Isn’t picking the best country in the world a bit like being asked to pick your favorite kid? It just doesn’t seem right! Still, we’re going to give it a go. Like you, we’ve spun ourselves around the globe a time or two – but we keep returning to a specific handful of countries time and time again.
We hope that our love for each of these destinations will rub off on you and they’ll end up holding a special place in your heart, as well. From the West Coast of the United States to the top of the boot in Italy, we’ve outlined a few reasons why these countries are a must-see any time of the year.
The United States of America
Visiting the 50 states feels a bit like visiting 50 different countries all on its own. We often debate which coast is the best coast. And, to answer that question, here are 30 of the most charming spots to visit on the East Coast, as well as 30 of the most charming spots to visit on the West Coast.
Over on the East, you have metropolises like New York and Miami. You also have quainter towns like Bar Harbor, Maine, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Then, on the West Coast, you can’t escape a trip to California, specifically sunny San Diego before heading up to pretty Portland, and Seattle.
With desert oases in Santa Fe and parts of Texas, as well as the rolling hills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Montana, you can land anywhere in the U.S. and have a most magnificent time.
Chile
Goodness – we had a really tough time honing in on just one South American country. But, we thought you might like to head south after your trip to Texas. Chile is consistently ranked as one of the safest, so we’ll take you there.
It holds its own in a sea of colorful countries, whether you’re enjoying the city scene in Santiago or immersing yourself in the Patagonian landscape. As for beaches, you can’t escape the turquoise waters of Bahía Inglesa. It’s one of the most Caribbean-like beaches you’ll find along the Chilean coastline.
Then, if you brought your hiking boots, you have the Sendero Sierra Nevada – a popular day trip within Conguillío National Park. And, if you can believe it, there’s even some desert terrain for you to hike, especially if you’re in the mood to see some Mars-like mountains in the Atacama Desert. Like the U.S., Chile pretty much has it all.
Canada
If you’d like to head north from Seattle, instead of south from Texas, let’s take you on a tour of Canada. Starting on the West Coast, we’d have to put Banff down as one of the must-see spots, especially if you’re a lover of the outdoors. It’s all about those bright blue waters, as well. But, this time, instead of the ocean, it’s pretty little lakes ensconced by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re more of a city-goer, Victoria is a wonderful stopping point. It’s on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and has a delightful European flair to it. Of course, Butchart Gardens is one of the city’s top treasures.
Over on the East Coast, you can have a magical Christmas in Québec City, particularly when Old Québec lights up like a snow globe. Toronto is another feast for the eyes – filled with marketplaces, bustling neighborhoods, gardens, and nearby islands. For more on that, here’s a long list of what to do in Toronto. And, if you’d like to make your way to Europe from here, let’s head up to Newfoundland before setting sail!
Ireland
Oh dear. Where do we even start? Let’s take you to the West Coast. We’ll start all the way at the top in Donegal, filled with magical forests and seaside hikes. For a real treat, be sure you stay a night or two in Lough Eske Castle.
Then, we’ll make our way down the coast to the Connemara region, filled with glorious mountains, shimmering lakes, and easy access to the Atlantic. Moving further south, we’d highly recommend a stop in Galway City for all the traditional Irish music, or trad, your heart can handle. For more on that, here’s a first-time travel guide to Galway.
Continuing along what’s called The Wild Atlantic Way, we’d highly recommend a stopover on the Dingle Peninsula for more showstopping coastal drives like Slea Head Drive. Then, we can round things out in County Cork, which is filled with colorful towns like Clonakilty, Kinsale, and Cobh. If you fly out of Dublin, be sure to make a stopover in The Wicklow Mountains so you can see what heaven’s winds feel like.
Scotland
With the Celts on our minds, let’s head over to Scotland. One place you always have to book early is Edinburgh. It’s a haven for so many people: Harry Potter lovers, history lovers, and whiskey enthusiasts. As you walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to The Palace of Holyroodhouse, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
Then, there’s the Writers’ Museum for any budding novelists in your group. After you’ve enjoyed Victoria Street and Princes Street, dip into the Princes Street Gardens to drown out some of the city sounds. To help you explore these sights and more, here are 20 things to do in Edinburgh.
