We all have a favorite place. The place that speaks to our souls and calls us back time and time again. But what about people who travel all the time? We asked travel writers for their favorite unexpected locations. You will find their answers below and in their own words.
Charles – McCool Travel & US Gulf Coast
The US Gulf Coast is one of the most magnificent places in the world and should be strongly considered for future visits by travelers within and to the United States. Many popular US destinations are on the US Gulf Coast although visitors may not even realize it.
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Reasons to visit the US Gulf Coast include the best beaches in the United States (with clean, soft sugar sand), amazing seafood (including grouper, shrimp, Caribbean lobster, crawfish), remarkable sunsets, phenomenal weather, and much more. Perhaps an even more inspiring reason to visit the US Gulf Coast is the people. More than anywhere else in the US (and maybe the world), people specifically choose to relocate to US Gulf Coast destinations and make it their new home.
Sometimes called The Third Coast, the US Gulf Coast stretches 1,900 miles from Key West, Florida to South Padre, Texas, and includes magnificent beach towns in five states along the Gulf of Mexico—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Major US Gulf Coast destinations include Tampa/St. Pete, The Florida Keys, New Orleans, and Houston. A few of our lesser-known favorite spots along the US Gulf Coast include Anna Maria Island and Indian Rocks Beach (Florida), Coastal Mississippi (including Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and Bay St. Louis), Beaumont and Bay Area Houston (Texas).
Whichever US Gulf Coast destination you decide to visit, channel your inner Jimmy Buffett (he was born in Coastal Mississippi), order some fresh local seafood and a run drink, dip your toes in the sugar sand, and enjoy one of the world’s best sunsets. Repeat the next and every day!
Candice – CS Ginger
One of the best places in the United States to visit is Sedona, Arizona. Located in the northern part of the state, Sedona is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and the Coconino National Forest. It is an area known for its energy vortexes, hidden caves, and endless miles of hiking trails.
One of the best things to do is to explore the Sedona hiking trails. There are trails for all skill levels, many of which lead to fascinating geological features and beautiful views.
The hike to Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. Devil’s Bridge is a large sandstone arch that is one of the most iconic and visited destinations in Sedona. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the trail is two miles long. If you do not, the trail is four miles long.
Some other popular hikes in Sedona are the Subway Cave, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Vista.
Jerome is a fun town to explore that is about 40 minutes from downtown Sedona. It is a famous ghost town that historically was a large mining town in Arizona. Along with going on a ghost tour, you can explore the downtown area with shopping and restaurants.
The downtown Sedona area is also a lot of fun. There are lots of opportunities for shopping, dining, and visiting art galleries. You can also visit some national monuments like Montezuma Castle.
Samantha – PAonPause
São Miguel Island, the largest of the nine Azores off the coast of Portugal, has no shortage of natural beauty. Although you can certainly drive the hydrangea-lined roads around the perimeter of the island in just one day, there is plenty more to fill at least a week of adventure. Hiking trails lead to secluded volcanic crater lakes. The volcanic activity near the earth’s surface heats thermal baths all over the island, where you can enjoy the natural powers of the mineral waters.
Geothermal activity is also used for cooking, so you must try the “cozido das Furnas” while you’re there. This dish can only be found on the island of São Miguel, and it’s a one-pot meal, typically of meat and potatoes, slow-cooked in a pot buried below the earth’s surface for hours. The oldest tea produced in Europe is grown here at Cha Gorreana, and you can explore the facility to learn about its process. Also, be sure to try an Azores pineapple and their variation of vinho verde while you’re there.
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a popular spot to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This particular spot is well known for cliff-diving and has been an annual stop on the Cliff Diving World Series. A ferry ride is required to reach the islet, and tickets can be difficult to secure on nice days, so it may be helpful to take a chance on the weather and secure tickets early. Otherwise, the roads on São Miguel are easy to drive and navigate, and renting a car is essential to be able to explore all four corners of the island. You’ll most likely find friendly and welcoming people, delicious fresh food, and lush green landscapes waiting to be explored.
