I just got back from Mexico for the second time and I'd have to say that in my limited traveling experience, it's my favorite trip. At the end of this summer and next summer before I start Full Time, I'm gonna be able to take a few more trips. The place I want to go the most is Thailand.
What recommendations do you have and what are the favorite places you have been?
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It sounds like you're young, go to Vegas once. My favorite place is Japan; you can ski, there's nightlife, a super cool culture and the food is amazing.
Seconded and I don't ski or club that much. I've lived in and visited SE Asia on multiple occasions. The culture is natural, travel is easy, food is good, impressive nature, people while they don't speak much English are incredible hosts.
Could never recommend it enough. It's not like thailand or vietnam where you just have a lot of money in a tropical place and bikes and elephants are sorta thrown in, it's a real place that doesn't survive just because of tourism.
Was in Japan for the first time this year, what an incredible country. Everything was so organized, and I was very pleasantly surprised with how affordable everything was.
Rugby World Cup happening in Japan this Fall. That would be the ultimate guys’ trip. My wife has me on a no-fly list to Asia, she thinks I’d have too much fun.
One of my favourite places in Mallorca. There are a lot of things which you can do there: visit different beaches, go hiking, rent a car and go to the mountains, paddle surfing and much more.
Second this. Going up to the artists’ colony on the North side of the island is pretty cool. We stayed at an awesome hotel on our honeymoon where they have covered outdoor massage caves just above the waves crashing on rocks. The main town, Palma, is really cool as well. Avoid the tourist nightclubs though...cheesy cruise ship stops that seem like a roofie waiting to happen.
Wow, if Mexico is one of your favorite places of all time, you're going to love the rest of the world.
it could be argued it's one of the best countries for travel in the world, and how lucky are we it's our neighbor - we take it for granted. i could fly there tomorrow for a $200 one way ticket
world-class beaches, mexico city is amazing i hear, the food, the culture, the Mayan ruins, Oaxaca region, inexpensive, warm weather. just don't get caught in some narco cross fire!
Mexico City is fantastic. You sound like an idiot
Hands down New Zealand.
Second this. Spent about 4 months there and it was amazing. The south island is to die for!!
I've traveled a lot and I would say my favorite places over the years have been: Spain (Barcelona/Ibiza/Sevilla/Mallorca) Italy (Puglia, since most of my family is from there) Morocco (Loved it) Eastern Europe (Hungary, Poland, Czech Rep.)
+1 for Eastern Europe. I've been all over except for Hungary which I'm trying to see with some friends next year. Do you have any recommendations on things to do there?
I can't name just one:
South Korea was a lot of fun. Hong Kong / Singapore Victoria, Canada Split, Croatia
Split definitely awesome! Do a Dalmatian Coast city series: Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, they all connected by ferries, there are other small islands you can check out too.
I second Victoria, Canada.
As someone who lived in Victoria for a bit its super exciting to see it on someones list! What brought you to Victoria
Victoria is a hidden gem.
I was there for a few days when I was in the military.
Beautiful place.
I'm going to HK this October, any recommendations on what to do?
Have fun, it was an awesome place last time I was there. Especially the Lan Kwai Fong district.
Though, that was over 10 years ago.
There's a few people on this board who currently live there. I'd start another thread with that as the topic. Their insights are going to be both more up-to-date and localized than I could give.
Hong Kong horse racing held at the Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday night, trust me.
For sure check out Lan Kwai Fong at night, streets are crowded, people from all over the world come together, a must do.
Grab a cocktail at one of the skyscrapers roof top bars (especially at night), Ozone comes to mind, but there are many just ask around.
Classic eurotrip was fun as hell (Berlin -> Krakow -> Prague -> Budapest). Favorite so far.
Costa Rica was great, better than Mexico (been there twice as well) for sure.
London was meh, would probably be more fun now since i'm not 9 years old
Morocco was really cool
France was meh
Montreal was cool but it was so fucking cold I'll never go back there in the Spring (i'm from the Midwest, too)
Vegas = basic, fun, really gotta try hard not to have a good time here with all the alcohol and concerts and pools
Florida (anywhere not Miami) = trash, don't go. Hated it
Miami/Lauderdale = Very fun, weather was still not great but much better than any other part of Florida
Jamaica was amazing. Best weather i've had in a hot/tropical climate. Everything was cheap as fuck, tons of weed cheap and easy to get, drinks were amazing, the nature was awesome, saw no spooky spiders, overall great but pretty basic. Still recommend.
I thought Jamaica was disguting. It was very dirty, poor, and everywhere I went I was being sold something or having a product shoved down my throat. Moreover, the beaches were very plain and were not doing the Caribbean any justice.
