Michelle
Los Angeles
If you had to pick only ONE place (other than your hometown) to go over and over for the rest of your life, where would it be? Why this destination over any other?
My choice would be St John.
Here's why:
- I can be on the beach there on the day I leave.
- Since most of the island is designated a National Park, I can guarantee it will never be overdeveloped and super crowded.
- The beaches are amazing
- Awesome outdoor activities, hiking, sailing, boating, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, etc.
- Fantastic food and restaurants
- Availability of day trips to nearby islands
-Rum may in fact be cheaper than water
If you would like more information on some specific activities or recommendations please see a previous post of mine here: https://www.trippy.com/question/St-John-Must-see-do-while-in-the-Virgin-Islands
Tony Bennett sang it best, I left my heart in San Francisco - truly my happy place! Perfect weather, good vibes & accessible fresh produce all year round!
Great question Michelle! I asked a question in the similar train of thought a while back except, though maybe a bit more dramatic than yours.
Hands down: South Africa (could I be any more broad?). There are some places that compete, including Big Sur and Hawaii, but South Africa is the only place I've traveled to as much as I have and just wanted to continue to go back to. Every time I visit, I learn things about myself, South Africa, and the world that I don't just learn from any trip. I've always said that it takes the best things about my favorite places in the world (dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventure, great food, good drinks, hospitable people) and puts it all in one place. It has culture and vibe, but yet you never forget that it's still Africa. Plus, I mean where else can you have wine from local winemakers for less than $2 a glass. That's better than two-buck chuck. Also, bunny chow, and hot air ballooning, and the Big Five at Kruger Park, and the only African whiskey to win Spirit of the Year, and craft beer. And bilton. Okay, I'll stop now.
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Easy question!
(London)
I love London because it feels like home -- it has ever since my first trip back in 2011. I'm not English, but for some reason it's the place why my heart is happiest. If I could only go there -- or even live there forever, I gladly would!
That's a difficult question but I think I would go with O'ahu, Hawaii. The island has so much to offer and I always feel relaxed when I return home.
Maui - is that boring? Maybe, but there's no place on Earth I've found more relaxing. So if I had to pick only one place to go to over and over again, that'd be it.
Valencia, Spain.
After living there for two years, I feel more at home in Valencia than I do anywhere else in the world. I can ski in the winter (just an hour away) and both hiking in the mountains and lounging on the beach are just minutes away.
Festivals are vibrant and fun, from the Tomatina to Fallas, bull runs and the crazy water fights of Corpus Cristi.
The people are warm, friendly, and become family. I always felt safe and welcome.
The food is varied and delicious. Even in Valencia, I can find some of the best Japanese and Italian food I've ever eaten and there are tons of great Spanish fusion restaurants that serve much more than paella. Seafood is fresh and produce is grown there as well. I miss nísperos and bacalao.
There is a deep rooted culture, but modernity too. Carthaginian ruins, Moorish palaces, and modern Calatrava "cities." There are waterman who still use 400 year old boats to fish the lake at Albufera.
It isn't as touristy as Madrid or Barcelona, and I can escape the city and find hidden aquaducts and beautiful waterfalls in places like Bejís, Montanejos, and Albarracin.
It's home to my favorite bakery, Pastelería C. Aixa and the family who runs it - a place to sit, chat, and sip a "tallat."
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For me, it would be Israel. Despite the reputation pushed by the American media, Israel is really a lovely place with a lot of interesting things to do. If you like history, the beach, mountains, desert, lake like water, it is all there. I love history and there is something historical every where you go. Obviously Jerusalem is quite interesting with a lot of historical significance (regardless of your religious belief or lack thereof).
There are other incredible places as well. One of my favorite places in Israel is Tiberias. The food is amazing, the people are extremely friendly and the Sea of Galilee is gorgeous.
Israel is definitely #1 on my list.
NOTE: I am not making any political/religious statement with this post, I just really enjoy visiting the country.
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Quebec City. Small but stunning city. Very unique and outstanding cuisine. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac gives the city the romanticism necessary to spend an unforgettable vacation with the love one, the family and even though if you are planning a solo trip.
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I read this questions as, "Where would you like a vacation home?" -- which is something I think about way to often, haha. I'd have to choose British Virgin Islands. I'd spend all my time hanging on the beach and sailing between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke Island. These islands beautiful, the water is unreal, the people are nice and it's all so laid back -- to me, they are unlike any others islands in the Caribbean.
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Paris. As much as I love to travel, wherever I go in the world that isn't Paris, I always think to myself "Yeah, this is great, but it's not Paris."
I just don't think any city will ever have the magic this place has for me. No matter how much I read about it, look at pictures of it, daydream about it, it's never enough.
Now I wish I were in Paris. :(
One city or one country?
If it's one country I would say the USA because we go usually at least once a year, they are our neighbours and it's a great country to visit, so much to see and do.
One city is harder but I'd say somewhere in Hawaii, doesn't matter what island but just somewhere in Hawaii, such a lovely place to recharge your batteries.
