Whenever I talk to friends or work colleagues about my travels, the one question everyone seems to ask is, ‘what is the most amazing place you’ve ever been to’? What’s so interesting about this question is I often give a different answer each time! My response is typically influenced by who’s asking the question, how much they’ve traveled, and to an extent, what their interests are. After all, a big part of conversation is making things relatable and interesting for the other person.
After being asked this question recently, it got me thinking, what actually is the most amazing place I have ever been to? This COVID-induced travel hiatus has meant questions of this sort have been somewhat suppressed these past 18 months. It’s also not an easy question to answer, even in normal times. Comparing experiences and places is not straightforward. How do you compare a visit to Las Vegas with a visit to Bahrain? The two places are so different that you’re comparing apples and oranges. So rather than try to tell you about the most amazing place I’ve ever been, I will tell you about 5 of the most amazing places I’ve ever been.
Where else could you see centuries upon centuries of history laid out before you, like some kind of open-air museum, but in Rome? Rome is a treasure trove of history dating back to 500 BC, with much of its splendor on account of the Roman Empire. When you visit Rome, there’s a common bucket list:
However, Rome is so much more than just these standout sites. It’s the cappuccino and espresso in the little coffee shop or the small family pizza restaurant in the piazza. Now, while this could be any of the great cities of Italy, Venice, Naples, or Florence, the history of Rome just tilts it. That’s why Rome, the eternal city, is one of my most amazing places to visit.
Part of my criteria for somewhere being an amazing place is that it is unlike anywhere else on the planet and Tokyo certainly fits the bill here. I’ve included Tokyo on this list, but in truth, this could be the whole of Japan. Tokyo is just the pinnacle of what makes Japan so unique.
So what is it about Tokyo and Japan that makes it so unique? Firstly it’s the food, from the incredible tastiness of Kobe Beef to the peculiarity of horse sashimi. The food is varied and unique, with sushi now one of the world’s great cuisines. Of course, the best place to sample sushi is in Tokyo’s fish market, where the day’s catch is landed and prepared fresh to eat.
Japan is of course more than just its cuisine. Animé and Manga are prevalent throughout Japan, as are karaoke bars and maid cafes. These are best seen and experienced in the Shinjuku District of Tokyo. This modern culture combines with the traditional culture, which is unmistakably dignified and respectful. Where else would train conductors bow as they enter the carriage?
The uniqueness of Japan and Tokyo, in particular, means it makes my most amazing places to visit list.
Love or hate it, Las Vegas is unlike any other place on the planet. In much the same way Tokyo makes the list, Las Vegas also makes the list for its complete uniqueness. Whether it’s the canals of Venice, the Eiffel Tower, or the Pyramids of Giza, Las Vegas has a surprisingly captivating version. If you’re after casinos, you’re in the right place. Shows, clubs, bars, restaurants, entertainment? Las Vegas has all this plus much more, all while in the middle of the desert. It’s also very close to the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s great natural wonders.
Is Las Vegas a little gaudy? Yes. Over the top? Yes. A little seedy? Yes. So let’s be frank, Las Vegas isn’t for everyone but it is an undoubtedly special and unique place. For those reason it make the most amazing places to visit list.
Vancouver occupies a spectacular part of the west coast of Canada. Hemmed in by the mountains and the ocean, this is one city where outdoor living and lifestyle come first. After all, in how many places can you surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon? (we’re including Vancouver Island in our definition here). On arrival in Vancouver, you’re immediately struck by how nice the people are and by how spectacular the setting is. The city also seems to manage to perfect the balance between new and old.
Vancouver benefits from its proximity to the ski resort of Whistler, incredible local hiking, as well as fantastic wildlife. Whale watching off the coast is one such unforgettable experience. All the factors add up to make Vancouver one of the most amazing places in the world. And if you do visit, you might just end up staying….
Cape Town resides in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. Set around the imposing Table Mountain with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. The two oceans spectacularly meet at Cape Point, the southernmost part of Africa. Alongside the spectacular beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay (not to mention the penguin habited Boulder Beach), this makes for an incredible setting. The surrounding areas add to the attraction of Cape Town, the vineyards of Stellenbosch, and the whales and sharks of Hermanus, to name just two day trips. All of this adds up to make Cape Town a spectacular destination.
Of course, Cape Town also has a complex history, not least for the incarceration of Nelson Mandela at Robben Island for 18 years. Despite this history, Cape Town avoids many issues impacting other towns and cities across South Africa. The city feels relaxed, cosmopolitan, and open.
Cape Town’s beautiful natural setting, surrounding areas and low cost of living ensure it makes out list. If you visit, you’re sure to agree that Cape Town is one of the most amazing places in the world to visit.
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