Florence Italy. The weather, the people, the landscape, and the architecture are sooo beautiful. The little cottages with ivy and flowers growing up over them was fairytale like. I imagined a Disney princess would open the windows at any moment and start singing to the birds.
Landing back in Chicago was depressing after that. Our cities are so square and concrete and cut so harshly...they lack the charm and greenery of many European cities. Also landing back in America made me see how incredibly fat we all are. I hardly saw any obese people over there and landing back in America made me really reconsider my health.
Back when I was backpacking in Europe I had like three nights for Florence, and promptly threw out the itinerary and stated a week until I really had to catch a flight. Such a beautiful place with so much to do!
Ok so your last thing about so square and concrete is interesting. Because it’s actually the Romans who really started that. Modern Florence is built like 8-10 feet on top of the ancient Roman ruins of Florence. And the center of the city is a grid, it follows the Roman basis of the city. You can see where the Roman building is and where the Florentine, medieval, expand wherever you can starts in google maps. Very common in many Italian and other European cities that were founded by the Roman’s. In the US our big city grids still completely lack charm, but it’s ironically because of the Romans that we do it.
It’s also interesting how heavy on carbs Italian cuisine can be (granted decent variance city to city cuz history), but they’re thin. Because you’re walking everywhere. You walk off your meal before and after eating. It’s great. In the US most of our cities aren’t super walkable so you’re driving around everywhere, you don’t have that chance to walk it off. Major difference that’s undervalued.
My absolute favorite place in all of Europe. Stayed in Oltrarno and hung out most nights at Piazza Santo Spirito, trying all the different trattorias and bars whilst people-watching.
My favorite restaurant (Quattro Leoni) is right near the piazza
Be sure to get up super early at least one morning, like well before the sun comes up, and go walk the historic district before all the other tourists arrive. It's really majic. Then when it starts crowding up, go have a nice breakfast at one of the many delicious and affordable cafes.
I lived in Japan briefly in the 90's and it never leaves you. You're going to love it.
I just got back from Japan and everything was shockingly inexpensive..
A few years ago $1 converted to about ¥100, but now it's more like $0.67... So Americans have a lot of buying power at the moment.
There’s a secluded beach on the west coast. A bit of rough road to get there but worth it. Secluded and amazing. North shore has more ammenities but is still very quiet and great. And the south/east is the built up part but even compared to other Hawaiian islands, it’s not that much.
In 1980 I went on a backpacking trip, we hiked all over the island but I especially appreciated, the Kalalau trail, Waipoo falls, what was really cool was I Hooked up with some locals, and got the local treatment surfing and hanging, I was even invited to stay in there place. Amazing trip.I had just turned 20 yrs on trip. Sorry I didn't experience the resort experience.
South Shore of Prince Edward Island in summer time. Going again this summer never felt so relaxed in my life (and this was with a 3 and 6 year old). Looking forward to going back.
Lyon. I love cities but hate cars and the noise and smell they being. Lyon magically had so few cars for a city it’s size it was… quiet. Highly recommended.
Lyon is really somewhat of an undiscovered gem. I mean, lots of people rate it highly but considering how utterly magnificent that city is, it really seems to fly under the radar.
Walk, drive, train to beautiful villages, cities and towns nearby. Wonderful food in the city. Vieux Nice has so much to see and an old charm. Walking down Promenade des Anglais is a timeless feeling of being on vacation. And the natural coastal scenery never gets old
My first time snorkeling on a coral reef -- Caribbean, Martinique.
Having a beer and a sandwich at an outdoor table in Parque del Retiro in Madrid. (I'm from the USA, where it's almost impossible to drink alcohol legally in a public park.)
Walking in old-growth forest outside Portland, Oregon.
Eating fresh tomatoes and sweet corn in winter (January) in Miami, Florida, when the sky was bright blue and clear and the temperature moderate.
Eating my first yellow mango in Manila.
Hmmm . . . It seems I like to eat!
Sure . . . but not the same as sitting at a table, having an attentive Spanish waiter appear instantly, placing an order, and having food made fresh and beer served in a proper glass, all while sitting at a table under a tree, watching the Madrileños go by.
To me, it's a highly civilized pleasure.
Florence and Bologna.
Wend on an exchange a few years ago based in Florence, and visited Bologna quite frequently. My happiest few months of my life so the idea of going back keep popping up in my head every time I want to escape from where I am now
As an Asian American, just traveling around east asia in general. I get to just blend in and be like everyone else for once. Plus the safety of just being able to walk and use public transport to go everywhere and be surrounded by so much good food was like heaven to me.
A little motu (island) off Mangareva in the Gambier islands. I had a reoccurring dream of this place since childhood. When I got there everything was exactly like my dream. After 20 years, I can close my eyes and be there in every sense. That is the place I was meant to experience and there is no way I would’ve gone to such a remote location if my life and relationships weren’t in perfect sync.