I live in Colorado and write about Colorado, so I am tempted to say Colorado, but I'd miss the ocean, so I'd have to say the Oregon Coast. I was born there and while my heart is in Colorado a piece of it remains in Western Oregon.
Maldives. We've traveled to so many places around the world. I just got back from the Galapagos a week ago but everything pales in comparison to the three nights my wife and I spent in the Maldives at the end of an India vacation. We stayed at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The costs were very high but well worth it. You'll get the best pictures of any vacation you've been on and still swear that the water was a more vibrant color than you could capture.
While on the private island we used the complimentary sail boats, snorkeled, my wife had an afternoon at one of the spas and we had the most relaxing and enjoyable destination of our lives. Every trip we plan we try to come up with something that can match it. We never expect to exceed the enjoyment of that trip.
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To me, it would be Ireland. It's such a magical place, so beautiful, so green, so many wonderful people!!!
Already did that, that's why I live in New Zealand. But if I had to travel somewhere else from here, it would probably be one of the Pacific Islands without Malaria. I really love Samoa. (Robert Louis Stevenson also picked it). Life is simpler there, and the people are warm, friendly and welcoming. Here are some of the highlights: http://www.albomadventures.com/samoa-highlights/
It's where my family goes every year which is why it's so special to me, but Lower Sardine Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There's such a natural and untouched beauty here that amazes me every time.
I would love to go to Africa! There are many beautiful places in the world but there's something so serene about viewing powerful animals in their natural environment and the beauty of the mountains that Africa would be my dream trip!
I have been tempted by Sri Lanka after a short holiday therebut, every year I go to Bergamo Italy a number of times.
When I'm not there I miss the place, when I arrive I feel as though I'm home! I love Bergamo for the incredible beauty of the city, the warmth of the people and the fact that the little city is so self-contained, with lots to do and, in the (unlikely) event that I get bored I can pop on a train to Milan or Comer See It is the perfect place.
I think I would have to say Croatia; the food is amazing, the beauty is unreal and with over 2000 islands off the coast, the exploring would never stop. You can engage in all sorts of activities from city life to outdoor activities they have it all. I love that it's close the the sea, the water is always great and the lavender (my favorite scent) that grows like weeds there is not a bad bonus. The kindness of the people makes me feel welcome and the abundance to see will keep me busy. It's also home to one of my favorite national parks, Krka National Park, so for that reason alone i'd go again and again.
If I could vacation with my family in St Barthélemy for the rest of my life, I would probably think I was dreaming. It's just magical...the beaches, the views, the overall sense of calm...it doesn't get any better.
Bora Bora... and I've already been there. That's how much I was impressed by the island.
Sydney, Australia because a) my son, his wife and my 2 year old grandson live there
b) It's a fantastic city, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge alone are worth the journey
c) En route there, I get to stop off at other super cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, San Francisco, Los Angeles etc etc, depending on which airline
d) the weather is usually miles better than UK - if Mark says "We'll have a barbie on Friday", it happens!!
e) From Sydney, I can explore the wonderful country of Oz, I've already seen Melbourne and Brisbane, Perth is next on my agenda, and also Uluru, which should be an awesome experience.
That's a hard question to answer, but I think I'd have to pick Antibes in the south of France. It's so charming and views over the Mediterranean are breathtaking. I love it there. But, I'm glad I don't have to pick just one.
For me it would be a condo in Akumal. I loved the snorkeling right off the beach in South Akumal beach and then hopping over to the main beach to snorkel with the sea turtles. Driving up and down the coast to see the different bays, historical sites and centotes.
Japan as my son and family is moving there. AND they are taking my granddaughter. The nerve of her parents... good thing I like the country and people. Have traveled there many times and there are still so many places to see. Been to Okayama , Shizuoka, Hiroshima Osaka, but other places to visit would be Okinawa Island and Sapporo area. Tokyo is nice, but prefer the road less travelled.
Jamaica - Jakes..Treasure Beach. This is off the beaten path and is for the unconventional. I am not into touristy resorts. I love Jamaica, the natural beauty of the island, fresh fruits, fresh fish, the culture and the vibes of the people. My heart is content, my mind is transcended...Jamaica#purebliss
Earth! It is our home planet and it enriches our lives. As you see countries and regions that are taking care of our planet you can do the same in your home community. As you see areas that are suffering, you can open your heart, hands and offer assistance. Our world is to small to limit yourself to one place. Be the Christopher Columbus of your gang and discover new places for yourself .....and your friends and family may follow....and if you do fall in love with one place you can always make it a part of your place to chill, nestle and relax!
Palm Beach, Florida. It has the beach, the chic and the golf courses along with awesome year round weather.
Dauphin Island, Alabama. It is the most spiritual place. That is the place where all the birds migrate. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary and The Estuarium are there. Much of our seafood is Harvested along The Gulf of Mexico. I could say a lot more about the marine life there but other sources like The National Geographic explain it better.
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