Top 3 Favorite Countries To Visit in the World

For as long as I’ve been traveling, everyone always asks about my favorite countries to visit. I’ve been to 37, but these are my top 3 in no particular order:

Bariloche, Argentina

Argentina

It’s the diversity of landscapes for me. Argentina has mountains, desert, rainforest, glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, and more. The country has huge protected national parks, along with spectacular hiking trails in each. It’s a nature lovers dream.

It’s also a city girl’s dream. Buenos Aires is one of the best cities in the world. I’ve spent 9 months there and it’s never enough. It has amazing restaurants, cafes, bars, markets, parks, and theaters. There is always something to do and a train, bus, or cab to get you there. It’s also flat and easy to traverse by foot.

Argentinian food is no fuss. Steak, potatoes, empanadas, bread, pizza, and facturas (breakfast pastries). It’s hardy, but it’s also high quality, locally sourced, and fresh. Add to that top tier wine from gorgeous vineyards and artisanal beers from local breweries.

The people are very direct. This means they say exactly what they think, often before you can ask. As honest as they are, they are also deeply passionate and patriotic. I saw grown men get choked up over the 2022 World Cup win, weeks and months after.

Avoid going to Buenos Aires in January/February when the humid heat is unbearable. The rest of the country’s weather varies greatly. Make sure to check it out before you book.

Syros, Greece

Greece

As vibey as every image portrays it: a blue & white oasis in the middle of the sea. The most famous islands (Mykonos, Santorini, etc.) are in the South. My favorite, Corfu, is in the North West. Unlike the others, it is evergreen and lush. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

The best part is the energy of the people. There is no sense of urgency. Everyone is taking it easy, eating well, and enjoying the views. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Then there’s the food which includes most of my favorite ingredients: olive oil, cucumbers, tomatoes, seafood, bread, leafy greens, and fruit. I used to hate yogurt until I had it there and now I can’t stop. Even the cheap, late night gyros taste fresh and yummy.

Avoid going in peak summer when the crowds are insane. The biggest reason for this is that major cruise ships dock at the smaller islands during the day. Wait until September when the sea is still warm but the tourists have dwindled down.

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic*

*Outside of the resorts

DR might seem scary, perhaps a bit too rustic, but that’s also part of the charm. No where else can you see a family of four and their dog casually riding one motorcycle. No where else is music blasting at ALL times of the day but you can’t tell exactly where it’s coming from, like a distant echo.

The people are honest, funny, and deeply caring. I have traveled around DR solo and found that it’s one of the best places to travel because everyone is so metido (in each other’s business) that you can always find help. If you ask someone for directions and they don’t know, they will go out of their way to find someone who does.

You can head to the capital for history & culture, a beach town for rest & relaxation, or the mountains for hiking & adventure. You can stay in a luxury villa overlooking the sea or camp in a tent by a river. For transportation either rent a car, get a driver, or catch local buses from Caribe Tours around the island.

Keep your head on a swivel, dance often, and do NOT fall in love with a Dominican man. I don’t care what he says, he wants a green card outta you mami.