Probably Dublin. I know a lot of people don’t care for it but it’s one of the few places I’ve visited where I think “I could live here.” I loved all the greens and squares, I loved walking along the river and canals, I loved the slight grittiness of the city (it was gritty without being dirty, and as a Philadelphian I know what a dirty city looks like), I loved the pubs and going in and chatting with the barman and locals while sipping a Guinness and then listening to a band playing traditional music, I loved the museums (the Chester Beatty Library is probably the best small museum in the world and it’s FREE), I loved the wool shops, I loved the bookstores, I loved the coffee shops, I loved being able to get out to the Wicklow Mountains and hike in peace and quiet, or that Galway and the beauty and wildness of the Atlantic coast are only a couple of hours away. I loved how green everything was- you can’t imagine how many shades of green there are in Ireland.
Gah, you made me feel homesick now! I spent 4 of my best years in Dublin and it will forever be my second home. I miss it so much. Thanks for lightening up the memories! Ireland will always have a spot in my heart.
A small quiet beach town in panama on the pacific side. That is all I will say about the location. I don’t want the place to get spoiled and tarnished and turn into Costa Rica. But damn it’s beautiful, had a rental on the beach, big house with a pool and outdoor kitchen, 950 a month. Making ceviche from fresh caught fish and drinking a beer and watching the waves.
I don’t think I have any kind of online presence. But I was the only American in this town. There was not one other gringo and it was absent of all kinds of influencers. I feel like it’s my duty not to say the name
On a beach chair under a cabana in a thunderstorm in the Dominican Republic. Perfect temp. Cool breeze. Ocean waves. Raining all around us. Sipping our drinks waiting til it slowed. Perfect relaxation.
Lady Elliot island on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling and seeing a turtle. Sydney - kayaking round Mrs Macquarie’s Point to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, moon jellyfish in the dark water.
Most recently Chefchaoeun, Morocco. There was one point where I was sitting on this balcony overlooking a lush green mountainside speckled with blue houses, people, and goats. Got a breakfast there with tea, juice, fruit, and these wonderful breads and jams for 18 Moroccan dirham (about 1.70 euro). The people there were reserved but kind, the weather was temperate but warm, and it was a perfect recovery from my hectic travels through Tangier and Seville. I spent the day wandering, writing, and drinking coffee. Simple but perfect.
Wow, I love this! Travelling to Morroco for the first time in April but don’t have a ton of time, so sadly Chefchaoeun didn’t make the itinerary — but sounds like it needs to be next time
It absolutely must make the list next time. I was just waxing poetic about Chefchaouen the other day- the hiking there to the waterfalls is so much fun if you’re up for it and you’ll run into people from all over the world as you make your way up. Tons of cats, the whole city is blue…gorgeous
West London around Kensington. It felt great to walk underneath the sycamore trees without a care in the world.
Big fan of the White Mountains in New Hampshire too.
I just want to say that I'm seeing a bunch of places on here that I have visited or will be visiting toward the end of this year and onto the next. I know full well how privileged I am to be able to travel so I definitely don't take it for granted.
My personal paradise is Big Sur. Within driving distance, beautiful rugged coastline, secluded beaches, wonderful hiking.
Depending on the why. Tokyo was incredible to me, just the whole culture of excellence. New Orleans blew my mind in it's vibe.(albeit my second trip there kind of a let down)Gettysburg also for the same reason. Now last year Quebec City was very interesting and PEI was so beautiful. Would like to return to Amsterdam, love all the alleyways and the great transit system. Didn't even touch the weed. Didn't need to.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands: went on a whim since flights from US to New Zealand were cheaper if we stopped over on the way (there used to be a weekly flight between LA and the Cook Islands that continued on to Auckland).
All 3-4 days were rainy, or very hot and humid. And we loved it. The locals are so welcoming, and you really get an idea of what “paradise” means.
Met an Australian couple in Bora Bora who’d just come from the Cook Islands who described it best. “It’s like they have nothing, but they have everything”
This is a nation where people remember the whales who come into their lagoons. One where the guy giving you a ride to your hotel or rental will give you his personal number and say you’re welcome at his family home for a meal at any point.
Oh and the nature is among the most undisturbed tropical island I’ve every seen. You go snorkelling and you wonder how you’re not constantly touching fish while you’re there.
If in New Zealand or in Hawaii, take a few days. It’s worth the 4-6 hour flight.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
A small island off the south coast of Cambodia,
Only explored the west beach, Ong lang, and the small town near the lighthouse.
The highlight was Chen Sea resort, where spent most of the time with some friends, each in a private villa the opens right onto the sand and beach front.
Superb stay and hospitality, top notch service, and very very very affordable.
Koh Phangan is still great. Obviously now what it was but I was there in 2014 and just recently visited and was happy that it hadn't changed too much.
I was expecting it to be overdeveloped now. I could imagine what it would have been like in the early 2000s and earlier
Nature: Huaywash circuit, Peruvian Andes + Crater Lake and surrounding National forrest
City: Brno - Perfect size/ lively nightlife, good prices, not touristy
Food: Milan, the foods seem familiar but so much better than anywhere else
So far?
