TOP 10 FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
MY TOP 10 TRAVEL FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS
What do you do when you cannot fulfil your wanderlust due to COVID-19 restrictions? Nothing but to reminisce about the excellent times you’ve had in your previous travels. The inspirational and beautiful places traversed, the foods, cultures, and peoples encountered. All this keeps the memories and hopes alive for a resumption of travel soon. In this article, I will share my top 10 favourite travel destinations and why I choose them. I will also share all the other components that made my trips memorable, from the 60+ countries I have visited.
It would have been easy to include the destinations I most disliked as well, but chose not to, and instead highlight the positives in the ones that touched my heart. For some abbreviated reviews (both good and not so good) of some of the countries I previously visited, please see my Destinations page. For more detailed articles on my most recent travel destinations, please see my Travel blog page.
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The 10 Criteria used to Determine my Top 10 Favourite Destinations
There are no perfect countries but many memorable moments, especially when you experience the right combinations during your travels. Keep in mind these are MY experiences at the time I visited said countries. Whether or not they are same at this present time, is left to be seen.
Here are the ten criteria I used to determine my top 10 favourite travel destinations. They make up the main components of an excellent vacation/destination, from the people, airlines, to the dishes, etc.
- Most Aesthetically appealing cities
- Countries with the friendliest, most polite and welcoming People
- Friendliest and Most Pleasant T.S.A Officers
- Best Airlines/ (overall excellent experiences)
- Most beautiful and user-friendly airports (esp. for long layovers)
- Countries I would relocate to in a heartbeat
- Cleanest cities/countries
- Countries/cities I felt 100% safe (low crime rate)
- Cheapest countries (budget-friendly for visitors)
- Countries/Cities with my favourite treats Ice-creams and Fish/Seafood
1. Most aesthetically appealing Cities
What makes a city aesthetically appealing? It must have the wow factor. On first entry into these cities, I can guarantee you will say WOW!!! The beautiful iconic architectures, some modern others historical/medieval, and the general aesthetics of the cities. The layout, cleanliness, design of the buildings, the streets/sidewalks, and flora that give life to the cities. The awesomeness of the buildings came alive at nights with the aid of decorative lights, giving different dimensions and radiance.
There were no visible signs of graffiti on buildings, and while some streets were smooth, others beautifully laid out with cobblestones and decorative tiles. I was most impressed by Prague, Czech Republic, and esp. Lisbon, Portugal. They both stood out most prominently for having the most picturesque, intricately designed sidewalks worldwide.
Here are the top ten cities I found most aesthetically appealing.
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
- Singapore (Singapore)
- Qatar (Doha)
- Czech Republic (Prague)
- Italy (Florence)
- South Africa (Cape Town)
- France (Paris)
- Portugal (Lisbon)
- Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
- Hungary (Budapest)
2. Countries with the Friendliest, most Polite and Welcoming People
When planning a vacation, I think that much consideration should be given to countries with the warmest and friendliest people. It should take precedence over ones with beautiful landscapes and infrastructure.
Being in a country with unfamiliar people can leave you feeling a bit isolated. Sour, unfriendly people can ruin one’s vacation. So, the last thing you want to encounter is rude and unwelcoming people.
On the other hand, when you interact with people who are warm, welcoming, and friendly, you suddenly feel a sense of belonging, and you are left with memories to last a lifetime.
Here are the top ten countries, where I found the warmest, friendliest, most welcoming, and genuinely happy people during my travels. From the first encounter, these people interacted with me, as if we previously knew one another.
- The Philippines & Vietnam (See The two most warm-hearted countries)
- Belgium (Brussels)
- Jordan (Amman)
- Bonaire (Kralendijk) & Mexico (Cancun)
- Canada (Toronto)
- Malta (Valletta)
- Portugal (Lisbon)
- Ireland (Dublin)
- Poland (Warsaw)
- Slovenia (Ljubljana) & Singapore (Singapore)
3. Friendliest and Most Pleasant T.S.A Officers
I’m sure some will agree that it can be a bit intimidating entering a country’s border for the first time. It is even more unnerving dealing with surly and downright rude T.S.A Officers. Most T.S.A (Immigration) Officers usually appear very intimidating. They can be very cut and dry, and some act as though you have just committed a crime, just for entering their country.