I probably should have wrote more. I agree, some parts of the city we were in were pretty bad. Not everything, though. I guess the beaches were pretty average too but I haven't really been anywhere else in the Caribbean so I don't have much to compare it to.
2nd that for Jamaica. If you want a good time in the Caribbean Cancun is pretty fantastic.
Just got back from Montreal for MDW and I really liked how nice everyone was, the relative amount of smokeshows everywhere, and that you can essentially drink in public.
It's true the girls were great. The cost for all the alcohol was surprising to me when I was there so I didn't focus too hard on getting drunk all day like I did when I was visiting most of the other places. I can say I didn't notice much in terms of people being nicer than say from my Midwestern big city. Overall was fun would have to go back during the summer.
> the relative amount of smokeshows everywhere
Just wait until Formula One hits Montreal in two weeks
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Istanbul, Shanghai, Rio
2nd Istanbul. Super cool city. Lots of things to see with the various civilizations which have rolled through there, good nightlife and food. Ate way too much baklava though.
Peru! It's super underrated and if you're into nature you won't find a country on earth that gives you the diversity Peru offers. It has a massive coastline with beautiful beaches and amazing waves for surfers, a giant desert (Google Huacachina Oasis, nothing like this), the Andes mountain region (just unreal, the inca valley was by far the best hike of my life) including Machu Picchu (bucket list stuff) and the historic city of Cusco, as well as the rain forest and amazonian Jungle region. Plus the food is just sick, hands down the best fish I've ever had in my life. Lima is also the only city next to New York which has 3 of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
Next to that probably Columbia. Less nature and more chicks. In Medellin I fell in love about 20 times a day
Is a week enough for Peru?
Kind of depends on what you are into and what you like about Mexico. Did you like the beaches and partying, or checking our ancient mesoamerican sites or the cities, the food. etc.?
Places I've vacationed ranked most favorite to least: Italy, Switzerland, Iceland, Costa Rica, Philipines, France, UK, UAE, Mexico, Qatar.
Japan and Australia are high priority on my list, but looks like I'll be going to Spain and back to the Philipines first.
Mongolia. I was challenged to try a lot of things for the first time, and I learned so much about myself.
Also limited travel experience but British Virgin Islands. Idk if all the islands in the area are called that, but all those islands.
Switzerland, any ski town. Amazing food, culture, and overall experience, but hyper expensive. I went with a friend who was Swiss so we saved money, but if ur into skiing, one of the best places ever. Just have a nostalgic Christmas vibe for that place. Especially Davos
Panama is a truly underrated country IMO. You have some amazing day trips from Panama City, incredible beaches in Bocas del Toro and unbelievable views in the San Blas archipelagos. You can also go whale watching on the pacific side near the Pearl Islands. I honestly recommend people visit either as a trip on it's own on a CPC trek (Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica).
Then again, I'm going to SEA for the first time in a few months so I may amend this post soon :P
Filthy Fridays in Bocas is the most fun ive ever had
Thailand is a must see. Go there with a couple grand and you can stay for a month and buy whatever the fuck you want. Cheap alcohol, nightlife, plenty of western girls.
Spain - The people (friendly and good looking); the food (tapas!!); the culture (music, dance, art, architecture); the history and the beaches in the south. Can not beat Spain.
Yeah - I spent six months in Valencia and am in love with the people and the culture. If I ever had a getaway in the Mediterranean, it would be in Valencia. Less tourists than Barcelona and very authentic culture full of Valencia pride. I like the soccer team there too (VCF) and they sometimes do well, but not all of the time. Plus the team/city logo is a bat and they have a massive Calatrava designed Arts & Sciences center. The city is rich in art and culture.
Just saw the Valencia team win the Copa Del Ray yesterday while in Seville, they played real good
I have been living in Vietnam for many years and for me this is the best place ever
Are you in Saigon or some place else? Born and raised over there.
Not far from there Do you live in Saigon?
Greece, without question. The country is insanely beautiful, the food is outstanding and the people are great. If you have even a remote interest in history, it's a must-visit. I cannot recommend it enough.
I hope you were in the islands mostly and outside of Athens. Lived in Athens for a while and found it really disgusting. Great food and nice people though.
Athens is DISGUSTING and literally PEAKED 2500 YEARS AGO. The mountains and islands and sea are BEAUTIFUL though.
