Many people have a desire to travel, but when they finally have the time or money, they don’t know where to go. To provide some options that have been tested, I recently asked the following question on Facebook, “What is the best place you’ve ever visited? Why?” I got about thirty responses and some great suggestions.

Travel Destinations in the United States

For the United States, the must-see travel destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Mt. Lassen, The Grand Canyon, the entire North Coast of California, Big Sur, Hawaii, and Jackson Hole.  Here are some of the reasons why.

Judy B. visited LA as a teen and recalls Bullocks Wilshire, an Art Deco department store; the Brown Derby restaurant; the Ambassador Hotel; Lawry’s Prime Rib; Grauman’s Chinese Theater; and staying at the Langham—a grand hotel with a pool on the roof. “The trip fueled all my Hollywood dreams of the movie star life!” Although some of Judy’s favorite teenage hotspots no longer exist, LA is still home to outstanding restaurants, shopping, theatre, art, beaches, and night life.

Fred says: “Years ago, a friend and I climbed Mount Lassen at three in the morning. Our intent was to watch the sunrise from the summit. We were not disappointed. As the sun rose, it cast the shadow of the mountain we were on across the Sacramento Valley and even up on the distant coast mountains. The shadow quickly receded with the rising sun.”

Judy T. recalls several visits to Big Sur, and she says it’s the most beautiful place she’s ever been. She has enjoyed “wonderful trips” there with different friends.

Keri says her favorite getaway is the open road, with a great sing-along playlist, Kazoozle candy in her lap, and an ice-cold LeCroix. It’s the perfect combination, she claims, “to cure every negative vibe.”

Travel Destinations in Europe

Moving on to Europe—England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, and Greece are favorite destinations.

Nancy likes York, England.

Keri recommends seeing the Pantheon in Rome and the Bayeaux Tapestry in Normandy, because “both are so historically significant and incredible to absorb in person.”

Angie likes Paris because it’s where she married her wife. Pat likes Paris, too: “No explanation needed.”

Lisa has a thumbs-up for Germany.

John’s favorite destination is Edinburgh. “Scots are open and warm. The city is rich in history and yet is quite multi-ethnic and modern, as well. And it’s a great place to eat, especially the local salmon.” Dena also likes Scotland, and her favorite place is the Isle of Skye.

Deb said: “Venice, Italy—for the men, food, lace, and the Bridge of Sighs.” Kathy added: “Agreed. For the lagoon, gondolas, art (contemporary especially), history, seafood, absence of cars, and architecture.”

Scott casts his vote for the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia.

Around the World

If you don’t mind a bit of a plane ride, you might want to check out Belize, India, the Galapagos, Jerusalem, Chilean Patagonia, New Zealand, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Jude Mountain in St. Lucia, and Canada.

Penny recommends Belize for snorkeling.

Wes says Chilean Patagonia has “the best hiking in the world.”

Judy and Lee both love The Okavango Delta in Botswana because it’s “spectacular!”

Shari mentions Canada because “the country is beautiful and so are the people.”

Susan and Mike both cast their vote for the old country of Jerusalem.

People keep added to the post, so if you want to read more, go to my personal Facebook page.

 

Jan Fishler, MA, is currently co-authoring a new book, Don’t Stop Now, Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (DontStopNow.us). She is also the author of Searching for Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir), and has written several articles about alternative health and PTSD. You can learn more about Jan at www.JanFishler.net.