Heather – Conversant Traveller
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-track adventures in little-known destinations, then Sao Tome and Principe fits the bill perfectly. This tiny island nation laying off the coast of West Africa is a tropical paradise, offering all the outdoor adventure you can handle.
There are heaps of beautiful places to visit in Sao Tome and Principe, and many involve remote beaches, lush rainforests, and atmospheric plantations. The islands were once renowned for their chocolate and coffee production, and you can still visit some of the old plantations, many of which now lay in ruin and are being slowly taken back by the forest.
The beaches here are some of the best in the world, made even better by the fact you’ll probably have them all to yourself! Tourism hasn’t yet taken over the islands and encountering other visitors on your sightseeing trips is fairly rare. Banana Beach on Principe is one of the most photogenic sandy swathes, while Praia Jale on Sao Tome is the place to go if you want to watch sea turtle hatchlings scurrying down to the water.
Taking a boat trip around the beautiful volcanic shores is a must, and you can stop in secluded bays for swimming and snorkeling. Back on dry land, there are several jungle trails to explore, mangroves to canoe, and quad biking for those who fancy a heart-pumping adventure. Meanwhile, bird watchers will love discovering Obo National Park where kingfishers and sunbirds often make an appearance.
The weather sometimes affects the short domestic flight between the two islands. Make sure your trip finishes with at least one night in Sao Tome to give yourself leeway should the Principe flight be canceled.
Daniel – Layer Culture
When looking for new travel locations, Capurgana is one of the ultimate places to visit in Colombia. With the country being so biodiverse and with hundreds of adventures to be had that encompass a unique mix of terrains and climates, it is easy to get overwhelmed when you have limited time on the road. However, with some careful trip research and planning, you’ll come across the most undiscovered region in Colombia called El Chocó. Capurgana, which is located in the north of the region is a little challenging to get to, but it’s totally worth it. Imagine a place by the Caribbean ocean where you can find mountains, rainforests, white-sand beaches, and lush green palm trees all in one remote spot. Since it is touted as an eco-travel location you’ll find no cars or vehicles driving around and the air is super crisp and clean. Apart from its remote beaches, you have many diving opportunities, snorkeling, and the chance to visit a giant manmade whirlpool called the Coquerita where you can overlook the pristine coastline as you bathe in the bubbling blue water. Traveling by land and sea is the most adventurous way to get to Capurgana but you can also fly with a local airline from the Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin.
Kassidy – The Hiking Helper
Found in Southwestern Washington, Mount Saint Helens is one of the most active volcanos in the United States.
After its 1980 eruption, it’s become one of the best places for tourists and locals to visit in the state.
But, most people tend to just take in the views of the mountain itself and forget about everything else surrounding it.
This includes Ape Cave, the 3rd longest lava tube in the world, at just under 2.5 miles long.
Ape Cave was created about 2,000 years ago after lava flowed through the ground off of Mount St. Helens.
Visitors are able to walk down the metal stairs into the cave and explore it by themselves, which is quite the experience.
The cave consists of two sections, one easier and one more difficult.
For families and the less adventurous folks, take the shorter, ¾ mile-long route, known as Lower Cave, which is easy to navigate and explore.
The longer route, or Upper Cave, is about 1.5 miles long and features rugged, rocky terrain that must be tackled.
On the Upper cave route, you’ll need to climb over large pieces of lava rock and duck under the low parts of the cave.
The cave is cold year-round, usually at about 42 degrees, so it’s necessary to wear warm clothes.
You’ll also need a light source, preferably a headlamp. It’s pitch black in there, so be sure you have one and spare batteries!
Reservations are required to visit, to help protect the ecosystem that lies underneath the ground. You can find them here.
If you’re up for a unique experience and are okay with being in the dark, then Ape Cave is really the place for you.
Noel – The Mature Traveler
Hawaii Island better known as The Big Island of Hawaii is an adventure lovers destination to visit and a fantastic place for adventure lovers. The largest and least populated island with an impressive land mass that can easily fit all the other islands into this one island, the Big Island has so many fantastic outdoor adventures, hiking, and scenic landscapes to explore all around the island. If you love to hike and explore, you’ll find many outdoor venues to explore and enjoy.
