Here’s a topic that I think makes for a fun, updated discussion — what are your favorite places that you’ve traveled to? It’s a question that I’m often asked, but struggle to answer. That’s 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.
In this post:
My challenge with picking “best” travel destinations
Before I share some of my favorite places I’ve traveled to, let me talk a bit about why I struggle with the concept of making recommendations in this area, and why I’m cautious when taking recommendations from some people (just as you shouldn’t put too much weight in my recommendations). This comes down to several factors, so let me share them in no particular order.
What determines our enjoyment from a trip
Simply put, our perception of a trip comes down to the experience we actually had, compared to the experience we thought we were going to have. Let me give a non-travel example involving ice cream:
- Say your friend says that X place has the world’s best ice cream, and no other ice cream can compare
- Then you go to that place and have ice cream, and it’s really good, but perhaps not memorable; you’d probably feel disappointed, since you were expecting a life changing experience
- Now compare that to what your perception would be if your friend hadn’t given that recommendation; you’d probably be thrilled, and would think “that was so much better than I was expecting”
The same principle applies to travel. If you ask me, the best trips are those where we don’t have many expectations, or where our expectations of the experience are exceeded. There are some objectively great travel destinations, but if they don’t quite live up the hype of what you were expecting, it’s natural to feel disappointed (Paris syndrome comes to mind).
For example, Santorini couldn’t be more picturesque, and it’s perhaps one of the travel destinations you see the most photos of. Everyone posts a picture that makes it look like they have all of Oia to themselves, given the beautiful backdrops. If you go in July and then discover the crowding levels, the whole thing might feel a bit less charming than you pictured it to be.
It’s natural to feel like it maybe didn’t quite live up to your expectations, assuming you were expecting that the real experience would be like the carefully curated photos that others shared. “There were too many tourists,” says tourist.
Meanwhile if you go to a place no one really recommended where you don’t have many expectations, and you end up having a great experience, your expectations may be exceeded, and you’ll probably be quite happy.
Admittedly this is probably just a reality we have to live with, as the world is increasingly online. If you traveled somewhere 20 years ago, you weren’t as influenced by everyone on the internet. That’s no longer the case.
Social media & recommendation culture change travel
This ties in to the above, but I think it’s worth expanding on a bit more. I think social media, and our general “recommendation culture,” has kind of fundamentally changed travel, and the ability of people to objectively share their thoughts on a place. This can come in many different forms…
For example, take the Maldives. It’s an absolutely picturesque destination, but I’d almost argue that it’s nicer in pictures than in real life. In pictures, you just see the beautiful sunshine and crystal clear waters. What you don’t see is how outrageously hot it can be, that the UV is an 11 for much of the day, the number of bugs you’re going to be dealing with, the reality of jet lag and exhaustion for having traveled so far to get there, etc.
That’s not at all to say that the Maldives isn’t worth visiting. It’s just that I think that pictures make it look like heaven on earth, while there are some realities to deal with when traveling there.
We live in an era where social media is such a large part of peoples’ lives. For many people, travel isn’t just about having a good time, but it’s about presenting to their friends and family like they had a good time. After all, people want to share the highlights of their life with friends and family. You don’t usually see people captioning pictures with “I had a pretty nice time in the Maldives, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.”
Instead there’s almost a bias going into a trip of wanting it to be amazing — and I guess that’s a good attitude to have. But then this is also how we create a cycle of sort of fake feedback (or at least feedback that omits important details). Your friend says “oh my gosh, your trip to Santorini looked amazing,” and then you say “yeah, it was totally amazing.”
I’m not saying there’s anything inherently wrong with that, but I also think that collectively we’re not necessarily honest or thorough with sharing our impressions of places. Like, you’ll sound like a total Debbie Downer if you go to Rome and say “it was great, but it was really damn hot, and the crowds were wild.”
So many factors impact our travel perceptions
I also think it’s important to reflect on how so many factors can impact our perception of a travel experience. This includes things like crowding levels and weather.
But it also includes who you’re traveling with, and the kind of experiences that you’re having. Travel experiences are almost always better if you’re with a local friend, or someone very familiar with an area. For example, a couple of summers ago we went to San Sebastian with some friends who were very familiar with the area, and we absolutely loved it.
I know one thing for sure, though — I definitely wouldn’t have had the same perception if we had traveled there alone, and had to come up with our own plan. There’s something so nice about someone just guiding you to their favorite places, and not having to do all the work. And there’s also a difference when you have friends showing you, vs. when you hire a guide, since it’s less transactional.
The places that I’ve enjoyed traveling to
With the above out of the way, I don’t have a top X list of my favorite places I’ve been to. After all, there are all kinds of reasons to like a place — the culture, the people, the food, the scenery, etc. — and it’s hard to rank them.
Still, I’d like to share some of the places that I’ve very much enjoyed visiting. Let me start by saying that I’m not a huge fan of visiting cities, and prefer places that either have a totally different culture, or are more outdoor-focused.
With that in mind, here are several of my favorites:
- Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world; it’s the first city in Asia that I visited, it’s so indescribably electric, and it holds a special place in my heart
- I absolutely love everything about visiting Japan, and it’s probably the place I most enjoy traveling to; I’m not meaning to fetishize it, and Japan has its problems, but culturally Japan couldn’t be more different than my home city of Miami, and that’s why I enjoy it so much
- Bhutan is a unique country, unlike anywhere else I’ve ever seen, and I can’t recommend it enough, especially given the lack of crowding (due to how visitor permits in the country work)
- New Zealand has so much to offer, and is also a great outdoors destination; I love the views, the laid back vibes of the people, the food and wine, etc.