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
Good place for doing lots and lots of COCAINE
Maui or Colombia
I have been to a lot of places and I also think Mexico is the best place I have been to. However, I am not talking about the Cancun party, Mexico City tourist trap, or Baja California typical trip. I am talking about the hidden Mexico that your typical tourist does not go to/know about. Due to these places, I have travelled the world and I can confidently say that Mexico is a truly wonderous country. The combination of Spanish, North American, and Indigenous culture/architecture in states like Chiapas, Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo is something that is remarkable, and the culture and religions from thousands of years ago that are still practiced in villages deep in the jungle is amazing to watch. The best place in Mexico I have been to, from a historic/culture point of view, has been the Maya region of Mexico (Southern). I say this because the amount of ruins and cities left by the Mayans are impressive and truly a marvel of this world. I can go on about more things in Mexico to visit/to do, but this post is long winded so feel free to PM if you want to know more/get reccomendations.
Anyone been to Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa? I’ve been thinking about going there. A mix of Indian and African culture.
I really love Southeast Asia. Tried Tom Yum Soup in three countries (Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia). Bangkok was the craziest 24 hours I ever had. A city of extremes (rich-poor, old-new). A great part of traveling is feeling rich and the exchange rate was great for Americans.
Barcelona was really cool. Too bad the ocean water wasn’t warmer though then I would totally dig the beach scene. Food was amazing.
Roasted octopus in Lisbon, Portugal was amazing. Went there during the EuroCup. Partied with a bunch of Germans (they beat Italy that day). Germans on vacation, you can spot them and they have a good time.
I try to check out the Jewish Quarters In the European cities I visit. Lots of history; usually the old part of town. Fried artichoke or cauliflower, good stuff (Rome Jewish Quarter was cool).
Tokyo is my scene. Harajuku-Shibuya-Shinjuku areas. Golden Gai was amazing. Hundreds of micro bars, each big enough to fit 5-15 people. My friend and I walked into one and had a drink and In came some drunk dude who unbelievably came from our hometown. So we all drank together. The food was so good, even the bento boxes at the subways.
Loved Osaka’s Dotenburi street. Maguro Center was the best sushi for a decent price.
Kyoto was beautiful. Ate at this Korean BBQ place there, really good. Had a chance to go to a concert but my wife said stay at the hotel; I regret not going.
Hot springs and kaiseki meal, try it.
I loved Venice when it’s not crowded. Just walked off the Golden Road and into the neighborhoods away from the tourists. Had a snack at some locals cafe, that was cool.
Of course, I love Hawaii. I’m from there and want to move back. I recall visiting and going out on a Wednesday night in Honolulu Chinatown to a club. The music was great and I kept thinking for 2,000 mile radius I’m at the most happening spot.
I want to do a Japan 2.0 trip where I check out Kyushu (Fukuoka and Kumamoto), spend more time in the mega city Tokyo, and maybe eat ramen and seafood in Sapporo. Hiking up Mount Fuji, on my bucket list.
My dad was in the military so I got to live in South Korea for a few years growing up. Seoul is a great place I’ve heard.
I want to go to Brazil; San Paulo.
Mexico City really intrigues me. I’ve been to the Mayan (Cozumel) areas, really beautiful.
Montreal I want to go. I studied a little French and we always talked about Montreal.
I’d like to go to Israel, Vancouver, South Australia, Xian China, Singapore, Cuba, Bolivia (the backend of the Amazon), and Peru. I did a b-school project on a NGO in Tanzania. Safe country, with the Big Three: Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Island.
Alaskan cruise when I’m old.
Why South Australia? I've been to Sydney and traveled up the coast to the barrier reef. I'm really intrigued by the far north (Darwin), and the west (Northern West Australia) for some reason. I have some notion of it being like an outpost in the middle of the wilderness, circa the American West in the 1800s, but who knows. That's another trip by itself.
I've looked in Reunion, but if I'm going to that region I want to dive/snorkel as well, and from what I've read its not great. I'd love to go to the Quirimbas islands in Northern Mozambique to do some spear fishing, its supposed to be insane (look at it on youtube), but there's issues with local terrorists in the region at the moment...
In grad school, I met a guy from South Australia. He talked it up. Culture (open and friendly) and supposedly the drive there has some spectacular scenery.
Reunion Island struck my eye as I was looking around the Indian Ocean (on google maps) for where the missing Malaysia Airlines jet could have gone. Then I looked at these small remote islands and came across Reunion. I googled it and learned that they have an unique African-Indian culture. It’s one of those totally off the beaten path trip ideas.
If I’m going to visit a coast or islands, great beaches are important. Since I’m more of a casual tourist. I do like to snorkel.
