Ever scroll through endless lists of travel destinations—feeling totally lost? Trust me, I’ve been the person staring at a map, paralyzed by too many choices and not enough real-life tips. Travel destinations can be a delicious puzzle (well, sometimes just confusing), but with a little help, you’ll sidestep overwhelm. I’ve rounded up my absolute faves—places that wowed me, or made me feel at home, or just fed me killer snacks. Oh, if you’re itching to do it on the cheap, you’ve gotta check these budget-friendly destinations for solo travel. Or maybe wrangling your wild crew? Peek at the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe. Anyway—let’s cook up your next trip together, yeah?
Our Top 20 Countries (the 20 Best Countries to Visit)
I could blabber for ages, but—who has time? Here’s my “chef’s table” for best countries. You’ll find flavor, fresh views, and sometimes chaos in the best way.
- Italy: Pasta in Rome, sun on the Amalfi Coast. Enough said.
- Japan: Cherry blossoms or vending machines with fried chicken. Both unforgettable.
- Mexico: Street tacos, cenotes, and city nightlife. (Insider tip: see top Mexico travel destinations.)
- France & Switzerland: Paintings come alive, and the chocolates—dear lord. (see this France-Switzerland itinerary)
- Brazil: Beaches, Carnival, wild soul. Go.
- Germany: Beer halls, castles, efficiency. (must-see places in Germany)
- Thailand: Papaya salad, temples, and a scooter with questionable brakes.
- Australia: Surf, kangaroos, the outback, and rain that goes sideways.
- South Africa: Safaris, Table Mountain, and heart-thumping wine country.
- United States: Stuff is massive here. Burgers, landscapes, Grand Canyon—try it all.
- Vietnam: Motorbikes, fresh herbs, sweet chaos.
- Portugal: Pastéis de nata, Fado, and those mosaic tiles.
- Spain: Tapas and late nights that turn into mornings.
- New Zealand: Like a land from a fantasy novel. (Don’t trip on the sheep.)
- Greece: Blue domes, olives, slow afternoons.
- Turkey: Spice markets, Turkish breakfast feasts.
- Iceland: Glow-in-the-dark lagoons, volcanoes, puffins everywhere.
- Morocco: The souks alone—get lost, on purpose.
- Canada: Ice hockey, poutine, mountains made for postcards.
- Indonesia: Bali beach, volcano hikes—go on, treat yourself.
| Country | Why Go? |
|---|---|
| Italy | Food & historic sites |
| Japan | Tradition meets high-tech |
| Mexico | Tacos & cenotes |
“I never thought I’d love Vietnam so much—one afternoon in a Hanoi street market and my senses were doing backflips!” — Jess L.
Rating Every Country We’ve Traveled To
No sugarcoating here—some spots are just bonkers-awesome, and a few…well, their airport food was the highlight. Let’s break it down.
- I rate a destination by vibe, food, adventure, and how many random locals tried to help me when I got lost.
- Top marks: Japan (nice people, weird vending machines, and spotless everywhere). Italy: 10/10 snacks and views.
- Places I’d skip next time? Anywhere that made me feel unsafe after dark, or just plain bored. But then—everyone’s taste buds are different.
- Oh, and for thrill-seekers, check these epic adventure travel destinations. Seriously, you’ll come home with stories, not just souvenirs.
“Brazil was pure magic for me—the only hard part was leaving.” — Dan S.
Travel Insurance and Credit Cards
Listen, nobody wants to talk about this stuff…until you’re face-down on a hotel bed with food poisoning (yep, happened to me in Mexico—whoops).
- Always carry travel insurance. Not glamorous, but it’ll save your wallet and your sanity.
- Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Also, points—get those free flights or hotel stays! It works.
- Check that your card or insurance covers adventure activities. Ever tried hiking a volcano? Double check first.
- Want more safety hacks? Peek at this guide on secure solo travel in Mexico with tips.
If you’re curious, here are 15 essential items to pack for any trip (I still forget something every time).
Airport Transportation
Here’s where travel dreams crash—literally—into reality. Airport rides can be a circus (and I say this lovingly).
- Big tip: Don’t wait until you land to figure it out. Book at least your first ride. Seriously—rookie mistake!
- Watch out for “friendly” drivers inside the terminal waving for business. Just nope out of that.
- Compare prices online beforehand. Sometimes, cabs cost double what rideshares or trains do.
- Some places have super easy trains or shuttles—you’ll feel like a pro using them on day one.
“The metro in Zurich was so easy I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie. Best arrival ever.” — Ann K.
The Best Countries to Visit: Your Turn
Alright—your turn. What’s your “wow, I gotta go back” country? Spill your secret family trip spot, or the beach you thought only existed in stock photos.
- Share recommendations with friends (and strangers—why not?).
- Try places people never talk about—like that Brazilian beach town or tiny Greek island.
- Bookmark a few sites for next time, like new affordable honeymoon destinations in Asia. Why not dream a little?
And hey, if you find better food than Rome or street snacks that beat Bangkok, you have to let me know.
Common Questions
Is it safe to travel solo as a beginner?
Absolutely! Just start with welcoming and secure destinations for new solo travelers and always trust your gut—even if it’s just about a sketchy airport sandwich.
What’s the one thing you never forget to pack?
Chargers. And snacks. Ideally chocolate. Anything else—flight tickets, ID, and you’re golden.
Best time to visit popular travel spots?
Shoulder season, hands down. Fewer crowds, cheaper everything, and locals aren’t totally over tourists.
How do you save on flights?
Be flexible! Midweek flights and using points from cards really help. I stalk prices for weeks, not gonna lie.
What’s one travel hack everyone should know?
Download offline maps before leaving home. Trust me on this; my phone died in Tokyo—complete comedy-of-errors.
Pack Your Bags—This World Isn’t Gonna Explore Itself
Alright, that’s my list—imperfect, opinionated, and straight from my travel-obsessed heart. Planning travel destinations should be exciting, not a marathon research project. Dig around, peek at sites like Motorsport Travel Destinations for racing fans, or find deals on amazingly cheap places to travel. Don’t take my word for it—check other lists like The Best Countries to Visit (Our 20 Favorite Countries Ranked) or even get the scoop from the CDC’s flagship health guide for travelers.
Hope you found some inspiration—now go make your own list (and memories). Next stop? Anywhere that makes you curious and hungry.
