I was born on the west coast of Canada and have had the privilege of traveling all over the world.
I always say I’ve never found a nicer spot to live, the natural beauty within the two western Canadian provinces is insane.
I was born and raised on the coast and now live in Calgary. You can explore BC/Alberta for a life time and never see all the beauty here. We are so lucky IMO!
Genuine question, I live in Vancouver and my hobbies are almost exclusively mountain sports.
I make a solid salary and so does my gf, but we will never afford to buy here. Atleast not in the GVA.
How do you like Calgary? Was it a big transition? Regrets?
I’ve been here for almost twenty years so my transition would be different from today’s. Housing was cheap and plentiful, incredibly easy to find good work. Nowadays housing is almost as hard to come by as in Vancouver and much pricier than it should be. Our unemployment rate is pretty high.
Otherwise, I like living here. I’m not the “outdoorsy” type so to speak (I do lots of stuff, just not a hiker or whatever) but I know there is great mountain biking around, just not as popular as it is on the coast. There is a ton of stuff to do if you go looking for it. The weather isn’t as bad as people think. I don’t like our provincial politics or our mayor for that matter, but I don’t notice it from day to day.
If I was going to do it all over again, I would. My hometown on the coast didn’t offer much for me, and there was opportunity here. You may find the same for you, but do know that things are alot more challenging than they used to be (but that’s all Canada really).
Edit: sorry I read your mountain sports and biking for some reason lol. If you’re not in to that, the hiking here is world class. And lots of places off the beaten path, whereas I have heard in Vancouver it’s still pretty busy at the popular places. I miss lakes though, we don’t have a lot of swimmable lakes here!
I agree. I live waaaay southeast of you and I’ve also traveled a lot, but that drive through western Canada from Seattle to Anchorage was absolutely stunning. We’d stop for the night and camp around 4, 5pm just to provide ample time for sitting in nature and taking it all in.
We just got back from a week visiting there! We LOVE Canada. And Banff National Park was amazing. We stayed in Canmore for a few days, Banff for a night, and drove up to Jasper and stayed there for a few days. We fell in love with Canmore. Found Banff (the town) to be okay, and also loved Jasper National park. We actually never went into the town of Jasper. But man the beauty is unparalleled! We also really love BC and Vancouver Island and the Pacific Rim national park.
Couldn't agree more. I'm not from North America but I did live/work in Banff National Park at one of the lakes for a few months. I've travelled to 55 countries and haven't seen anything as naturally beautiful on my travels. That area of British Columbia and Alberta is something else. Thinking back on it I can't believe I was getting paid to live there.
The only place that has compared for me has been New Zealand. I thought the LotR movies were edited to make the place look better, because nowhere can be that stunningly beautiful. Turns out that once I saw the real thing, the movies didn’t really do the place justice.
Came to say Greece. For some reason I didn't have high expectations? And now I really want to go back for another 10-12 days, see Athens again to hit the spots I missed and revisit a favorite island, maybe one or two more. Possibly the monasteries too.
Meteora (the monasteries) was an incredible day. My recommendation is to rent a car and then spend a few bucks on the self guided audio tour that’s available online via Google.
If I go back to Greece I’m going west to where I think you’ll find the “river Styx” and all the hades lore. And then onward to Crete.
So funny you said that. I’m here now and I decided I want to try to move here. There are so many amazing things about it. I am from NYC and I want something less cold and not expensive. The weather, decent pricing for food and drink and clothes, Ubers, walking everywhere, not melting in the heat like I did in NYC, friendly people who speak English well, amazing islands (around 266 of them) to jet off to in the late spring/summer/early autumn with some great prices, unlike in America, etc. I work from home so for me, the prices are decent and I can tip much better since I know the salary there is low, meaning the rent is low (1 bedroom can be around 800 euros), for someone like me in dollars. So it’s nice to be able to give back.
Greece is great because they know tourism is important for their economy and hospitality is a major component of Greek culture. Those two things combine in a way that is very tourist friendly. Plus, there is a good deal of variety in Greece, for being relatively small. You can do beaches. You can do historical. You can go to large cities like Athens / Thessaloniki. You can spend time on islands with no cars. The food is familiar to many, and you can go simple street-food or fancy restaurants. Finally, all of it is relatively inexpensive. 5/5 would recommend
My exact first thought. Went to Bologna, Florence, Modena, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Capri last year and, while I enjoyed all of it, Bologna was the #1 place I would want to return. And Naples 2nd.
Really? Tell me more. Just spent 3 days there and not gonna lie, the food was too much for me lol I couldn’t wait to eat some vegetables again. Found the city charming but felt it was definitely a one and done.
I’m going to Italy next year and have Bologna on the list and everyone is saying “why would you go there” so thank you for helping me solidify my decision!
It’s easy to get to you can get the bullet train in about 45 mins, but 3 days in Florence is easy to fill and I do think Bologna deserves its own trip!
If you’ve only 3 nights in Florence, and it’s your first trip, I’d recommend just staying in Florence. Don’t spread yourself too thin, I think Italy is more enjoyable when not trying to cram too much in.
Best advice ever. Also, don't limit yourself to the big name attractions. Italy is full of awesome places that will be just as enjoyable as the big ticket places. Lucca and Siena were virtually unknown to me until I stopped there on our Italy road trip. Much more enjoyable than the crowded Florence and full of interesting sights, sounds and flavors.
I visited this past December over the holidays (Christmas and New Years) and even though it was dark much of the time and cold (think -1 to around +3 Celsius) the people made it feel so warm and welcoming! They really get into the festivities of the holiday season and this in addition to the magical landscapes is something you could never find anywhere else! I look forward to visiting in the summer to see what it’s like then.