Penang Malaysia for example was fun to visit. The great beaches though are on the eastern side of the country. Anyways, got to make up for it with beach time in Karbi Thailand, and the Ko Phi Phi Islands. I love the Thai guitar sound from northern Thailand. Felt like I heard it sampled once in a Jay Z song.
Greece was an amazing trip. Spend a full day in Athens looking at historical architecture, visit Santorini and ride a donkey to the top for lunch with fresh caught fish, then take a boat to Mikonos and Rhodes.
Avoid Turkey - those people hate Americans and my friend on the trip who is a Hindu was actually shot at by a cab driver after the driver tried to scam him on his fare.
Did that person make it out alive? What happened?
They got into a dispute, religion came up, my Hindu friend said fuck you I'm not paying your exorbitant scam fair, then the driver popped the trunk, pulled out a Mosin–Nagant or some othe similar old military rifle, and tried to shoot him as he was sprinting away. He didn't get hit but he was all skinned up from diving on the concrete.
Any love for the continental US? I've been to Sedona, AZ 6 times now, and still I would go tomorrow if I could. I think the landscape is of unparalleled beauty, some of the resorts are stunning, its quiet, peaceful, and relatively close to the Grand Canyon. 10/10 recommend if you're looking for somewhere relaxing and with fun nature stuff (hikes, tours, natural water-slides, etc). I'm also really gassing to get to southern UT and Yellowstone.
Internationally, I loved Paris, although I find that this is an unpopular opinion...
Heading to Pelican Hill in Newport in the fall. Pictures and videos look gorgeous.
Just googled, it looks stunning. I'm sure it'll be a great spot. Its easy to take our country for granted because it's not as "exotic" as going to the Maldives, but hell, we have some AAA landscapes here with world class resorts. I love our geography.
Where do you recommend staying/doing in Sedona? I'm going there for a wedding in October and am trying to spend a couple extra days exploring.
Entirely depends on your budget and length of stay, but for a mid-priced hotel the Amara is a beautiful little resort with nice amenities and a fantastic (read: fantastic) restaurant. Virtually next door is IMO one of the most beautiful resorts in the state, L'Auberge, if you don't mind spending a little more on lodging, stay here. Enchantment resort is also supposed to be stunning, however, I have never stayed here so I cannot personally comment.
If you're feeling a little more adventurous, and have a S/O who is cool with less-than-luxurious digs, there are a lot of cabin sites and air bnbs in Oak Creek Canyon (this canyon separates Sedona from Flagstaff) that are about 20-30 minutes outside of Sedona. This is creme de la creme of beautiful landscapes, and if you're into the whole "wake up to stunning views" thing, this option is unparalleled. You probably won't find a 4 or 5 star hotel here, and ymmv on specific sites, but this is where I would stay on my next visit as some of the scenery is just incredible. If nothing else, weather permitting, visit Slide Rock, its a natural water slide which is pretty cool.
September/October usually provides perfect desert weather, although it might get a little chilly at night depending on if its later in the month. That said, day time should offer ideal hiking weather if that's your thing, Bell Rock is a pretty easy but really fun ~2 hour hike. Cathedral Rock, West Fork Trail and Soldier Pass trail are also very worth you while if you have time. If nothing else, book a Pink Jeep tour, do the sunset one, and book it through AAA. Worth every single penny.
The Tlaquepaque shopping area is also a fun way to spend a few hours, although its can tend to be a little touristy, you can find some interesting and unique local artwork and the like. There are also countless art galleries downtown, I can't recommend any in particular as I'm not much of an art-connoisseur, but they're fun to poke in and out of.
You're also only about 3-4 hours from the Grand Canyon, so if nature is your thing, and you can extend your trip, I'd recommend renting a cat in Flagstaff and making the drive. Even if only for one day, seeing the Grand Canyon in person cannot be understated. The sheer size of the thing alone is marveling, and if you have the opportunity to take a hike down any of the south rim trails you will surely be amazed at the variety of geology experienced when descending ~2K feet into the earth. Plateau trail will take about 3-4 hours down and 4-5 hours back (its roughly 7 miles each way) and provides a direct view at the Colorado River (literally, you're hanging above the river when standing on the plateau). The hike takes you through Indian Garden which is an interesting, random, lush garden growing from a canyon creek at the bottom of the Bright Angel trail. 10/10 recommend.
I thought Paris was great to be honest, not sure why it gets flack, maybe because its such a typical tourist destination? The French actually are really friendly IMO, and I don't speak a word of French.
It's arguably not as exotic as Europe or Southeast Asia due to proximity, but don't sleep on the Bahamas. Taking a boat around the Abacos is hard to beat.
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