Some of the most popular places to hike or just be outdoors exploring include: Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Onomea scenic area, Polulu Valley, and the unusual Green Sand beach on the south side called Papakolea. Outside of hiking, you can practically do any outdoor adventure sport from biking, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, diving to even caving into dark lava tubes all around the island. Hawaii Island is an adventure lovers destination and you’ll have so much to do and see while exploring around the island and can easily fill up your schedule for a week or even a few weeks if you have more time to explore every part of the island.
Nellie – Wild Junket
I’ve been living in Mexico for a year now and have explored many parts of the country, but my favorite spot in Mexico is the extraordinary Unesco World Heritage city of Guanajuato. It’s colorful, lively, and yet unequivocably Mexican.
The city’s heart is exceptionally walkable and lively, constantly bursting with activities: from street performances to taco carts and outdoor markets. But here’s the thing, don’t expect to have the city to yourself. The city gets crowded on weekends as it’s a popular destination for Mexicans.
What strikes me most about Guanajuato is that amidst the colorful historical center, you’ll find gritty corners and unpolished barrios. Here’s my curated list of things to do in Guanajuato.
Moumita & Sankha – Chasing the Long Road
The Isle of Skye is a stunningly beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides of northwest Scotland. It is one of the main tourist destinations of Scotland. Skye is famous for its rugged coastline, vibrant fishing villages, breathtaking scenery, windswept landscapes, rich wildlife, and fascinating history. There are plenty of amazing things to do on the Isle of Skye to make you fall in love with the island.
Portree is the main town in Skye. It has many restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Admire the beautiful harbor lined with colorful houses. Anyone who wants to commune with nature will find the Isle of Skye a hiker’s paradise. The iconic pinnacles of Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula are one of the best-known rock formations in Britain. The Quiraing features some of the most dramatic landscapes in Skye. You would find some unusual rock formations, jagged cliffs, and plateaus created by the landslides.
One of the best attractions in Skye is the picturesque Fairy Pools. It is a web of small waterfalls renowned for clear turquoise blue water against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Apart from marveling at the view, you can take a dip in summer. When in Scotland, you are never too far from a castle. Visit the Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral house of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Take a tour of this historic castle to see the famous Fairy Flag and stroll around its beautiful gardens. You can also go on a boat trip across Loch Dunvegan to visit the Seal Colony.
Summer is the best time to visit Skye. If you want to avoid the crowd, early autumn and late spring are also great times to visit this island.
Taryn – Happiest Outdoors
Australia’s island state of Tasmania is a fabulous destination for nature-loving travelers. The capital city of Hobart has a great art museum, a cute historic district, and wonderful restaurants. But be sure to venture outside of the city to experience the beauty of the Tasmania wilderness.
Mount Wellington, also known as Kunanyi, towers over Hobart. You can take a bus or drive to the top to enjoy the views. Or go for a hike on one of the walking tracks.
Don’t miss the Tasman Peninsula. Most visitors make the hour drive from Hobart to visit Port Arthur, a historic convict site. But allot some time for the spectacular hiking and wilderness camping in Tasman National Park. The short walk to Tasman Arch is a must-do. If you’re up for a strenuous hike, make the trek to Cape Pillar or reserve a spot on the four-day Three Capes Track. It’s a luxurious yet rustic bushwalking experience and includes accommodation in eco-friendly cabins each night.
If you want to get off the beaten track, head to the Tarkine region in Tasmania’s northwest. The remote wilderness is home to one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests and has lots of ancient old-growth trees. Follow a network of backroads to rainforest hiking trails, remote windswept beaches, and beautiful viewpoints.
Zoe – Together in Switzerland
If you are curious about a favourite travel place for writers in Switzerland, you should consider visiting the beautiful location of Lugano. To get there, it’s a short, local train ride from Milan Central (1-hour 15mins) or from Zurich (2 hours) with direct trains. Else driving is very easy from any other Swiss canton or from Italy.