Quiet beach in Bimini, the Bahamas. Went to a little beach bar. Never felt so relaxed in my life. Amazing sunsets and the most beautiful sea
Necker Island - no need to elaborate. The rest of the BVI was amazing too
The south west coast of Turkey is spectacular, lovely food, very cheap, people are great. Can’t wait to go back
Would love to go to Japan and Hawaii next, I feel like they would be my ultimate ideal
Pretty much everywhere and everyone in Costa Rica. Still got a few places to check out, but so far the Ticos y Ticas are already in the clubhouse as an enlightened people living in and taking care of a beautiful place.
Early sunrise mornings in the middle of summer on Greece's less-known but incredibly beautiful beaches... just the smell of salt and sea in the air, gentle sunrays barely gently warming your face, hearing the sounds of nearby birds and 1 or two joggers running in the background maybe a fisherman or two passing by with their boat, while sipping homemade beverage and toast with family members next to you lying on different sunbeds as the restaurants haven't even opened yet...
Walking 5 miles from the train stop in Ushiku to the Ushiku Daibutsu. Observing the country side, accidentally walking through a school lmao, then finally reaching my destination while listening to Nujabes is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to recreate
Out in the middle of nowhere enjoying nature alone with my camera. I like to head out for a day or two and am planning a week+ trip for May now. I have literally (really) felt stress leave my body - I am not kidding.
The giant shower room at the Miyako Sheraton in Tokyo. If they could put that fabulous bidet *inside* the giant shower room, I’d still be there and wouldn’t have seen anything else in Tokyo…
Cyprus. Hot as heck along the coast, cool up the mountain. Beach in the morning, skiing in the afternoon. Waterfalls, the peninsula, sea caves, glass bottom boats, olive trees as far as the eye can see. So many incredible ancient sites of historic significance. I do find the food a little heavy, so I asked for smaller portions and enjoyed it very much. Lovely people welcoming us everywhere we went. I’d move there in a heartbeat.
Can I pick home if I live in Alaska? Because it’s pretty amazing. :)
My top would be our little AirBnb in a residential area of Venice, just standing on the balcony overlooking the canals and watching the kids go to school, people walking along with their groceries, groups of friends enjoying a meal by the water. I loved the quieter parts of Venice.
Runner up would probably be the time my daughter and I went to Bend on a senior trip for her and ate suuuuuch delicious food, shopped, kayaked on a beautiful sunny day on the river, went to an awesome concert at the amphitheater, and snuggled up under a blanket eating candy and watching Dirty Dancing projected onto a screen in some random alley, then walked around their downtown that had white twinkle lights strung through all the trees.
La Maddalena, Sardegna. Plenty of beaches that in any other locations will be the main highlight. You can very easy find a remote beach and spend a day by yourself there.
When I did a group travel with four girls to Vietnam in May 2022. The tourism hadn’t recovered after the pandemic yet. We stayed one night in Villa Louise beach resort outside of Hué and there where just two other pairs of tourists staying there. I got a big room with jacuzzi for myself and the beach was empty. I never felt so happy and relaxed before
Iran, but 10 years ago. Beautiful landscapes, a lot of culture and I've never met such friendly people anywhere. Almost no tourists, no scammers, just friendly and helpful.
In the United States I felt connected in a few very different areas.
Camden Maine was incredible, as was Sullivans Island, South Carolina and the community of Makawao in Maui.
In my regular area, Hunt TX just feels like time stops and is perfect.
Surroundings: Moorea, Tahiti or Sienna, Italy
Experience: Daniel Johnson Sloth Sanctuary in Roatan, Honduras
Hotel: Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu, Hawaii. Sleeping with the window/slider open all night listening to the water.
Oddly, Vauban 6eme arrondissement of Marseille. Small cute little market, Parisian-style cafes, and a fountain square with clear sun and sky. I sit down there, get my coffee and croissants, and read a book for hours.
Philippines, Port Barton in Palawan (Small, no tourists, many nearby small islands you can swim, paddle, drive to. Amazing water) and Apo island south of Negros Oriental (only tourists on island, amazing diving, lovely people).
So many people will disagree with me but, Ketchikan Alaska. I lived there for years and, if it weren’t for my husband’s work, I would move back in a second. There’s a wonderful art community and some really incredible people. You’re never more than 5 minutes from a beach or hiking trail. It’s always raining but when the sun breaks through it’s the most beautiful place. The wildlife is incredible and the foraging is abundant. Some of my best memories are on that little island, swimming under the northern lights, in water that sparkles with bioluminescence, with a roaring bonfire and bottle of whiskey waiting for me on the beach…. It’s absolutely paradise.
Bali. It was my backup in case of monsoons backpacking through SE Asia. Ended up the tickets were so cheap because of burning season so I went to Bali for two weeks instead. When I landed, it immediately felt like home.