- I’ve absolutely loved the nature focused destinations I’ve been to, with Iceland being my favorite, though I also really enjoyed Svalbard; I’m hoping to visit Greenland or the Faroe Islands next summer
- I’ve very much enjoyed traveling to the “stans” (like Kazakhstan, for example), simply because they’re a part of the world that isn’t discussed much in the United States; so it’s fascinating to come in with no expectations, and see these places firsthand
- Parts of Africa are amazing for their safari opportunities, because it’s truly a vacation unlike any other, and it gives you a new appreciation for nature and the cycle of life
- I recently visited South Tyrol for the first time, and absolutely loved it for the scenery, food and drinks, and fascinating culture that blends Austria and Italy; as someone with a German background, it’s probably my favorite German(ish) speaking place, along with Sylt, in the North Sea
- Mexico is an easy getaway from the United States, so I generally prefer that to the Caribbean, especially thanks to the friendly people and great food; personally I’m not a huge fan of the Cancun area, but that’s just because it’s so similar to what I’m used to in Miami in terms of climate
Next, let me say that nowadays France, Greece, and Italy, are among the most popular summer travel destinations for Americans, and I largely think that’s for good reason. I love visiting all three of the countries, but try to be strategic about when I go:
- France has so much to offer, from amazing food, to incredible hotels, to diversity in destinations — Paris is a dynamic city, the South of France is gorgeous in summer, Courchevel and the surrounding area is lovely in winter, Provence is awesome in spring and fall, French Basque Country is beautiful year-round, etc.
- Greece has endless places to travel to, and even as so many tourists flock to Mykonos and Santorini (with a stopover in Athens), there are so many places that are less busy that can still be visited; I love the weather, the food, and the scenery
- Italy also has so much to offer, from the best food, to a variety of experiences; Italy has some of my favorite cities (even though I’m not a city person), and also has beautiful countryside, beaches, and mountains
Bottom line
I think just about every place has its charms as a visitor, and it all comes down to what expectations you come in with, and through what lens you see things. A lot of the most visited tourist destinations are popular for good reason, though I can’t help but feel like they may sometimes lead to disappointment, given the high expectations that people have going in.
There’s no denying that social media and the internet at large have shaped our travel patterns, and that’s both a blessing and a curse.
What are your favorite places you’ve traveled to?
Have visited 60+ countries and all 7 continents, here are my top 3...all for different reasons, but unique in their own:
1. North Korea
2. Antartica
3. Africa
Japan, South African safaris, always France or Italy, toss Germany in once in a while. North Viet Nam or Laos..haven't got to SA yet...
140+ countries visited so far and 7+ lived in for at least 3 years. My top 10 includes: India (especially Spiti/Ladakh Valley, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Kerala), Israel, Spain (Galicia in particular), Syria, Argentina (Patagonia), Japan, Serengeti (Tanzania and Kenya) Algeria, Morocco (especially the Atlas Mountains), and Iceland make my top 10, in no particular order.
I would say Christchurch was our favorite stay. Unlike Auckland and Wellington, they left old buildings alone. In place beauty, with and an absolute spot on New York deli. And so close to Otaga and it's world beater Pinot Noir
In second, I would offer up Mendoza, with it's breath taking view of the perennially snow capped Andes. Oh, before I forget, some really serious Malbec wine within an hour and a half, and you...
I would say Christchurch was our favorite stay. Unlike Auckland and Wellington, they left old buildings alone. In place beauty, with and an absolute spot on New York deli. And so close to Otaga and it's world beater Pinot Noir
In second, I would offer up Mendoza, with it's breath taking view of the perennially snow capped Andes. Oh, before I forget, some really serious Malbec wine within an hour and a half, and you feel close enough now to scoop off a handful of that Andes, while tasting, ok, drinking that Malbec,
@lucky, I know that ocean is not your element, but for anyone else looking for a nature-focused destination under water Indonesia is absolutely amazing for snorkeling and, I've been told, scuba diving. Hotel prices in Jakarta are pretty good too, but the drawback is they are in Jakarta :) Good for a stopover before/after domestic flights to the coral triangle area.
Cue Proximanova gaslighting Ben for missing some places in Asia.
TURKMENISTAN!
I am just sitting at Diwan hotel in front of the Presidential Palace for brekfast
I recommend reading "Sovietistan" by Erika Fatland if you're thinking about visiting one of the " 'stans ". Fatland is a fabulous travel writer and she makes her journey through Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan unforgettable for readers.
Western Australia, Northwest Ireland, Capetown, Tokyo, Bangkok, Testaccio area in Rome, and the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.
Western Australia, Northwest Ireland, Capetown, Tokyo, Bangkok, Testaccio area in Rome, and the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.
Rather than searching for “the best ice cream” (arguments and disappointments guaranteed), how about traveling to where gelato was first created? Oh, wait … there’s always an argument about that, too.
Croatia…I visited in January and before it was so popular
New Zealand
Bhutan and Nepal
Faroes
Paris
Scotland
Dolomites
I’ve been a lot of places throughout the world. Japan is #1 for me followed by New Zealand and then Switzerland.
I agree with Japan and NZ, but I choose Argentina over Switzerland. Nothing small about the Andes, Patagonia, and Mendoza.
Dead tie for me. London and whatever turns out be the next part of Japan I go to.
Paris, England, Scotland, Ireland, Alaska, Himalayas, Vietnam
Hi
You have not mentioned about lovely
Singapore and biggest democratic
Country India and places of interest
And tasty foods
Singapore is great, in a different sort of way. They learned to pack 6,000,000 people in to small island. But build beautiful high rise buildings. They built amazing transportation system. It took me from our hotel to Ikea front door by two metro and one bus. They built some of the most spectacular gardens. And where else can you eat at Michelin One Star restaurants, with no reservations, no attitude and under ten euro.
I often get asked what my favorite travel destinations are, and my answers can vary. But as someone who enjoys nature and gorgeous scenery, I usually include: the Norwegian Fjords, Swiss Alps, Austrian and Italian Alps, southern NZ, Scottish Highlands, the Faroe Islands, and my homeland of Hawai'i.
My favorite place in the world is the USA.
There is so much diversity in the US that I honestly think it is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. You can base an entire trip around a single interstate between Denver and Los Angeles and have at least five completely different experiences (city, mountains, desert, gambling, and beach) over the course of 2–3 weeks, while still enjoying the same underlying infrastructure of abundance, comfort, and...
My favorite place in the world is the USA.
There is so much diversity in the US that I honestly think it is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. You can base an entire trip around a single interstate between Denver and Los Angeles and have at least five completely different experiences (city, mountains, desert, gambling, and beach) over the course of 2–3 weeks, while still enjoying the same underlying infrastructure of abundance, comfort, and convenience.
I’ve traveled quite a bit around the world, and with the exception of KL and Jakarta, I don’t think I’ve been anywhere I genuinely didn’t like. So when I’m asked about my “favorite” places, I judge them by where I actually want to return again and again.
Yes, I absolutely loved Rome. But I don’t need to go back every two years — or even five. Maybe I’ll return in 10 years.
The only exception is London. This city shines (not literally, of course ) in every season. I never get tired of it.
And as a non-American, I’m genuinely amazed by the number of Americans I meet who have traveled all over the world but then say, “Yeah, I’ve never been to Utah!”
Seriously?!
Number one place I tell non-Americans to visit when traveling abroad is Utah!
I agree that the US offers an incredibly diverse experience, particularly when it comes to natural landscapes, but having lived in China, I’d put China very close behind it for second place. China is exceptionally diverse, the US is clearly somewhat lacking when it comes to historic cities and cultural heritage.
That said, I’d argue that France has even more diversity overall. It spans 12 time zones and offers everything from the beaches of...
I agree that the US offers an incredibly diverse experience, particularly when it comes to natural landscapes, but having lived in China, I’d put China very close behind it for second place. China is exceptionally diverse, the US is clearly somewhat lacking when it comes to historic cities and cultural heritage.
That said, I’d argue that France has even more diversity overall. It spans 12 time zones and offers everything from the beaches of Bora Bora and the Caribbean to Corsica, the mangroves of French Guiana, and the active volcanoes of La reunion in the Indian Ocean. You also have world-class cities, museums, architecture, charming villages from Alsace to the Dordogne, and, in my opinion, the best skiing in the world.
And if that matters to you, you can even gamble in charming casinos. :) Personally, I’d take Deauville over Las Vegas any day.
Agree with all you say, but for many, many people, they can't get past the cost of the Visa, or the extreme time it takes. Not to mention that many citizens of many foreign countries are not even allowed to enter the U.S, All because one person. As a U.S. citizen, living abroad, I have no desire to return, even for a visit.
Seems to me, you meet criteria for easy access. Glad for...
Agree with all you say, but for many, many people, they can't get past the cost of the Visa, or the extreme time it takes. Not to mention that many citizens of many foreign countries are not even allowed to enter the U.S, All because one person. As a U.S. citizen, living abroad, I have no desire to return, even for a visit.
Seems to me, you meet criteria for easy access. Glad for you, Remember how many foreigners were denied access to World Cup: players, refs, officials, and foreign citizens.
I agree with you. But your idea does not involve a business or first class booking. I think this factor was very instrumental in the picks disclosed.
Salta, Argentina
Russia; anywhere in Oblast. Moscow.
Kiefersfelden, Bavaria
Cotuit, Massachusetts
Maldives
Appletreewick, England
Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Belgrade, Serbia
Agree with New Zealand and Hong Kong, both really special places. Although I struggle visiting HK now with the crackdown on freedoms from the PRC; it just feels different. In NZ, the far south was magical. Te Anu, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound were simply amazing.
I really thought Vietnam was wonderful too. Visiting Hanoi for its history was great, and then Hoi An and Hue was really memorable. Incredible history and everyone was so...
Agree with New Zealand and Hong Kong, both really special places. Although I struggle visiting HK now with the crackdown on freedoms from the PRC; it just feels different. In NZ, the far south was magical. Te Anu, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound were simply amazing.
I really thought Vietnam was wonderful too. Visiting Hanoi for its history was great, and then Hoi An and Hue was really memorable. Incredible history and everyone was so kind.
If you have the ability, I would recommend hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro more than anything. One of the greatest experiences I've had. Then we went to Zanzibar to relax on the beach for a few days.
I find France, Italy (and Spain and the UK and...) are even more special outside of the big cities. Saint-Malo, Bologna/Parma/Montepulciano, San Sebastian, Liverpool, Galway all were so fun.
Not sure when you visited Tanzania but as a tour operator based between East Africa and Europe, I no longer recommend hiking Kilimanjaro (unless totally off season) and the same applies to Unguja (Zanzibar) as it is best to avoid it completely and head to the less visited islands nearby or the mainland coast. Tanzania is currently unbearably busy around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, it's much nicer to get away from the toursit circuits and...
Not sure when you visited Tanzania but as a tour operator based between East Africa and Europe, I no longer recommend hiking Kilimanjaro (unless totally off season) and the same applies to Unguja (Zanzibar) as it is best to avoid it completely and head to the less visited islands nearby or the mainland coast. Tanzania is currently unbearably busy around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, it's much nicer to get away from the toursit circuits and discover the real empty spaces (and traming wildlife) of Tanzania or East Africa :-)
Lived in East Africa for over a decade a d would strongly agree. When I first went to Zanzibar in 2013, there was definitely more of a edge of the world place.
I live in Kenya now, so the premium to get onto the Island has been discouraging, but last time I was there three years ago it seemed to be sliding into more of "could be anywhere" tropical island destination. Lamu Island, while...
Lived in East Africa for over a decade a d would strongly agree. When I first went to Zanzibar in 2013, there was definitely more of a edge of the world place.
I live in Kenya now, so the premium to get onto the Island has been discouraging, but last time I was there three years ago it seemed to be sliding into more of "could be anywhere" tropical island destination. Lamu Island, while not a replacement for the old Zanzibar, is certainly one of my favorite places on earth.
Zambia is also probably my preferred safari destination. The parks there are excellent but still mostly off the beaten path.
Cape Town as has been noted, is sort of a unique top quality destination on the continent and its not even really close, although I think Nairobi deserves a few days if you have the time while visiting the country.
Totally agree about Lamu: it is (still) wonderful and untouched and I hope it stays like this as long as it can.
I'm based in Kigali and Nairobi is my favourite city in the region; the energy is addictive! I love spending 10 days in Nairobi before heading to the coast or head to the wilderness. Kenya has actually done things a bit better than Tanzania (for once...) in terms of wilderness and wildlife...
Totally agree about Lamu: it is (still) wonderful and untouched and I hope it stays like this as long as it can.
I'm based in Kigali and Nairobi is my favourite city in the region; the energy is addictive! I love spending 10 days in Nairobi before heading to the coast or head to the wilderness. Kenya has actually done things a bit better than Tanzania (for once...) in terms of wilderness and wildlife conservation.
Cape Town is an incredible destination in itself but quite a nightmare to get to from other parts of Africa. Johannesburg is much easier for a quick weekend away but not for everyone I guess (I do enjoy Jozi a lot though).
JT, as a tour operator, have you started adjusting for the forecasted El Niño rains across East Africa this upcoming season? With this cycle tracking to be exceptionally strong, it’s expected to be even wetter than usual for October-March. Likewise, southern Africa may see more drought than usual. Going to be an interesting 12-15 months ahead, it seems. I'm just a frequent traveler to both regions and trying to plan ahead as best I can....
JT, as a tour operator, have you started adjusting for the forecasted El Niño rains across East Africa this upcoming season? With this cycle tracking to be exceptionally strong, it’s expected to be even wetter than usual for October-March. Likewise, southern Africa may see more drought than usual. Going to be an interesting 12-15 months ahead, it seems. I'm just a frequent traveler to both regions and trying to plan ahead as best I can. (Of course, if you're selling tours, you probably won't want to worry potential clients, but... if you're actually on-the-ground in-the-bush, then you kinda have to care about the conditions.)
The weather is so tricky to forecast these days. Our rainy seasons are dry and our dry seasons are wet...
We will see by year end what happens and plan accordingly. I'm based in Kigali so no bush drama for me personally but we have to make sure guests get to their destinations safely. That might become tricky... bit TIA (This is Africa) and everything always works out at the end.
JT, that's a fine approach. Flexibility. Besides, when the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. Also, have been several times, and I love Kigali/Rwanda in-general. By 'bush drama,' don't sell yourself short... Akagera is close enough, and it has Big 5! In fact, for a country the size of the state of New Jersey, Rwanda has it all... gorillas (of course) at Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, and some of the best coffee/tea I've...
JT, that's a fine approach. Flexibility. Besides, when the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. Also, have been several times, and I love Kigali/Rwanda in-general. By 'bush drama,' don't sell yourself short... Akagera is close enough, and it has Big 5! In fact, for a country the size of the state of New Jersey, Rwanda has it all... gorillas (of course) at Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, and some of the best coffee/tea I've ever had. You're in a fantastic spot!
Totally agree on Kigali and Rwanda as a fantastic destination. I lived in Kimihurura for three years as well. At some point I did run out of things to do in the country, but not unsurprising for its size. I'm back once or twice a year for work, and renting a motorcycle and just doing an overnight trip to the Lake or Musanze (or even Rusizi) still has a charm to it that hasn't gotten...
Totally agree on Kigali and Rwanda as a fantastic destination. I lived in Kimihurura for three years as well. At some point I did run out of things to do in the country, but not unsurprising for its size. I'm back once or twice a year for work, and renting a motorcycle and just doing an overnight trip to the Lake or Musanze (or even Rusizi) still has a charm to it that hasn't gotten old yet. Going from the open hills to riding through Nyungwe always puts a smile on my face.
For the El Nino thing, we drove my partner's family to Amboseli in Feb/March this year and that was bad enough in terms of planning and routes. We had to cancel a trip to Shompole/Lake Magadi given it got washed out. I'm sort of dreading making any bush focused plans this year b/c of it....
Freedom is at the core of what I enjoy the most. I want to see what I want when I am up for it. I resent having our National Parks being logged, drilled and exploited by greedy politicians and our choices of travel limited. So my vote is to keep our options open.
Well said, Maryland. Some of my favorite domestic US trips have been to our National Parks. I haven't been to Big Bend (in Texas) yet, but I'm shocked by the reports that I'm reading about what the administration is doing there, right now. They've got literal bulldozers ripping up the foot of the Santa Elena Canyon. Likewise, there are many National Monuments also under threat. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah are being reduced,...
