In the last two years I’ve been fortunate enough to visit twenty countries across this globe, from Mexico to Thailand, United Arab Emirates, to the Netherlands, and a bunch of other beautiful places in between. I’ve enjoyed white sandy beaches in Spain, majestic mountain peaks in Austria, and long hikes through the Himalaya Mountains, but there are some places that resonated with me more than others. Some places left a lasting impression. Can you guess my three favorite places on the planet so far?
Goa, India
Sunset on Agonda Beach in Goa
Goa is beautiful state on the southern coast of India. I spent a few weeks there, and I loved every bit of it. At one time I liked Rishikesh, India more than Goa, but Rishikesh didn’t make this list because of its pollution and garbage problem. From my observations, and maybe it’s the Portuguese influence, Goa seems to do a much better job of keeping the air clean and the garbage under control.
I spent most of my time near Agonda Beach, enjoy the stunning sandy beaches, delicious seafood, and lovely people. I also went inland and stayed deep in the jungle. It’s a diverse geography, just like all of India, full of bright colors and a fascinating culture. The only downside of Goa is that it gets unbearably hot in the summer months, so I recommend visiting during December and January.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The town of Zermatt, Switzerland
I didn’t plan on near enough time in Zermatt. If I could give you some travel advice, it would be to go to less places, and spend more time there. Zermatt is picturesque town about 5,300 feet up in the Swiss Alps. It is best known for its breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, which towers above the city like a god watching over its people.
The entire place looks like your living inside of a snow globe. The recreational opportunities are endless. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy mountain biking, skiing, climbing, or hiking, it’s a recreational wonderland for nature lovers. The thing I really loved about trekking in Zermatt is that you could take a cable car two-thirds of the way up the mountain and then hike the rest. Then, along the way, or even at the top, you discover an amazing restaurant with a breathtaking views where you can relax over a fine meal and chat with others about where to go next. One word of caution, Zermatt is expensive. You should expect to pay about $25 for a sandwich and beverage, so budget accordingly.
Sintra, Portugal
The rocks of of Praia da Adraga, near Sintra
I didn’t plan on visiting Portugal. I ended up there sort of by accident because I didn’t enjoy Morocco and Portugal was a fairly cheap flight from there. It was a splendid accident, and Sintra is a place I will never forget. The Portuguese people are friendly and helpful, but it’s the rich culture and pristine beauty that really grabbed me. The coast line is stunning. Parts of it look a bit like the Nepali Coast of Kauai, with giant rocky cliffs overlooking the bright blue sea. The little villages are colorful and full of great food and charming boutiques. Take some time to wander through few palaces and castles, and learn about their rich history, because they’re a hearty culture with a fascinating past.
Every place on this beautiful planet has its pros and cons. No place is perfect, and there is beauty hidden in even the strangest places. From the busy streets of London, to the desserts of Dubai, I’ve been blessed to meet some wonderful people and see some of the most gorgeous sights in the world. Travel opens your mind and heart. So, I hope you’ll get out there and explore your own favorite spots, but these are my three favorite places on the planet so far.