As a traveler, we’re always wanting to explore new places and see new things. The prospect of having to go back to the same city isn’t always the most exciting. That being said, there are a few gems in the places I’ve been to so far that I can never say no to.
Read more about these amazing places!
- 3 reasons to go to Barcelona
- Top 5 things to do from Queenstown, New Zealand
- Utah and Arizona 10 day Itinerary
- Where to stay in Tokyo
- 5 Day Bali Itinerary in Indonesia
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1. Barcelona, Spain
How can you not love this city full of life, culture, amazing food and Gaudi? I’ve always been here THREE times and hope to add a few more trips here down the road. Next time I go back, I better see more progress with the La Sagrada Familia!
2. Queenstown, New Zealand
This little adventure city in the south island of New Zealand is set amidst the dramatic mountainous back drop. Although only here for a few days, I absolutely loved the laid back life style here. It reminded me in many ways of being a small ski/snowboard town like Whistler. Here, adventure sports takes front and center. I didn’t quite have the guts to do bungee jumping here but did do the Shotover Jet ride and that was a total thrill.
3. Salt Lake City, USA
I’m probably one of the few that would peg Salt Lake City as a go-to-place but having spent a lot of time here in my previous life as a consultant, I’ve really come to enjoy this city and the mountains that surround out. For 3 years in a row, I organized group trips to Park City just outside of Salt Lake City for a little bit of snowboarding and Sundance Film Festival – the best time to go.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Just thinking about that fresh FRESH sushi makes my mouth water. Aside from all the oishi food there is out there, this vibrant city really does have something for everyone. I’d love to explore this city even more beyond the 12 days we spent last time in Japan. Anyone want to make reservations for Jiro’s?
5. Bali, Indonesia
During my 4 month trip to Asia in 2012. Indonesia really stood out above everywhere else I went to. My 5 day itinerary in Bali was one of the highlights of the trip really because of how well balanced things were. I’d love to go back to Bali to do some surfing now that I’m *a little* better and to explore the northern parts of the island which is even more untouched than the areas we explored last time around. I’d also love to do that sunrise trek up to Mt. Batur. Lots of unfinished business here!
Which cities do you consistently go back to?
I’d love to hear from you. Which cities do you love and why? Just comment below!
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Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
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Barcelonaaaa! I never get bored of it. I feel I arrived home whenever I land on Barcelona International Airport.
You and me both!
Amsterdam is historic, beautiful, people are great, easy to get around and I find something new to do every time. Jakson Hole is breathtakingingly beautiful. Rothenburg because of its medieval feel and beautiful setting. Budapest, the architecture is awe inspiring, the history is rich and the food is delicious. Cinque Terre(specifically Riomaggiore) because it gives you a real sense of place and food is amazing!
Love Queenstown! But I could also go back to Stockholm again and again and again…
Having studied in Sweden, I totally love Stockholm. How much time did you get to spend in the country?
Nice list! Now you got me thinking about my own 5… Ugh, how to choose?!
AHhhhh I know! Too many amazing places right? I’m sure Myanmar is one of em?
Over the past year, I always found myself going back to Kuala Lumpur. They couldn’t get rid of me! More recently I spent a week in Otres Beach, Cambodia. Even though there is nothing to do. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
I haven’t been to KL but would love to! What did you love about Kuala Lumpur? Otres Beach is another place I have to check out!
It’s a melting pot of SE Asia. SO many different nationalities congregate here. It’s modern city with a good mix of street food culture with huge shopping centres round the corner.
Very rarely does a place match my mood. Going to Otres beach came just at the right time.
I can see that! How many days would you suggest for me if I were to go to KL?
4 days should be fine. If your ok with hostels I’ve stayed in Sunshine Bedz which is in the Bukit Bingtang area really good location. The Petronas towers at night is a must. The other popular location is Chinatown they are connected by a regular free bus service. The Pavilion shopping centre has a really god food court with a lot of variety and good value for money. It’s western prices for alcohol in Malaysia!
Love, Barcelona. Must return time there had to be shortened last time. I love Paris and Rome. I agree with you on London. Prefer Dublin…similar, smaller. Istanbul is off the charts! I was there for 4 days and it was NOT enough. Amazing! I guess that is 5… but I could add more.
AHHHH I really want to go to Istanbul! What would you recommend seeing there?
What is not to see? The Blue Mosque (Sultankamet), Haggia Sofia, and the Sutlan’s Palace to start. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. The Basilica Cisterns are interesting. Experience a hammam. Taksim Square and Istakal Cadessi. A ferry or cruise on the Bosphorus. Cross into Asia. Take in a museum or two (or more). Take advantage of one of Istanbul’s many rooftop bars and restaurants with great views over the city. If you have time go beyond Istanbul to Izmir, or Ephesus…or…. there is just so much to see in the city…and in the country. I am working on a post about what to see in Istanbul…will let you know when I post it.
*taking notes* Hoping to go this year! Let me know when your post comes out. I’d love to check it out.
Similarly to you, I would never get bored of Bali and Tokyo. So hectic, inspiring and breath-taking places.
Tokyo is a good one too! :)
One of my favorites countries in the world is Italy. I enjoyed a lot in Florence, in the Tuscany, such as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. I love the Italian art and I loved the views from the Piazzale Micheangelo. I also agree with Ruthi. I would add also London!
Ah yes Italy is absolutely beautiful isn’t it? I think I really need to go back and do it properly since the last time I was there was a whirlwind backpacking tour. Florence was definitely one of my favs though.
It’s weird and I don’t know if I’m the only one but I’m not a huge fan of London. I’ve been there a ton of times for work and vacation and it’s never excited me as much as say Spain. I’ve always felt that London was the closest to North America in terms of being a big city which made it less “interesting”.
I agree with you. Every city in Spain is different, and the combination of different civilizations here makes them original and authentic places. I am Spanish! :)
But, in my opinion, I find London is an exciting and lively city, with a wide variety of leisure offer and culture which enrich the city. Something I love from London is its innovation in art, the reference to the literature and the multicultural enrichment in the atmosphere of people coming from everywhere in the world.
Nice post. Barcelona is one of my 5 cities. The other cities are New York, London, Munich, Melbourne.
All awesome cities. Where would you like to go next?
Great list! Been to only two of these-Barcelona and bali-loved both! Plan to go to Japan and since moving to nz in feb-great to know about Queens town as well :-) I have so many I want to return too but just top of my head first 5 would be – Rome, many cities in Croatia, Istanbul, San Diego and Berlin. Loved these places!
I’ve never been to Croatia and Istanbul. I actually wanted to put SD on the list as well but alas no space :P
Of those only been to Barcelona but it is my Number One European City.I would add London,New York,Seoul,Shanghai and Tel Aviv.But there are so more I haven’t seen yet… so little time.
Haha that’s always the problem right? Well hopefully you’ll be able to visit some of the places on my list and I would love to visit Tel Aviv sometime in the future!
Hey Will, great list. I remember being in absolute awe when I saw the interior design of La Sagrada Familia :) I would have to say Porto (Portugal) is definitely one of the cities I would never get tired of – have you been?
Cheers xx
Thanks Tiffany! I’ve been to Porto and you’re right, it’s another lovely city! Loved the wine tours we did there and the boat cruise. I need to expand this list to 10 or 20 don’t I? Haha!
I love the list, Will! I agree with your choices and about 50 more… my biggest issue would be choosing just five, especially since so many cities are based on fleeting first impressions. I’m sure if you were asked three years from now the answer would be different!
And now I REALLY want sushi.
Oh the list is endless!! Where are the top five for you?
All places I have never been to, but each of these are on my list! Great choices!
Thanks for your comments Marissa. Hopefully you’ll be able to make it out here some day :)