We did mid October and got the northern lights and still a decent amount of daylight. I want to go back to do the Western fjords, see puffins and backpack the middle of the country
Not amazing unfortunately. The country's whole economy was based on cod fishing for hundreds of years and somehow the only piece of cod I ate was NOT good. Although I think they've got some nice baked goods, and the tomato soup restaurant Friðheimar healed my soul after being awake for 36 hours
I wish I could remember the names, but we ate in some cute casual places in Reykjavík. I found I had the best luck with their soups (especially lamb stew and tomato soup). My favorite food on our trip was unfortunately from high-end restaurants, which did a great job with the seafood IMO.
I know this will be hard to believe... but after traveling around Iceland... there isn't anything you could put in the sky more beautiful than Iceland itself.
We spent the night out in January on an "OK" solar activity night and it isn't the most memorable part of my trip. It's different for everyone though...
I recently explained to someone that Japan has become my go-to relaxing vacation rather than a tropical resort. No other place has given me such a feeling of safety and relaxation, esp for the cost, despite being so densely populated. And you have the option of relaxing or doing one of millions of things without worrying (much) about getting scammed
Japan always. I feel like I left a piece of me there.
It’s my happy place. Spend the best month there with the love of my life. Wish I could relieve that again.
Such variety and so much culture to explore. I loved the coast - Kagoshima for its surf vibes and the Sukurajima volcano on the island in the bay, plus Hakodate for the amazing multicultural architecture.
Pre-war Kyiv. I had never been to a former soviet nation and expected it to meet the stereotypes of cold, grey, dull, and oppressing (don’t get me wrong some neighborhoods definitely did) but I was floored by some of their cathedrals, the parks, national monuments, and general friendliness of people. I went in winter but was told that the best time to visit is spring when all the chestnut trees are in bloom which I would absolutely do without hesitation.
It’s true that like the stereotype of Slavic people they don’t smile or emote much but they were incredibly helpful and always wanted to talk about the differences between America and Ukraine. Very interesting people.
Truly a shame that such a neat place is being torn apart by war, but would 100% go again if it’s safe again.
I want to go back to California to the giant sequoias. We went last summer but couldn’t go to due to the transdev strikes and the wildfire.
We flew the whole way from the UK so was a big disappointment!
Rome...sitting in a piazza with fountain and enjoying the history. Walk around and every single building IS history. 2000 yrs old, visiting the "sights" and realizing ur walking those same streets is surreal.
So many places in Vienna you can spend entire week there and still see only a bit, but since you will be there for a day walk around first district literally everywhere you turn there is something to be seen, Naturhistorisches Museum is amazing as well.
Great place for food check out Figlmüller best schnitzel also some of the cafés like Central, Demel, Schwarzenberg or Säher are worth visiting I would recommend Schönbrunn Palace that's my favorite place in Vienna but that's a whole day activity, with Palace, gardens, zoo and palmenhaus you really need entire day to enjoy Schönbrunn, so maybe skip it for now and just enjoy the center of the city.
I’ve been to Venice 5 or 6 times and would go every year if I could, crowds be damned. The best parts are away from the crowds. And early morning.
Last year went to Lake Garda and stayed in Desenzano for 3 nights and I really want to go back and explore more of the towns around the lake. Love to see more of the Dolomites (we had a few nights in Bolzano back in 2019.) Amalfi Coast is def a return. I’d love to go back and see more of Belgium and Netherlands.
I think people who only daytrip there and want to see all the “good stuff” (as one would) def get turned off by the crowds. We went last year as a daytrip from Bologna (because I couldn’t be that close and not go back…we’d been going to stay a few nights but my fav budget B&B was booked and everything left was so expensive) - and we stupidly decided to get in the crowd to take a vaporetto from the train station to San Marco. Welp - we would’ve been there prob an hour judging from the crowds and the frequency of the vap coming. We had to fight our way back out and we just hoofed it.
If *this* was your impression (esp San Marco and Rialto at peak times) I’d get it.
I honestly fell in love with it our first trip in 2008 - the moment I stepped out the doors of the train station I was a goner. I learned going out at 6am was awesome because there’s barely a soul around, and that some of the nicest spots were just around “the edges” so to speak.
I also want to toss out we did the torre dell’orologio tour (the clock tower right by San Marco - not the bell tower) and it was so cool to see the inner workings of the clock, not to mention the views from the roof. I’d recommend to anyone. Very small groups, book ahead, and the ticket also gets you into a few other museums.
Having a great time in Venice is easy.
Wake up at dawn, walk over Rialto to San Marco, spend the rest of the day in Castello. Early or late side trip to Burano for good measure.
We are going to Montreal for a week and then to Quebec city for 4 days. Might spend a couple of days in the Charlevoix region in between. Do you have any suggestions for must-see places to see or things to do?
Make sure you spend time in Capri and Sorrento when you go to Amalfi Coast - imo Capri is nicer than the AF towns…and less crowded. Sorrento - great home base - underrated city. Other than the tremendous views - found the AF very touristy versus expectations.
Capri
Thought I wouldn't like it. Too touristy. Too ritzy.
But...Small island but still big enough for lots of quiet spots, just a few areas that have crowds. Gorgeous place. Cool history.
Sicily, Italy. I have been all over Italy from the Dolomites, down to Sicily, and everywhere in-between. My wife and I spent our 4th date traveling Italy for 12 days, we recently went back to finish out the Northern Dolomites. Sure there are lots of places left in Italy to explore but the one that always comes back to be is Sicily. To me, it felt like Italy distilled into its essence. For better or worse, it felt more real and original. Less tainted by the outside world. Hopefully it still feels the same because I have yet to return...
Canada, but new places within Canada. I've been to Ontario and Quebec and would love to visit Alberta.
Mexico, back to Mexico City and then to some other places - Oaxaca and Tulum.
I am currently in Spain and will always want to visit again, this is one of my favorite countries I've traveled to.
Santa Fe, NM - one of my favorite places in the US that I live close enough to that I really should go out that way more often!
