Through all of my travels, there have been a few places where I would go back any day. From diving destinations, to hiking destinations, to places where you can just enjoy a nice cup of coffee (or a pint of beer) in a little cafe. In any of these places, the limitless adventures await you to take them on.

So without further ado, let me tell you where you need to go.

1. Galapagos Islands

Home of the famous giant tortoises, this wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place to see and experience things you will not anywhere else. I mean where else can you sit at the bottom of an ocean and have a pool of 40 hammerhead sharks swim above you! Take a boat and island hop to the outer islands. A favorite of mine was Isabella island, where you can stay in a beachfront hostel and be served a home cooked meal for $25.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the 7 Wonders of the World, this ancient inca ruins is something everyone should visit in their lifetime. If you are willing to hike like I was, then it is just a short 5 mile trek up to the city of Machu Picchu, and another 5 miles to the ruins (but there is a bus from the city to the ruins if you are tired). Another option is the old Inca Trail, a 5 day trail through to one of the best sights of the ruins (Didn’t do this but wanted to). To be able to visit and enjoy this wonder is really something to take in. Not the most relaxing vacation if thats what you are looking for, but it will sure keep you busy.

Here you can see the entire fort and crystal clear waters surrounding. picture from drytortugas.com

3. Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park

This old fort is one of the largest forts still standing in the United States, even if it is unfinished. Its located in the lower keys, and is a 12 hr sail (which my family and I do), or a 2 hr ferry ride from Key West, Florida. The crystal clear waters and abundance of tropical fish along the moat, is the perfect place to go for a relaxing snorkel. It is also one of the only places where you can see 500-750 pound fish, the Goliath Grouper (earlier know as the Jew Fish), but don't worry they don't go near the snorkelers.

View from a little cafe on one of the many canals of Amsterdam.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Here lies some of the cutest cafes you will visit, some of the most quaint buildings you will see, and picturesque canals between almost every street! Stay in a big hotel, or a small bed and breakfast, a hostel, or try them all! Take a bike tour through this historic city, walk through the dozens of museums all around, eat from some of the most delicious smells stands, or just sit and sip a cup of coffee on a canal bench. In this city the things to do are limitless, whether you are looking for a relaxing trip, or one filled with wild nights, this is where you can do both!

Wouldn’t you love to take a stroll down a street of these colors!picture from https://escapism.to/winging-it/havana-cuba-guide/ — Wouldn’t you love to take a stroll down a street of these colors!
picture from https://escapism.to/winging-it/havana-cuba-guide/

5. Havana, Cuba

Visit before it changes! This city of Cuba is the largest city and the capital city, where you can experience architectural might. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century you can still lay your eyes on some of the buildings from the time. Try some hand rolled cuban cigars, or some of the best rum you will ever try! This city is just bustling with culture and history, and gorgeous monuments.

Termite nests, the termites make excellent bug repellant! Ironic right.

6. Amazon Jungle, Peru

One of the most interesting experiences I have had yet, from the tuk tuk (small 3 wheeled bicycle with a seat for passengers) from the airport to the water, and then a 1.5 hr boat ride crossing into the Amazon river, walking over a land bridge and then another 30 min ride to a rustic lodge. When I say rustic I mean no electricity, no running water (they use filtered Amazon water so don't drink) and mosquito nets. Though this depends on which one you go to, we wanted the ‘experience’. While there you can visit native tribes, use termites as a natural bug repellent (they actually smell very good, not as gross as you think), try and spot a wild sloth on a nature walk, climb trees that inspired those in Avatar, or go fishing for piranhas for dinner!

7. Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

One of the ABC Islands of the Netherlands Antilles, this place is where you go to visit if you want to enjoy some beautiful snorkel or dive sites! There is a insular shelf off of the island known as the “Blue Edge” where you can see some of the native fish, and coral reefs. Visit Willemstad, one of the historic areas of the islands to see some history behind this tropical destination! And don't forget to try some of the ice cream and ‘krenta broed’ or raisin bread.

Though any of these places will be sure to take your breath away.