Top Ten of the World

           Fifty one countries and four continents later I thought I would share my favorite places in the world.  I’ve been to every type of environment from inhospitable desert to swampy jungle to the biggest cities in the world and all in between.  So what does it take to be on the list?  Well, it doesn’t hurt to have a fascinating history and complex contemporary issues.  However, a place can be my favorite simply based on scenery (as you’ll see below), great food, beautiful people, fun activities, or exotic locale.  These are all easily accessible and I’m sure you’ve heard of some of these recommendations before, but I hope you’ll find a couple new gems along the way too.  Here’s the list:

 

10.  Istanbul, Turkey 

 

            Some of the most recognizable historical buildings in the world are here such as the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.  Some of the best food you’ll ever eat is on every corner of the city.  Some of the most beautiful people will be walking by you all the time.  Some of the most cosmopolitan people and culture you’ll experience sit here.  There are amazing views of this great city, and some can be seen from the top of ancient city walls.  It’s the crux of east meets west.  You can see a sultan’s palace and some of the most ancient artifacts in the world.  Do I need to say more?

 

The Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome area will make you wonder at ancient civilization and current city planning.

The views of the water are beautiful and you'll always find a new spot to admire. 

9.  Luang Prabang, Laos

            While Southeast Asia has plenty of temples and monks, one city easily stands out amongst them all.  There is a calm beauty to this place part in fact because the Laotians have quiet, calm demeanors and also part of the beautiful views of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers.  The outdoor markets are fantastic and you’ll always be walking by monks.  The temples are exotic and the town is very cosmopolitan.  Great cooking classes, waterfalls to walk under, animal experiences, and a chance to watch monks get their daily morning offerings are all great activities here.  Vientiane might be the capital of Laos, but Luang Prabang is the undisputed cultural capital of Laos.
 

Temples and jungle mountain scenery combine for beautiful and unique scenery, even for Southeast Asia. 

As a center of Buddhism, you'll find monks wandering the city and studying. 

 

 

8.  Cairns, Australia

 

             The adventure capital of Australia sits on the coast of the Great Barrier Reef where you can do some of the best diving in the world.  If you’re not into the water, you can do nearly every single adventure activity here amongst some of the best views in the world.  People don’t realize that northeast Australia is a rainforest and has amazing mountains to boot.  So while you are whitewater rafting or skydiving you’ll have amazing views to enjoy.  The town is cute and quaint with a pool in the center of town made to look like a beach.  Although Australia is expensive, everything is first rate and always super friendly. 

 

Rainforest hikes, views of the mountains, and encounters with wildlife are literally a mile away from the town center.

The Great Barrier Reef doesn't disappoint in terms of scenery, wildlife, or clarity. 

 

 

7.  Angkor Wat, Cambodia

 

                There are ancient ruins throughout the whole world, and I’ve been to nearly all of them.  None show off the grandeur and impressive detail in a great forested environment like Angkor Wat.  The best part is that you are still allowed to walk these ruins and get up and close with the detail, making it so much easier to imagine yourself here nearly 1,000 years ago at its peak.  If you want to fulfill your Tomb Raider fantasy, nothing works better than a walk around the ruins of Angkor Wat. 

 

Walking around the sites, you'll get a sense of the grandeur of this massive creation.

One of the most iconic sites in all the world, Angkor Wat truly is as advertised. 

 

 

6.  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia

 

            Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders, or as it’s better known: Victoria Falls.  The scale of this waterfall is only matched two other places on earth, but you can’t do nearly as many adventure activities or go on a safari.  You can ride African elephants, whitewater raft, bungy jump, ride a microlight, or if you are adventurous enough even sit on the edge of the falls in the famed Devil’s Pool.  It also has one of the best backpacker vibes in the world. 

 

It's an adrenaline capital, and the signature piece of that capital is the bridge.  This bungy jumper is finding out firsthand. 

No matter what you do or see, the highlight of Victoria Falls is the view of the falls itself. 