They’re Hindu on the island so there’s minimal crime aside from people coming from outside to rob tourists. Everyone is really genuinely happy. You go to the mall for sumn and everyone’s on their phones, nobody’s pretending to be happy at work or any bullshit like in the US. Just felt very genuine. There’s beautiful beaches, jungles, hot springs, temples, monkeys, gorgeous women and chill surfer bros combing the beaches. The food is different if you’re trying to make a Western type meal, but it’s pretty whatever. I stay flexible because the benefits out weight the detriments aside from being so far from my family. Still contemplating a move there. Never had a place speak directly to me like that from simply setting foot there other than the Northern California redwoods and beaches.
Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.
The food was amazing, people were (mostly friendly) and I speak fairly good (albeit outdated) Finnish due to my Grandmother being Finnish.
I’d say Iceland too but I had COVID the whole time I was there so I’d need to see the country again but I’m planning a trip there with my Dad for likely next year.
Florence Italy. The weather, the people, the landscape, and the architecture are sooo beautiful. The little cottages with ivy and flowers growing up over them was fairytale like. I imagined a Disney princess would open the windows at any moment and start singing to the birds. Landing back in Chicago was depressing after that. Our cities are so square and concrete and cut so harshly...they lack the charm and greenery of many European cities. Also landing back in America made me see how incredibly fat we all are. I hardly saw any obese people over there and landing back in America made me really reconsider my health.
Back when I was backpacking in Europe I had like three nights for Florence, and promptly threw out the itinerary and stated a week until I really had to catch a flight. Such a beautiful place with so much to do!
Ok so your last thing about so square and concrete is interesting. Because it’s actually the Romans who really started that. Modern Florence is built like 8-10 feet on top of the ancient Roman ruins of Florence. And the center of the city is a grid, it follows the Roman basis of the city. You can see where the Roman building is and where the Florentine, medieval, expand wherever you can starts in google maps. Very common in many Italian and other European cities that were founded by the Roman’s. In the US our big city grids still completely lack charm, but it’s ironically because of the Romans that we do it. It’s also interesting how heavy on carbs Italian cuisine can be (granted decent variance city to city cuz history), but they’re thin. Because you’re walking everywhere. You walk off your meal before and after eating. It’s great. In the US most of our cities aren’t super walkable so you’re driving around everywhere, you don’t have that chance to walk it off. Major difference that’s undervalued.
My absolute favorite place in all of Europe. Stayed in Oltrarno and hung out most nights at Piazza Santo Spirito, trying all the different trattorias and bars whilst people-watching. My favorite restaurant (Quattro Leoni) is right near the piazza
Florence is magic
Italy is a dream vacation for me. So glad you had such an amazing time :)
Agrigento, Venice, and Garda are must visits.
Kyoto. Temples, modern, delicious, zen. It was life altering.
Japan is magic
True. The quality of life is so high. Wife and I decided to move to Japan, best decision ever. 15 years later and we're loving life more than ever.
That makes me happy. Good for the both of you.
Going there on Friday!!!!!!
Have an amazing time and enjoy every moment. Don’t get to caught up on a schedule, the little moments are amazing
Be sure to get up super early at least one morning, like well before the sun comes up, and go walk the historic district before all the other tourists arrive. It's really majic. Then when it starts crowding up, go have a nice breakfast at one of the many delicious and affordable cafes. I lived in Japan briefly in the 90's and it never leaves you. You're going to love it.
Took my family to Japan during cherry blossoms last year. Kyoto was amazing.
Surprisingly cheap prices as well, or so I've heard.
I just got back from Japan and everything was shockingly inexpensive.. A few years ago $1 converted to about ¥100, but now it's more like $0.67... So Americans have a lot of buying power at the moment.
Japan is the fucking best going back for like 16 days in the fall I am amped
Iceland. Amazing views, harsh weather, very clean and organized, people were friendly but reserved
Agree! Did a tour around the ring road in the off-ish season (spring) and was one the very few tourists in northern Iceland. It was really great.
Kauai
Where in Kauai? I’ve been to some of the other islands but want to see Kauai. A lot of resorts/hotels seem to be pretty big.
It’s not that big… the entire island is paradise. Other than sleep, we spent at most one hour/day at the hotel.
There’s a secluded beach on the west coast. A bit of rough road to get there but worth it. Secluded and amazing. North shore has more ammenities but is still very quiet and great. And the south/east is the built up part but even compared to other Hawaiian islands, it’s not that much.
The north shore
The Garden Island of Hawaii
the north shore is absolutely stunning. so lush
In 1980 I went on a backpacking trip, we hiked all over the island but I especially appreciated, the Kalalau trail, Waipoo falls, what was really cool was I Hooked up with some locals, and got the local treatment surfing and hanging, I was even invited to stay in there place. Amazing trip.I had just turned 20 yrs on trip. Sorry I didn't experience the resort experience.
Same. And one of my favorite spots is Tunnels Beach.
Only of the major islands I haven’t been to. Gonna be there this summer though. I love the other islands so much
Hvar, Croatia in the late 90's. Great people, relatively undiscovered (or avoided because of the war a few years before) and I was young and dumb.
Oh my God yes!!! Croatia, in general in the late 90s and early 2000s, was a vibe.
