The Ultimate Must-Visit Global Travel Destinations

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of stepping into a new country and discovering what makes it so special. I may not be one of those bloggers who have ticked off 70+ countries, but I’ve traveled enough to know that depth matters more than numbers.

For me, travel is about slowing down, talking to locals, learning their stories, and letting each destination leave its mark on me.

This post is my personal list of global destinations that truly stuck with me — places I’d go back to in a heartbeat and think everyone should experience at least once.

Whether you’re chasing adventure (like me ✌🏼), looking for cultural gems, or just need the perfect spot to unwind, you’ll find inspiration here. I’ll keep updating this list as I travel more (at least once or twice a year), so hit subscribe to my newsletter if you want to be the first to know when new destinations get added!

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• table of contents

  ASIA

  ⟡ Taiwan

  ⟡ Vietnam

  ⟡ Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  EUROPE

  ⟡ Norway

  ⟡ Greece

  ⟡ France

  ⟡ Barcelona, Spain

  NORTH AMERICA

  ⟡ New York City

  ⟡ Culebra, Puerto Rico

  ⟡ The Bahamas

  ⟡ Montréal, Canada

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Asia

📍 Taiwan

view from Dakeng Hiking Trail in Taichung

Did you know that boba was created in Taiwan? (I bet you didn’t know that! 😉) 

I had the chance to live in Taiwan for two years, and it’s honestly one of the most underrated gems in Asia. Beyond the busy cities of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, there’s a whole other side of Taiwan waiting to be explored.

You’ll fall head over heels for the street food (night markets are a must), but what I love most is the balance of culture and nature. One day you’re temple-hopping or sipping tea in a mountain village, the next you’re breathing in salty air along the coast or hiking through misty peaks.

Even after my annual trip of visiting, I feel like Taiwan keeps surprising me — there’s always another trail to hike, another festival to experience, and another hidden local spot to discover.

It’s a place that pulls you back again and again.

— Watch My Taiwan Travel Vlog —

— Latest on Taiwan —

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📍 Vietnam

Marble Mountains in Da Nang

Vietnam is a breathtaking country in Southeast Asia, filled with rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

From the busy streets of Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to the laid-back beaches of Da Nang and the hauntingly beautiful Con Dao Islands, Vietnam is full of contrasts.

Picture yourself weaving through streams of motorbikes like schools of fish, sampling sizzling bánh xèo and sweet egg coffee, wandering ancient temples, and discovering colonial landmarks tucked between lively neighborhoods.

Whether you’re cruising the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, sunbathing on Da Nang’s golden sands, or getting lost in vibrant street markets, Vietnam is a feast for every traveler’s senses.

— Latest on Vietnam —

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📍 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

View from Burj Khalifa

During my short visit to this city, it was packed with unforgettable memories — Dubai is pure luxury and spectacle. From standing atop the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to wandering through the colossal Dubai Mall, every detail feels larger-than-life.

— Watch My Dubai Travel Vlog —

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Europe

📍 Norway

Norway has a way of stealing your heart with its dramatic landscapes and serene wilderness.

While I didn’t make it to the famous city, Oslo, my partner and I explored places like Trondheim, Bodø, Lofoten, and Reine — each one more breathtaking than the last.

From hiking trails that make you feel like you’re on top of the world, to flying my drone for the very first time over stunning fjords, Norway left me in awe at every turn.

It’s a country I know I’ll return to, and one I highly recommend adding to your travel bucket list.

— Watch My Norway Travel Vlog —

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📍 Greece

The iconic Acropolis in Athens

port in Irakleia

Greece is a popular spot for a reason!

From the stunningly blue Mediterranean Sea to fresh seafood and vibrant local produce, it’s a country that seriously captivates all your senses. Island hopping by ferry or water taxi makes exploring the country effortless, and the locals are incredibly welcoming.

While islands like Mykonos and Santorini are world-famous, don’t miss the low-key gems — less crowded spots where culture and scenery shine just as brightly. If you’re planning a stay, skip Airbnbs — they’ve been driving up rents and making housing unaffordable for locals. Instead, choose hotels or family-run guesthouses to support the community.

Greece had been on my bucket list for years, and experiencing it in person? Even better.
Add it to yours — you won’t regret it!

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📍 France

Basilique Notre Dame De Fourvière in Lyon

Château D’eau in Montpellier

When you think of France, Paris and the Eiffel Tower might be the first things that come to mind — but there’s so much more beyond the capital.

