I’m a Travel Writer and These Are the 12 Top Places I’ve Been To – Part II
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As a travel writer, I’m often asked where I go on vacation. However, perhaps the better question is, where do I want to return? The world is full of fascinating destinations that broaden the mind, energize the soul, and allow us to experience things beyond our wildest imaginations.
However, it takes a special place to make you want to go back, especially when your goal is to visit all the countries in the world like mine. With that in mind, I will share the 12 top places I’ve visited. The places I’ve chosen make my list simply because I love them more than anywhere else I’ve ever been.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation near the south coast of India in South Asia. Famed for its beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, delicious cuisine, and rich cultures, it’s a place that truly stole my heart.
The south coast is dotted with vibrant seaside towns offering sun, sand, and sea, while the mountainous central region is home to iconic hiking trails and impressive mountain views. Better still, the island’s national parks are teeming with wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and monkeys.
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When you’re not snorkeling with sea turtles off the golden sand beaches of Mirrissa and Hikaduwa, you’ll find yourself on safari in Udawalawe National Park or climbing to the top of the historic Sigiriya Rock.
Read more: Iconic Places
Borneo
Borneo is another island destination I can’t pin down to one location. The entire island is mesmerizing. However, I particularly love Malaysian Borneo. Malaysian Borneo is one of my favorite places because of the wildlife-watching opportunities available. In Malaysian Borneo, travelers can find endless ancient rainforests to explore on foot or by boat.
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On the Kinabatangan River, you can cruise through the rainforest searching for Borneo pygmy elephants, pig-tailed macaques, crocodiles, and the elusive orangutan. Suppose you don’t find me admiring wild orangutans in Borneo. In that case, you’ll likely find me at one of the many wildlife rehabilitation centers or tucking into local cuisine in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu.
Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a relatively small island belonging to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. However, despite its size, it is Indonesia’s most popular island, and with good reason. This breathtaking island has it all: from long white sand beaches with turquoise waters and towering waterfalls to quaint handicraft markets and impressive ancient temples, Bali isn’t somewhere you should miss.
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My favorite things to do in Bali include watching macaques in the Ubud Monkey Sanctuary, releasing sea turtles in Kuta, partying the night away at Finn’s Beach Club, and visiting the many temples. Bali is also a surfer’s paradise, but I spend most of my time falling off the board, so I usually leave that to the professionals.
Read also: Small Towns Out of a Fairy Tale
Cusco, Peru
Peru is a vast country famous for the Andes Mountain Range, a large section of the Amazon Rainforest, and ancient Incan history, which includes the world-famous Machu Picchu ruins. However, for me, the ancient city of Cusco takes the crown. This breathtaking city is a history buff’s dream, found at 11,151 feet (3,399 meters) in the Peruvian Andes.
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Across the city, travelers are treated to incredible examples of Spanish colonial architecture and archaeological remains. Plaza de Armas is the central square in the Old City. Here, you’ll find Incan wall ruins, charming wooden balconies, and Cusco Cathedral. You can also take in the stunning scenery in the mountains surrounding the city and explore ancient Incan ruins such as Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay.
Read more: Must-Visit Cities in the World
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. It makes my list because it offers a fantastic balance of relaxation, history, and adventure. When you’re not soaking it up at Pefki Beach or hiking to Lindos Acropolis, you’ll explore the winding streets of Rhodes Old Town and jump into the crystalline waters on a boat tour.
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Pefkos is my favorite place to stay on the island. This charming town has a gorgeous golden sand beach, many restaurants, and many lovely vacation resorts. From Pefkos, visiting the rest of the island is easy, too! I enjoyed visiting Rhodes Old Town and Faliraki Waterpark during my vacation. In Rhodes Old Town, you’ll find medieval streets and the location where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities Around the Globe
Cape Town, South Africa
Found at the southern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is an incredible city jam-packed with things to see and do. Cape Town is perfect if you love walking along sandy beaches, mountain hiking, eating at fancy restaurants, and searching for wildlife. Popular things to do in the city include taking the cable car up the iconic Table Mountain, visiting Robben Island Prison, swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, and hiking up Lion’s Head.
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Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit one of the game reserves near the city to go on safari and search for lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. Some lesser-known hidden gems in Cape Town I enjoy visiting include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, and V&A Waterfront.
Read also: Visa-Free Countries
The Isle of Skye, Scotland
I’m from the United Kingdom and have been lucky enough to travel through four continents. However, Scotland is still one of my favorite places, especially the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is a large island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Connected to mainland Scotland via a small bridge, the island is known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, and vibrant fishing villages.
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The Isle is also home to an array of wildlife. It’s common to spot basking sharks, orcas, and golden eagles. You can spot wildlife on a boat tour from Portree. Meanwhile, hikers will love walking up the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools. Other popular attractions include the Fairy Glen, Neist Point Lighthouse, and Quiraing.
Read also: Secret Romantic Getaways
Oslo, Norway
Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a lively city along the country’s southern coast. It makes this list because it offers everything I look for in a city break: exciting attractions, picturesque walks, good food, and a lively atmosphere. Oslo has it all!
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You can learn everything about the city and its Viking history at the Viking Ship Museum, explore the stunning Oslofjord scenery on a traditional ship tour, try local food at Oslo Street Food, and take in panoramic sunset views from the top of the Oslo Opera House. Besides visiting these places, the best way to explore Oslo is simply walking around. Walking around the city, you’ll pass various landmarks, viewpoints, and boutique shops.
Read also: World Capitals With Rich Cultural Heritage
Stockholm, Sweden
Another Scandinavian destination I quickly fell in love with was Stockholm. Like Oslo, Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is home to countless attractions, fascinating landmarks, breathtaking architecture, and delicious food. You should start your visit at Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Here, you’ll find the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, and vibrant buildings dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries.
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Stockholm also has a vast archipelago dotted with colorful islands and wildlife. You can visit the archipelago on a boat trip from the main harbor. Other notable attractions I recommend visiting in Stockholm include the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Stockholm City Hall. Oh, and don’t miss the quirky ABBA museum, either!
Read also: Hidden Gems Across the Globe
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a historic city in southern Croatia, known for its distinctive Old Town and ancient walls. Like many, I fell for the city’s charm and elegance. The best way to explore the city is by getting lost down the small alleys and walking along the city walls.
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Completed in the 16th century, Dubrovnik’s walls circle the entire Old Town, stretching for 6,360 feet (1,940 meters). You can admire the panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s orange-tiled buildings from the walls and look out into the Mediterranean Sea. However, for the city’s best views, take the cable car to Mount Srd. Other locations in the city you should visit include Fort Lovrijenac, St. Blaise Church, and the Stadun (Main Street).
Read also: Movie Locations You Can Visit
Manali, India
As far as scenic views are concerned, I’ve never been anywhere as picturesque as Manali. Manali is a Himalayan resort town located high in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. As you can probably imagine from anywhere in the Himalayas, this small town is surrounded by tall snow-capped mountains.
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Hiking in Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. You’ll find epic views, Himalayan wildlife, and endless trails here. Adrenaline junkies might also be pleased to hear you can participate in various adventure activities in Manali. Possibilities include skiing, paragliding, and rafting. If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, walk along the Beas River or head into the town to enjoy the local markets, Indian cuisine, and the Buddhist Monastery.
Read also: Most Beautiful Countries
Kefalonia, Greece
I couldn’t help but include another Greek island on my list. This time, I have Kefalonia for you. Kefalonia is west of mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea. It features a rugged landscape and long sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.
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Kefalonia is also home to several traditional Greek towns and villages, where you’ll find charming tavernas and beautiful architecture. Kefalonia makes my list because it’s the perfect destination for a summer vacation. You can spend your time eating and drinking delicious food and drink, relaxing at some of the best beaches in Greece, and exploring historical sites. Some of my favorite points of interest on the island include Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, Asos, and Argostoli.
Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
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