As someone who has been to over 20 countries and experienced everything from the sand dunes of Africa to the beaches of Bali...
Here are my top 10 travel destinations that I would recommend for specific types of travelers!
Have any other questions about these places? Shoot me a message on Instagram and I would love to chat and give you more recs!
#1: FOR EVERYONE
Lisbon
As most know - I love Lisbon. So much so... I bought an apartment there.
Why do I love it?
There is something for literally everyone. There's history, there's amazing food, there's shopping, there's beaches close by and everything is incredibly walkable. You will quite literally NEVER run out of things to do in this city and while yes, there are a lot of hills... the views for sunset and incredible (and cheap) wine will make up for it.
If you have a free day and want to explore the areas around Lisbon, I would suggest taking the train to Cascais for a beach day!
If you have time and want to explore areas around Lisbon, I think it's also worth spending a few days in the Algarve and even taking a cheap flight to Madeira for an island escape.
Check out my Lisbon travel recommendations here and here.
#2: FOR THE ADVENTURERS
Madeira
Also known as the "Hawaii of Europe," Madeira is a short one hour and 45 minute flight from Lisbon and one of my favorite places on earth!
The island has everything from black sand beaches, to lush forests, to incredible hiking and even more unreal waterfalls.
And of course, you must try the famous Madeira wine.
If you are adventurous and don't mind a treacherous hike... you absolutely have do the "Pico to Pico" hike. The trail starts at Pico do Areeiro, which is the third-highest peak on the island, and ends at Pico Ruivo, the highest peak. I would recommend starting early, around 12, and doing the hike for sunset! It takes around 7 hours round trip so plan accordingly and wear lots of layers. You may be walking on the trail down at dusk, but it's manageable and so worth it for the sunset views from the peak.
Once you have your adventure hiking day, make sure to rent a boat (I chartered one from this company) and check out all the coves on the island. Truly unbelievable!
If you want to read more about Madeira, check it out here.
#3: FOR THE HONEYMOONERS
Santorini
If you want uninterrupted island time, epic sunsets and the most serene, romantic cliffside setting... Santorini is for you!
Now, in case you are wondering, no I am not married. I went as a single girl and still had an incredible time. But I do find it to be more of a destination for couples.
Many people are torn between choosing Mykonos and Santorini and per my research, Santorini is where you go if you want calm, romantic vibes and Mykonos is where you go if you want more lively, party scene vibes.
If you are honeymooning, I would recommend staying in a cliffside villa in Thira and soak up the views, the sunsets and of obviously - all the amazing Greek food.
If you want to read more about my Santorini recommendations, check them out here.
#4: FOR THOSE WANTING TO STAY CLOSE TO AMERICA
Cabo San Lucas
I love Cabo so much. Many people associate it with Spring Break and partying on Squid Row (IKYKY) but I think the beaches are beautiful and the food - THE FOOD. Is arguably some of the best in the world! Please go to Romeo y Julieta and get the lasagna... thank me later.
For my West Coast people, Cabo is a quick two hour flight and you will quickly be transported to a tropical paradise. My tip would be to not go in the peak summer months because the temperatures get very high and the crowds can be bothersome (and rowdy). I'd recommend going in Spring or early summer or late summer into fall!
If you want to read more about my Cabo recommendations, check them out here.
#5: FOR THOSE WHO DON'T MIND FLYING
Bali
Look, I get it. 15+ hours on a plane is a long time. But if you can handle the crazy travel day (expect it to take at least 24 hours to get there), then you can spend a week or two living like royalty! Bali is so incredibly affordable once you stomach the cost of the flight and it is one of my favorite destinations on earth. There is something just so spiritual and magical about Bali. Beyond the crazy cheap prices (think 10 bucks for a massage and 10 cents for a scooter ride), there is just so much to see and do!
Here would be my suggestion: 4 days in Canguu, 4 days in Ubud and end with 3-4 relaxing days at a 5 star resort in Uluwatu! You can't go wrong with any of those locations.
If you want to read more about my Bali recommendations, check them out here.
#6: FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
London
I love London at any time of the year. Especially Christmas time!
There aren't beaches or warm, beautiful weather (unless you get lucky) but there is so much history and SO much to do. Go to Buckingham palace, walk across the Tower Bridge, take a tour of the Tower of London, stroll Hyde Park and wander around Westminster Abbey. One week in London isn't enough to see it all but you can make a pretty good dent!
If you love history and museums, then you absolutely need to visit London at least once.
Pro tip: Go to Borough Market for lunch and get the chocolate covered strawberries. There is a reason they are famous and the line is wrapped around the corner!
#7: FOR THE BEACH LOVERS
Kauai
If you know me, you know that I am a huge fan of all the Hawaiian islands. I would argue that despite Hawaii being a part of the states, they have THE most beautiful beaches in the WORLD.
While Kauai is the most remote and secluded (in my opinion) island in Hawaii, I think their beaches are the most stunning. If you do happen to go, you must take a tour (by boat or helicopter) of the Napili Coast... it's jaw dropping and you will understand why Kauai made it onto my list. The cliffs are something out of Jurassic Park and totally secluded.
If you want to read more about my Kauai recommendations, check them out here.
#8: FOR THOSE WITH KIDS
Maui
My family started going to Maui when I was just 12 years old and we have been going back ever since (I think we have been at least 8 times since... big fans). It is our happy place and no matter what age you are, you can enjoy this island!
The beauty of Maui is that there is something for everyone. It's very kid friendly but there's also adult only, private resorts. You can enjoy the commercial shopping in Whalers Village but also take an adventure by renting a car and driving the Road to Hana! I feel like Maui is truly the best of all the Hawaiian island combined into one.
If you want a good resort to stay at for families, I would recommend the Hyatt Regency at Kāʻanapali Beach. We stay there every time!
#9: FOR THOSE TRAVELING IN OFF SEASON
Mallorca
Mallorca is small island off the coast of Spain and a quick, one hour flight from Barcelona. It's known for it's unreal shopping and of course, the famous Palma Cathedral that looks like it is straight out of Game of Thrones.
If you are someone who enjoys traveling when there are no crowds, you must check out Mallorca during the off season months. I went in October and also over Thanksgiving and it was truly MAGICAL. Pro tip: If you go for Thanksgiving, you can catch all the Christmas lights!
The beaches are unbelievable but if you go during the summer months, they will be so crowded you can hardly move. My recommendation would be to go in the spring or fall when it is still warm enough to swim, but you can also beat the crowds and all the tourists.
If you want to read more about my Mallorca recommendations, check them out here.
#10: FOR THOSE WANTING TO GO OFF THE GRID
Mauritius
Where is Mauritius, you ask? Well it is a little island off the coast of Madagascar known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and underwater waterfall - yes, you read that correctly.
It takes quite the journey to get there but I have never seen more bright blue water in my LIFE. An ideal location for adventurous honeymooners or anyone who simply wants to disappear for a bit (and brag about visiting an island very few people have been to!)
Thanks so much for reading and stay tuned for more travel recommendations and tips!
Have anywhere I should add to my list? Let me know!