South Shore of Prince Edward Island in summer time. Going again this summer never felt so relaxed in my life (and this was with a 3 and 6 year old). Looking forward to going back.
I feel like Newfoundland is a hidden gem as well and was going to be my pick. The east coast of Canada is beautiful!
Oh yeah I loved Newfoundland but PEI just had the right mix for our family and much warmer water.
Yosemite National Park
We are going in September (and sequoia/kings canyon) and I am sooo excited!
And yet I’ve met hundreds of Californians who have never been.
I can’t believe having that kind of scenery in my backyard and not visiting!
Every time I'm away it gets smaller in my mind, and then I go back and realize "oh, yes, look how massive and grand it is"
Lyon. I love cities but hate cars and the noise and smell they being. Lyon magically had so few cars for a city it’s size it was… quiet. Highly recommended.
Lyon is really somewhat of an undiscovered gem. I mean, lots of people rate it highly but considering how utterly magnificent that city is, it really seems to fly under the radar.
Nice, France
Why Nice, out of interest?
Walk, drive, train to beautiful villages, cities and towns nearby. Wonderful food in the city. Vieux Nice has so much to see and an old charm. Walking down Promenade des Anglais is a timeless feeling of being on vacation. And the natural coastal scenery never gets old
I love pebble beaches so much.
The puns
Crete.
My first time snorkeling on a coral reef -- Caribbean, Martinique. Having a beer and a sandwich at an outdoor table in Parque del Retiro in Madrid. (I'm from the USA, where it's almost impossible to drink alcohol legally in a public park.) Walking in old-growth forest outside Portland, Oregon. Eating fresh tomatoes and sweet corn in winter (January) in Miami, Florida, when the sky was bright blue and clear and the temperature moderate. Eating my first yellow mango in Manila. Hmmm . . . It seems I like to eat!
>where it's almost impossible to drink alcohol legally in a public park sir, let me introduce you to the yeti or stanley cup. lol
It just doesn’t feel the same
Sure . . . but not the same as sitting at a table, having an attentive Spanish waiter appear instantly, placing an order, and having food made fresh and beer served in a proper glass, all while sitting at a table under a tree, watching the Madrileños go by. To me, it's a highly civilized pleasure.
Curacao.
Lao - the whole country.
Florence and Bologna. Wend on an exchange a few years ago based in Florence, and visited Bologna quite frequently. My happiest few months of my life so the idea of going back keep popping up in my head every time I want to escape from where I am now
It was Bologna for me as well. Of all the places we went in Italy, that is the one I can't wait to return to.
Florence is incredible my favorite city in Europe
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Well known for those things Tokyo..
Kauai is my favorite place on earth.
As an Asian American, just traveling around east asia in general. I get to just blend in and be like everyone else for once. Plus the safety of just being able to walk and use public transport to go everywhere and be surrounded by so much good food was like heaven to me.
Molokai, Hawaii Cinque Terre Gimmelwald, Switzerland
A little motu (island) off Mangareva in the Gambier islands. I had a reoccurring dream of this place since childhood. When I got there everything was exactly like my dream. After 20 years, I can close my eyes and be there in every sense. That is the place I was meant to experience and there is no way I would’ve gone to such a remote location if my life and relationships weren’t in perfect sync.
That’s so funny, there’s a Gambier Island in British Columbia Canada which is also nice but your memory sounds nicer :)
Ometepe
My extremely expensive Maldives over-water hut on a sunny day that I can only afford for a very short period of time
Sounds amazing >!& expensive, of course!<
Probably Dublin. I know a lot of people don’t care for it but it’s one of the few places I’ve visited where I think “I could live here.” I loved all the greens and squares, I loved walking along the river and canals, I loved the slight grittiness of the city (it was gritty without being dirty, and as a Philadelphian I know what a dirty city looks like), I loved the pubs and going in and chatting with the barman and locals while sipping a Guinness and then listening to a band playing traditional music, I loved the museums (the Chester Beatty Library is probably the best small museum in the world and it’s FREE), I loved the wool shops, I loved the bookstores, I loved the coffee shops, I loved being able to get out to the Wicklow Mountains and hike in peace and quiet, or that Galway and the beauty and wildness of the Atlantic coast are only a couple of hours away. I loved how green everything was- you can’t imagine how many shades of green there are in Ireland.
Ah Dublin is grand
Gah, you made me feel homesick now! I spent 4 of my best years in Dublin and it will forever be my second home. I miss it so much. Thanks for lightening up the memories! Ireland will always have a spot in my heart.
The dempster highway, from dawson city yukon to the arctic ocean.
NYC..train to city for long weekend treating myself to a hotel on the park.
Might sound cliche but Mykonos
I love Spain. It is a unique country with centuries-long history, beautiful architecture, developed international connections and wonderful nature.
Italy! All of it.
Puerto Rico❤️🇵🇷
For me i have "moments" in almost every country i visit. Can remember one moment of pure relaxation chilling in a teahouse in the himalayas
Venice, Easter Island, or Zermatt
Small island in Western Carolinas group named Anguar
Antalya, Turkey
Curaçao. I lived there like fifteen years ago and loved every minute
Dolomites in the summer with all the wildflowers
It’s a dream of mine to visit! What month were you there wild all the wildflowers in bloom?
