Let’s say you’re rolling in the dough… you have so much money that you could pick random places to travel and not worry about budget. Usually I wouldn’t even consider this, but thanks to a reader’s e-mail, it’s been brought to my attention people like this exist!
They don’t want to know which places are convenient or easy to get to- they want to know what are the BEST and coolest places in the world. They may have all the money in the world but only a couple weeks to fly from place to place. I can’t say which are for sure the best, but I can give you my opinion!
So here we go, my 5 favorite cities in the World
except one is and island & one is a state, but hey, SEO ;)
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia.
It’s been getting this reputation of being too crowded and too touristy but it’s a stunning town. Here you’ll get to see the prettiest town I went to in Eastern Europe complete with a fairy-tale castle (the one from Game of Thrones), winding alleys like a small town in Italy, delicious pizzas and local food, and some of the greatest ocean views I’ve ever seen. On top of all that, it’s got a serious cultural bonus: you get to stay at a Sobe and have a local woman treat you one of their own kids. If you want to visit here, consider a full Croatia road trip!
2. Ko Lanta, Thailand.
Ko Lanta might not stay this way for long, but as of late it’s been known as the most beautiful sunset in the world… with not nearly enough people there to see it. Just the way I like it! Of course you have everything the other islands have: good food, great nightlife, and even better 5 star hotels, but having a whole stretch of beach to yourself in Thialand? Nothing better.
3. Goa, India.
There’s no greater adrenaline rush than coming to India, but if you’re short on time you won’t get to really take it all in. In a rush, just come to Goa and enjoy a mixture: get a massage for under a buck on the Arabic sea, indulge in coconut curries, wash a few elephants, take a spice plantation tour, and maybe even partake in one of the impressive Psy trance parties on Anjuna beach. Maybe I’m bias since this has been my home as of late, but Goa holds such a special place in my heart.
4. Corfu, Greece.
It’s said to be the most beautiful island in Greece. Other than the typical bright blue sea views, you get all that Greece is known for (seafood, white and blue houses, parties) and on top of that you have way fewer tourists than it’s counterparts Santorini and Mykonos. The island has a historic Old Town, a castle, forts, and plenty of outdoor activities. The island is “greener” than others and quite possible the most beautiful place in the Mediterranean.
5. Paris, France.
Paris, France photo source
Paris isn’t only for hopeless romantics; it’s for shopaholics and those who keep their noses buried in history books. Get dressed up in your favorite black outfit and pretend to be Parisian in one of the street side cafes. Wonder the Louvre and sip wine under the Eiffel Tower. Take the time to see Notre-Dame and peak through second-hand novels at the Shakespeare and Company book store. After all your site-seeing make sure you aren’t too tired to sip cognac and take on the luxurious nightlife.
Woo, happy to say that I’ve been to 80% of these places. Paris to me though was a little different than I expected. Great cheese and rolls over there though. I shared my french stick with a good 50 birds. Was great!
Cheers,
Ken
MMm food in paris is so yum! I love brunch there :)
Great post Rachel, good luck in the competition! Goa beats all those other destinations hands down though! I’ve never been to Dubrovnik but I really want to. :)
It was lovely, but i went before game of thrones and I hear it’s changed a bit.
Great post, fantastic pics and we totally agree on Dubrovnik.
oh thanks for the nomination! I have only been to Paris. Such a classic.
absolutely!
I’ve only been to Paris out of these 5- but it’s a good one! I would love to go to all the others too. I’ve been dying to go to Croatia for years. There are just too many amazing places in the world- I don’t think I’ll ever get to them all (but I will certainly try..!). :-)
I hate knowing I may not get to “see it all”! bummer!
What an interesting read, Rachel! I have been to three of these and would LOVE to see Goa and Koh Lanta! Thanks so much for nominating me – I’ll get right on it :)
Ahh I bet you’d love Goa- it has such a other side to it of luxury!
So interesting to see your 5 favorite places! I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect Dubrovnik to be there!
I can’t wait to go to India some day. I have a feeling Goa will be my first stop…
Oh, yes I loved it there! But I went 4 years ago & I think it was much different then than what I read about now.