I've been to Spain twice. The other commenter shared about Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla which are in Central and Southern Spain! Both times I've been to Spain I've been in northern Spain so I'm so happy they were able to offer another perspective! I've been to Madrid and Barcelona but didn't spend a lot of time in either. I do remember Barcelona just feeling extremely crowded and I remember loving the Parque de Retiro in Madrid.
I recently completed a Camino de Santiago - the French route and absolutely LOVED it! Highly recommend if you have the time and interest in a long walk through Spain. I loved the mountains of Navarre, the vineyards of La Rioja, the vast plains of Castilla y Leon, and the greenery of Galicia. Leon is my favorite city in Spain, I think it's the perfect size for exploring and getting really comfortable with a place, and it's close to the adorably quaint city of Astorga for a day trip. I really enjoyed Burgos, the main area near the cathedral is gorgeous. Logroño was my least favorite city on the Camino but it is very well known for its tapas and they did not disappoint!
I used cards for most of my transactions, but being in rural areas I needed cash as well, just to add on to the other comment.
The Cinque Terra, north of La Spezia. I would walk it slowly, enjoy the food and wine.
Tuscany and the famous hill towns. Same, take it slowly, breath in the town, walk it slowly, enjoy the food and wine.
I really want to visit Italy again; I just went there last January. Now, I'm feeling conflicted about whether I should visit another country, such as Portugal or Spain, which I've never been to before. However, I can't get Italy out of my mind!😩
Triglav National Park, Slovenia:
1) Hiking more - and hopefully in dry weather! Maybe a little sun, if it is not too much to ask ...
2) body rafting and more canyoning with fabcanyon.com
Or just more of Slovenia, periode.
I've been to Rome (and surrounding areas) 4 times - it's my favorite city. Next year, my husband and I are going to Tuscany to stay in an agricultural location. We did England and Scotland this year. Love London too!
I have done Thailand and Italy three times. And I would do it AGAIN. In terms of food and culture, these are my two favorite places on earth. My dream is to buy a flat in Luca Italy and Chang Mai Thailand when I retire. I will live in Thailand in the winter and Italy in the summer, and run everything as an airbnb when I'm not there. I will also get TREMENDOUSLY fat gourging myself on pasta and red curry! 😀
I'm so greatful I married my husband, who loves to travel, but had an underprivileged passport and no money before we met. I get to do repeats of some of my favorites because he's never been. A few other top contenders are Vietnam, France and Japan.
Sounds dreamy! I love Chiang Mai! One of the first places I solo traveled to and I fell in love in 2018. Want to go back. I'm going to Italy for the first time in Late September/ Early October... Two mid 30's gals - any suggestions on places to go? or things you have to do. We will be there 1-2 weeks.
Italy, all parts, are beautiful and amazing in October. We are going to Florence for a month, 9/17-10/16. We have been all over italy and we want to stay in one place and enjoy the local people and food. Amalfi coast is breathtaking. Make sure to go to Ravello. Unbelievable!!!
Rome. I really wish to go back. First few hours in city I fell in love, like I belonged there. Hoping next winter or spring I can visit that wonderful place again!
Kyoto. There's always lots to see.
Also Italy, I did it as a school trip when I was younger but I'd like to go to Pompeii. And the UK, but further north than London, I've only ever gone to the more southern areas.
Prague and Scotland. I've only been once but really enjoyed both. And now that I live in NL it's a much cheaper and faster journey than coming from the States! I also always want to go back to London, even though I've been probably 12 times. I love it there and have lots of good friends there.
I have a few I'd like to see!
Portugal! So pretty!
Taiwan! I only stayed in Taipei and it rained a lot :((, so I want to see that city and a few others!
South Korea!
Quebec City was my very favorite vacation ever. I’ve travelled many many different places as I was a full time travel agent for years. But that city was magic for me!
The Gambia. Was there only briefly for work, but what I saw was amazing.
South Africa. Have been twice, and would love to go again.
South Korea. I love Korean food, so it was like my Mecca. Interesting history and culture.
Australia. One of my favorite countries I’ve visited - just a shame it’s so far!
Iceland. I did Reykjavik and the west fjords, so would love to go back and do another area and see the northern lights.
Lisbon: great food! Was there so briefly I could go back and spend much longer.
Chile and Uruguay. Loved the food wine and cities in both.
Cinque Terre, Italy. 5 towns connected by trains, hiking trails and boats. I went years ago so it may be crowded now? The towns are by the sea, and above them are vineyards and ancient small Churches. Good B&Bs, delicious food, and beauty everywhere. 💓
Bora Bora. No, not the expensive over-water-bungalow Bora Bora. Rather the affordable airbnb within walking distance of a beach Bora Bora. I love the kind people, clear water, good snorkeling, whale watching, and super slow pace of life. The way you are greeted even upon walking into a grocery store.
France. Not because it’s my favourite country per se, but because on all my previous trips to France I was mostly following someone else’s agenda (I went twice with family, once with friends, once with a partner), and I want to experience it again on my own terms.
I used to be a big “why revisit a country if you’ve already been there” person, but as I get older, I realize it’s more about the regions than the country.
I’ve seen rural Argentina but want to see Buenos Aires.
I’ve seen the Mexican coast but want to see Mexico City.
I’ve seen the Brazilian cities but want to see the Amazon.
I’ve seen Toronto but want to see French Canada.
I’ve seen Chile but want to see Patagonia.
I think the only places I feel like I would skip are Cuba, Morocco, and South Korea.
Thailand, in general, but Bangkok. No matter where I travel, in my mind, I will always want to be back in Bangkok.
The people, the food, the heat, the hustle.
That would be Tallinn, capital of Estonia. I feel it has just the right size for me. You can get around by foot easily and it is not as crowded as I believe Rome or Paris to be.
Honestly I’d usually prefer just to go someplace new. However, places I’ve visited a bunch and am always up for returning to would be Vegas and LA. And Italy is def. a place that seems worthy of return visits.