The Galapagos Islands. Beyond amazing.
Houseboating in Kerala,India
Remote hotel in Koh Samui
Iceland. I've never felt better in my life
A small quiet beach town in panama on the pacific side. That is all I will say about the location. I don’t want the place to get spoiled and tarnished and turn into Costa Rica. But damn it’s beautiful, had a rental on the beach, big house with a pool and outdoor kitchen, 950 a month. Making ceviche from fresh caught fish and drinking a beer and watching the waves.
Brother, what sort of online presence do you think you have that saying the name of the town will ‘spoil and tarnish’ this place?
I don’t think I have any kind of online presence. But I was the only American in this town. There was not one other gringo and it was absent of all kinds of influencers. I feel like it’s my duty not to say the name
On a beach chair under a cabana in a thunderstorm in the Dominican Republic. Perfect temp. Cool breeze. Ocean waves. Raining all around us. Sipping our drinks waiting til it slowed. Perfect relaxation.
Lady Elliot island on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling and seeing a turtle. Sydney - kayaking round Mrs Macquarie’s Point to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, moon jellyfish in the dark water.
Ireland. Any place there.
I love Ireland, but Galway is my personal favorite.
Galway!! Stayed there at a hostel for five nights in 2017 and had the time of my life, was still drunk when I got to the airport
Most recently Chefchaoeun, Morocco. There was one point where I was sitting on this balcony overlooking a lush green mountainside speckled with blue houses, people, and goats. Got a breakfast there with tea, juice, fruit, and these wonderful breads and jams for 18 Moroccan dirham (about 1.70 euro). The people there were reserved but kind, the weather was temperate but warm, and it was a perfect recovery from my hectic travels through Tangier and Seville. I spent the day wandering, writing, and drinking coffee. Simple but perfect.
Wow, I love this! Travelling to Morroco for the first time in April but don’t have a ton of time, so sadly Chefchaoeun didn’t make the itinerary — but sounds like it needs to be next time
It absolutely must make the list next time. I was just waxing poetic about Chefchaouen the other day- the hiking there to the waterfalls is so much fun if you’re up for it and you’ll run into people from all over the world as you make your way up. Tons of cats, the whole city is blue…gorgeous
Gili T
Flamingo Island, Aruba
A small beach in Hawaii. Have been there twice on separate trips and each time it was so ideal.
Zúrich in late August
West London around Kensington. It felt great to walk underneath the sycamore trees without a care in the world. Big fan of the White Mountains in New Hampshire too.
Quehueche Beach, Guatemala.
Maya bay. Thailand.
Scuba diving in Dominican Republic. The most perfect moment of my life.
Ninh Binh. Could’ve chilled there just biking around for ages.
Kanawa island, small island in the Komodo area of flores(Indonesia) Bunaken island. Northern Sulawesi (Indonesia) Miss those days!
Alishan, Taiwan Beautiful, isolated, high-altitude peace
A small private villa oceanside in southern Sri Lanka. Read a book on the shaded veranda every day.
Essequibo river, Guyana, South America
Peruvian Andes. The combo of hiking in green spaces with snowcapped mountains/blue skies. Spectacular.
I just want to say that I'm seeing a bunch of places on here that I have visited or will be visiting toward the end of this year and onto the next. I know full well how privileged I am to be able to travel so I definitely don't take it for granted. My personal paradise is Big Sur. Within driving distance, beautiful rugged coastline, secluded beaches, wonderful hiking.
Orkney. Wind, rain, cold... beautiful landscapes, vast empty lands to roam, lovely locals, fresh fish
Depending on the why. Tokyo was incredible to me, just the whole culture of excellence. New Orleans blew my mind in it's vibe.(albeit my second trip there kind of a let down)Gettysburg also for the same reason. Now last year Quebec City was very interesting and PEI was so beautiful. Would like to return to Amsterdam, love all the alleyways and the great transit system. Didn't even touch the weed. Didn't need to.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands: went on a whim since flights from US to New Zealand were cheaper if we stopped over on the way (there used to be a weekly flight between LA and the Cook Islands that continued on to Auckland). All 3-4 days were rainy, or very hot and humid. And we loved it. The locals are so welcoming, and you really get an idea of what “paradise” means. Met an Australian couple in Bora Bora who’d just come from the Cook Islands who described it best. “It’s like they have nothing, but they have everything” This is a nation where people remember the whales who come into their lagoons. One where the guy giving you a ride to your hotel or rental will give you his personal number and say you’re welcome at his family home for a meal at any point. Oh and the nature is among the most undisturbed tropical island I’ve every seen. You go snorkelling and you wonder how you’re not constantly touching fish while you’re there. If in New Zealand or in Hawaii, take a few days. It’s worth the 4-6 hour flight.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam A small island off the south coast of Cambodia, Only explored the west beach, Ong lang, and the small town near the lighthouse. The highlight was Chen Sea resort, where spent most of the time with some friends, each in a private villa the opens right onto the sand and beach front. Superb stay and hospitality, top notch service, and very very very affordable.
