One of the nice things about traveling a lot is that you see so many different types of places: beaches, the tropics, cities and small towns, rainy places and sunny places and you realize very quickly how different each part of the world really is. I know very well how hard it is to pick a place to escape to on your next adventure and with a never-ending list of possibilities, often it’s helpful to narrow down location to what you’re specifically looking for.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite places I’ve visited around the world to help you narrow down some possible spots for your next adventure. Whether you are looking for an exotic location filled with souks and color or a small ocean-side escape, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in the following list!
I’ve written about how much I loved Bangkok and if you’re looking for a warm location but would prefer city over beach, this Thai city is the perfect spot, full of temples and culture, roadside markets and delicious street food.
Beautiful little Bushmills in Northern Ireland is exactly how you expect a small Irish town to look. Even though it’s world-famous for whiskey, you’d never know it from wandering the streets of this tiny and quintessential Irish town.
For a small city, Dublin seems to have it all. The vibrancy of the city, the almost electric and inspiring vibe of the streets, the colorful buildings and the many many bridges over the River Liffey make Dublin a fantastic place to escape to.
Hawaii is full of beaches and each Island is unique, but the thing that makes Honolulu so popular is that you get both city and beach. Whether you want to spend the afternoon shopping or laying on the beach, you get both of those things here.
London is one of those places that you’ll never be able to just visit once, for one thing, it’s a huge city and there is no way to see it all in one quick trip. For another, it’s one of those places that there is something around every corner to take in. There is always something more to discover in this beautiful and historic city.
Sometimes the mystique of the Middle Eastern culture just calls to me, the Souks, the incredible food, the ornate architecture and prayer call sounding from the gorgeous mosques all around. If you’re looking for a touch of the exotic, Marrakech is the place to be. Stay in a Riad while there and you’ll get a full dose of what the city is all about.
If I had a lot of extra cash, I’d buy a house on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island and use it as a vacation home. That’s how much we fell in love with this ocean-side town when we visited last year. The iconic views, the ocean air, the rocky cliffs and open expanses of ocean, this spot is perfect for a quiet ocean-side retreat.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, you can visit lots of countries in Europe that border the Sea, but none quite measure up to France, for me at least. For an ocean-side escape in the French Riviera, that comes with macarons, croissants and French wine? I’m sold just on that alone, but Nice also boasts terrific shopping, insanely gorgeous views and close proximity to many other small French Riviera towns.
When you’re looking for a city escape, no where else is quite like New York City. The bustling metropolis is the place to go for incredible food, cityscape views and some of the best shopping in the world. Spend an afternoon in Central Park, take in the views of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn and you’ll fall in love with this city with each minute that passes.
Paris is one of those cities that’s hard to explain to people that haven’t been there. It’s not just the romantic architecture or the incredible treats all around, Paris is one of those cities that just has a “feeling.” It has an air to it that just seems far beyond the rest, like once you’ve been to Paris, you’ve really been somewhere. For ornate culture, a clean and gorgeous city and you’re own dose of croissants and macarons (because there really is nothing like strolling the banks of the Seine with a treat in hand), Paris has it all.
Someday I’d love to rent an apartment in this quaint Scottish city, wandering around the city and living a simple life. For now though, a visit to this quaint and romantic Scottish city will be sure to have you wanting more. Not only are there gorgeous beaches, ocean side cliff views and romantic city streets full of colorful stone buildings, St. Andrews also has a rich history and is the home of Golf. What more could you want?
I’ve never felt such peace as I did staying at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India. Waking up to look out over Lake Pichola, the mountains rising out of the mist in the distance and greenery all around us. Udaipur is one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen and I know we’ll be back again to take in the quiet and serene peace you can find here. It’s also out of the way of the hustle of India’s biggest cities and offers a lovely city center with palaces and culture, without the mass crowds. For a relaxing time in India, this is where to go.
Brittany Ruth says
Such a cool post! I’m wanting to do all of it!
Casey Martin says
Thanks Brittany!!! I want to go back to all of them!! 🙂
Destiny says
I just added so many more places onto my “someday” list! I’d never heard of St. Andrews but it sounds perfect!
Casey Martin says
St. Andrews is one of my favorite places we’ve ever been… so charming!
Kiki says
This post is great I love the looking for and recommend city descriptions!
Casey Martin says
Thanks! I so enjoyed writing this one!
Elizabeth Georgian says
This is a great idea for a post! Bushmills, Ireland sounds like a great place to add to a secret trip that I’m planning for my husband and I.
Casey Martin says
Thank you! Bushmills is such a cute little town! Don’t miss a meal at the Bushmills Inn if you go, it’s soooo Ireland!
Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre says
What an awesome post and I was excited I’ve been to a few on your list!!
Casey Martin says
Thank you!!! 🙂
Jane {In The Pink & Green} says
These are great suggestions! I actually would really like to go to Hawaii soon – I feel like I’m the only person who hasn’t been!
Casey Martin says
You totally should!! It’s such a quick flight and you’re on a beach within a few hours!
Rose Valentine says
I’m going to NYC this June for the second time, yay 😀
Casey Martin says
Ahhh I love NYC! Such a great city!
marialef says
I’m going to Southeast Asia next year, and I’m planning to go to thailand, vietnam, indonesia… but for some reason I didn’t put atention to Bangkok, maybe because I’ve seen movies and they always put the worst of that city, but with your recent posts, I want to go because it looks pretty interesting. Thank you… and I love your blog.
Casey Martin says
You know, I didn’t ever want to go to Thailand and Bangkok totally changed my mind, we loved it!
Amy Jo Pendergrass says
I love this…such a beautifully done post. My must-see list just keeps on growing!
Casey Martin says
Thanks so much! And I totally know the feeling, the list of places to see in this world is never ending!
Paula McInerney says
Great post that makes you want to just keep on travelling. Love many of the places that you have been and have added some that I haven’t been to yet ..
Casey Martin says
Thanks! They are all amazing places, waiting to be explored! 🙂
Ms Traveltipsy says
That is some awesome places, I love Dublin, London, Bangkok, Honolulu, Nice, New York 🙂 Not too fond of Paris, I know I’m weird 🙂
Casey Martin says
Isn’t that so funny, I have talked to so many people lately that say that about Paris. Though, to each their own, I’m sure there are places you’ve loved that I haven’t! 🙂
Kristin Saling says
I want to add all of these to my travel list – but after living in Oahu, I want to swap Lahaina, Maui, for Honolulu. There’s too much city there and not enough Hawaii! Lahaina has couture shopping, delicious restaurants, and pristine beaches, and about a quarter of the tourism!
Casey Martin says
So interesting! I’m not a huge fan of Maui actually, for me at least. I actually like the bigger city atmosphere of Honolulu and since I’ve lived there, there is plenty of Hawaii for me at least! 🙂
Courtney says
Such an inspiring post! I hope to make it to all of these places one day!!
Casey Martin says
Thank you! I hope you make it to all of these amazing places!