12 Favourite Destinations

Exactly ten years ago today, I embarked on my first independent trip. By “independent,” I mean a journey not organised or sponsored by parents, school, or any other organisation. It was the first time I travelled on my own dime, in my own time.

I was 19 when a friend and I booked a ticket to Zimbabwe—a country we knew almost nothing about. Feeling all kinds of cool, we launched into an adventure that would help shape who we were becoming. We spent a month in Zimbabwe, and it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime—spontaneous and a little bit wild.

After returning home, I had coffee with a friend who was curious about the journey. I told her all about it in vivid detail, ending with: “I want to travel all the time. I want to be a globetrotter!”

“When can you start calling yourself a globetrotter?” she asked. I had no idea, so I made something up on the spot: ‘Maybe once you’ve visited one-third of the world? That’s 64 countries.’

In the ten years that followed, I didn’t really keep that goal in mind. My definition of a globetrotter has evolved dramatically since then—today, I wouldn’t measure it by the number of countries at all (but that’s a discussion for another day). Still, somewhere along the way, I did end up reaching that old, slightly arbitrary benchmark.

With so many destinations on my travel résumé, people often ask me which one is my favourite. And honestly? It’s a tough question. Not because I love every place equally, but because so many of them have touched me in different, deeply personal ways.

While stuck on an 8-hour bus ride last week, I decided to really think about it. Could I choose just one? No. But I did manage to narrow it down to a Top 12. I was aiming for 10… but you know how it goes.

So in no Particular order

1. Oman
I loved everything about Oman. A road trip through the country introduced me to genuinely warm and welcoming people, delicious food, fascinating wildlife, and stunning landscapes filled with my favourite hues. Risking a cliché here: Oman truly is a hidden gem.

2. Shops, drinks and midnight snacks in Shoreditch, London

London’s been a favourite for years, but discovering Shoreditch took it to another level. It’s the part of London that pushes you out of your comfort zone, sparks creativity, and somehow still feels homely.

3. Motorbiking Ubud and surroundings, Bali

No surprise here—I chose to live here for a year. The spiritual atmosphere, lush greenery, incense-scented air, and sweet Balinese people… this island is simply magic.

4. Backpacking through Zimbabwe

As mentioned earlier, this was my first big trip. It wasn’t the typical “attractions” that got me head over heals, but more about a deep sense of well-being. Drinking a beer under the African sun, the roar of Victoria Falls in the background, while forming lasting friendships with locals and expats—unforgettable.

5. Cruising through Lake Connemara and surroundings, Ireland

The Irish countryside is heartbreakingly beautiful. I can see why it’s inspired countless songs, stories, and poems. You could say the land is poetry.

6. Living the island life in Zanzibar

I waited 15 years to finally visit Zanzibar,—and it still exceeded every expectation. The bluest waters, red soil, spice markets, and freshly caught fish grilling around every corner. You can feel the mysticism here, born from centuries of cultural cross-pollination.

7. Morocco

Every time I visit to Morocco , I’m amazed at how much I love it. Why amazed? Because it’s not always easy. Touts, scams, endless bargaining… and yet I adore it, flaws and all.

8. Venturing out into Timor-Leste

A total wildcard. I could barely find any info about it beforehand and had zero expectations. That might be why I loved it so much. Stunning scenery and that adventurous edge —a perfect challenge for the seasoned traveller.

9. Hiking Dominica

Rugged, wild, and off the radar—are you spotting a theme? Dominica gave me full-on explorer vibes and charmed me with its reggae/Caribbean island vibe. No white sand beaches here (it’s the only Caribbean island without them), which is why it’s often overlooked by package and cruise ship goers. This leaves the island with mostly pristine rainforests and hidden waterfalls.

10. The old city of Jerusalem, Israel

Israel is a fascinating travel destination, but the old city of Jerusalem? That place vibrates. You feel emotion in every corner. You can breathe in history, touch spirituality, smell culture, taste tradition. It’s a place like no other.

11. Dancing to dirty reggeaton beats in Venezuela

Less than an hour after landing in Caracas, I turned to my friend and said, “This is it. I belong here.” We laughed, but I wasn’t joking. Venezuela has it all—beaches, jungles, deserts, mountains, buzzing cities. It has attitude and soul. If only it had the government it deserves…

12. Bhaktapur, Nepal

Nearly the entire city is made of wood and temples. But what truly got me was the peaceful “zen” atmosphere. I’d wake up to soft bells and prayers, followed by the scent of fresh tea. Enchanting. Also—it’s where you’ll find the best curd in the world. Just saying.

I may be a globetrotter in the eyes of my 19 year-old self but in the eyes of the woman I am today, I still have a long way to go.

I just couldn’t resist to list some honourable mentions: Copenhagen, Cuba, the forests of Washington State, Singapore, Amsterdam, The Sinai (Egypt), Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) and New York City.

What are your 5 favourite destinations?  

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