Well said, Maryland. Some of my favorite domestic US trips have been to our National Parks. I haven't been to Big Bend (in Texas) yet, but I'm shocked by the reports that I'm reading about what the administration is doing there, right now. They've got literal bulldozers ripping up the foot of the Santa Elena Canyon. Likewise, there are many National Monuments also under threat. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah are being reduced, basically for the benefit of fossil fuels. Wish this was getting more attention, because it's truly outrageous. These are all of ours (the American public). Literally some of the best parts of our country. Many visitors from around the world specifically come to see them, too.
My favorite places are ones that are completely off the beaten path. Antarctica, the high Arctic, and Africa. The father I can get away from people and a cellphone signal the better.
I feel like your overall experiences to make places your favorite largely depends upon "repeatable" or "replicable" circumstances. For example, if you go to a place that you'd been dreaming to go to and all of the sudden it storms/rains all week when it never really does so, that can then kind of taint what could have been one your favorite places to visit. Another example would be like if you did a larger group...
I feel like your overall experiences to make places your favorite largely depends upon "repeatable" or "replicable" circumstances. For example, if you go to a place that you'd been dreaming to go to and all of the sudden it storms/rains all week when it never really does so, that can then kind of taint what could have been one your favorite places to visit. Another example would be like if you did a larger group trip with friends to Japan. That could be an awesome or not so awesome (depends on what you prefer) experience, but may not be so "replicable" because you are not always going to be able to have those same group of friends go with you to japan on those exact dates.
In my experience, the best places are the ones that are completely off radar. For example, Isle of Man and Reunion are some of the most exciting places I ever visited but half of Europe doesn't even know they exist.
Sydney, Rio, Mykonos, the northern slope of Alaska, and Phuket. Much of this when I was younger.
Aww, that's really nice, George! (And, perhaps, with retirement coming, time to revisit some of those favorites!)
The South of France is gorgeous in summer. True. But living in Nice, I recommend all of you to visit off season if you can. If you aren't coming for the beach, it's absolutely fantastic around Christmas, especially with the snow on the mountains in the background. If you are coming for the beach, make yourself a favour and (if you can), come in September you'll enjoy it twice as much and will avoid the crowd and skyrocketing hotel prices.
I fu@k/ng hate this question .
So where’s your favorite place ? Where the best place you’ve ever been ?
At least someone is revealing their average to below IQ to you.
Glad to know you hate this, as this piece was directed, specifically, to YOU, because everything everywhere is about YOU as well.
Good on you for glancing at the headline and then jumping in to vent your spleen. Never hold back on what you hate. It's your world, and we're just intruding on it.
D3SWi33, sounds like we need to get you to some better places! Where you been? Siberia?
Moscow. Mumbai. Malaysia. Beijing and Shanghai 4 times each.
Places I haven’t been Jozi , Riyadh , Schafhausen , Leipzig , and Côte d’Azur.
You have a great meal at a particular restaurant. You go back and it's not the same. Happens all the time.
In Europe, Graz Austria, training from Vienna makes a perfect side trip. Love their Christmas markets and lights too
Seychelles especially Bird Island
Anywhere in Denmark!
Bangkok, a little of everything for everyone
Valencia Venezuela. The people and the waterfalls
I recently got back from Japan - wanted to go a long time, but honestly never been so underwhelmed. There was nothing wrong with the place, and I enjoyed the everyday stuff which I genuinely appreciated, but it's just not wow anymore and is clearly a country past its best. It was once the future, but that is definitely no longer the case...
I absolutely love Japan, it's among my favourite travel destinations, but I understand what you mean about the country no longer being "the future" - it's been said that Japan arrived in the year 2000 in 1985, and has stayed there ever since. I think that's pretty apt.
I completely agree with you. I too recently got back from Japan. It was very nice. As Ben said expectations. I heard so much about Japan, how great it was, then when I actually experienced it left me underwhelmed.
vlcnc, sounds like mis-matched expectations. Happens to even experienced travelers, too. We over-hype the places we like, then we're kinda 'meh' when everything is just 'good,' but not 'wow.' Now, if you really want to experience 'the future,' ironically, you need to go to some of the high-tech cities built in the last decade in mainland China (I know, visas, yuck, geopolitics, ew, CCP, gasp, etc.) Seriously, though, the high speed rail, proliferation of EVs,...
vlcnc, sounds like mis-matched expectations. Happens to even experienced travelers, too. We over-hype the places we like, then we're kinda 'meh' when everything is just 'good,' but not 'wow.' Now, if you really want to experience 'the future,' ironically, you need to go to some of the high-tech cities built in the last decade in mainland China (I know, visas, yuck, geopolitics, ew, CCP, gasp, etc.) Seriously, though, the high speed rail, proliferation of EVs, wild use of drones... some of it feels a bit like 'Blade Runner' over there (if you're going for that.)
The US national parks are not brought up enough on travel blogs. It's not a points destination, or much of luxury accommodations (although they can be found). But my time in Whitefish, MT and Glacier National Park was amazing!
I also find a lot of charm in European smaller cities and towns.
And it gets a lot of crap, but NYC, there really is nothing else like it.
Croatia, Venice, Bhutan, New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, Argentina, Italy, France, Hurtigruten cruise on a mailboat up the coast of Norway ( in December!), Costa Rica.
I loved the Coastal Express in the summer. I moved to Malta so I don't have freeze my cojones!
Croatia tops my list. I've never seen a city blend its history with 21st century life as well as Split has done. And driving around the country was very enjoyable.
Now one has to ask …. who is paying me a huge compliment by posting using my login?
Ben, should be able to determine who the perpetrator is but is hardly likely to do anything about it …. sad state of affairs Ben, yes?