Dubrovnik is still the same. Yes there are more cruise ships which I read the government is now going to limit to two a day as there was sometimes three at the same time as Americans seem to be obsessed with Cruise ship travel. A little more crowded in Julu/ August but you can change its beauty as Croatia as a whole is a GEM
Can’t wait to go to Croatia! Thanks for the tips :)
No prob! Enjoy your travels :)
Love this! I’ve only been to Corfu and Paris on this list, but Croatia and Goa are high on my list of places to see! :)
that’s great to hear! I’m always happy to hear other travelers are hoping to come to Goa.
hi rebecca,
yes it’s all relative and subjective but hey,nice choice for fun .so many places only one life ( apparently)….best,john.
hi rachel,
yes it’s all relative and subjective but hey,nice choice for fun .so many places only one life ( apparently)….best,john.
Hi John, no worries about the name :)
sorry,name mistake above.sorry can’t figure out how to delete.
Great post, Rachel!
Thank you :)
4 out of 5 done, agree with all points except about dubrovnik, it was really pretty but had the highest concentration of rude people for any European town
Ahhh really, I didn’t encounter that but what a bummer you did!
Ok, I’ve never been to any of these places!! But all of them have been on my list for years. I’ve always been obsessed with Croatia, so it’s glad to hear that you loved Dubrovnik so much :) And despite the fact that I’ve been to Thailand three times, I’ve still failed to get to Ko Lanta. This reaffirms the fact that I NEED to go there next time I’m in Thailand. Great list!
I would love to go back to Croatia & I do hope you make it to Ko Lanta- wow 3 times in Thailand!
Rachel, it seems to me you may have only visited Dubrovnik. A truly magical place but judging by the places you have visited looks like you enjoy hidden treasures thus I recommend you visit the following places in Croatia which you will absolutely love. Rovinj, Bale & Motovun, Mali Losinj island, Rab island and Cres Island in Istrian peninsula. You also have to visit Zagreb with days trips to two stunning places- Plitvices lakes(taking in town of Rastoke) and Varazdin(taking in Trakoscan castle on the way). In central Croatia dont miss Sibenik and Krka falls, Zadar, Primosten, Murter and the Kornati Archipilego, Party in Vodice and then head to Split via Primosten on the coast and enjoy the beaty of the Southern Island by ferryu from Split. Hvar, Brac & Vis my favourite and the spend some time on Makarska Riviera. Americans have a tendancy to just do Dubrovnik from a cruise. Croatia is a Gem like no other and you need to spend at least a month to experience it properly. Many people with qualifications in massage like yourself set up massage stalls for tourist on the beach and you could do this in July and August to pay for your trip.
Lisbon will be part of your list once you come over :) Great list, I totally agree with them (except Paris, lol )
I’d love to go to Lisbon!! I’ve never heard anything negative about portugal & it’s a dream place for me.
The only one I’ve been to is Paris! Nooooo! But I totally agree with it being on the list. My other favourite is Venice. :)
I loved Venice too! although I went at the worst time, july & it was PACKED!
Yay Corfu! Tom and I had our 3rd date there and we ate spanikopita and drank sooo much wine! Hoping to make it back there when we go to TBEX in October – excited! We really need to get to Croatia though – there’s so much of that place we haven’t explored!
Bit of a water theme going on here I see…..almost 5 for 5
Ahh you’re going to TBEX? please write a post about it so I can learn everything you do lol! And yes, I’m happiest by the water.
I love how everyone loves Koh Lanta – must be a blog thing, I know I first heard about it through blogs, and that’s how we decided to go there!
I love NYC, Paris, Santorini, Toronto, Rome.
Oh really!? That’s interesting. I actually went before I had my blog started & my friend anna told me about it – I think just from lonely planet.
Wow the Croatia one looks beautiful. Koh lanta is amazing, I was there a few months ago, and had the beach to myself (other than a local dog who came along for a walk) it was so beautiful.
I think Bangkok would have to be on my list, as the place where I started my travels, and returned to many times since, it holds a special place.
Oh koh lanta all your yourself must have been the best! The sunsets are amazing there.
