There’s nowhere left to go. We’ve been everywhere. There’s no point in going anywhere, because we’ve already been everywhere. I don’t travel because I’ve already been to too many places.
If you ever find yourself saying any of those words, chances are you’re lying to yourself, because you’re not fooling anyone…. okay, maybe just not me. The UN confirms that there are exactly 195 countries in the world. And about a hundred of them are safe enough to be travelled to. So when you tell yourself that you’ve been everywhere, you most likely really haven’t.
New Year, New You! You should try to travel to as many new and fun locations as possible. But finding someplace that suits your needs while providing a fun and exciting adventure can pose a challenge. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. That’s why I compiled a list of the top 15 best places to visit in the WORLD. Here is a list of the best traveler-checked places to go.
- Maui, Hawaii – While Hawaii is widely known as a beautiful paradise, few people know that tourists flock to Maui, heralded as the crown jewel of the Hawaiian Archipelago. I’ve been to Maui twice, and both times have been super fun. Check out this video for more info on Hawaii (it’s me y’all!). Try visiting some of the other islands if you’ve already been to Maui: Kawaii is a relaxer’s paradise, with the palm trees, resorts, and blue waters that come to mind whenever Hawaii is mentioned, Big Island is known for its snorkeling (regarded as the best in the world, by many, including me) large volcanic formations and caves, and O’ahu boasts the family favorite Dole Pineapple Maze, commercial resorts, and other tourist-centered activities, along with the commercial capital city of Honolulu. (Vegetarians be warned – Being a set of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean usually indicates that there will be more meat and seafood than veggies; I’m vegetarian and can confirm firsthand.)
- Cancún, Mexico – With world wonder Chichén Itzá and fan favorite snorkeling at Cozumel nearby, Cancún is definitely one of the best Mexican destinations out there. Cancún, along with Playa del Carmen’s breathtaking beaches and Tulum’s cultural Mayan sites, is another go-to location. The Hotel Zone, boasting beautiful resorts and tourist-heavy private beaches, and La Isla Cancún’s authentic taste restaurants are a must see. Having stayed in the Hotel Zone’s Marriott myself, I really enjoyed the entire experience and would recommend Cancún to everyone.
- France – France welcomes over 90 million tourists each year, boasting more tourists than actual residents in most cities. With the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, and just the general zeitgeist of the country, France is a must-see during any European vacation. It’s a good idea to learn a little of the language of love and brush up on history before heading into France. Whatever you do, please don’t come back without seeing the iconic Louvre and it’s pyramid.
- Sydney, Australia – Many people think of Australia as rural or undeveloped, Australia is far from that. While parts of Australia, are certainly more on the exotic side of the spectrum, having cousins there myself, I can say with a hundred percent certainty that Melbourne, along with the booming cultural hubs of Sydney and Brisbane, is a place that all travelers should include on their bucket list. Be sure to add these spots to your itinerary: definitely the iconic Sydney Harbor, Melbourne’s Royal Victoria Gardens and Federation Square, one of the hundreds of coffee shops and boutiques that decorate the cobbled pathways, and the sun soaked idyllic islands of Brisbane and the panoramic views atop its Story Bridge.
- India – Though widely regarded as unsafe, dirty, and not worth traveling to, India is a cultural gem for anyone and everyone. Safety can be problem in the bustling cities of India, but if you just remember a couple of tips from this list, you’ll be fine. National Park and wildlife stans can visit Uttarakhand, where you can take a safari in the early hours of the night in Jim Corbett National Park, or you can explore the culture and famed bustle of New Delhi, where a different car honk every few seconds replaces the quiet natural buzz of other cities. And don’t forget to take a day trip to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal (it’s likely THE most famous world wonders!) and the Red Fort or Qutub Minar monument. Catch a game of cricket before leaving, if you’re interested in sports. (Warning: Avoid drinking unbottled water and avoid heading into pollution-heavy cities, such as New Delhi, India.)