Our best trip(an actual top ten on our bucket list) was a round trip 12 day cruise on the Richard With with Hurtigruten cruises) from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. 34 stops from the south of Norway to the absolute top of Norway.
Beautiful. Did you make it to Reine on the way? One of my favorites.
Don't know that one.
Nope, But we had a Christmas cruise on the Rhine and Mainz,
"I’ve absolutely loved the nature focused destination" - you should definitely go to the Galapagos.
Look, on top of THE Nature you'll get:
– An IHG hotel you can book with points
– A new “airline” to review :) (ESAV Airlines)
– Penguins swimming alongside you in warm equatorial water
Just please don’t take cruises (which is the mainstream way to explore the islands).
My top 3: 1.) Kamchatka, Russia (broadly speaking, Russia is fascinating, as the country is so diverse, both culturally and geographically); 2.) Istanbul and Cappadocia; 3.) Guatemala
If there can ever be peace and justice in this world (likely, only after you-know-who is gone), I would like to actually visit Russia, specifically the far-east, because the images I’ve seen of the volcanoes (Klyuchevsky group) are stunning. And, I hear there’s excellent salmon. Kind of like Alaska, actually.
Serious travellers, as opposed to toe-dippers, spend some sensible prior preparation and planning time before booking flights, hotels and ground tours, etc. Research is not wasted time and can make the difference between a good holiday and an exceptional, never forgotten holiday experience.
Foreign lands, languages, cultures and customs, etc, are meaningless if one fails to plan. Toe-dippers might be able to convince themselves that they have full knowledge of a distant destination just because...
Serious travellers, as opposed to toe-dippers, spend some sensible prior preparation and planning time before booking flights, hotels and ground tours, etc. Research is not wasted time and can make the difference between a good holiday and an exceptional, never forgotten holiday experience.
Foreign lands, languages, cultures and customs, etc, are meaningless if one fails to plan. Toe-dippers might be able to convince themselves that they have full knowledge of a distant destination just because they set foot on foreign soil and have taken a few iPhone selfies. However, many toe-dippers have no appetite for destination investigations, etc, preferring to pretend that someone or something else, is to blame when the holiday experience turns to ‘rats’. Reinventing the wheel each time rarely works to ensure a smooth, safe and thoroughly enjoyable travel experience.
No need to gate-keep. Travel however you want. Plan-it-all or go on a whim. Fun, work, couples, family, whatever. It’s all good. Gotta start somewhere.
Prior preparation and planning, prevents p*** poor performance.
Any plan can fail, however, there can be no reasonable excuse for failing to plan, yes?
Humboldt Redwoods State Park/Redwood National Park in northern California. There is peace to be found among those ancient giants, and driving along the Avenue of the Giants is other-worldly.
Western Cape province in South Africa. Spectacular scenery, friendly people, and fantastic wine & food.
Helsinki, one of my favourite cities in earth; and it’s only a quick ferry ride from the equally wonderful Tallinn (which is significantly cheaper).
The wine country around Melbourne. Travel north,...
Humboldt Redwoods State Park/Redwood National Park in northern California. There is peace to be found among those ancient giants, and driving along the Avenue of the Giants is other-worldly.
Western Cape province in South Africa. Spectacular scenery, friendly people, and fantastic wine & food.
Helsinki, one of my favourite cities in earth; and it’s only a quick ferry ride from the equally wonderful Tallinn (which is significantly cheaper).
The wine country around Melbourne. Travel north, south, east, or west from Melbourne and you’ll find fantastic cool-climate wineries galore. Forget the mass produced swill that Australia flogs overseas, a lot of it is complete rubbish. The good stuff; and the REALLY good stuff; is rarely exported.
Countries
1. Spain (all of it, although Barcelona has way too many tourists)
2. Uruguay- love the estancias
3. Portugal
4. Italy
5. Canada
Cities I love to walk
1. Bilbao, Spain
2. Madrid, Spain
3. Rome, Italy
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
5. Evora, Portugal
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
7. Zadar, Croatia
8. Istanbul, Turkey
9. St. Petersburg, Russia
10. Venice,...
Countries
1. Spain (all of it, although Barcelona has way too many tourists)
2. Uruguay- love the estancias
3. Portugal
4. Italy
5. Canada
Cities I love to walk
1. Bilbao, Spain
2. Madrid, Spain
3. Rome, Italy
4. Montevideo, Uruguay
5. Evora, Portugal
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
7. Zadar, Croatia
8. Istanbul, Turkey
9. St. Petersburg, Russia
10. Venice, Italy
11. Budapest, Hungary
12. Munich, Germany
US Cities
1. NYC
2. Portland, Maine
3. Detroit, Michigan
4. Cleveland, Ohio
5. Albany, New York
6. Kansas City, Missouri
7. Washington DC
8. Boston, Massachusetts
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
10. San Francisco, California
As a Croatian, but Zadar not being my hometown, I am happy to see that people are discovering this beautiful city.
If you will have a chance, also check out Trogir, another gem of Adriatic coast.
I hope Fogo Island still occupies a warm place in your heart.
Since it’s where he and Ford were married, I’ll wager it does.
Yup!
That's why I mentioned it.
I wonder what your favorite area of Germany is (since you're German)
Nothing like the stench of urine at Frankfurt HB while picking up a cigar to smoke in the Lufthansa First Class terminal the following day.
Bhutan for the people and unbelievable scenery, Nepal on Women’s Day, Mongolia for the culture, Mumbo Island in Malawi for it’s remoteness, northern Norway for fishing, French Polynesia and the the Cook Islands for snorkling, Tasmania, Galapagos for amazing wildlife, and everywhere my travels take me in the future - for the adventure.
Amanbagh. So peaceful and calming.
