What are our Favourite Countries?
Having traveled to over 50 countries in the past 7 years, we get the same question asked over and over again – what was your favourite country/destination?
There is no easy answer. Different places meant different things at different times. We’ve enjoyed most of the places we’ve visited; each had its own charm, culture and interesting attractions.
After spending 3 months in South America, we loved being in New Zealand simply because we could speak English and understand directions again.
Although we have differing highlights and stand out moments, we do agree on our favorite countries. Though the best we can do is narrow the list of 50+ countries to our Top 7 favourites.
PERU
Where else can you surf the Pacific, climb Machu Picchu, sand board giant desert dunes, explore the Amazon Rain forest and swim in the world’s highest lake? Peru is as diverse as it gets. If you love outdoor adventures, put Peru high on your list!
JORDAN
The dramatic landscapes and ancient treasures will leave you speechless, but the Jordanian hospitality will have you talking for years. If you’re fortunate enough to visit this Middle Eastern jewel, be sure you spend time camping under the desert stars of the majestic Wadi Rum.
EASTER ISLAND
Okay, we know that Rapa Nui is actually a part of Chile, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting this remote island of mystery, you’ll understand why we are treating it as a standalone destination.
Tropical South Pacific beaches, Polynesian culture, volcanic craters and of course the oddly familiar Moai statues make Easter Island the perfect destination for any traveler.
PHILIPPINES
With over 7,100 tropical islands to explore, it’s no wonder the Philippines always leave the visitor wanting more. Although touristy and slightly over-developed, Boracay is one of our favourite beach getaways on the planet.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that the Philippines are just sandy beaches and happy hour; do yourself a favor and head to the highlands to explore its remote jungle regions.
JAPAN
Japan ranks high on our list because of its people, culture and traditions. We have never felt so safe in such enormous cities. The food is outstanding, the ancient temples are fascinating, and the confusing train system is implausibly efficient and convenient.
It’s a modern and sophisticated country that seems to continually bounce between past and present, tradition and innovation. We love it!
INDIA
The thing about India is that you know the journey is going to be challenging. The emerging economy is creating optimism but it’s hard to notice when over 800 million people live in poverty. India will beat you down. It’s dirty, it’s loud and it’s chaotic. But it also one of the world’s greatest civilizations and is home to the most spectacular monuments, palaces, fortresses and temples.
India has an indescribable spirit. It has a magical calm and peacefulness that can’t be found anywhere else on Mother Earth. Simply put – you haven’t backpacked until you’ve backpacked India.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. What do you want to do? River rafting, bungy jumping, glacier heli-tour, camping, volcano trekking, snowboarding, skydiving, wine tasting, jet-boating, scuba diving, sandboarding, canyoning… shall I continue?
It is miles and miles of pristine wilderness and rugged beauty with a touch of adrenaline. Careful though, you may get fresh oxygen overload!
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Your Turn! What is your favorite country(s)?
Join the conversation and leave your picks below!
Picking a favorite country is hard to do. I think my favorite changes from day to day as I think back on my travels. It’s hard for me to pick between Cambodia, Thailand and Belize. Angkor Wat is so massive and impressive that it will always hold a special place with me. However, I loved San Pedro and Bangkok. It’s too close a call for me.
All great picks! Yes – it is difficult to narrow down the list. It all comes down to your individual experiences at each place. Angkor is definitely an amazing place – we spent 3 days touring the temples and it still wasn’t enough!
We got asked that question a lot too and for us the answer was easy: India. It´s an incredible place and although we were tired by the end of our 3 months there we missed it after we left. Sri Lanka, Laos and the Cook Islands are also high up the list though.
We’ve got our eyes set on Cook Islands and Bora Bora next! We felt the same way about India; it’s one of the few places left that still has strong culture. We will likely visit again and spend time in the South, as well as Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
1. Argentina
2. South Africa
3. Cuba
4. China/Tibet
5. Australia
All great choices! Haven’t been to South Africa, Cuba or China (well, Hong Kong and Macau, but that hardly counts)
It’s like you were reading my mind, and my top 7 must-visit asap, can’t wait, dreaming of list…haha. Actually spent a long time debating where to go for our honeymoon – Japan or India. Japan eventually won, though that trip isn’t for a year!
Both are great options. Very different, but rich in culture and the people are awesome (but Japan wins the food and train category!)
I know, right? Japan has got to be the only country in the world where you can leave your purse on the metro and find it in exactly the same place 10 mins later. (happened to us)
Very true! Such a great country. We hope to return soon
I am definitely looking forward to my trip to South America this summer. I did have a chance to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands back in 2004 and loved every minute of it! I am eagerly awaiting an opportunity to visit Easter Island, Angel Falls, and the Pantanal. Some of my favourite places that I have visited have been Serengeti Tanzania(twice), D.R.Congo (to see the Mountain Gorillas), Mozambique (best places to snorkel with Whale Sharks) and Madagascar (probably my all time favourite country!)- the lemurs are fantastic! I have been to South Africa three times, but I will admit, traveling there in the 90’s (before it became a popular destination) was a great experience!
Tom,
Are you the Tom Flengeris who was in Australia in 1999/2000? Just put a search in for a few names from the past and found this site. I saw the photos of you in South Africa with the sharks. Looked like a good trip.
Great list – you’ve got me wanting to visit all those places! My top 3 would have to be…
1. Australia
2. Turkey
3. South Korea
Peru has always appealed, but I have a feeling that Machu Picchu would terrify me beyond belief to the point where I’d just freeze hiking the Inca Trail…still, maybe worth a go?? Haha!
South Korea? Really?
So glad to see you included my country (The Philippines) on your list!
Having 7,100+ islands, we definitely have more to offer 🙂
thanks for including Philippines in the list of your Top favourites….Boracay isn’t the only world class beach that you could see in my country, there’s so much more.
I love the Philippines and Thailand would be high on the list along with Uzbekistsn & Kazakstan but that is just because we have close friends there. But Turkey should be on any list even though I am biased 🙂 and as I sit here thinking America is pretty awesome as a country to visit (and live in).
It surprised me that the Philippines is the list. Being a Filipino myself, I can attest to its beauty. But with all the negative impressions other countries are trying to put us in, it was totally relieving that there are still people who would admit that they had fun here. 🙂
I don’t know if this would matter, but as a Filipino, thank YOU for looking beyond what the media tells the world to to and appreciating my country! 🙂
I get this question often. My top 7 destination list is Ethiopia, Bolivia, Peru, Easter Island, Galapagos Islands, Jordan, and Laos. I will see if any of the 7 countries I am headed to this winter that I haven’t been to before will knock any of those down the list.
I totally agree with Japan, Nepal, India, New Zealand, and would like to add Nepal to favourites. I have just added Jordon, Easter Island, and the Philippines to my bucket list!
I can’t understand why so many tourists don’t consider Australia as being a beautiful country.Tourists tend to stick to the East coast and never see anything else,except for Uluru.I am also sick of people comparing Australia to New Zealand .New Zealand’s ladcapes are very close to each other ,while Australian landscapes are wide spread.Australia has landcapes just as spectacular as New Zealand but are a bit difficult to get to eg The Kimberley in Western Australia.Tourists should hire a 4 wheel drive car and explore the less visited areas of Australia.Then you will see the real Australia and not the heavily commercialised Queensland.