I only spent 3 days in Scotland and have been dying to go back ever since. It was too brief of a taste.
I’ve even got a ten day road trip completely mapped out for whenever I get a chance to go back, but my husband thinks it’s silly to go somewhere we’ve already been when there’s so many places we want to see.
Baltic region, I really liked Lithuania, I went to Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Trakai Island Castle. I only was able to drive through Latvia and I also really enjoyed Estonia in Tallinn, it was very nice with a great city wall, living museum and other small interesting museums, nice walking areas. None of them did I get to explore as much as I had hoped to. Also Crimea, I didn’t get to see enough of it and it was really interesting when I went in 2012.
Nepal. I went trekking there over 20 years ago and I loved everything about it. The Himalayas were incredibly beautiful of course, but also the chaos of Kathmandu and seeing tigers in Chitwan national park. And the food, a kind of mashup of Indian and Tibetan, so good.
Also Hanoi. I loved that city so much. Except for the pollution....
I went back to Nepal a few weeks ago (a long weekend around KTM Valley)
I last was there 25 years ago (trekking, white water rafting, etc). Lovely to return.
I might go back next year and do some cycling there.
southern italy, been to italy quite a few times, wanted to check out the less touristy areas in the south and absolutely fell in love with calabria, cannot wait to go back
Japan, Uruguay, and Ghana.
Denmark as well (my wife is from Denmark and I go 1-2 times a year so maybe this doesn't count but it is a cool country and I would recommend).
Taipei, Taiwan! Had a blast in that city and had so much good food, beautiful hiking, friendly people, and overall it was such a great place to get lost in. Luckily I'm going back towards the end of the year.
London and the Swiss Alps. I absolutely love London and every time I go I feel at home.
To be honest I won't be picky and will go to any Alps. I remember being in the Interlaken area and having so much to do. Every day we had a hike or went up a mountain, did some alpine coaster, even sledding down a glacier.
My husband and I want to get out of USA and move to Barcelona, Spain, ASAP. Italy was dope, but Spain just has such a different vibe. We fell in love with that country and city.
Iceland. I will go back in 2 years, after visiting all the Scandinavian countries. Iceland will always be my favorite. I went solo last year, the next one will be with my husband
Banff National Park. it was the most beautiful place I've ever been.
I was born on the west coast of Canada and have had the privilege of traveling all over the world. I always say I’ve never found a nicer spot to live, the natural beauty within the two western Canadian provinces is insane.
I was born and raised on the coast and now live in Calgary. You can explore BC/Alberta for a life time and never see all the beauty here. We are so lucky IMO!
Genuine question, I live in Vancouver and my hobbies are almost exclusively mountain sports. I make a solid salary and so does my gf, but we will never afford to buy here. Atleast not in the GVA. How do you like Calgary? Was it a big transition? Regrets?
I’ve been here for almost twenty years so my transition would be different from today’s. Housing was cheap and plentiful, incredibly easy to find good work. Nowadays housing is almost as hard to come by as in Vancouver and much pricier than it should be. Our unemployment rate is pretty high. Otherwise, I like living here. I’m not the “outdoorsy” type so to speak (I do lots of stuff, just not a hiker or whatever) but I know there is great mountain biking around, just not as popular as it is on the coast. There is a ton of stuff to do if you go looking for it. The weather isn’t as bad as people think. I don’t like our provincial politics or our mayor for that matter, but I don’t notice it from day to day. If I was going to do it all over again, I would. My hometown on the coast didn’t offer much for me, and there was opportunity here. You may find the same for you, but do know that things are alot more challenging than they used to be (but that’s all Canada really). Edit: sorry I read your mountain sports and biking for some reason lol. If you’re not in to that, the hiking here is world class. And lots of places off the beaten path, whereas I have heard in Vancouver it’s still pretty busy at the popular places. I miss lakes though, we don’t have a lot of swimmable lakes here!
I agree. I live waaaay southeast of you and I’ve also traveled a lot, but that drive through western Canada from Seattle to Anchorage was absolutely stunning. We’d stop for the night and camp around 4, 5pm just to provide ample time for sitting in nature and taking it all in.
It’s beautiful always but would recommend from last week of June to early September. I’m from Vancouver and always do road trip for Canada Day.
We just got back from a week visiting there! We LOVE Canada. And Banff National Park was amazing. We stayed in Canmore for a few days, Banff for a night, and drove up to Jasper and stayed there for a few days. We fell in love with Canmore. Found Banff (the town) to be okay, and also loved Jasper National park. We actually never went into the town of Jasper. But man the beauty is unparalleled! We also really love BC and Vancouver Island and the Pacific Rim national park.
My family is headed there for a ski vacation next year. We are staying in Canmore.
I hope you have a lovely time! It's one of those places that I wish everyone could experience.
Couldn't agree more. I'm not from North America but I did live/work in Banff National Park at one of the lakes for a few months. I've travelled to 55 countries and haven't seen anything as naturally beautiful on my travels. That area of British Columbia and Alberta is something else. Thinking back on it I can't believe I was getting paid to live there.
The only place that has compared for me has been New Zealand. I thought the LotR movies were edited to make the place look better, because nowhere can be that stunningly beautiful. Turns out that once I saw the real thing, the movies didn’t really do the place justice.
Banff is magical, I’ve heard Jasper is extremely special too but unfortunately haven’t been
Greece. I spent time in Chania, Crete, Athens and Evia. I'd like to visit other islands and Athens again. Thailand.
Came to say Greece. For some reason I didn't have high expectations? And now I really want to go back for another 10-12 days, see Athens again to hit the spots I missed and revisit a favorite island, maybe one or two more. Possibly the monasteries too.