- Italy and Greece – Deciding between Italy and Greece was tough one, so why not both? History aficionados will eagerly flock to Rome, while art and culture enthusiasts may head to Florence, the head of the Renaissance, and once home to the likes of Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli. Visit Athena’s temple in Greece, the Parthenon, and take delight in the wondrous stories of the gods named after our planets (sorry Greeks). Pick up some Latin or Greek (depending on whether you’re a Jason or Percy fan), and mingle with the locals, considered to be some of the friendliest on Earth. DISCLAIMER: Please do not visit Italy during this outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Switzerland – With epic train rides, yodelling, and the Swiss Alps, what’s not to like about Switerzland? Known for its greenery and beautiful scenery, along with its chocolatey history (remember to take a chocolate factory tour!), be sure to take a hike in the Swiss National Park or marvel at the mesmerising Aletsch Glacier. Walk on the cobbled streets of Bern, the capital city, and take in the 16th century architecture mixed in with contemporary urbanism.
- San Francisco, America – I had to put this on the list for all the other Californians out there. Boasting Crooked Street, the Ghirardellhi Chocolate Factory, and an urban hip population, THE CITY is the place to be. Take a day trip to Pismo Beach, where you can take an ATV ride on its picturesque beaches, or visit Yosemite’s breathtaking waterfalls. Or go further down south to Hollywood, LA, and San Diego, (where I was born!) and visit the famous zoo or take a swim at Imperial Beach. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, attracting over 10 million tourists a year alone, is a must-see. The USA, being such a huge country, cannot be discovered in one vacation. I recommend taking multiple trips, one to the East Coast (New York, Boston, Washington DC, Florida), one to the West Coast, and one to the midwest (New Orleans, Chicago, Ohio, Texas). Each home to its own unique cultures, these travel hubs are among the best places to visit in the US.
- Costa Rica – This beautiful country is the prime place to travel for nature-lovers and others alike. With ziplining, hiking, and a movie-style wooden bridge, Monteverde Cloud Forest is the place to enjoy breathtaking scenery, gawk at the colorful flora and fauna, and hike until your legs fall off. Costa Rica is honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, and there’s just so much to do. Take a tour of Tortuguero, where turtles regularly nest on the sandy beaches, and kayak in the blue waters. Definitely go to Arenal and spend the day at Baldi Hot Springs, with unlimited lunch/dinner buffets. Or if you would like to avoid breaking your wallet, go to a natural cave/sewer hot spring with rushing warm water. Don’t worry, there’s lots of other people there, but the water is quite rough, and there are rocks (so don’t wear your best swimmers unless you want to end up with holes in them). It’s a FREE alternative to Baldi, and it’s a lot more fun as well; it’s like a water slide that slides you across the ground on its own. (But be careful – my brother got sick at one of the two springs!)
- Tahiti – While Tahiti is technically a part of France, anyone who really knows about this beautiful island in the French Polynesia will know that it deserves its own place on this list. Visit the capital, Papeete, and shop until you drop at its famous Papeete Market. Take in nature’s wonders, the picturesque waterfalls of Mount Orohena. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the native island Polynesian culture at the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles (that’s a handful…). For more waterfalls, head to Faarumai Waterfall or Point Venus, a beautiful lighthouse and beach. Whatever you choose, just remember to not be afraid of venturing into the unknown depths of Tahiti. In other words… Get a little adventurous!
- Bangkok, Thailand – Bangkok, known for its vibrant atmosphere and ornate shrines, is a wondrous example of a culmination of the many cultures that pervade Asia. Be sure to take a boat ride down the busy Chao Phraya River, one canal in a large system of many. In the Rattanakosin royal district, you can visit the sacred Wat Phra Kaew temple or one of the many garnished grand palaces. And of course, don’t leave without tasting the Thai food, naturally some of the best in the world. Mixed with traditional thai and a special mix of herbs influenced by the Teochew. Bangkok also boasts a slew of tourist attractions: the Chatuchak Weekend Market, luxury malls and local shopping centers, and legendary nightlife.
OK then! You’ve probably realized that there are a lot of places you haven’t been. So, once the whole COVID-19 outbreak finally ends, you know where you have to be.
Happy traveling all! 🙂
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Dream Family Travel 