Travel
Top 10 Favorite Countries to Travel To
(Last Updated: December 2024)
As of my latest update, I've visited 69 countries across 5 continents. I thought it might be fun to make an ongoing list of my favorite countries to travel to.
This list is entirely subjective based on my personal experiences in each country. It's also constantly changing based on new trips and experiences.
I'd also like to note that these are my favorite countries to travel to, not my favorite countries to live in.
Without further ado, let us commence the list :)
Honorable Mention
A few countries hold a special place in my heart but not on this list. I'd like to shout them out, because rankings can be unfair and they deserve to be recognized.
Now, onto the top 10.
10. South Africa
Everyone hates on South Africa because of crime, but I'm from the US, so this never really deters me as long as I'm being a rational traveler.
Instead, I focus on all the amazing things the country offers–first and foremost, Cape Town. It's the best city on the African continent, and it truly represents the best of South Africa.
Between beautiful nature, cheap and delicious food, more activities than I knew what to do with, and some insanely friendly locals, I fell in love with the city.
The rest of the country is great too. The history is fascinating, the infrastructure is phenomenal by African standards, and I never felt like crime was an issue–at least on the tourist trail. I spent some time in Soweto, the biggest township in the country, and the people were friendly and welcoming.
South Africa is where it's at!
9. Thailand
Who doesn't love Thailand?
Bangkok is Southeast Asia's best megacity. Thailand has mountains, beaches, and jungles all in one country. It's safe and affordable, and some of my most memorable nights in Asia happened here.
I haven't even gotten to the great weather and the phenomenal food. Thailand has it all...and then some. There's a reason it's a popular first stop in Southeast Asia–you can't go wrong in this country.
I could easily spend weeks exploring every nook and cranny and can't wait to return one day!
8. Austria
"Germany with a sense of humor," is how I normally describe Austria, but that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of this amazing, and often overshadowed country.
Vienna might be the most magical city in Europe. Not only did I have the time of my life there, but countless other travelers have confirmed that there's something special about the city. It's also one of Europe's most underrated food destinations–I never had a bad meal.
It has more than just its capital though. The Austrian Alps are jaw-dropping. There are ample opportunities to ski (or take on Spartan races), and Austria has some of the friendliest people in Europe. I'm greeted with a glare or a grunt on much of the continent.
In Austria, people smiled and laughed with me. Not to mention, everyone is down to have a beer–they consume the 2nd most beer per capita in the world!
Check it out to see what I mean!
7. Poland
Austria might be underrated, but Poland is the most underrated country in Europe. I don't understand why more people don't add it to their bucket list.
There's a perception that Poland is a few decades behind Western European development. Maybe because they aren't EU or due to former Soviet influence.
These ideas are completely false. Poland is top tier.
It's one of the continent's most affordable countries, and boasted seemless public transport and insane nightlife every day of the week. The food might not be world-renowned, but I still fantasize about having more Polish pancakes with Hungarian goulash or meat-filled pierogies.
Poland gets bonus points from me beacuse I spontaneously got to see a Taylor Swift concert there, but it would've been top-10 regardless. This underrated country is full of pleasant surprises.
6. Malawi
There's something different about the highest-ranking African country on this list. Despite being the seventh poorest country in the world, Malawi makes you feel welcome and grateful.
The "Warm Heart of Africa," has its fair share of issues: horrible infrastructure, a crippling fuel shortage, and high poverty. But you'd never know it by the kindness of its people.
It doesn't hurt that every day in Malawi brought an unexpected adventure that helped me remember the country fondly. And who could forget one of the best accommodations in the world–Mushroom Farm.
Malawi might normally get overshadowed by sexier safari destinations, but I'd choose it over those every time.
5. Saudi Arabia
Perhaps the most misunderstood place on this list, Saudi has had to fight an abundance of negative Western media reports over the years.
Those reports ignore that it might be the most rapidly changing country in the world–and it's all changing for the better.
Those reporters have also clearly never been to Saudi, because one taste of traditional Saudi food would cure all the animosity they might have towards the country.
Saudi Arabia is a place I can't wait to go back to. The hospitality was unlike anything I'd ever experienced, the history was fascinating, and the people dispelled every negative perception I might have carried from my Western perspective.
Give this country a chance and you will not regret it.
4. South Korea
Where to start with South Korea? It's often overshadowed by Japan, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice not checking it out.
Seoul is my favorite city in Asia. Trendy districts like Hongdae and Gangnam can keep you busy and exploring for days. The nightlife is so good that I stayed out until sunrise multiple times without even realizing it.
Bukhansan National Park is one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done, and it was fascinating to learn about the North/South divide from the DMZ.
Did I mention the food? That seems to be a recurring theme for countries on this list, but Korean street food culture is top-tier, lest I forget about Korean barbecue and fried chicken.
Ugh. Just take me back already. I love South Korea so much.
3. Jordan
Jordan is my favorite country in the Middle East. People come to see its amazing sights–Petra is one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Wadi Rum is a vast Martian landscape, and the Dead Sea's insane salt concentration makes it a fascinating visit.
I came for these offerings, but I stayed for the people. Jordanians–and the millions of refugees living within their borders–made me feel safe and welcome like nowhere else.
Jordan perfectly combines a traditional Middle Eastern experience with trendy, modern offerings. Plus, did I mention the food? Shocker, I know. But Middle Eastern food is as good as it gets.
This country will never not have my heart.
2. Spain
It was inevitable that Spain made it on the list. I just couldn't get enough of it.
Madrid is a fantastically livable capital city. The south of Spain boasts perfect weather year-round. The infrastructure is strong and the cost of living is low.
Of course, Spain wouldn't be #2 on this list without my favorite city, Barcelona. I'm aware that the Catalonian locals hate tourists and thus I am part of the problem. But there's a reason visitors love Barcelona–it's just that good.
Working for months at Onefam Ramblas was one of the highlights of my trip, an experience I'll never forget, and the biggest reason Spain is so special to me.
Tourists, let's be more responsible and respectful in Barcelona to rebuild our broken relationship with the locals!
1. Greece
The place where it all started for me in 2018.
Greece was the first country I ever traveled to outside of France or the US (places where I own citizenship). It kickstarted my love for travel, my wide-eyedness at the world, and my thirst for experiences that could broaden my horizons.
Athens was the first city that felt like a playground to me, the islands were one paradise after another, and the combination of experiences I've shared in Greece with locals and travelers makes it a country I'll be forever grateful for.
Of course, I have to mention food here as well. Some of the best meals of my life were in Greece, and you can't go wrong with "Éna pita gyro choirinó" (one pork gyro), for 3 euros or less.
I'm pretty sure ancient Greeks invented hospitality and their descendants keep the tradition alive and well. Greece is a special place, and you've got to see it for yourself.