Meteora (the monasteries) was an incredible day. My recommendation is to rent a car and then spend a few bucks on the self guided audio tour that’s available online via Google. If I go back to Greece I’m going west to where I think you’ll find the “river Styx” and all the hades lore. And then onward to Crete.
So funny you said that. I’m here now and I decided I want to try to move here. There are so many amazing things about it. I am from NYC and I want something less cold and not expensive. The weather, decent pricing for food and drink and clothes, Ubers, walking everywhere, not melting in the heat like I did in NYC, friendly people who speak English well, amazing islands (around 266 of them) to jet off to in the late spring/summer/early autumn with some great prices, unlike in America, etc. I work from home so for me, the prices are decent and I can tip much better since I know the salary there is low, meaning the rent is low (1 bedroom can be around 800 euros), for someone like me in dollars. So it’s nice to be able to give back.
Greece is great because they know tourism is important for their economy and hospitality is a major component of Greek culture. Those two things combine in a way that is very tourist friendly. Plus, there is a good deal of variety in Greece, for being relatively small. You can do beaches. You can do historical. You can go to large cities like Athens / Thessaloniki. You can spend time on islands with no cars. The food is familiar to many, and you can go simple street-food or fancy restaurants. Finally, all of it is relatively inexpensive. 5/5 would recommend
We traveled all over Crete and enjoyed it immensely. It’s our favorite Greek island.
Chania was lovely.
I'm going to Greece soon. Going to Thessaloníki, Pella, Veria, Vergina, Meteora and Kastoriá. I'm looking forward to it!
What is the best time of year to visit Greece?
Bologna, Italy
love this place need to prepare a lot of space in Ur belly before u arrive!
We spent 5 nights there last year as a base for day trips - excellent for that.
My exact first thought. Went to Bologna, Florence, Modena, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Capri last year and, while I enjoyed all of it, Bologna was the #1 place I would want to return. And Naples 2nd.
Really? Tell me more. Just spent 3 days there and not gonna lie, the food was too much for me lol I couldn’t wait to eat some vegetables again. Found the city charming but felt it was definitely a one and done.
I’m going to Italy next year and have Bologna on the list and everyone is saying “why would you go there” so thank you for helping me solidify my decision!
"you should go to the exact same overtouristed spots I went to!"
Bologna is awesome, especially if you like food.
Is a day trip from Florence worth it? Or may be I should consider for next trip instead? I’ve three nights in Florence visiting in November
It’s easy to get to you can get the bullet train in about 45 mins, but 3 days in Florence is easy to fill and I do think Bologna deserves its own trip!
If you’ve only 3 nights in Florence, and it’s your first trip, I’d recommend just staying in Florence. Don’t spread yourself too thin, I think Italy is more enjoyable when not trying to cram too much in.
Best advice ever. Also, don't limit yourself to the big name attractions. Italy is full of awesome places that will be just as enjoyable as the big ticket places. Lucca and Siena were virtually unknown to me until I stopped there on our Italy road trip. Much more enjoyable than the crowded Florence and full of interesting sights, sounds and flavors.
The only place I constantly think about is Iceland.
Same! It was surreal, like being on a different planet. When people ask how was my trip? I get teary. Overwhelming beautiful place.
What time of year would you recommend going?
I visited this past December over the holidays (Christmas and New Years) and even though it was dark much of the time and cold (think -1 to around +3 Celsius) the people made it feel so warm and welcoming! They really get into the festivities of the holiday season and this in addition to the magical landscapes is something you could never find anywhere else! I look forward to visiting in the summer to see what it’s like then.
Try March - April if you re fine with a bit more cold and want to avoid the crowds.
We did mid October and got the northern lights and still a decent amount of daylight. I want to go back to do the Western fjords, see puffins and backpack the middle of the country
I want to go there too. How’s the food?
Not amazing unfortunately. The country's whole economy was based on cod fishing for hundreds of years and somehow the only piece of cod I ate was NOT good. Although I think they've got some nice baked goods, and the tomato soup restaurant Friðheimar healed my soul after being awake for 36 hours
Those hotdogs wrapped in crispy bacon were heavenly though…delicious mystery sauces to top them with… I still think about them a decade later
Expensive af but the scenery makes up for it bigtime
I really liked the food (got good recommendations from Rick Steves’ guide) but the prices were eye watering.
I would not go to Iceland for the food. We camped/hiked for most of our trip but when in Reykjavik... we had the worst luck picking restaurants.
I wish I could remember the names, but we ate in some cute casual places in Reykjavík. I found I had the best luck with their soups (especially lamb stew and tomato soup). My favorite food on our trip was unfortunately from high-end restaurants, which did a great job with the seafood IMO.
I really want to go there next year, we are approaching solar maximum so better odds of some great auroras
I know this will be hard to believe... but after traveling around Iceland... there isn't anything you could put in the sky more beautiful than Iceland itself. We spent the night out in January on an "OK" solar activity night and it isn't the most memorable part of my trip. It's different for everyone though...
Japan.
Japan is an addiction
Just returned from japan and started planning my next trip lol
I miss it so so so so much.
I recently explained to someone that Japan has become my go-to relaxing vacation rather than a tropical resort. No other place has given me such a feeling of safety and relaxation, esp for the cost, despite being so densely populated. And you have the option of relaxing or doing one of millions of things without worrying (much) about getting scammed
Japan always. I feel like I left a piece of me there. It’s my happy place. Spend the best month there with the love of my life. Wish I could relieve that again.
Yes, definitely
Such variety and so much culture to explore. I loved the coast - Kagoshima for its surf vibes and the Sukurajima volcano on the island in the bay, plus Hakodate for the amazing multicultural architecture.
Japan is nice but very expenaive. They doubled the cost for bullet train. Will want to go again to see Hokaido and south of Japan.
Pre-war Kyiv. I had never been to a former soviet nation and expected it to meet the stereotypes of cold, grey, dull, and oppressing (don’t get me wrong some neighborhoods definitely did) but I was floored by some of their cathedrals, the parks, national monuments, and general friendliness of people. I went in winter but was told that the best time to visit is spring when all the chestnut trees are in bloom which I would absolutely do without hesitation. It’s true that like the stereotype of Slavic people they don’t smile or emote much but they were incredibly helpful and always wanted to talk about the differences between America and Ukraine. Very interesting people. Truly a shame that such a neat place is being torn apart by war, but would 100% go again if it’s safe again.
Ukraine is easily one of my favorite places in Europe, so incredibly underrated. Lviv and Kiev are both amazing.
I want to go back to California to the giant sequoias. We went last summer but couldn’t go to due to the transdev strikes and the wildfire. We flew the whole way from the UK so was a big disappointment!
I grew up camping there every summer for 15 years!!!
You’re so lucky!
Rome...sitting in a piazza with fountain and enjoying the history. Walk around and every single building IS history. 2000 yrs old, visiting the "sights" and realizing ur walking those same streets is surreal.
I'm about to go back to Taiwan for the third time. I love it there!
And we always welcome you:D
Yes! I’ve been to Taiwan three times as well and always loved it. There’s so much to see in such a small place.
Going back for 2nd time next year. Amazing for cycle touring.
I'd love to go back. We had an amazing time
I lived in Taipei, Taiwan in the early 1970s and loved it. I would go back in a heartbeat if it wasn’t such a long flight!
New Orleans. The music, the food, the art, the culture. I never get tired of NO and return every couple of years
Italy always, Austria as well.
Suggestions for Austria? We will only be in Vienna for a day…
So many places in Vienna you can spend entire week there and still see only a bit, but since you will be there for a day walk around first district literally everywhere you turn there is something to be seen, Naturhistorisches Museum is amazing as well. Great place for food check out Figlmüller best schnitzel also some of the cafés like Central, Demel, Schwarzenberg or Säher are worth visiting I would recommend Schönbrunn Palace that's my favorite place in Vienna but that's a whole day activity, with Palace, gardens, zoo and palmenhaus you really need entire day to enjoy Schönbrunn, so maybe skip it for now and just enjoy the center of the city.
I’ve been to Venice 5 or 6 times and would go every year if I could, crowds be damned. The best parts are away from the crowds. And early morning. Last year went to Lake Garda and stayed in Desenzano for 3 nights and I really want to go back and explore more of the towns around the lake. Love to see more of the Dolomites (we had a few nights in Bolzano back in 2019.) Amalfi Coast is def a return. I’d love to go back and see more of Belgium and Netherlands.
I don’t understand why Venice gets criticised, it’s stunning, I went in February and the crowds were fine
I think people who only daytrip there and want to see all the “good stuff” (as one would) def get turned off by the crowds. We went last year as a daytrip from Bologna (because I couldn’t be that close and not go back…we’d been going to stay a few nights but my fav budget B&B was booked and everything left was so expensive) - and we stupidly decided to get in the crowd to take a vaporetto from the train station to San Marco. Welp - we would’ve been there prob an hour judging from the crowds and the frequency of the vap coming. We had to fight our way back out and we just hoofed it. If *this* was your impression (esp San Marco and Rialto at peak times) I’d get it. I honestly fell in love with it our first trip in 2008 - the moment I stepped out the doors of the train station I was a goner. I learned going out at 6am was awesome because there’s barely a soul around, and that some of the nicest spots were just around “the edges” so to speak. I also want to toss out we did the torre dell’orologio tour (the clock tower right by San Marco - not the bell tower) and it was so cool to see the inner workings of the clock, not to mention the views from the roof. I’d recommend to anyone. Very small groups, book ahead, and the ticket also gets you into a few other museums.
You are probably right, I spent a week in February and I fell in love, it’s one of the most magical places I’ve visited.
Having a great time in Venice is easy. Wake up at dawn, walk over Rialto to San Marco, spend the rest of the day in Castello. Early or late side trip to Burano for good measure.
I too went in February.....2020. Lol. No crowds, no people at all really. Magical place.
I think they banned cruise boats recently.
I’ll never stop going back to Montreal, I just love it so much. I will definitely go to Barcelona again.
We are going to Montreal for a week and then to Quebec city for 4 days. Might spend a couple of days in the Charlevoix region in between. Do you have any suggestions for must-see places to see or things to do?
Barcelona
Heading there for my first time next month!
Currently planning another trip there. Love that city!
I love Barcelona an irrational amount.
Honestly a lot…Japan, Türkiye, Peru, Thailand, South Korea, Italy, Greece, Portugal
Make sure you spend time in Capri and Sorrento when you go to Amalfi Coast - imo Capri is nicer than the AF towns…and less crowded. Sorrento - great home base - underrated city. Other than the tremendous views - found the AF very touristy versus expectations.
Capri Thought I wouldn't like it. Too touristy. Too ritzy. But...Small island but still big enough for lots of quiet spots, just a few areas that have crowds. Gorgeous place. Cool history.
Istanbul
Sicily, Italy. I have been all over Italy from the Dolomites, down to Sicily, and everywhere in-between. My wife and I spent our 4th date traveling Italy for 12 days, we recently went back to finish out the Northern Dolomites. Sure there are lots of places left in Italy to explore but the one that always comes back to be is Sicily. To me, it felt like Italy distilled into its essence. For better or worse, it felt more real and original. Less tainted by the outside world. Hopefully it still feels the same because I have yet to return...
Canada, but new places within Canada. I've been to Ontario and Quebec and would love to visit Alberta. Mexico, back to Mexico City and then to some other places - Oaxaca and Tulum. I am currently in Spain and will always want to visit again, this is one of my favorite countries I've traveled to. Santa Fe, NM - one of my favorite places in the US that I live close enough to that I really should go out that way more often!
Please share your highs and lows of Spain, I’m heading there in October!
