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Having been to over 50 countries, I would say that South Africa was one of my favorites - tons of different landscapes from savannah, to cliffs overlooking the ocean, to canyons, to forests. Kruger National Park is amazing. Capetown was one of the prettiest cities I have seen. And great travel value with a steak dinner and wine often costing less than $10. I know there are security issues but it certainly is a pretty place.
I’ve spent most of the last decade telecommuting from two vacation homes. Skiing in the winter. Sailing, beach, and bicycling in the summer. I pick that but without the nuisance of having to work.
I can't really say I have a favorite place in the world to visit, but when thinking about Rome I am pretty uncritical, even though I've only been there twice. I would go back anytime - except midsummer - in a heartbeat.
If you like Rome, then what about London and Paris?
I enjoyed Spain, particularly the small coastal town of San Sebastian, just south of France. However, one of the top places on my bucket list is Santorini.
It's simply a tie for me, and I have no reason to pick between the two. Therefore, here is my combined favorite (to date):
St Maarten - Dutch side. I haven't been there since the devastation from the hurricane. My FIL and SIL just came back and said they're recovering slowly with many places still shut down and/or renovation work not even started yet. My comments are based on my experience.
I love walking through Philipsburg. Pop into a bar here, a little gambling there, hop to the beach and maybe see a cruise ship docked. All three times I've been, stayed in Simpson Bay. No a big fan of the French side. Except for Orient Beach, my favorite beach.
Hawaii - Oahu.
My daughter was stationed there for 3 years as an Army nurse. She worked at Trippler. We visited her twice in those 3 years. Free place to stay, free car. Saved a LOT of money, and each time we stayed for 3 weeks. The first time she lived right near Waikiki Beach (my 2nd favorite beach). I took dog walking duties every day. We drove to North Shore. We hiked up both Diamond Head and Koko Crater (awesome hike and view). Loved the nightlife and overall feel in Honolulu at night. Second time we visited she had nice apt in Chinatown section (high rise).
If you like Rome, then what about London and Paris?
I'm actually embarrassed how little time I've spent in London, 2 maybe 3 weekends at most & those more than 30+ years ago. A real gap. It's one of those places that I think I would really love but the costs put me off (same excuse I use for Tokyo).
I have never spent any time anywhere outside of London either & I do need to see the English countryside at some point: the Lake District, Downton Abbey, Cornwall, Liverpool too. I really have no good excuse other than I've been to neighboring Ireland countless times & perhaps feel that a real trip should be to somewhere where there isn't an Anglo culture.
The first 2 times I was in Paris I was with women I was in love with (separately!). The third time I went I was solo & being alone in the City of Lights was surprisingly sad for me, I felt something missing because of memories. I left early & haven't returned yet.
I'm actually embarrassed how little time I've spent in London, 2 maybe 3 weekends at most & those more than 30+ years ago. A real gap. It's one of those places that I think I would really love but the costs put me off (same excuse I use for Tokyo).
I have never spent any time anywhere outside of London either & I do need to see the English countryside at some point: the Lake District, Downton Abbey, Cornwall, Liverpool too. I really have no good excuse other than I've been to neighboring Ireland countless times & perhaps feel that a real trip should be to somewhere where there isn't an Anglo culture.
The first 2 times I was in Paris I was with women I was in love with (separately!). The third time I went I was solo & being alone in the City of Lights was surprisingly sad for me, I felt something missing because of memories. I left early & haven't returned yet.
I enjoyed all 3 cities.
But there is a lot more to see and do in London and Paris than there is in Rome.
Having been to over 50 countries, I would say that South Africa was one of my favorites - tons of different landscapes from savannah, to cliffs overlooking the ocean, to canyons, to forests. Kruger National Park is amazing. Capetown was one of the prettiest cities I have seen. And great travel value with a steak dinner and wine often costing less than $10. I know there are security issues but it certainly is a pretty place.
If I had to go back to a place I've already been, I might nominate Ukraine. It's a friendly relaxing place, not exotic to a westerner, and easy to go to without a visa. The only part of it that would be hard work woluld be the language, not much English spoken. Very cheap to travel in comfort, with a reliable infrastructure.
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