15 Amazing Travel Recommendations Around the World
Last week, someone asked me for first time travel recommendations. The problem is, good recommendations truly depend on you, what you like, and what you’re looking for. So, I made a short list of great places for different preferences.
I only included places I have been to. The world is massive and I’m sure there are better options for some of these “categories.”
Bocas del Toro, Panama
1. If You Have a Short Amount of Time:
Caribbean Islands No, not just for resort stays. You can find incredible countryside AirBnbs, cultural experiences, and jungle hikes when you leave the beach.
2. If You Have a Long Amount of Time:
European Cities are so easy to travel between that it’s a waste to only visit one. You can cover multiple countries, cities, and cultures within a couple of weeks. I love Amsterdam, London, Porto, and Barcelona. Make sure to give yourself rest days!
3. For Nature Lovers
Costa Rica has rich, well protected land. You can see wildlife casually crossing the street as you head to lunch. Monkeys, iguanas, vultures, spiders, you name it. The snorkeling and diving is especially magical on the Pacific side.
4. For City People
Buenos Aires is a perfect, flat walking city. Public transportation and taxis are easy to take. Each neighborhood has cafes, shops, & beautiful architecture. There are theater performances, concerts, and parties every night of the week. Finally, the restaurants have high quality international foods. (Except the sushi.) What more could you want?
5. For Hikers
Patagonia has unbeatable, rugged landscapes. The trail photos alone should convince you to pack your bags. If they don’t, remember that breweries, estancias, glaciers, and Patagonian lamb steaks also exist.
6. For City & Nature People
Vancouver is a cool city with an entire island completely dedicated to a food market. If you drive an hour in any direction outside of the city, you will find stunning viewpoints, hikes, hot springs, and more.
7. For City and Nature People who Speak Spanish*
Medellin is obviously a great time due to the people, parties, and party favors. But it’s also “the city of eternal spring” which means it has great weather year round. In the surrounding hills you can find waterfalls, rivers, and rich coffee farms. Remember to visit Guatape only two hours away and hike up the big rock (pictured above).
*You can get by without knowing Spanish … but it’s much easier if you do.
8. To Have a Boho Moment
Bali Something in the air there makes you want to eat a smoothie out of a bowl and practice a type of yoga you can’t pronounce. The entire island feels like a sound bath and the air always smells like incense from the daily offerings to the Hindu Gods.
9. With Your Lover:
Greece is the kind of place where you never need to leave your hotel room, just stare out the window into the endless blue vista and … do other things …
10. If You Like Spontaneous Adventures:
Guatemala was surprisingly easy to navigate. I booked everything 1-2 days out and always found a direct shuttle bus and hotel stay. Locals were kind and helpful. The long drives were worth it as there were spectacular views all over. I would go back just to watch the sunrise from Acatenango (pictured below).
11. For a Happy Belly:
Basque Country, Spain has the best food I’ve ever had. Period.
12. For a Culture Shock:
India. Nothing can prepare you for the complete sensory experience that is India. Everything looks, sounds, smells, and tastes different.
13. For Food & Culture:
Peru is diverse and large enough that you can go for a month and barely scratch the surface. There are ancient ruins scattered all over, if you love history. But the best part, for me, was the fresh, local food. I ate three course meals every single day.
Formentera, Spain (Ibiza in the background)
14. If You’re Rich
Formentera, Spain is Ibiza’s calm younger sister. If you hook up with Ibiza, you marry Formentera. The food is exquisite, the beaches have crystal clear turquoise water, and scooters are super easy to rent and ride. If you’re rich, rent a yacht instead and avoid hiking to beach coves with common folk. And get a sea view villa. Obviously.
15. For Your First Time:
Whatever place that has been gnawing at you for years but you keep avoiding it.
Go there.