Lugano is situated next to Lake Lugano, so for some activities to enjoy, a self-guided walking tour is a nice to start with for seeing the city. It’s a must for walking through the park, city centre and then along the water’s edge. It’s usually very calm water except for the small ripples from the boat waves. In summer you can even swim here and rent pedal boats for a few hours.
If you have additional time, another activity is to head up one of the two closest mountains to see the views, Monte Bre or Mount San Salvatore. Both can be reached with a cute red funicular or hiking. Both also have lovely restaurants at the top, perfect for those who want a refreshing drink or a bite to eat with the view.
Throughout the year, Lugano has many events for all ages too. This can range from the usual Easter and Christmas markets to a jazz music festival and mountain biking events. There is always good food at all of them too!
Since Lugano has lots of Italian influence on restaurants, a delicious recommendation for dinner is to visit the Spaghetti Pomodoro restaurant. Here they offer so many choices of pizzas and pastas, with each dish cooked to perfection.
Mayuri – ToSomePlaceNew
San Gimignano is a beautiful town in Italy. It is located in Tuscany and is known for its stunning architecture and scenic views. The city is home to many historical landmarks and attractions, making it a must-visit for those looking for a quaint destination with historical significance.
San Gimignano is about 25 miles from both Florence and Siena, so one can easily make a day trip there. This hill town was originally an Etruscan and then Roman settlement. Later it was ruled by the Lombards and then the Franks.
San Gimignano was a stopping point for pilgrims traveling to Rome or Santiago de Compostela during the Middle Ages. The earliest records of San Gimignano date back to the 11th century when it was known as a market town.
Today, one can stroll the market center, and take in views of the towers that are left from the bygone days.
Piazza Pecori is hard to miss. It is located at the Duomo and the Palazzo Comunale.
Other than piazzas and towers, there are cute shops, historical and quirky museums, and wineries nearby. Chianti wine region can also be explored from here.
For active travelers, take a tour or a walk along the city walls for views and see San Gimignano from a different light.
If you are planning a trip to Italy, add one day of your Tuscany itinerary to San Gimignano. You won’t regret it!
Veronika – Travel Geekery
Taormina may not be THE most known city to visit in Sicily but it has everything one could ask for in a small Italian town and more!
First of all, it has views of Mount Etna. Its location in the East of Sicily, right on the shore, means you can observe not only the majestic volcano but also the picture-perfect Ionian Sea.
Taormina has a number of historical monuments, mostly around the Corso Umberto Boulevard and the Piaza IX Aprile. However, there’s one sight that nobody coming to Taormina should miss out on: the Ancient Greek Theatre, which was originally built by the Greeks and later rebuilt by the Romans. The remnants are in great condition and are used as an occasional concert venue till this day. Plus, the views from the amphitheater are simply stunning.
After wandering through the town and enjoying real Sicilian cuisine – perhaps with a granita or two (= a local sorbet-like dessert), it’s time to head to the beach. It’s not far away but the most fun way is to simply take a quick cable car down to the shore. Several beaches line the coastline, and one of them stands out – the Isola Bella beach. It has a small islet of the same name, which is currently a protected nature reserve. It’s possible to cross over to the island, pay a small fee, and explore its jungle-like setting and an old abandoned house.
This town is like many different destinations in one – there are just so many different things to do in Taormina! Visit it too and you won’t be disappointed.
Lori – Naples Florida Travel Guide
If you looking for a new Florida adventure, one that’s off the beaten path and as authentic to the local area as you can get, head to the Ten Thousand Islands off the coast of southwest Florida.
Nestled tightly against the southwest coastline which buffers the Everglades from Florida Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands are a hidden paradise for boaters, shellers, anglers, and others seeking a watery experience for the day or longer.
Although there are just a few hundred barrier islands in the archipelago and not 10,000, the adventure awaits, as all of these islands are uninhabited except for the largest of them, Marco Island. Many of the islands are accessible by boat — some even a kayak — from Marco Island, and several others also allow overnight camping.
The landscape of the Ten Thousand Islands is warm and tropical year round, and studded with sandy uninhabited mangrove islands. Over 35,000 acres of waterways and mangrove islets are part of the Florida Everglades and prime nesting grounds for wading and migrating birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife, including marine and plant species.
