giza.
Best in the summer when the tourists cannot stand the heat.
Absolutely Mamad ….
Mina House Hotel, Giza (but only in the old palace away from the Marriott riffraff)
Winter Palace, Luxor.
Old Cataract, Aswan.
Lake Nasser cruise (MS Kasr Ibrim).
Aswan-Luxor cruise (Oberoi Philae)
Alexandria by train for a side trip from Giza.
Best in the summer when the tourists cannot stand the heat.
My top favourite places:
The Seychelles
Rome
The Maldives
Barbados
Anguilla
Paris
My list is actually similar to yours: Bhutan, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and I'd add Australia too. All for different reasons, but I find places where nature is the focus to be much more memorable than cities in general.
This is going to be very controversial but Jerusalem (sans the politics) is such a remarkable place for Christians, Muslims and Jews. Also ( and I am not Catholic or even religious), Fatima is an amazing experience. Maybe because I lack faith I am awe struck by the devotion of the visitors.
And of course. Who can argue with France and Italy or the South Island of NZ or Hong Kong or anywhere in Japan.
It is hard to beat northern Thailand. Inexpensive, nice people, great food.
Excellent article, I think Ben perfectly described the context.
My choices, as a person who enjoys the outdoors, roadtrips and some city activities:
USA, except for the cities lately and unfortunately. Unmatched landscapes in the Southwest, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Florida Keys etc
Japan. I especially enjoyed driving around and exploring areas very few non-Japanese tourists visit.
France, Italy, Spain. In fact, I’m writing this while flying back to US after a week in the south of Spain!
Iceland, Greece.
United Arab Emirates. Totally surprising to me.
Romania. Amazing hiking and wildlife.
Bolivia was amazing. Unlike anything a d relatively untouched. Would recommend for adventure and breathtaking sights. Nothing like it.
Rio
Buenos Aires
Spain is the best in Europe.
For skiing, telluride and aspen (avoid the annoying parts but the skiing is excellent)
Kitzbuhel was grass, would like to see more
Nantucket every year.
La Reunion, France, so many different landscapes all packed in one small island.
Patagonia, Argentina.
Ilha Grande, Brasil
No chance I’m sharing my favourites with 100s of regulars and a couple of billion others who’ll maybe find this thread thru Google.
Happy trails everyone.
Ah, yes, UncleRonnie’s secrets… guard them, sir. The world wants to ruin your special place.