Love your post and that Paris is on the list! There is just nowhere else like quite like Paris and would definitely be on my top five list too (though I’m a bit biased). I’m interested that you mentioned Dubrovnik, Croatia. I’ve been seeing great things written about Dubrovnik in the past few months, but have been hesitant to go. My brother went last year and thought it was boring and too touristy. Guess I’ll just have to go one day and see for myself!
I’ve heard it’s gotten more touristy since Game of Thrones & just in general getting more notice, but I still loved it so much!
Dubrovnik is about beauty, culture, history and atmosphere. If your brother is not into this then he may find other places more interesting as Dubrovnik is not a party town full of clubs and bars etc but instead has nice restaurants with many beautiful settings to enjoy a drink and dinner and cafe culture is popular in Croatia. Dubrovnik is small compared to other Europen cities and Croatia in all has 4.5 million(Paris has 14 million) people thus the way to see Dubrovnik is as part of a Trip of the the Coast of Croatia as it is the most stunning coastline in the world(hand down and by that I mean better then Amalfi Coast and Greece in my opinion)
I was trying to make a list of five favourite cities, but I find it so hard! I can say that Edinburg, Scotland, is my very favourite city, though. Scotland is such a wonderful country to visit!
I haven’t been to Scotland but would love to go!
I am heading to india this winter (Dec-Feb), and yes Goa is on my list of must stay at for a week or two. This will be my first solo trip out of the united states, and I must say it is needed and I can’t wait to start this journey. A journey of soul-searching and knowing myself again after being in a very long-term relationship. I have been following your blog for about a year now and would love to possibly meet up with you or just pick your brain through emails:) I am interested in attending a yoga teaher training and an ayurveda certification.
Yea totally! Let me know when you are in Goa , just send me an email.
Great list there Rachel. I’ve been to Paris, I’ve been to Thailand 3 times, but never to the islands, I’ve been to India, but not to Goa.
I would love to go to Mumbai and Goa next time I go to India, I was thinking of going to Athens for TBEX but I’m going somewhere else at that time so Greece is on my list, and I definitely want to go to Croatia. It’s the next big thing as far as Eastern Europe is concerned.
Thanks for sharing. :)
Ohh if you go to TBEX you’ll have to tell me everything you learn :) I wish I could have gone, but can’t this year.
I might be the only person in the world who just doesn’t like Paris. I guess it disappointed me. That’s the only place out of all of these on your list that I’ve been to, but I definitely plan to check out Koh Lanta in 2015!
You’ll love Ko Lanta- I’ve never heard of anyone not liking it!
I have only been to one place on that list, Paris! I loved it, but I don’t think it would make my top 5. Some of my favorites are London, Sydney, New York, Melbourne (ugh, I’m so cliche…). I think I need to see a few more on your list!
I love London and NY too, but haven’t been to Aus yet- would love to go!
Paris is of course a favorite of mine too! Croatia looks amazing! Heard such great things.
Ahh, Paris- I would love to go back!
Great cities! I loved that you picked Dubrovnik as well! Haven’t been there myself but I wuold love to make it there one day!!
Thanks girl! I’m starting a new series on my blog. I’d love if you’d be a part of it. Shoot me an email if you want to!
Just happened across your blog and i love it http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/volunteering-and-working-abroad.html
Thanks Gina.
Nice blog. i really like this sharing.
I absolutely adored Corfu as well! So lush and green. Dubrovnik was also incredible. Did you make it to the fish market there? Those pictures from Goa are beautiful as well!
Being an Indian I feel so happy looking at your love for Goa. I can totally relate to your love for the heaven for all the beach lovers there. Even I make it a point to visit Goa once a year to chill and unwind!
Your Thailand articles are great and gave us (me and wifey) a great insight before we finally took the plunge.
I am an Indian and chaos is a daily indulgence for us, but Goa takes it to a whole new level with twists and cliffhangers abound.
I suggest Havelock Islands as Goa’s docile twin.
Keep writing. Cheers.
My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia and I also looooooooove Stockholm. I lived there for 6 months and I visit often. It’s the best!