Though I still have many places I wish to see, I have a decent list of places I’ve had the privilege to visit. When I look back at the places I’ve been, both here in the US and abroad, there are some definite locales that were more enjoyable than others. Here’s a list of my favorite places to go to, so far.

1.       Greece

I don’t think that anything will ever top my experience in Greece. I took this trip solo, meaning that I had to do the extra work of making friends along the way rather than relying on my travel companion. However, this made it all the more memorable for me. I met up with a couple of other Americans on a day cruise of some fabulous Grecian islands and we were able to experience the beauty and magnificent Greek food together, while sharing the common bond of originating in the US. On a few day tour of Santorini, I met a wonderful couple from Paris and learned about the French political system (in some ways very different from the US) and was able to spend a day with them, exploring ruins and checking out one of the red sand beaches. The food in Greece is spectacular, and the people I met were all very friendly. Due to its unfortunate economy right now, prices cheaper than many other places in the EU and the tourism definitely is a boost to their GDP. I’m a huge classical history buff, so seeing the Parthenon, Mycenae and other historic sites there was an amazing experience. The weather was lovely, as was the scenery – picturesque, white-washed walls with blue accents and clear turquoise waters, anyone?

2.       NYC

My favorite city in all of the US is definitely NYC. I’m coming up on 5 times visiting it, and every time I go, I never tire of the hustle and bustle. Going in several different seasons has given me a more robust view of it as well, as February in NYC lends the visitor a very different air than August does. My favorite thing about NYC is the various neighborhoods within the city. You can walk a couple city blocks and go through so many cultures. The history of NYC draws me as well, so many buildings and churches of note to see there. I am drawn to people, though, so the main reason I keep coming back is just to feel a part of the large flow of people that rush through the subway each day, or that pass you on the street. It’s magical to me.

3.       England

The last time I was in England, I was a young teenager, which was over a decade ago. However, that doesn’t take away from the experience I had there. London was one of my favorite cities, it is much like NYC in that it is a sprawling metropolis that has a very competent transit system. We stayed in Finchley, but were able to move around the city very well using the Tube (mind the gap!). My mother enrolled me in a day camp, so I was again able to make local friends and experience something that the London kids are used to. I enjoyed learning cricket with the children there, and sharing in a love of fruity gummy candy. During our stay in England, we traveled up to Scarborough as well, and were able to experience the Londoner’s version of a Minnesotan’s cabin – the summer home. Though it was a bit chilly there, we enjoyed a walk along the shore and some fish and chips from a street vendor on the way home.

I’ve also been to places in the Caribbean (Jamaica & St. Vincent), California, India, Colorado, Munich, Luxembourg, Italy, and France, but my top three places to go are definitely Greece, NYC, and England.

What are your favorite places to visit?