I’m a Travel Writer and These Are the 12 Top Places I’ve Been To – Part III
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If you asked me 5-6 years ago, I would have told you that traveling was not my thing. Luckily, I found my wanderlust that led me to discover some captivating destinations, from bustling metropolises to nature reserves. While each place you travel to has a unique charm and story to be discovered, traveling is about destinations that captivate you and even make you wonder why you didn’t visit earlier.
That being said, what really matters are the best places I have been to and those that I absolutely want to visit again. I’ve curated a collection of the twelve most unforgettable destinations I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. Read on in case you are wondering what my absolute favorite destinations are as a travel writer.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County, Kenya
Maasai Mara is hands down the best destination I have been to. For my 2023 birthday, I went on a three-day safari, and I would definitely be going back. Three days were just not enough.
I spent two whole days roaming around the park and witnessed the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. The park is also home to giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and hyenas, among many other animals. I had definitely seen a good number of these animals in zoos, but the experience of seeing them coexist in their natural habitat is magical—all nature enthusiasts should experience this.
My highlights were having a bush breakfast, watching a group of lions hunt down a buffalo, watching the wildebeest cross the Mara River, and experiencing magical sunsets.
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There are many more activities you can indulge in, including hot air balloon safaris for panoramic views of the park, a visit to the Maasai villages for cultural immersion, and wildlife photography lessons for anyone who is into capturing vivid wildlife photographs. I did not participate in these activities, but they are majorly why I want to go back so badly.
I stayed at Simba + Oryx Nature Camp, and it only elevated my safari experience. There is no barrier separating the park from the camp, and at night, you could hear hyenas howl or see animals come by the campsite’s limit. Depending on the experience you want, you can choose from many luxury camps and some backcountry options. Simba + Oryx is mid-range and has all the amenities you may need for a safari trip.
Read also: Cheapest Destinations in the World
Paris, France
Every so often, you visit a place that captures your heart. Paris is one such place for me, and of course, for many other tourists. I arrived in France for a language exchange program and was supposed to head down to Lyon, where I would be based. The initial plan was to fully settle in Lyon before returning to explore charming Paris. To be honest, all I wanted to see was the Eiffel Tower.
At the last minute, after our arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, my friends and I decided to find storage lockers at the airport and head out to see the Eiffel Tower before heading back to our respective destinations. As you would have expected, many of us missed our trains to our destinations, but it was very much worth it.
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During the rest of my stay, I visited Paris so many times just to see the Eiffel Tower from all angles, during the day, at night, and during the holidays—I was obsessed. Yes, I discovered other areas like the Musee d’Orsay, Louvre, the charming Montmartre and its many hidden gems, Château de Versailles, but the Eiffel Tower was always the center of my attention, and why I kept going back.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the World
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa is the most sought-after city on the Kenyan coast, especially for people looking for family-friendly destinations. The city offers many scenic coastal adventures and has a rich history to explore.
The Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, locally called Pirates Beach, is the most popular among locals. Here, you can go swimming, people-watching, or relaxing as you enjoy the most extensive and busiest beach in Kenya.
However, to avoid crowds, you may consider other beaches like Diani Beach, Bamburi Beach, Tiwi Beach, and Watamu Beach which are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
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For more coastal adventures, you can go dolphin watching, boat riding, or on sunset cruises.
Beyond the beaches, you can visit the historic UNESCO site, Fort Jesus; see hippos at Haller Park, take lovely photos with friendly wild animals at Nguuni Nature Reserve, or explore coral reefs and other marine creatures at Mombasa Marine National Park.
Read also: Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime
Lyon, France
If there is one reason I would want to go back to Lyon, it is to experience the Fete des Lumieres (Light Festival), which happens for three days every December. There are many things to experience in Lyon, but this was my favorite.
Beyond the festival’s flashing lights, explore the vast and charming Parc de la Tête d’Or, the confluence where the Saone and Rhone rivers merge, Old Lyon, the Fine Arts Museum, and The Lyon Roman Ruins. and Fourvière Basilica. You may also want to make time for the city’s charming squares, like Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.
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Your trip to Lyon is not complete without indulging in its rich culinary scene – there is a good reason it is referred to as the Gastronomical Capital of France.
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Lamu, Kenya
I like to think that Lamu offers better coastal experiences than Mombasa, but for some reason, many locals and even tourists still choose Mombasa over it. Lamu is locally referred to as “ Lamu Tamu,” which is the Swahili for “Sweet Lamu,” and after spending a week on the island, I can confidently say that it lives up to this moniker.
For starters, car transportation is not used on the island. People move around on donkeys, motorbikes, or on foot. If you are looking for a car-free destination, then you would like to explore the narrow and ancient streets of Lamu.
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Lamu Old Town is a gem history buffs would like to discover as the past presence of the Arab, Portuguese, Omani, and Indian settlers can still be seen.
You can then visit the scenic Shela Beach, watch sunsets from the dunes, or swim to Manda Island.