From Edinburgh, be sure to allot some time to board a train and make your way to The Highlands – specifically Braemar. If you’ve saved a little extra cash, it’s all about The Fife Arms when you’re here. It’s a showstopping five-star hotel owned by art collectors, so the walls are brimming with beauty. But, staying here also opens you up to the Cairngorms – the UK’s largest National Park.
Norway
We left out the Orkney Islands – a group of northwesterly islands in Scotland. If you ever find yourself in those ancient and enchanting lands, you’re very close to Norway! So, let’s head off to another clean, safe, and stunning country everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime.
We’ll start with Bergen, a colorful harbor town – or, city, more specifically – surrounded by so many mountains, it’s often called the “city of seven mountains.” Coursing through those mountains are some of the country’s prettiest fjords, including Sognefjord – the longest and deepest in Norway. After you’ve strolled past the colorful wooden houses down at the old wharf, you simply must hop on the Fløibanen Funicular for panoramic views of all this majesty.
Another city worth visiting is Stavanger. Everyone loves to visit Øvre Holmgate. There, you’ll find a short little street lined with the most colorful cafes, restaurants, and shops. Stavanger Cathedral is also worth a visit; it dates all the way back to the city’s 12th-century founding. And, when you’re just out for an afternoon stroll, the timeless neighborhood of Gamle is filled with small white wooden houses that date all the way back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Better yet, if you’re able to find an Airbnb there, that’s where you’ll want to stay. Here are a few more hidden gems for you to enjoy throughout your time in Norway.
France
France belongs on this list for so many reasons. We can start with the obvious and fly into Charles de Gaulle to get to Paris. Walk along the Seine with your lover; sit in Café du Trocadéro, overlooking the Eiffel Tower; shop in Le Marais; walk in Hemingway’s footsteps as you visit places like Cafe de Flore to scribble in your notebook; people-watch in the Jardin des Tuileries.
Once you arrive in Paris, you can take the train anywhere. Of course, there’s Versailles for the palace and the town itself. Chartres and Reims have beautiful cathedrals. The Riviera will steal your heart as you stroll through medieval villages like Èze and Menton. Or, we could always head all the way up to Normandy and enjoy the wonder of Mont Saint-Michel and visit its gravity-defying abbey.
Italy
Like France, we like to start our tours of Italy from the mecca. Beginning in Rome, you have all the main sights like the ancient Colosseum, The Vatican, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Oh, and don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return trip to Rome. Here are a few more unforgettable experiences you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
We’re so torn about which way to turn next, but let’s head down to the Amalfi Coast and dream about a night or two in Positano. There, you can enjoy the main beach, Spiaggia Grande, or the quieter Fornillo Beach. If you walk the Path of the Gods, you’ll instantly understand why it’s one of the best hikes in Italy. Basing yourself out of Positano also opens the door for you to cruise over to Capri or Amalfi for the day. Here’s your ultimate guide to Positano to help you plan to perfection.
If we weren’t heading south to the coast, we might head north to the Dolomites. It’s a treasured area, whether you’re here to ski in the winter or hike in the summer. The walks in Bolzano are particularly lovely and picturesque old town will soothe your soul. Then, there are the valleys of Val Gardena and the warm winds of Trentino. And, of course, since you’re in Italy, you might enjoy a glass of wine while you’re in the Valle Isarco region – known to produce some of the best wines in the country.
Where Will You Go?
Truly, this could be an exhaustive list. But, when we think of our favorite corners of the world, these countries always rank. Which one will you choose? Or will you go further abroad to Austria or the Czech Republic?
No matter which city or country is on your heart, we have a destination guide to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Once you make your way to any one of the European countries on this list, it’ll be hard to stick to only one. But, the good news is, if you pop a Euro into the Trevi fountain, the gods will ensure a return trip for ya!
If you are dreaming about your next unforgettable getaway, here are a few more travel guides worth exploring: