I usually don't start conversations telling people I'm "well-traveled". Especially when I see websites like this around. I have however compiled a fairly good list of stamps in the passport, and because I interact with other world travelers both professionally and personally, I've got a pretty good idea of more amazing places I want to go.
This Friday, I thought I'd share a list of some of my favorite destinations in this wondrous world along with a few I still really want to get to. The list of course is abbreviated since I'd have to talk your ear off (perhaps over dinner?) to tell you all of them.
Hopefully this post (in no particular order) will inspire some of you to either add one to your itinerary or else to reminisce about your own visits there.
Happy Friday!
Top places I've been:
Angkor Area, Cambodia – The over 1000 well-preserved temples pay homage to the astounding history of the region. Add in a colorful and friendly people and an excellent exchange rate and you have travelering perfection.
Saigon, Vietnam – the food and weather were fantastic when I was there. A healthy dose of culture shock made this vibrant city one I'll always remember. (Motorbikes outnumber cars on the streets 50 to 1!)
Santorini, Greece – pretty much the most beautiful place I've ever witnessed. The perfect climate and the festive nature of the Greeks equals Top 3 in the world so far.
Machu Picchu, Peru – Something one simply must see during their lifetime. Enough said.
Florence, Italy – one of my favorite European cities. Non-pretentious and rich in history. Florence is quieter than Rome, more lively than Venice and in the middle of a region that produces wines to thrill your tongue.
Koh Tau, Thailand – An hour boat ride from Koh Samui. It's a little touristy since there's no other good way to get there apart from the tourist ferry, still, it remains a fond memory. The picture postcard scenery is indelibly etched.
Parati, Brazil – a cute little piece of preserved history locked away on the Brazilian coast. Charming and fascinating. And so many beaches!
Top places I still want to go:
Varanasi, India – the 3000 year old holy city on the Ganges River.
Zanazibar – the island nation off the coast of Tanzania. Has a prominent old town and port from the centuries old spice trade.
Buenos Aires – the Paris of South America. The continent is nothing without experiencing it.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands – less visited than other Polynesian islands but with the same lush tropical atmosphere. And less expensive!
Luangprabang, Laos – Eighty percent of the Lao population is Buddhist. That should determine what kind of visit you'll have when you go there.
Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments section. Love to hear them!
* all photos credited with a link to Creative Commons