I can tell you I have met some at airports like Minsk Int’l Airport, Belarus, Moscow Int’l Airport at Sheremetyevo Airport (those at Domodedovo were okay), and Israel Int’l Airport, among others. My only comment will be, “What don’t kill you makes you stronger”.
It is always a welcome surprise to encounter a pleasant, welcoming. SMILING, or even a chatty T.S.A officer. One who will go the extra mile to suggest sites or recommend a particular dish you must try in their country.
Encountering pleasant Officers can be a great start to any vacation. As I previously wrote, most times, they reflect the rest of the population, friendly or not (in most cases, it is 100% spot-on). Here are my top ten list of countries with some of the all-round nicest most welcoming T.S.A (Immigration) Officers.
- Jordan (Queen Alia International Airport)
- South Africa (Cape Town International Airport)
- South Korea (Incheon International Airport, Seoul)
- Portugal (Lisbon Portela Airport)
- Iceland (Keflavik International Airport)
- Dominica Republic (Las Americas International Airport)
- Poland (Warsaw Chopin Airport)
- Ireland (Dublin Airport)
- Philippines (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)
- Vietnam (Noi Bai International Airport)
4. Best Airlines (overall excellent experiences)
I have flown on an average of 51 different airlines, and it’s from these my top 10 favourites were derived. I have placed these airlines in two groups because, in reality, the smaller airlines cannot seriously compete with many of the services offered on larger airlines.
All ten airlines on this list provided consistently excellent service. I have used these airlines at least twice to two or more countries. On every occasion, I was 95% – 99% satisfied with their all-round services in economy class. None has ever cancelled my flights, damaged/lost my luggage, nor was I ever late to my final destination due to any delays.
The airlines were evaluated and ranked based on the below-listed criteria, in which they were excellent.
- On-time service (Always)
- Seat choice options (on booking or 24/48 hours in advance)
- Ticket Price
- Free Amenities
- Baggage allowance
- Legroom comfort/ Seat comfort/Spacious Cabins
- Friendly and welcoming Cabin Crew and Check-in Staff
- Quality of meals/Best Catering
- Free meals/refreshments on flights
- In-Flight Entertainment and free on-board WIFI
- Safety Record
- Easy online booking
- Cleanliness of cabins
My assessment of these airlines is based solely on the services I received at the time I used these airlines. So, don’t hold me accountable if their services have since declined.
The large Aircraft/Airlines
- Qatar Airways (See Flying economy class with Qatar Airways)
- Korean Air
- Delta Air
- Emirates
- Cathay Pacific
The Smaller Aircraft/Airlines
- Aegean Air
- Caribbean Airlines
- LOT Polish Airline
- Austrian Air
- Copa Airlines & JetBlue
5. Most Beautiful and or User-friendly Airports (esp. for long layovers)
Many travellers dread some airports due to the size and complexity of getting from one gate to the next with relative ease. Many airports are very user-friendly, while others are big and cumbersome and very difficult to use.
What about those who have experienced long layovers at airports? The ones who cannot afford an airport hotel (if available) or an airline lounge, know how boring and uncomfortable it can be. Sitting on rock-hard chairs for hours, with nothing of interest to see or do, can be downright frustrating.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you were able to spend the time doing something fun or productive while awaiting your connecting flight? How wonderful is it to be at an airport that offers some form of entertainment to pass the time quickly!?
Below is a list of amenities that are found at most of the airports on my top 10 list, making them my favourites. These airports are not only beautifully-designed but very user-friendly.
