Well… As much as I usually love coming back home after a visit somewhere, there is nothing quite like getting out in the world and experiencing something different.
Me too, and you’re right. But it is nice to have all those other places to visit and go home from. I’m retired and I can go and live anywhere in the world, but I live in my home country, because it is easier. Traveling is like lifting weights, it can take a lot out of you, but you but you feel better for doing it. Being outside your cultural milieu requires mental discipline, another form of heavy lifting.
Sven is right, too — it is how you travel, not where. But there is something spiritually special about traveling in places where one does not encounter any travelers. Food, lodging, transport all exists only for local people’s consumption, and you get what they get.
I spent 10 months there. Then another month a few years later. Still wasn’t enough.
Especially recommended for inexperienced travellers; it’s simple to get around, generally very safe, and, though they are geared up for serious numbers of travellers, it’s not pushy or full of scams like some other common destinations.
I spent about a month in NZ about 15 years ago and loved every minute of it. Did all sorts of outdoorsy things, and yeah, I was amazed at how uncrowded the whole place was. I’d go back in a second.
Iran. I spent two lengthy trips there. Tons to see, great food, friendly people, no tourist crowds.
Just for reference, I am American, have been to more than 90 countries and lived in 6 of them.
Depends what you want – food, scenery, value, culture, exotica, adventure, convenience.
The list of places I want to go is bigger than where I have been.
One reasonable compromise is Barcelona, Spain.