When I think about how much beauty around the world I’ve been blessed to see across 60+ countries on 6 continents, I can’t help but have every destination flash before my eyes.
But it’s no secret that there are some places that tug at your heart just a little stronger than others.
This list might change by the year or even month, but as of January 2018, these are my current thoughts on the most-coveted question of which countries are my favorite.
And no doubt this list won’t echo the sentiments of every well-traveled person, nor is it meant to be conclusive.
So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a beginning one, if you’re looking for some country ideas, these places have my biggest stamp of approval.
For context, the way I narrowed down this list was based on these 5 criteria:
Friendly Population
Beautiful Men Nature
Ease of Navigation
Affordability For Average Person
Cultural Identity
I know you’re tempted to have a quick scroll, but do take the time to read my explanations as well, so you can understand a bit more about why these countries deserve a spot on my top 3.
3 . Ireland
Favorite City: Galway
Favorite Excursion: Solo pub-crawling and making friends with literally everyone in sight
I’ve been to Ireland 5x now, exploring everywhere from Dublin to Galway, Killarney to Cork, and the Ring of Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher.
It’s rich with beautiful green landscapes, ancient castles, gorgeous cliff views, and an accent that will make you lose control of your panties senses on the spot.
When I travel to Ireland solo, it is hands down the easiest place to make friends. You could walk into a bar and the entire place will be singing along to “Wild Rover” or “Whiskey in the Jar” and there is simply no greater pub culture to be experienced.
People are always happy, drinking, dancing, and singing along to the cheekiest tunes, and it’s an atmosphere that is welcoming to any kind of traveler.
There is no better craic (pronounced like crack, but not referring to the powder) to be had.
2 . Australia
Favorite City: Melbourne
Favorite Excursion: Driving the Great Ocean Road
As I write this from Sydney, Australia, there’s no way I could deny the absolute warmth, hilarity, and beauty my two month Aussie adventures have been.
And before my Melbourne crowd gets too big-headed about me choosing that city over Sydney, I have to say that aesthetically, Sydney is easily one of the most stunning cities in the world.
Not only for its monuments, coastlines, and endless beaches, but the surrounding areas of Kanangra and Blue Mountains deserve to be seen just as much as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
People say that Sydney is like the girl you date, but Melbourne is the one you marry 😉
I also admit to falling into the media’s trap that cast Australia as a dangerous wilderness of things that just want to eat you.
I’ve been here for two months now, and I’ve yet to see a single snake, but what I have seen are unbelievable mountains, breathtaking desert dunes, hunky men at every turn, and an overwhelmingly friendly reception overall.
Australia, though geographically disadvantaged from the rest of the world, is worth the long-haul flight. I recommend flying into a place like Thailand, Bali, or Singapore, and then booking a cheaper local flight on Jetstar or AirAsia that could be as little as $200 for a one-way ticket inbound.
I wasn’t able to make it to the west or Northern Territory, but perhaps an excuse to come back!
I’m excited to write my full recap on Australia soon, but in the meantime, please believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. This place really is a treasure.
And while it’s true it’s Oprah Winfreyly expensive, sometimes you have to pay the price to experience a country with so much to offer. And when you’re not crying over your $50 USD meals, you’ll be swooning over their public transportation system.
I cannot get over Sydney’s double-decker, seat-reversing magic on their main train lines. So good it hurts — though ironically, the locals always complain about how slow they run.
1 . Peru
Favorite City: Cusco
Favorite Excursion: Riding dune buggies in the Huacachina Desert
I’m not ashamed to say I cried at Machu Picchu. Yes, I was also menstruating, but that’s beside the point. Stay focused, people.
That sight is so damn beautiful, surreal, and something I just felt unworthy of seeing with my naked eyes.
As you hike there early to be one of the first to witness this view, you’re met with nothing but fog and initial disappointment.
Until finally, an hour or so passes, the mist clears, and out of nowhere, you realize you’re looking down at the most coveted view in the world, and the shock and surrealness of the moment takes your breath away.
But I will say this 10x over, Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu and you’ll find even more beauty sand duning in the Huacachina Desert or roaming the streets of Cusco. The cover photo of this article was actually shot in Peru!
Peruvian cuisine is also something blessed by the Fatha Gawd Himself, because my peasant taste buds don’t deserve all that gloriousness.
I recommend using a company called Peru Hop if you’re looking to see as much of Peru as possible, and I wrote a full guide on that here.
Peruvian people are also very tanned, so if you’re black, expect them to stare — but it will be out of curiosity, wondering if you’re one of them, or not, lol. Enjoy and embrace it. They’re friendly!