There are several unique and unexpected sites as well such as the remnants of old pineapple plantations and 1970’s-style dome houses at Cape Romano slipping ever-so-slowly into the sea with each passing hurricane.
With so much natural beauty and nature surrounding it, the Ten Thousand Islands offer visitors a real-life Castaway adventure just minutes from Naples and Marco Island.
Mike – Live Travel Teach
Anchorage, Alaska has quickly become my favorite place in the world for adventure writing. I came to Alaska for a visit in 2017 with the goal of seeing the northern lights and visiting a few glaciers but quickly fell in love with the last frontier and moved here! In the last few years, I’ve spent countless nights photographing the northern lights and even more days exploring the mountains. Some of the wildest adventures are snow-filled skis and bikes through Chugach National Forest, up a frozen river, or across a frozen lake. These remote locations are full of untold beauty and bring a new perspective on mother nature’s pristine serenity.
Visitors can easily fly into Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport and be at any number of trailheads within the hour. The Glen Alps Trailhead provides easy access to all-season trails that are great for mountain landscapes and wildlife viewing. Winter brings backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and families to frolic in the snow at most trails in Chugach State Park, with the Glen Alps being among the most popular.
The city has hundreds of miles of paved bike trails for summer use which double as ski trails in the winter. The best part about Anchorage is how easily accessible everything in Alaska is, with helicopter, ATV, snow machine, and small plane excursions for any walk of life in Alaska too. Summer brings massive crowds looking for adventures on land and on sea with the Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park offering glacier and wildlife cruises for any budget.
Some of my other favorite trails are in nearby Hatcher Pass and the Turnagain Pass. Hatcher has a gold mining history and is home to a national historic landmark in addition to countless mountaineering adventures and plenty of groomed winter trails while Turnagain is a favorite spot for backcountry enthusiasts. If Alaska wasn’t already on your bucket list, I sure hope it is now and I look forward to reading all your new travel writing adventures from the last frontier!
Katy – A Rambling Unicorn
Joshua Tree is a spectacular National Park tucked away in California’s high desert. Located only 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles by car, Joshua Tree boasts an otherworldly landscape filled with piles of boulders and twisted bristle-filled trees.
A great way to explore Joshua Tree is by going for a drive. Many of the park’s most iconic features are located a short walk from the main road – such as Arch Rock, Skull Rock, and Hidden Valley. There are also several fan palm oases that are easily accessible by car including Cottonwood Spring and the Oasis of Mara.
For those who want to get better acquainted with the park, consider striking out on foot. One of the best Joshua Tree hiking trails is the Barker Dam Nature Trail – a 1.3-mile loop to a lovely hidden pool. If you are looking to escape the crowds, select the Panorama Loop or the Lost Palms Oasis Trail instead.
Other popular activities in Joshua Tree include rock climbing, stargazing, and horseback riding.
The best time to visit Joshua Tree is in the spring or fall. Avoid the summer months when temperatures soar to 100 degrees F. Be sure to bring sun protection and dress in plenty of layers as temperatures can vary wildly.
Jillian – Adventure Dragon
One of the best, lesser-known places to visit in the world is Rock City in the United States. You’ll find it at the summit of a mountain in a tiny town that shares the same name: Lookout Mountain, Georgia. It’s located just a few miles from Chattanooga, but it feels like a completely different, hidden world. A winding street will take you to the top of the mountain, and once you step out of your car, you’ll be greeted by moss-covered boulders that tower over the parking lot. Hidden passageways cut through the rocks naturally and eventually lead to a gorgeous, 90-foot waterfall. From a viewing platform located at the top of the falls, you can see seven U.S. states on a cloudless day. Just steps away you’ll also find the Fairyland Caverns, a mountaintop cave filled with glowing lights and magical creatures that kids, as well as adults, will love. Festivals and special events are held in Rock City throughout the year. In March, the waterfall runs green for Saint Patrick’s Day, and in the fall, Rocktoberfest celebrates Rock City’s German heritage. For a unique overnight experience, stay at the nearby historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, and sleep inside a real train car from the 1930s.