Besides duty-free shops, food courts, and 5-star hotels, there are comfortable sleeping areas (at some) for those who cannot afford an airport. Some of these airports also have prayer rooms, a golf course, a visitors’ park, conference rooms, casinos, spas, saunas, an ice rink, movie theaters, and live music.
For those on long stopovers who may prefer to leave the airport and visit the city, you can do so baggage-free because some have luggage lockers. Presently, most of these airports have city-tours (some free) if you have a minimum of four hours before your next flight.
For those so inclined, Changi Airport Singapore has a Butterfly garden, a Cactus, Orchid and Sunflower garden, fish pond, swimming pool, and a 24-hours free cinema and theater. It is clear why they are no.1, it’s like a treat to use their airport.
- Singapore (Changi Airport, Singapore)
- Qatar (Hamad International Airport, Doha)
- South Korea (Incheon International Airport)
- Hong Kong (Hong Kong International Airport)
- Germany (Munich International Airport)
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai International Airport)
- Spain (Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport)
- Greece (Athens International Airport)
- South Africa (Cape Town International Airport)
- Iceland (Keflavik International Airport
6. Countries/Cities I would relocate to in a Heartbeat
There is something surreal about visiting a country for the first time and fitting in like a hand in glove. From my first few minutes of arrival, in these countries, I felt at home. It is difficult to explain how this happened, but my spirit automatically felt at home.
Something about the air, the feel, and eventually the people and surroundings. All added up to the feeling of home away from home. The friendly, welcoming, and outgoing the people were “icing on the cake”.
Other factors were the safety, cleanliness, quietness, and laid-back ambiance of the city/country. Some people may like the bustling, 24/7 night-life of a city. For me, I like the laid-back vibes, the low-keyed city/country, coupled with some beautiful beaches, and I am home!
Therefore, if the opportunity presents itself, these are the ten countries I would relocate to in a heartbeat.
- Malta (Gozo)
- Bonaire (Kralendijk) Dutch Caribbean
- Anguilla (The Valley) North Caribbean
- Italy (Florence)
- Serbia (Nis/Pirot)
- Croatia (Zagreb)
- Canada (Toronto)
- Portugal (Lisbon)
- Turks & Caicos (Providenciales)
- Cyprus (Limassol)
7. Cleanest Cities/Countries
Like me, I am sure everyone likes to visit a smogless city with clean streets, and not having to endure the view nor the scent of rotting garbage. However, this can be wishful thinking, especially in many big cities around the world.
Notwithstanding, some countries have set the standard very high, with regards to keeping their cities clean and spotless. These are the countries, where I saw no garbage strewn across the streets or spillage from garbage bins.
Regarding homeless persons and beggars, I either didn’t see any or very few, same for stray dogs. I saw none running around the city. It was quite visible that the streets were swept and washed regularly throughout the day. Here are the ten cities that I found were extremely clean.
- Singapore (Singapore)
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
- Qatar (Doha)
- Iceland (Reykjavik)
- Austria (Vienna)
- Canada (Toronto)
- Malta (Valletta)
- Ireland (Dublin)
- Spain (Madrid)
- Lithuania (Vilnius)
8. Countries/Cities I felt 100% safe (low crime rate)
Let’s be real…no country is 100% crime-free. As a black female solo traveller, when visiting a new country, security, and staying safe (see my 28 safety tips for solo travellers) is always a top priority. I have been to many countries where it was quite safe, with a low crime rate. Despite this, I took extra caution, especially when venturing out at night.
Then there were others where I felt extra safe. When I was in public, and especially at nights, I walked with confidence without looking over my shoulders once, to see who was behind me.
In these countries, I felt 100% safe. I either saw no police for my entire stay, or the police presence was very visible. I experienced no theft, no pick-pocketing, nor anything untoward regarding my personal safety.
Here are the top ten countries, where I felt 100% safe due to a low crime rate.