On my trip to the South of France — Lyon, Montpellier, and Carcassonne — I was blown away by the region’s allure, with medieval towns, incredible food, and so much history. The further south I traveled, the warmer and friendlier the vibe became.

From breathtaking basilicas to rich cultural traditions, southern France offers a different side of the country that’s just as magical as Paris — just with a slower pace and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

— Watch My France Travel Vlog —

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📍 Barcelona, Spain

outside La Sagrada Família

Montserrat Monastery

Other than the incredible food and tapas in Barcelona, there’s so much history, art, and culture everywhere you turn. From the stunning architectural designs of Antoni Gaudí — like the iconic La Sagrada Familia and other masterpieces like Park Güell and Casa Batlló — to a day trip out to Montserrat for breathtaking monastery views and scenic hikes, Barcelona is a dream.

With Catalan culture standing proudly alongside broader Spanish influences, it’s hard not to fall in love with this Mediterranean city.

— Watch My Barcelona Travel Vlog —

— Latest on Barcelona —

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North America

city view from New Museum

📍 New York City

New York City — aka “the city that never sleeps” — has a chaotic energy you won’t be able to find anywhere else. I’ve lived here almost 7 years, and honestly? It still surprises me daily.

One block, you’re in the city filled with skyscrapers, and the next, you’re in a brownstone neighborhood tucked with local family-run dumpling shops, Caribbean bakeries, or cozy cafés that feel like a second home.

Each borough has its own flavor: Brooklyn’s artsy vibes, Manhattan’s finance-meets-fashion edge, Queens’ incredible food diversity (you can literally eat your way around the world in one subway ride), the Bronx’s culture and grit, and Staten Island’s pockets of calm. And beyond the boroughs? You’ve got escapes like Fire Island and Governors Island for when the chaos gets a little too real. 🙃

I’ll admit — NYC isn’t perfect. It’s messy, loud, and yes, the trash pickup and subways could seriously use an upgrade. But compared to the NYC of the 80s, it’s come a long way. The beauty of it is in the balance: Michelin-starred restaurants next to $2 slices, a Broadway show one night, and Prospect Park picnics the next.

That’s the magic — this city never runs out of stories.

— Latest on NYC —

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📍 Culebra, Puerto Rico

Faro Culebrita in Culebrita

view from our stay at Aleli Cottages in Culebra

Escape to Culebra, a small Caribbean gem just a short plane or ferry ride from mainland Puerto Rico. This laid-back island of about 1,800 residents feels worlds away, with untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged hiking trails that lead to hidden spots.

You’ll find scenic hiking trails that lead to remote shores like Playa Resaca, a favorite for surfers, and tranquil spots like Playa Zoní, my personal favorite. Of course, the island’s star is Playa Flamenco — consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

For a little extra adventure, hop on a water taxi to Culebrita, an uninhabited offshore island with a historic lighthouse, natural tidal pools, and even more secluded beaches.

— Watch My Culebra Travel Vlog —

— Latest on Culebra —

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📍 The Bahamas

swimming at Jaws Beach

sunset at Love Beach

Maybe it’s because this was my partner’s and my first trip together exploring a new country, but The Bahamas left a lasting impression on us.

From driving on the left side of the road (instead of the right!) to soaking in crystal-clear waters, sampling fresh local food, and catching sunsets that never get old, everything just felt magical.

We intentionally skipped the big resorts and wanted to experience the local culture — and it was 100% worth it.

Chatting with locals, dancing to the music, cruising between beaches, and discovering hidden spots made the trip unforgettable. I highly recommend seeing the Bahamas beyond the touristy “swim with the pigs” spots; dive into the real culture, the vibrant communities, and the unfiltered beauty of the islands.

— Watch My Bahamas Travel Vlog —

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📍 Montréal, Canada

vegan poutine

Canada is famous for maple syrup, poutine, stunning scenery, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet — and Montréal is no exception!

We drove up from NYC for my birthday weekend and instantly fell in love.

With its French flair, historic neighborhoods, and lively arts scene, Montréal feels like entering a whole other country. The locals are warm, eco-conscious, and fiercely passionate about animal welfare, which makes the city feel big-hearted and welcoming.

From falling in love with their authentic French cuisine and Montréal-style poutine to wandering through colorful streets filled with art and culture, this city will make you want to stay a little longer — and savor every moment.

— Watch My Montréal Travel Vlog —

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Last Updated: 08.21.2025