 

 

5.  Kyoto and Nara, Japan

 

              Kyoto evokes everything you want of Japan: geishas, fantastic temples and shrines, history, and gardens in one of the most livable cities in the world.  Rent a bike and go from trail to bamboo grove to temple.  There is one of the best onsens (spas) in the world, and since this is Japan, there is amazing food everywhere.  They even light up a lot of the temples at night so you can revisit your favorite spots in a different atmosphere too.  It’s one of the few places where five days might not be enough even if you are going at it hard each day.

 

You'll walk and wind your way through a maze of Japanese history and culture. 

The Golden Pavilion is one of many permier temples and sites in Kyoto.  Combined, Kyoto and Nara have as many sites as any top tourist destination in the world. 

 

 

4.  Dahab, Egypt

 

                Far from pyramids and ancient temples is the laid back resort area of Dahab.  It’s the lesser known chic hangout of the Sinai Peninsula, but it’s by far the cheaper and better option.  The whole town is easily walk able and is flush with one word: relax.  Plus some of the best diving is literally off the steps of the waterside restaurants.  There are dozens of excellent diving options here that will double as a way to cool yourself off from the intense Middle East heat.  If you’re up for a hike and a bit of history you can go hike Mount Sinai and see St. Catherine’s, but I’d just advise a hookah and a dive. 

 

Hike through the night to Mt. Sinai where you can walk where Moses received the Ten Commandments. 

Dahab is about relaxation and diving, and they have both in spades. 

 

 

 

3.  Cape Town and the South African coast

 

               The number one questions I get: What is your favorite country?  It’s easy to me.  What place else has a fascinating history combined with a reconciliation amidst African animals, amazing coastline, the most beautiful wineries in the world, one of the best cities in the world (Cape Town), and great activities?  There’s only one.  Only in South Africa you can play with baby lions, dive with great white sharks, ride an ostrich, and pet cheetahs. 

 

You can fulfill your animal dreams, such as playing with baby lions, in South Africa's wilderness. 

Not only does Cape Town have Table Mountain, but great food and markets to explore.

The Cape of Good Hope's coastline is spectacular and gives awe to those that tried to go around the bottom of Africa in search of spices and goods. 

 

 

2.  Queenstown, New Zealand

 

            As you are flying into Queenstown you’ll already notice that you’re in an other-worldly place.  The majestic mountains combined with Lake Wakatipu make for fantastic scenery.  Queenstown is one of the most entertaining and nicest cities while maintaining a quaintness to it.  You can do the original bungy jump dive, skydive, ride a luge, whitewater raft, take Lord of the Rings tours, go to Milford Sound, or do a vast other number of activities.  There’s so much to do here that you can spend weeks and thousands of dollars.  I can guarantee you will fly away with a smile on your face. 

 

It's charming, small, and yet extremely nice: Queenstown.  There are fantastic bars, hotels, restaurants, and tourist centers here.

The luge track is super fun and has amazing views of Lake Wakatipu, the long lake that sits on Queenstown.

 

There are so many activities to do here (including seeing some of the sites of Lord of the Rings) that specialize in adventure.

 

 

1.  Hallstatt, Austria

 

             It always has been, and it almost always will be number one.  I visited here ten years ago and was so blown away that I had to come back (which is a rarity for me).  Here’s all you need to know about Hallstatt: I was traveling with a girl in Salzburg who was amazed by the beauty of the city and surrounding countryside.  I kept telling her that it was nothing compared to Hallstatt.  She was getting mad at me that I was building up this place so much in her mind that there was no way she wasn’t going to be disappointed when she finally saw it.  A day later when we were leaving Hallstatt she said, “It still beat my expectations.  I can’t believe it.” 

 

It's quaint and sits right on the lake, and that's the whole point of the Hallstatt.

A gondola takes people to a salt mine and a restaurant containing amazing views.

The old Austrian architecture sits perfect with the Austrian Alps and Lake Hallstatt.