- Iceland (Reykjavik)
- Singapore (Singapore)
- Qatar (Doha)
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
- Bonaire (Kralendijk)
- Lithuania (Vilnius)
- Malta (Valletta)
- Portugal (Lisbon) & Slovenia (Ljubljana)
- Czech Republic (Prague)
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
9. Cheapest Cities/Countries (budget-friendly for visitors)
Are you searching for an unforgettable vacation spot but only have a limited budget? Like me, are you a budget traveller who seeks a quality vacation with little money? Well, I have the answer to these questions. Here is my list of ten cheapest countries around the world where you can spend small and live big.
I rated these countries most economical due to the prices paid, and the quality of goods and services I received during my stay. My assessment is based mainly on the prices of food, transport, shopping, hotels, tours and free entry or minimal entry costs for museums/sites, etc.
- Turkey (Istanbul)
- Bulgaria (Sofia)
- The Philippines (Manila)
- Moldova (Chisinau)
- Vietnam (Hanoi)
- Lithuania (Vilnius)
- Portugal (Lisbon)
- Poland (Warsaw)
- Panama (Panama City) & Mexico (Cancun)
- Latvia (Riga) & Greece (Athens)
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
10. Countries/Cities with my favourite treats - Ice-cream and Fish/Seafood
Those who are familiar with me know I love Ice-cream. It doesn’t matter the time of day (except before breakfast), in rain, sun or snow, I will partake of Ice-cream.
Here are the ten countries around the world, where I have had the best-tasting, richest and yummiest Ice-creams.
- Belgium (Brussels)
- Moldova (Chisinau)
- France (Paris)
- Israel (Jerusalem)
- Greece (Athens)
- Hungary (Budapest)
- Iceland (Reykjavik)
- Italy (Rome)
- Bulgaria (Sofia) & Czech Republic (Prague)
- Croatia (Zagreb)
10.1 Countries/Cities I had the most delicious Fish/Seafood
Fish, fish, fish, the more, the happier I am. I love fish that much. I enjoy fish anytime, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If it is fresh, delicate, good texture, and well prepared (except for sushi), I am going to enjoy it.
Here are the ten countries around the world, where I have had the most delicious, tender, and delectable fish/seafood.
- Iceland (Reykjavik)
- Cyprus (Larnaca)
- South Africa (Cape Town)
- Portugal (Lisbon)
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
- Aruba (Oranjestad)
- Panama (Panama City)
- Ireland (Howth/Dublin)
- Greece (Athens)
- Turkey (Buyukada Island)
What are you into Vacations or Travel Explorations?
My earlier travels were more or less vacation type travels. What do I mean by this? It means I travelled to get away from familiar surroundings, to relax, eat, sleep, and renew the spirit, mind, and body. The results of this were, I was well-rested, more refreshed, and “thicker” than before I embarked on my vacation.
There are many countries esp. in the Caribbean that offers this sort of relaxation, for those so inclined. Many are offering sea, sun, and sand with pristine beaches, beautiful, friendly people, and excellent food.
I have been to almost all the Caribbean Islands. The ones I found to have the best and most pristine beaches other than Tobago (sister island of Trinidad) were Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Anguilla, Bonaire, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, and Barbados. There are many others I can also recommend, however, these stood out as my favourites.
I would describe my travels in the last seven or so years, as explorations rather than vacations. I relaxed less and explored more. I got caught up in the cultures, the foods, traditions, landscapes, and intermingle with locals more. As a result of this, I was a more well-informed, open-minded, and physically trimmer traveller at the end of those trips.
Conclusion
Presently many cannot or choose not to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea of my top 10 favourite travel destinations is to provide valuable travel-related information and inspiration for your future travels. I am sure it gave great insights into some of the countries, you may not be too familiar with and may wish to visit.
I hope the in-depth details will assist in some way as a guide, when and deciding your next travel destination post-COVID-19. Those travelling on a budget as a family or as a black female solo traveller in Europe or elsewhere, I am sure you will make good use of the information.
Please share with me your personal travel best in any of the categories above. I would love to hear from you, whether you had similar experiences or disagree with some of my choices,
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