I’m a Professional Travel Writer — and These Are the Places I’d Go Back to Again and Again

There are a handful of places that are undeniably good and should be put on your bucket list.

I’ve been writing about travel professionally for over 15 years, but my love for travel goes back to my childhood when my family would take cross-country road trips. Being from Kansas, we took this term quite literally as we got into our minivan to drive the 24 hours over three days to Southern California or South Carolina, stopping along the way in places like Tupelo, Mississippi (the town where Elvis was born).

The thrill of exploration continued for me when I studied abroad in Italy and then moved to Berkeley, California, in my early 20s. I was then lucky enough to turn that passion into a career as a travel writer, taking me to destinations all over the world.

So, naturally, people often ask me: What are the best places you’ve visited? It’s a question that most travel writers dread because it’s akin to picking a favorite memory — every place has a specific taste, scent or activity that takes us back to that moment in time (for better or worse). But there are a handful of places that are undeniably good. These are the ones I would go back to again and again.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Colorful landscape view of Vernazza on sunset in Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italia

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My study-abroad experience in my early 20s took me to Florence (which I would also recommend to anyone who hasn’t visited), but I spent a weekend in Cinque Terre that I’ll never forget.

People often ask whether they should visit the Amalfi Coast (in Italy’s southern region) or Cinque Terre in the north, and I would have to say the latter. That’s because Cinque Terre is a bit more approachable, affordable and all-around laidback. That said, visit in the off-season when it’s cooler and less touristy.

What to Do in Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore coastline, Cinque Terre, Italy

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Cinque Terre literally means “five lands” in Italian, and the best part about this coastal strip is the hike that connects the destination’s five towns. You can start from either direction (Monterosso, hiking south, or Riomaggiore, hiking north), and it’ll take you about six hours to complete, especially if you’re taking leisurely stops along the way — which I guarantee you will.

Of course, pesto was invented in this region, so another thing you must do in Cinque Terre is order a pesto dish at one of the local restaurants along with a glass of white wine. Oh, and pick a restaurant with a view (which almost all of them have).

Kauai, Hawaii

Aerial drone shot of Hanalei bay and beach on the north shore of Kauai in Hawaii

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OK, I admit I may be a bit biased with this one because it’s where my husband and I got married. That said, I’ve never met anyone who disliked Kauai.

It’s as breathtaking as you’d imagine, especially if you visit Hanalei Beach on the island’s north side where the juxtaposition of beach and mountain views offers that quintessential Hawaii setting.

What to Do on Kauai

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Honestly, you can’t really do anything wrong on Kauai. Simply spending a week at the beach would be the perfect trip. But there are a few things that stood out to me.

While I recommend hiking the Napali Coast along the Kalalau Trail, if you can afford it, a helicopter ride that takes you in and out of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park is arguably better (and way less challenging). You’ll get up close to some of the island’s best waterfalls in an experience that feels straight out of “Jurassic Park.”

Another hike I recommend is taking the path to Queen’s Bath, an ocean pool formed by lava rock that, yes, served as a royal bathing place. And you, too, can swim in its waters, with the waves crashing down around you.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town and the 12 Apostels from above

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I visited Cape Town as a member of the press on a quick, 10-day junket that took us all over South Africa. Situated along South Africa’s southwest coast, Cape Town has it all — hiking, beaches, restaurants, nightlife and nearby wine country — which is why I think it’s worth the very long trek (at least for Americans) to get here.

It also has some gorgeous hotels, and if you can afford it, the Mount Nelson is a true standout. Nicknamed “The Pink Lady” for its pink exterior, it’s a historic hotel that’s been operating since 1899 and exudes a global charm that few properties can mimic.

What to Do in Cape Town

Vineyards in Constantia near Cape Town, South Africa

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If you want a good view — and who doesn’t? — look no further than Table Mountain, which serves as Cape Town’s backdrop and overlooks the entire city and the ocean in the distance. You can either hike or take the aerial cableway to the top of the 3,500-foot-tall flat mountain that is also South Africa’s most visited national park.

Since you’ve made it this far south, I also recommend a visit to Cape Point, located about 30 miles south of the city. It’s long been mistaken as the southernmost tip of Africa, but while the actual southernmost tip is another 70 miles east, this one is elevated above the ocean and makes for an incredible view with the ocean surrounding you on all three sides below.

Of course, the 45-minute drive to South Africa’s wine country is also very much worth it.

Portugal

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Yes, I’m listing an entire country, but Portugal is small, and if you’re visiting, you really need to visit at least three of its key areas: Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve region. I went back to my road-trip roots with this one. One of my best friends from high school and I flew into Porto, drove a five-speed rental down to Sagres in the Algarve and back up to Lisbon before flying home.

I recommend Portugal for a few reasons. First, it’s one of the few Western European countries that’s still somewhat affordable and less touristy. Plus, it has delicious food, beautiful beaches and wine (think vinho verde and port) that’s unique to the country.

What to Do in Portugal

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Apart from visiting some of the key cities — Porto and Lisbon — a stop in Sintra is also very much worth your time. An easy day trip from Lisbon, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre that’s home to several beautiful castles. While the colorful Pena Palace is perhaps the most notable, it’s also the most crowded. Instead, head to Quinta da Regaleira, which features intricate Gothic architecture but also has a maze of gardens that feature an extensive tunnel system you can lose yourself in.

And if you’re a beach person like me, you must make the trek south to Portugal’s Algarve, where a string of beaches are carved out into cliffs, making dramatic arches and sea caves to explore. When I say this part of the world has some of the best beaches I’ve ever visited, I truly mean it.

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, San Francisco, California, USA

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I lived in various parts of the Bay Area — Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Oakland — for 15 years, so this is another one that I admittedly am biased toward. But it’s another must-visit destination that has something for everyone.

The city of San Francisco is unlike any other in the States. Its architecture — think Victorian apartment buildings with big bay windows — offers a European vibe that’s less common, but it also has some of the world’s best restaurants and attractions. Then, head up north to wine country in Sonoma or Napa for a completely different experience filled with, yes, food and wine but also bike tours and hiking aplenty. And, then, there’s the coast of the entire region (from Monterey to Bodega Bay) that each offers its own unique taste of California.

What to Do in the Bay Area

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In San Francisco, I always send people to North Beach (or Little Italy) because of its European-style cafes and beatnik history. As a writer, I love visiting City Lights bookstore, where authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg used to do readings. This should always be followed by a stop at Vesuvio, the bar next door that was a local beatnik hangout back in the 1960s and hasn’t changed a bit since then. Of course, Baker Beach is another must-visit in the city because it fronts the Golden Gate Bridge and has gorgeous views of the ocean.

North of the city, I recommend visiting Muir Beach and Muir Woods. The first is a beach in an idyllic cove carved out along the Pacific Coast, but it’s especially delightful because of the Pelican Inn. Stop into this restaurant and inn for an English-countryside vibe and order some fish and chips. Also very much worth visiting in this area is Muir Woods National Monument, which features massive old-growth redwood trees for those looking to take in some unparalleled NorCal nature.

For travel destinations to avoid, check out “I’m a Professional Travel Writer — and These Are the Places I’d Never Go Back To.”