Jessica – Uprooted Traveler
Stanley, Idaho is one of the most naturally gorgeous places in the United States, with the jagged Sawtooth Mountains, sloping hills strewn with pine trees, and rushing rivers. It should be no surprise, then, that Stanley has become something of a hidden gem for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
For those looking for a more relaxing destination, Stanley is known for its many natural hot springs, tucked in natural coves and pools along the crystal clear Salmon and Payette Rivers. If instead, you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, Stanley is an excellent homebase for whitewater rafting adventures, whether you’re more interested in a scenic float or want to take on Class IV rapids.
Beyond just enjoying Stanley’s rivers, the Sawtooth Mountains and the surrounding wilderness (the largest federally-managed wilderness in the contiguous United States) has stunning hiking trails, many of which take you past any of the 300 alpine lakes in the area. Alice Lake is a great option and can be hiked as either a 12.5-mile day hike or a 21.3-mile backpacking trip, with views of stunning green lakes, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests along the way.
While Stanley’s outdoor scene is its main draw, the town itself has a quirky charm, mixing rustic Wild West vibes with a bohemian undercurrent. For example, don’t miss out on some of its amazing restaurants (many of them housed in historic log cabins), like the Stanley Baking Company. Be sure to spend at least one evening at the Sawtooth Hotel, which often hosts live music on its patio in the summertime, overlooking Stanley’s rolling green hills and beyond, one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the United States.
Angela – Rome Actually
“Rome is many people’s favorite city for a number of reasons. From great food to ancient history, Italy’s capital is a dream travel destination for tourists from all over the world. But for travel writers and photographers, it’s heaven.
Rome is home to several important archaeological sites, many of which are in the city center. Its churches are artwork-packed and literally architectural jewels. Most of its museums are former notable palaces and villas, so along with the paintings, sculptures and masterpieces on display, we can also see where local noble families used to live.
What keeps Rome very exciting and vibrant is that archaeological digs are ongoing and new discoveries are made on a daily basis. On top of that, there are always new restaurant openings with local chefs adding their original touch to an intriguing mix of tradition and modernity.
Apart from the countless historical sights, in fact, Rome also offers plenty of fantastic restaurants, bars, and gelato shops to try out. Each neighborhood is a world on its own. Every “rione” has its own personality, look, sights, and restaurants.
And since travel bloggers are also great photographers, Rome is a great destination for content creators because it never falls short of fantastic views. Be it masterpieces by the most famous Italian artists, scenic bridges, majestic palaces, or wonderful Baroque fountains, the Italian capital has it all.”
Carley – Home to Havana
Wedged between the cliffs along the Pacific coast, Canoa, Ecuador is a dreamy beach destination perfect for an escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities like Quito and Guayaquil. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave; Canoa is easily one of the best beaches in Ecuador, and the quintessential small beach town you’ve always dreamed of finding.
There isn’t much to see in Canoa, with just a handful of restaurants, bars, and hotels lining the unpaved streets and pressed up along the sand, fisherman pulling in their catches, and hammocks and day beds lining the long, wide stretch of sand. Here you’re forced to slow down, kick back, and relax. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement out of your time in Canoa, check out one of the surf shops and schedule a lesson; Canoa is one of the best spots in Ecuador for surfing.
Settle into one of the beachfront restaurants for a fresh ceviche or “encebollado,” a traditional Ecuadorian coastal dish with fresh fish and onion, or “encocado,” featuring a variety of fresh seafood cooked in coconut milk. End the day by cooling off at the swimming pool at the Hosteria Canoa, a local favorite and a great place to stay while in town.