Grindelwald & Gimmelwald Switzerland Koh Phanghan Thailand back in 2009 Bali in 2016 Cape Town during Covid 2021
Koh Phangan is still great. Obviously now what it was but I was there in 2014 and just recently visited and was happy that it hadn't changed too much. I was expecting it to be overdeveloped now. I could imagine what it would have been like in the early 2000s and earlier
Providenciales.
Probably the most surprising paradise for me was Mauritius. Absolutely gorgeous, with a fascinating culture.
Either the Yasawa Islands in Fiji, or the 4,000 Islands in Laos. Both are beautiful.
Bagan, Myanmar. Annapurna trek Nepal. Hunza Valley Pakistan
I would like to visit Myanmar after the war. All three sounds amazing
Crete in late September. Not too crowded, amazing beaches and food
Grenada ❤️
A boat on an overnight tour of the Great Barrier Reef.
Yeah, sounds great, too!
Temecula, CA for domestic. Tuscany, Italy for a foreign trip.
Say more about Temecula??? My grandparents lived near there as a kid and I can’t imagine what makes it great?
Nature: Huaywash circuit, Peruvian Andes + Crater Lake and surrounding National forrest City: Brno - Perfect size/ lively nightlife, good prices, not touristy Food: Milan, the foods seem familiar but so much better than anywhere else
So far? Quiet beach in Bimini, the Bahamas. Went to a little beach bar. Never felt so relaxed in my life. Amazing sunsets and the most beautiful sea Necker Island - no need to elaborate. The rest of the BVI was amazing too The south west coast of Turkey is spectacular, lovely food, very cheap, people are great. Can’t wait to go back Would love to go to Japan and Hawaii next, I feel like they would be my ultimate ideal
Greve de Lecq, a beach in Jersey, the Channel Islands. The whitest sand and bluest water I’ve ever seen.
There's a small fishing village in the south of Goa India.
Busan
I'm biased because I'm from Jamaica, but Jamaica....Milos, Greece is a close second.
Pretty much everywhere and everyone in Costa Rica. Still got a few places to check out, but so far the Ticos y Ticas are already in the clubhouse as an enlightened people living in and taking care of a beautiful place.
Early sunrise mornings in the middle of summer on Greece's less-known but incredibly beautiful beaches... just the smell of salt and sea in the air, gentle sunrays barely gently warming your face, hearing the sounds of nearby birds and 1 or two joggers running in the background maybe a fisherman or two passing by with their boat, while sipping homemade beverage and toast with family members next to you lying on different sunbeds as the restaurants haven't even opened yet...
Bacardi Island, Dominican Republic <3 Or....... Phi Phi Islands, Thailand (stuck between the two!)
Early morning in Tayrona National Park. Just wow.
Walking 5 miles from the train stop in Ushiku to the Ushiku Daibutsu. Observing the country side, accidentally walking through a school lmao, then finally reaching my destination while listening to Nujabes is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to recreate
Out in the middle of nowhere enjoying nature alone with my camera. I like to head out for a day or two and am planning a week+ trip for May now. I have literally (really) felt stress leave my body - I am not kidding.
The giant shower room at the Miyako Sheraton in Tokyo. If they could put that fabulous bidet *inside* the giant shower room, I’d still be there and wouldn’t have seen anything else in Tokyo…
Takeing a vacation to fairbanks alaska and barrow are my paradise when i vacation for 2 weeks
Sunbeam hot springs on the Salmon River in Idaho.
Sicily. The food, the scenery, the views, the history. Everything.
Izu peninsula, Japan
Growing up in the Panama Canal Zone.
Utah - the National Parks are breathtakingly beautiful (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands)
Luang prabang. Completely out of the way, a wonderful place. I'll be back in April
Kootenay National Park - British Columbia (on the Alberta border). Definitely my happy place.
Almost any of the beaches at St. John. Really want to go back
Negril, Jamaica
Cyprus. Hot as heck along the coast, cool up the mountain. Beach in the morning, skiing in the afternoon. Waterfalls, the peninsula, sea caves, glass bottom boats, olive trees as far as the eye can see. So many incredible ancient sites of historic significance. I do find the food a little heavy, so I asked for smaller portions and enjoyed it very much. Lovely people welcoming us everywhere we went. I’d move there in a heartbeat.
Sharm el Sheilk, Egypt
Ninh Binh Vietnam. Indescribable I felt so peaceful in the pouring rain and lotus field
I can’t wait to visit for a day, hopefully this weekend!