2. Xigera in Oakavango Delta during flooding season. Serenity at its best.
3. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Nicest staff, gorgeous architecture and out of this world view.
4. Singita Kwitonda. Never tire of that volcano view and hanging out
with gorilla was fun too!
5. Amankora in the winter. Dipping in a hot stone bath (after trekking up to Tiger’s Nest) while snow falling is everything.
Amanbagh. So peaceful and calming.
2. Xigera in Oakavango Delta during flooding season. Serenity at its best.
3. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Nicest staff, gorgeous architecture and out of this world view.
4. Singita Kwitonda. Never tire of that volcano view and hanging out
with gorilla was fun too!
5. Amankora in the winter. Dipping in a hot stone bath (after trekking up to Tiger’s Nest) while snow falling is everything.
6. Explora at Rapa Nui. Nice meeting fellow travelers who have been everywhere and learning extensive history of the island was a treat!
7. Angama Mara at Masai Mara. The Out of Africa view is simply stunning!
You’re absolutely right. Each is 10/10. Great list.
Have been to all of them (except Xigera, stayed at Sandibe and Xarana in Okavanga, instead).
That hot stone bath is magical… the way they drop ‘em in. Bah!
Only disappointment is that it’s really hard to find those tigers at the nearby parks in Rajasthan.
Did you do all 5 Amankora locations
Other than for family or business, look at the places you’ve chosen to visit the most (like, literal quantities, frequencies), because that’s probably where your heart is at.
Then, it’s the views, the activities, the food, the people, the accommodations, the flights there, etc., all of it matters.
Personally, I’ve lived NYC and FL, and my shortlist of favorites: California, Canada, Maldives, Japan, Italy, Cape Town.
So 1990 …. Is it true that you use the login name of Russ McArthur too?
Oh, shoot, I forgot France. Ugh, they’ll hate me for leaving them out. Zut alors!
Aero, I only use ‘1990’ on this and the other sites. I take pride in my work.
And, no, the UK, is not on my list of favorites, though I’d like to get back to Scotland. Not Blackpool. Never again.
I am a totally different person.
Russ, I donno why, but Aero has been really ‘into’ accusing other commenters of all being the same person. It’s a little odd.
Of course you would say that Russ, 1990, etc, wouldn’t you now? …. :-)
If you plan on visiting the Stans I am surprised you mentioned Kazakhstan. The first Stan you should visit is Uzbekistan which has Samarakhand, Bukhara, Khuva, Nukus, Urgench, Kenya Urgench. I would say of the five Stans you,should spend 80 percent of your time. In Uzbekistan and perhaps a bit in the others. Kyrgyzstan is eminently skibbalbe and of course Trurkmenistan capital of Ashgabat is Disneyland in marble.
Watch it, please. "The Stans" can be considered racist.
Who cares? Only overly-sensitive crybabies who make non-issues into issues think that way.
What?
Tanzania during the Great Migration and the Okavango Delta of Botswana!!
And depending on time of year, Masai Mara (especially the Mara Triangle) in Kenya is basically a continuation of that migration. Love the views of the escarpment on that side. Not cheap, though.
The British taxpayers sent me Kenya many, many times. Probably even before you were a twinkle in your father’s eye Russ …. :-)
Who’s Russ? Re-educate me.
Nevermind. I saw your ‘work’ below. Sheesh.
So many places have so many memories both good and bad;
City - St Petersburg
Island - Malta
Discovery - Holy Island ( Northumbria coast )
Surprised - Montenegro ( the lakes are up and coming)
Tell us you’re a Russian, without literally saying it. Surprised you didn’t include Istanbul, Dubai, Colombo, and Phuket.
Visited St Petersburg in 2010 on business and honestly it was a peak behind the pre verbal iron curtain which is why I liked it, defo not rusky and defo not a Vlady The Baddy fan!
Phew! Your timing was good. Would be more challenging to visit today, business or otherwise. Would not want to be ‘conscripted’ to the ‘meat grinder.’ Yikes!
As I live in Malta, can you please tell me about your Malta experiences both good and bad.
BTW, tell me what you thought about the St. John Co-Cathedral.
I have four siblings. We’re all retired. Four out of five of us travel moderately to extensively. I’m always amazed at how little destination overlap there is on the the trips we each take with our significant others. What’s of interest to one sibling often isn’t to another.
Then there’s the list of destinations we’d like to return to versus those where one visit is enough, even if we loved everything about it. We...
I have four siblings. We’re all retired. Four out of five of us travel moderately to extensively. I’m always amazed at how little destination overlap there is on the the trips we each take with our significant others. What’s of interest to one sibling often isn’t to another.
Then there’s the list of destinations we’d like to return to versus those where one visit is enough, even if we loved everything about it. We only have so many trips left in us; need to choose carefully!
+1 to any other island over Santorini.
Probably depends on the timing. We just went there at the end of October. Temperatures in the 70s and no crowds. It was beautiful.
Agreed. I enjoyed Santorini. I think people would enjoy it more if they visited Oia but booked their lodging in a different part of the island.
So far, favorites are France, Italy, Ireland, Vietnam, and Alaska! (Although in the U.S. it is its own world and I spent 2-1/2 years in awe of it).
Totally agree on the difficult time giving balanced feedback when you go some place that is considered amazing or take a more exotic trip. People just expect you to say “It was awesome!” I’ve gotten attacked online because I wasn’t totally glowing about places and accused of being completely ungrateful for the opportunity I have to experience the things I have done. I was not being toxically negative or not picking but just stating the...