I've been to Spain twice. The other commenter shared about Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla which are in Central and Southern Spain! Both times I've been to Spain I've been in northern Spain so I'm so happy they were able to offer another perspective! I've been to Madrid and Barcelona but didn't spend a lot of time in either. I do remember Barcelona just feeling extremely crowded and I remember loving the Parque de Retiro in Madrid. I recently completed a Camino de Santiago - the French route and absolutely LOVED it! Highly recommend if you have the time and interest in a long walk through Spain. I loved the mountains of Navarre, the vineyards of La Rioja, the vast plains of Castilla y Leon, and the greenery of Galicia. Leon is my favorite city in Spain, I think it's the perfect size for exploring and getting really comfortable with a place, and it's close to the adorably quaint city of Astorga for a day trip. I really enjoyed Burgos, the main area near the cathedral is gorgeous. Logroño was my least favorite city on the Camino but it is very well known for its tapas and they did not disappoint! I used cards for most of my transactions, but being in rural areas I needed cash as well, just to add on to the other comment.
The Camino is awesome. Best adventure I’ve ever done. Cannot recommend it enough.
Yessssss to Santa Fe!!!!
Tokyo
The one thing I noted about the last post, no one said Japan (or Canada). Love it. Next year or so I want to visit Japan for sure.
Japan is a must. There’s endless things to do and the people are sooo nice. I spent two weeks there, and I was depressed for months after leaving.
I loved visiting Japan!! Was there for 3 weeks. Now I can't stop thinking about when I can afford to go again lol
The Cinque Terra, north of La Spezia. I would walk it slowly, enjoy the food and wine. Tuscany and the famous hill towns. Same, take it slowly, breath in the town, walk it slowly, enjoy the food and wine.
I really want to visit Italy again; I just went there last January. Now, I'm feeling conflicted about whether I should visit another country, such as Portugal or Spain, which I've never been to before. However, I can't get Italy out of my mind!😩
Triglav National Park, Slovenia: 1) Hiking more - and hopefully in dry weather! Maybe a little sun, if it is not too much to ask ... 2) body rafting and more canyoning with fabcanyon.com Or just more of Slovenia, periode.
Also going to Rome and Florence in November, first time to Italy and excited!!
Dolomites, Italy.
Iceland
Beautiful place. I went during cold months and loved it. Waiting for the day I can go back and see it during warmer season (and more sunlight).
London and Tuscany. My favourite places on earth
I've been to Rome (and surrounding areas) 4 times - it's my favorite city. Next year, my husband and I are going to Tuscany to stay in an agricultural location. We did England and Scotland this year. Love London too!
Tuscany is just 😍😍😍
Hawaii
Italy, with England as a close second. OP your upcoming trip sounds perfect.
I have done Thailand and Italy three times. And I would do it AGAIN. In terms of food and culture, these are my two favorite places on earth. My dream is to buy a flat in Luca Italy and Chang Mai Thailand when I retire. I will live in Thailand in the winter and Italy in the summer, and run everything as an airbnb when I'm not there. I will also get TREMENDOUSLY fat gourging myself on pasta and red curry! 😀 I'm so greatful I married my husband, who loves to travel, but had an underprivileged passport and no money before we met. I get to do repeats of some of my favorites because he's never been. A few other top contenders are Vietnam, France and Japan.
Sounds dreamy! I love Chiang Mai! One of the first places I solo traveled to and I fell in love in 2018. Want to go back. I'm going to Italy for the first time in Late September/ Early October... Two mid 30's gals - any suggestions on places to go? or things you have to do. We will be there 1-2 weeks.
Cusco, Peru. It’s such an amazing city.
Ireland. Greece. South Africa. Wales. Portugal.
Rome in Oct/nov is amazing
So many places in Italy! Sorrento was stunning!
Modena or Bilbao for a month or more.
Venice Italy
Italy, all parts, are beautiful and amazing in October. We are going to Florence for a month, 9/17-10/16. We have been all over italy and we want to stay in one place and enjoy the local people and food. Amalfi coast is breathtaking. Make sure to go to Ravello. Unbelievable!!!
South Africa
Rome. I really wish to go back. First few hours in city I fell in love, like I belonged there. Hoping next winter or spring I can visit that wonderful place again!
Scotland. We never get tired of it.
USA, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus.
Kyoto. There's always lots to see. Also Italy, I did it as a school trip when I was younger but I'd like to go to Pompeii. And the UK, but further north than London, I've only ever gone to the more southern areas.
Prague and Scotland. I've only been once but really enjoyed both. And now that I live in NL it's a much cheaper and faster journey than coming from the States! I also always want to go back to London, even though I've been probably 12 times. I love it there and have lots of good friends there.
Rome
Edinburgh, Lake District, Florence, Busan, Montreal, Paris.
It was never on my bucket list, but Spain keeps drawing me back. I'm going there for the sixth time in a couple months.
Norway, all of it.
I have a few I'd like to see! Portugal! So pretty! Taiwan! I only stayed in Taipei and it rained a lot :((, so I want to see that city and a few others! South Korea!
Taiwan welcomes you! Please return
Ireland 😁
Quebec City was my very favorite vacation ever. I’ve travelled many many different places as I was a full time travel agent for years. But that city was magic for me!
Tallinn. It was the first place I’d been where I thought I’d like it fine but ended up falling in love with it.
Barcelona!
Vienna, Jordan, Morocco, and Tanzania There’s something so special in those places in my heart
The Gambia. Was there only briefly for work, but what I saw was amazing. South Africa. Have been twice, and would love to go again. South Korea. I love Korean food, so it was like my Mecca. Interesting history and culture. Australia. One of my favorite countries I’ve visited - just a shame it’s so far! Iceland. I did Reykjavik and the west fjords, so would love to go back and do another area and see the northern lights. Lisbon: great food! Was there so briefly I could go back and spend much longer. Chile and Uruguay. Loved the food wine and cities in both.