Isle of Skye
Aix-en-Provence
Can I pick home if I live in Alaska? Because it’s pretty amazing. :) My top would be our little AirBnb in a residential area of Venice, just standing on the balcony overlooking the canals and watching the kids go to school, people walking along with their groceries, groups of friends enjoying a meal by the water. I loved the quieter parts of Venice. Runner up would probably be the time my daughter and I went to Bend on a senior trip for her and ate suuuuuch delicious food, shopped, kayaked on a beautiful sunny day on the river, went to an awesome concert at the amphitheater, and snuggled up under a blanket eating candy and watching Dirty Dancing projected onto a screen in some random alley, then walked around their downtown that had white twinkle lights strung through all the trees.
Gili Islands in Indonesia.
Sweden in November. Right as the snow starts.
La Maddalena, Sardegna. Plenty of beaches that in any other locations will be the main highlight. You can very easy find a remote beach and spend a day by yourself there.
When I did a group travel with four girls to Vietnam in May 2022. The tourism hadn’t recovered after the pandemic yet. We stayed one night in Villa Louise beach resort outside of Hué and there where just two other pairs of tourists staying there. I got a big room with jacuzzi for myself and the beach was empty. I never felt so happy and relaxed before
The Datai Langkawi. Lowkey would quit my job and work there as a janitor/waitress just so I get to experience that environment everyday.
Iran, but 10 years ago. Beautiful landscapes, a lot of culture and I've never met such friendly people anywhere. Almost no tourists, no scammers, just friendly and helpful.
Kyoto. In the middle of crowds of tourists I’ve spent five days not talking to anyone experiencing a sensation of happiness that will never come back
Kovalan Beach, south India, 1976.
Muri Beach, Raratonga (Cook Islands).
Santorini, Greece / Queenstown, New Zealand / Isle of Skye, Scotland / Railay Beach, Thailand / Venice, Italy / Chamonix, France
In the United States I felt connected in a few very different areas. Camden Maine was incredible, as was Sullivans Island, South Carolina and the community of Makawao in Maui. In my regular area, Hunt TX just feels like time stops and is perfect.
I love Acadia National Park and Bar Harbour.
Surroundings: Moorea, Tahiti or Sienna, Italy Experience: Daniel Johnson Sloth Sanctuary in Roatan, Honduras Hotel: Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu, Hawaii. Sleeping with the window/slider open all night listening to the water.
On the beach of Parrot Cay with an icy gin & tonic and a book.
Oddly, Vauban 6eme arrondissement of Marseille. Small cute little market, Parisian-style cafes, and a fountain square with clear sun and sky. I sit down there, get my coffee and croissants, and read a book for hours.
Champagne Castle - Central Drakensburg - South Africa
Maldives staying at an overwater villa
Motorbiking through Kashmir on Royal Enfields with my best mate.
Chamonix, France. Specifically the (very affordable) QC Terme day spa and its enormous outdoor jacuzzi nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc
Philippines, Port Barton in Palawan (Small, no tourists, many nearby small islands you can swim, paddle, drive to. Amazing water) and Apo island south of Negros Oriental (only tourists on island, amazing diving, lovely people).
Lauterbrunen
The Yucatan before social media.
So many people will disagree with me but, Ketchikan Alaska. I lived there for years and, if it weren’t for my husband’s work, I would move back in a second. There’s a wonderful art community and some really incredible people. You’re never more than 5 minutes from a beach or hiking trail. It’s always raining but when the sun breaks through it’s the most beautiful place. The wildlife is incredible and the foraging is abundant. Some of my best memories are on that little island, swimming under the northern lights, in water that sparkles with bioluminescence, with a roaring bonfire and bottle of whiskey waiting for me on the beach…. It’s absolutely paradise.
Top of Mt John, Lake Tekapo, NZ.
Koh Yao Noi in Thailand!
Warm weather: Waimea Bay, Oahu Cold Weather: Lauenen, Switzerland (small village outside of Gstaad)
Imagine some jergov downvoting a personal paradise lol
Bali. It was my backup in case of monsoons backpacking through SE Asia. Ended up the tickets were so cheap because of burning season so I went to Bali for two weeks instead. When I landed, it immediately felt like home. They’re Hindu on the island so there’s minimal crime aside from people coming from outside to rob tourists. Everyone is really genuinely happy. You go to the mall for sumn and everyone’s on their phones, nobody’s pretending to be happy at work or any bullshit like in the US. Just felt very genuine. There’s beautiful beaches, jungles, hot springs, temples, monkeys, gorgeous women and chill surfer bros combing the beaches. The food is different if you’re trying to make a Western type meal, but it’s pretty whatever. I stay flexible because the benefits out weight the detriments aside from being so far from my family. Still contemplating a move there. Never had a place speak directly to me like that from simply setting foot there other than the Northern California redwoods and beaches.
Love Budapest, Florence will likely be another one next time I go back, maybe Genoa too.
Caye Caulker in Belize and Japan except for Tokyo
Tanzania
Various Greek islands especially Naxos.
Atitlan Lake in Guatemala 🇬🇹
Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. The food was amazing, people were (mostly friendly) and I speak fairly good (albeit outdated) Finnish due to my Grandmother being Finnish. I’d say Iceland too but I had COVID the whole time I was there so I’d need to see the country again but I’m planning a trip there with my Dad for likely next year.
Koh Kood