Whatever you do, you cannot leave Lamu without taking sunrise or sunset cruises on the traditional dhows.
Read also: Incredible Hidden Gems Across the World
Grenoble, France
I visited Grenoble on a weekend trip from Lyon, and it was worth it. I especially loved the views of the mountains surrounding the city—they were absolutely scenic.
You can hike up or take a cable car ride to the Bastille Fort when visiting. This scenic journey eventually rewards you with panoramic views of the city and the stunning mountain ranges.
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You may also want to visit the Grenoble Museum of Art, Saint-Laurent Archaeological Museum, Paul Mistral Park, or walk along the Isere River.
Read also: Incredible Natural Wonders Across the Globe
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is the world’s only capital city with a national park within its limits. If seeing wild animals in their natural habitat, but with a stunning backdrop of a city’s skyline is something you would fancy, then you need to add Nairobi National Park to your bucket list. The park is home to numerous species of animals, but some notable ones include lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
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Having lived in the city for nearly a decade, I still find something new to discover every time I want to go out. Some unmissable spots include The Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Museum, hiking in the Karura Forest, feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Center, exploring the traditional and ancient ways of living of the Kenyan communities at the Bomas of Kenya, or marveling at the city’s skyline on top of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
A great day trip would be to the Limuru tea farms, which are about one hour from the city center. I have done this so many times, but I never get enough of how scenic the tea farms are.
Read also: Amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries
Annecy, France
Taken as a day trip from Lyon, Annecy is a charming lakeside city that I absolutely fell in love with. From history to natural scenery, this small city has so much to see and experience. If you are into Instagrammable destinations, this city’s lakeside promenade is something you and your social media will like.
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Other than marveling at the scenic Lake Annecy, other top sights you do not want to miss include the Pont des Amours bridge, Albigny Grass Beach, Marquisats Beach, the history-filled Annecy Old Town, and the Annecy Castle.
Read also: Rediscovered Ancient Cities
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is a charming city on the coast of Tanzania. Although it is not the capital of Tanzania, it is the largest and busiest city in the country. While many tourists use Dar es Salaam as a gateway to Zanzibar, Dar has a lot to offer on its own, and you should spare a few days to fully experience it.
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The coastal city has so much to offer, from stunning beaches to fantastic coral reefs perfect for snorkeling adventures. Coco Beach, the most popular among locals, offers opportunities to relax and sunbathe all day. Find a spot on the beach and just relax, walk on the golden sands, and enjoy the scenery of the ocean and the palm trees as you sample the local street foods.
If you like shopping or interacting with local vendors, you would like to experience Kivukoni Fish Market, Kariakoo, and The Slipway.
Read also: Awesome Paradise Islands
Strasbourg, France
La Petite France, a neighborhood in Strasbourg, is a scene out of a fairy-tale movie. Charming waterways, antique bridges, cobblestone streets, flower-lined streets, and half-timbered Bavarian-style houses reflected on the canals’ waters—you have every reason to get your camera ready when visiting La Petite France.
I also loved the Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg. Again, this is for you if you are into history and landmarks.
Although I did not attend it, I hear Strasbourg has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you are a fan of Christmas markets, this is a great city to add to your December bucket list.
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Other top sights to consider include Orangerie Park, the Alsatian Museum, and the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
My initial plan when visiting Strasbourg was to have a day trip to the fairy-tale city of Colmar, but things didn’t work out as planned, so I decided to bask in Strasbourg’s beauty. Luckily, it turned out to be one of those trips you want to do again.
Read also: Iconic Places
Geneva, Switzerland
I also toured Geneva as a day trip from Lyon, and it is a place with many offerings for tourists.
I absolutely loved the Broken Chair and the Jet d’Eau (the Geneva Water Fountain), which I thought were the most Instagrammable places in Geneva. If you are into chasing landmarks like me, these are two things you should spare enough time for when visiting Geneva. Just a few meters from the Jet d’Eau lies Bains de Paquis, which is more of a “city beach” and offers fantastic views of Lake Geneva.
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Other notable sights you may like include the Conservatory and Botanical Garden and the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which lets tourists explore the organization’s episodes and challenges of humanitarian action.
I visited around Christmas, and they had a little charming Christmas market on the banks of Lake Geneva.
Read also: Stunning Waterfalls in the World
Kigali, Rwanda
I had a Rwandan professor in my undergraduate studies who constantly and affectionately talked about his hometown, Kigali. It’s safe to say that he initiated my classmates and me into loving the city long before we visited it.
Kigali, the capital city that has constantly been ranked the cleanest and safest in Africa, has much to explore, especially in terms of history.
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The highlight of my trip was the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, which holds memories of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, which claimed close to a million lives in under 100 days. From skulls, photos, and clothes, this center holds a vast collection of memorial artifacts of the victims.
Other great spots to swing by in Kigali include the Niyo Arts Gallery, Kimironko Market, and Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park.
Read also: Surreal Landscapes on Earth
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