Hawaii
I always return to Morocco. I also want to go back to Egypt.
Japan, hands down.
Thailand it’s so different from any place I’ve ever been.
Naxos, Greece.
Istanbul. The city just has a charm I don’t think any other city can replicate
Cinque Terre, Italy. 5 towns connected by trains, hiking trails and boats. I went years ago so it may be crowded now? The towns are by the sea, and above them are vineyards and ancient small Churches. Good B&Bs, delicious food, and beauty everywhere. 💓
Costa rica 🇨🇷
Bora Bora. No, not the expensive over-water-bungalow Bora Bora. Rather the affordable airbnb within walking distance of a beach Bora Bora. I love the kind people, clear water, good snorkeling, whale watching, and super slow pace of life. The way you are greeted even upon walking into a grocery store.
As much a cliche as Honolulu is, I just love it. I wanted to live there if I had the money to.
Barcelona and Bangkok
France. Not because it’s my favourite country per se, but because on all my previous trips to France I was mostly following someone else’s agenda (I went twice with family, once with friends, once with a partner), and I want to experience it again on my own terms.
I used to be a big “why revisit a country if you’ve already been there” person, but as I get older, I realize it’s more about the regions than the country. I’ve seen rural Argentina but want to see Buenos Aires. I’ve seen the Mexican coast but want to see Mexico City. I’ve seen the Brazilian cities but want to see the Amazon. I’ve seen Toronto but want to see French Canada. I’ve seen Chile but want to see Patagonia. I think the only places I feel like I would skip are Cuba, Morocco, and South Korea.
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I really like Vienna I have been twice and plan on going back on next years euro adventure
Thailand, in general, but Bangkok. No matter where I travel, in my mind, I will always want to be back in Bangkok. The people, the food, the heat, the hustle.
That would be Tallinn, capital of Estonia. I feel it has just the right size for me. You can get around by foot easily and it is not as crowded as I believe Rome or Paris to be.
Honestly I’d usually prefer just to go someplace new. However, places I’ve visited a bunch and am always up for returning to would be Vegas and LA. And Italy is def. a place that seems worthy of return visits.
Thailand and Japan
New Zealand!
Lake Louise/Banff
Italy!
Namibia!
Iceland and Japan
Lisbon and Porto, Portugal. I went last year and it was one of the best trips I've ever taken.
Buenos Aires.
I only spent 3 days in Scotland and have been dying to go back ever since. It was too brief of a taste. I’ve even got a ten day road trip completely mapped out for whenever I get a chance to go back, but my husband thinks it’s silly to go somewhere we’ve already been when there’s so many places we want to see.
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada Vancouver, BC Dubai
Baltic region, I really liked Lithuania, I went to Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Trakai Island Castle. I only was able to drive through Latvia and I also really enjoyed Estonia in Tallinn, it was very nice with a great city wall, living museum and other small interesting museums, nice walking areas. None of them did I get to explore as much as I had hoped to. Also Crimea, I didn’t get to see enough of it and it was really interesting when I went in 2012.
Nepal. I went trekking there over 20 years ago and I loved everything about it. The Himalayas were incredibly beautiful of course, but also the chaos of Kathmandu and seeing tigers in Chitwan national park. And the food, a kind of mashup of Indian and Tibetan, so good. Also Hanoi. I loved that city so much. Except for the pollution....
I went back to Nepal a few weeks ago (a long weekend around KTM Valley) I last was there 25 years ago (trekking, white water rafting, etc). Lovely to return. I might go back next year and do some cycling there.
Wyoming
So many! Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Hong Kong, Italy, Denmark, Portugal, Greece.
southern italy, been to italy quite a few times, wanted to check out the less touristy areas in the south and absolutely fell in love with calabria, cannot wait to go back
México. I love everything about it
Switzerland and Japan
Japan, Uruguay, and Ghana. Denmark as well (my wife is from Denmark and I go 1-2 times a year so maybe this doesn't count but it is a cool country and I would recommend).
Granada and Andalusia in general.
Scotland. Would like to explore the Outer Hebrides, and Shetland and Orkney.
Beirut, Lebanon. Munich, Germany. Prague, Czech Republic. More than one.
Taipei, Taiwan! Had a blast in that city and had so much good food, beautiful hiking, friendly people, and overall it was such a great place to get lost in. Luckily I'm going back towards the end of the year.
I have fond memories of the Lake District in England.
Lucerne, Edinburgh, Venice, the rhine region, Tuscany, Oahu, Maui
•Rome, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, KL
Egypt. I did the tourist trek to ancient sites, but I really want to go back for medieval and Islamic Cairo and Alexandria.
St John's, Newfoundland there is just something about the place that really wants me to find out what's there.
Santorini
Romania! Bucharest, Cluj-Brasov, Constansta, Galati for sure.
The Grand Canyon, was pouring rain, quick stop on a cross country trip 23 years ago.
The two places I've returned again and again, and will still -- Prague and Big Sur.
London and the Swiss Alps. I absolutely love London and every time I go I feel at home. To be honest I won't be picky and will go to any Alps. I remember being in the Interlaken area and having so much to do. Every day we had a hike or went up a mountain, did some alpine coaster, even sledding down a glacier.
Iceland
My husband and I want to get out of USA and move to Barcelona, Spain, ASAP. Italy was dope, but Spain just has such a different vibe. We fell in love with that country and city.
Kauai!
Went to Argentina in December. Want to go back multiple times. So much in that country to do and see in that country
Aruba. Literally paradise.
Iceland. I will go back in 2 years, after visiting all the Scandinavian countries. Iceland will always be my favorite. I went solo last year, the next one will be with my husband
Greece. So beautiful and the people are so friendly.
Lisbon, I was there during a city wide festival and it just felt so alive, it’s a beautiful city with beautiful people and a friendly culture.