Totally agree on the difficult time giving balanced feedback when you go some place that is considered amazing or take a more exotic trip. People just expect you to say “It was awesome!” I’ve gotten attacked online because I wasn’t totally glowing about places and accused of being completely ungrateful for the opportunity I have to experience the things I have done. I was not being toxically negative or not picking but just stating the issues with certain trips I have taken along with the good parts. But if you didn’t just say it’s amazing, you’re considered spoiled and ungrateful for the opportunities you have.
This is really hard. I have a soft spot for so many US cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philly, DC, Boston, San Juan. I think Albuquerque and SLC are very underrated.
Abroad: Berlin, Istanbul, and Malta are just incredible places.
What do you like about Albuquerque? My wife travels there for work a lot and hasn't really seen much.
What did you like and dislike about Malta?
You forgot the the best destination is mar-a-lago .
Only if you’re a corrupt politician, bankrupt corporate shill, or your face is melting off.
Turkiye, Brazil, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Cook Islands, Colombia, South Africa, Seychelles, Philippines
PS I am Australian, not sure if we were supposed to include our homelands. otherwise I would have added it.
Wanna, there are some mighty fine ‘tinies’ brewed in Oz, not forgetting the sensational places to enjoy a scenic bubble too. However, there are some very suspect chaps hanging around the watering holes just north of Perth, don’t you know.
They're just mining billionaires, and their pet toads from the Minerals Council.
You mean Turkey?
Russ, is it true that you also login as 1990?
No sir!
Honestly, cross your heart and hope to die?
Thank you, Russ, for not putting up with Erdogan’s propaganda. We’re speaking English on here, and it is indeed Turkey.
Aero, now I see. Yes, Russ and I agree on this. That doesn’t mean we are the same person.
During my youth Sydney, Rio, Sitges and Mykonos were up there. I recently went back to Sydney during their winter, very nice to get away from the Miami/Northern Hemisphere heat. Today I look for places with good hiking, almost all US.
Which places do you recommend for good hiking?
Not OP but for hiking most National Parks (except wilderness parks like Denali) have outstanding options. The best of these, at least among those that are relatively accessible, for day hiking are Yosemite, Zion and Glacier. Acadia and Great Smoky Mountains are also very good and not far from non-camping lodging. Internationally, and not easily accessible, Queenstown and the surrounding areas on the South Island of New Zealand are tough to beat while Banff is...
Not OP but for hiking most National Parks (except wilderness parks like Denali) have outstanding options. The best of these, at least among those that are relatively accessible, for day hiking are Yosemite, Zion and Glacier. Acadia and Great Smoky Mountains are also very good and not far from non-camping lodging. Internationally, and not easily accessible, Queenstown and the surrounding areas on the South Island of New Zealand are tough to beat while Banff is also scenic!
Looks like we were in Oz around the same tome George. Sydney is a beautiful city.
Melbourne is also a beautiful place. The South Island of New Zealand is magical, and it’s well worth investing a couple of weeks driving down the west coast, across the mountains, and then up the east coast. Don’t miss Milford Sound, either - it’s spectacular.
It's interesting article describing how some people choose their destinations based on internet opinions. I just go, where I want to go, not where some so called influencer recommends.
I'm from London and my favourites are :
- Switzerland, Bernese Oberland and some other areas. Italy alpine areas lovely too.
- Alaska, Sweden, Norway for Northern Lights
- Northern Pacific Islands, Marianas, Micronesia and Hawaii. Sometimes there are articles about Palau, but...
It's interesting article describing how some people choose their destinations based on internet opinions. I just go, where I want to go, not where some so called influencer recommends.
I'm from London and my favourites are :
- Switzerland, Bernese Oberland and some other areas. Italy alpine areas lovely too.
- Alaska, Sweden, Norway for Northern Lights
- Northern Pacific Islands, Marianas, Micronesia and Hawaii. Sometimes there are articles about Palau, but luckily not many flights, so limited amount of tourists. Same goes for Micronesia, most people never even heard about it.
-South Korea and Japan for Sakura and people watching.
-Hong Kong is always fun, been many times, love the food and skyline of the city.
My favourite place to visit is London. Was travelling from LHR to downtown on the tube. Teenagers saw luggage and asked where I was travelling to. I said London. They could not believe anyone would ever want to visit their city. ´Can’t wait to move out.´ one said. Sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have.
Dan, if the teenagers were Caucasian then one can certainly understand why they wish to escape from Kahn’s Kingdom …. :-)
London is very different to live in than visit
As a visitor you get to avoid much of the unpleasant parts.
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.
La Reunion, France, so many different landscapes all packed in one small island.
Patagonia, Argentina.
Ilha Grande, Brasil
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.
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...
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.
It is hard to beat northern Thailand. Inexpensive, nice people, great food.
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.
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.
You copied my list
My top favourite places:
The Seychelles
Rome
The Maldives
Barbados
Anguilla
Paris
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.
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:
...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).
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
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
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...
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
I remember your trip report to Yukon years ago! And how about your train ride in Uzbekistan?! heh
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.
If you pull off the highway, keep your windows closed. The grizzlies prefer warm meat.
I'm going soon. Calgary and the areas surrounding Banff National Park look wonderful. The exchange rate is so favorable too.
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 …. :-)
My favorite place in the whole world is the FCT in FRA
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?
No problemo, we'll blame the 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 …. :-)
Russ MacArthur = 1990 = Penile, etc , etc.
Really Jack?
Can we add Ben to that list too perhaps? …. :-)
Aero
what is your infatuation with Ben/Lucky using guest profiles?
Are you one of Ben’s guest login names plain Jane?
Jack (MeOff), no, I’m not those others.
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...
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.
What hotels did you like there? Don’t mind spending if it’s for a better experience