Dymphe – Dymabroad
A great city to visit is La Spezia, which lies in the Liguria region between Pisa and Genoa. From Pisa, it takes about 2 hours to reach La Spezia by car or by train, and from Genoa, it takes a bit longer than that. La Spezia is a beautiful Italian city and there are many things to do and to see in the city. It is great to go for a walk in the city while seeing the beautiful architecture and enjoying a view of the sea. One of the city’s highlights is the Technical Naval Museum of Spezia, which is a naval museum focused on the navy of Italy. Besides that, you can find a lot of historic buildings in La Spezia. For example, Castello San Giorgio is a historic castle that is great to visit. Another one of the city’s best sights is CAMeC, which is a museum for modern and contemporary art. Besides this, La Spezia is great to stay at if you want to visit Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages near the sea with very colorful picturesque houses and amazing views. From La Spezia, it is just a short ride by train to reach this.
Jiayi – The Diary of a Nomad
Samarkand, Uzbekistan is an ancient Silk Road gem that isn’t on most travelers’ radar. However, it’s one of the most breathtaking and culturally-rich destinations for travel writers. Be prepared to see the most stunningly intricate architecture in the world, and to be greeted by the most welcoming locals.
The beating heart of Samarkand is Registan, a public square surrounded by three large madrasahs (Islamic schools). This place will inspire any writer, as almost every corner you look, you’ll see colorful mosaic patterns on the walls. It’s a scenery straight out of an Arabian fairytale.
No trip to Samarkand is complete without visiting Shah-i-Zinda, a large avenue of tombs that display some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. For a glimpse of local culture, head to Siyob Bazaar, where you can find locals selling everything from spices to Uzbek snacks.
From jaw-dropping architecture to mouthwatering food, a trip to Samarkand is a must for any lover of history and culture.
Abhinshek – Misfit Wanderers
If you want to soak in Eastern wisdom, Rishikesh would be a perfect place to start with. Popularly known as the world’s Yoga capital, Rishikesh is an Indian city in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.
The Ganges, the longest river in India, flows through the heart of Rishikesh. You can walk or sit on the banks, soaking in the serene atmosphere of bustling waves. Then visit top places in Rishikesh: Laxman Jhula, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya), and Marine Drive.
Remember, you can’t eat non-vegetarian food in this sacred city. And neither will you find any shops selling the same. It’s better to be prepared and be mindful about it as this city has religious importance according to Hinduism, the major religion of India.
Furthermore, visit some offbeat waterfalls on the city’s outskirts: Neer Garh, Patna, Himshail, and more. They are good for some solitude or reflection.
Next, you should try taking some Yoga and meditation classes from the spiritual gurus. Here are a few meditation and yoga centers you can visit or enquire about:
- Parmarth Niketan
- Sivananda Ashram
- Yoga Niketan
- Phool Chatti
You will find a brilliant amalgamation of adage practices like Yoga and meditation with millennial adventure activities like rafting in Rishikesh. So, if you want to learn Yoga from its birthplace, or indulge in breathtaking adventures, come to Rishikesh.
Erin – El Chalten, Argentina
Patagonia – the expansive, rugged terrain at the southern stretches of South America – is stunning wherever you look, but El Chalten stands out among giants. This tiny village in Argentina’s southern Patagonia is the country’s hiking capital. The town lies at the base of some of the most epic peaks in the Andes with multiple-day hikes leading up to turquoise lagoons and close-up views of the mountains and the glaciers that climb them.
All trips to El Chalten actually begin in nearby El Calafate, a larger city (the city being a term used liberally here) with an airport. Both towns lie inside Parque Nacional de los Glaciares, so before rushing off to hike, visitors should spend a couple of days in El Calafate seeing the town’s famous glaciers.
Once in El Calafate, the two most popular day hikes are to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre, both are glacier-fed lagoons at the base of the area’s two major peaks. If time only permits one hike, Laguna de los Tres is the most beautiful and popular. It is just over 20 kilometers and moderate-difficult. The trail is relatively easy (but long) until the final 400 meters, which includes a steep ascent that has the trekker scrambling over rocks for well over an hour. The reward is unarguably worth it. Laguna Torre is equally long but a bit easier in regards to endurance.
Downtown El Chalten is designed to welcome hikers with plenty of hostels and cabins to choose from for all budgets. There are restaurants and gear outfitters as well as minimarkets selling the basics. This outdoors paradise should be on any adventurer’s Argentina itinerary.
