5 Best Countries to Visit More Than Once
I am an avid believer in trying new things and experiences. When it comes to traveling, we should all endeavor to explore new regions and experience different cultures, languages, food, and natural beauty. Still, there’s a charm in finding a place that continues to draw you back in, no matter how many other destinations you might explore.
While I’ve visited 30 countries, I’m not ashamed to admit that I have favorites! These are 5 countries that I could see myself visiting time and time again because of the diversity in things to do and their uniqueness compared to other popular destinations. There’s no harm in sticking to what resonates with you! It creates the opportunity to dig a little deeper and develop lasting connections to the local communities.
Here are five countries I’d like to revisit time and time again, and the top 3 things I would do if I had the chance!
- Iceland
This one surprises a lot of people, but If you’ve been to Iceland before you’d understand. Iceland has such a unique geographical terrain that you cannot find in many other habitable places on Earth. I’d describe Iceland as a clash between the elements of fire and ice. With about 130 active volcanoes and over 250 named glaciers, Iceland’s landscape is truly one of a kind.
If you love the outdoors and nature then Iceland should be on your travel list! The island overflows with glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, hot springs and hidden caves. During my stay, I booked a travel excursion around the golden circle, a popular attraction for tourists where visitors can see the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Volcanic Crater Kerid. Depending on the season you visit in, you may experience the frigid and snowy winter landscape that most would imagine or green grassy fields with long hours of daylight.
Here are a few things that I wish I knew about Iceland before my first visit.
- Renting a car is better for exploring the island
- Be mindful of the season you’re traveling in. Popular attractions like the northern lights are more likely to occur between the months of September and April.
- In the summer months, the sunsets after 10pm. So be prepared for very bright evenings.
- Iceland is very expensive, so be mindful of where you eat and consider convenience stores to be your friend.
- It isn’t snowy all year around. Believe it or not, a lot of the snow will melt as we approach the months of May through to September, so manage your expectations.
Activities To Do in Iceland :
- Kenya
The beauty of Kenya cannot be defined by a few words or sentences. From the bustling city of Nairobi to vast green pastures of Masai Mara and finally the coastal shores of Lamu, Kenya is an underrated gem. There’s a theme here for my love of countries with rich natural scenery and Kenya is one of them.
Nairobi is a fast-paced, melting pot. You’ll find local Kenyans and neighboring migrants from Somalia and Uganda all living amongst one another, blending language, culture, and of course the love for food. Masai Mara felt like a different time period. There I learned about the local nomadic tribes and the reliance on the resources from the land to shape their lives. It’s so interesting to realize that these tribes live amongst the giants of the world, far removed from concrete cities like Nairobi.
Last but certainly not least, Lamu. If I could write a love letter to any destination it would be Lamu for the centuries of history she holds. Stopping over in Lamu was the best decision I made when planning my Kenyan trip. Lamu is the best preserved Swahili Archipelago in the world. There is, quite literally, no other place on earth that has the amount of authentic Swahili culture and influence as Lamu. With its coral stoned buildings and hand carved wooden doors, its reliance on donkey’s and sailboats for transportation and Swahili language– Lamu is one of the most unique destinations I’ve ever visited. I’d argue that you cannot visit Kenya without spending a few days on the islands of Lamu. And the best part is of course ‘pole pole’. Go there and do nothing but lounge and take in the atmosphere.
Activities To Do in Kenya:
- Brazil
There isn’t enough paid time off from work to truly discover the landmass that is Brazil. From the dense forests of the Amazon to the coastal beaches along Bahia state, Brazil lives up to the hype. I thoroughly enjoyed my first time in Brazil and knew on my return flight that I would be visiting the country again. It wasn’t just the nature, and certainly wasn’t the food (sorry I’ve had better!), but there was something about the people that drew me in. Brazilians have a rich culture that seems to be unspoiled by “western” influences. The dominance of Portuguese, passion for football, bloco culture, and love for physical connections all stood out to me as a visitor.
While I enjoyed my time in Rio de Janeiro, I am well aware that there is more in Brazil to explore. Bahia state is well regarded among Brazilians as a great place to vacation and enjoy the coast. Personally, I’ve got my eyes on Salvador for my next trip! São Paulo, Brazil’s economic center is another destination I’d love to visit and explore. And of course, the renowned Amazon forest for its diverse nature and benefits it offers to our home, Earth. I can see myself visiting Brazil at least three more times in this lifetime!
Activities To Do in Brazil:
- Turkey
Turkey and I have unfinished business. I’ve always been drawn to Turkey’s diverse landscapes and history. Admittedly, the first few images that come to mind are the tall, cone-shaped mountains in Cappadocia and the colorful and energetic streets of Istanbul. Turkey holds a lot of the historic gems, one of which is the oldest temple in the world—Göbekli Tepe.
During my first and only visit (so far) I found myself on the coast of Antalya. I was studying in Copenhagen and was anxious to escape the frigid cold in place of some warmth. Antalya welcomed me with a sweltering heat, giving me more warmth than I could have imagined. Antalya is the perfect place for you if you want a relaxing beach vacation with the opportunity to explore historic sites like the Aspendos Ruins or the Perge Ancient City.
Activities to do in Turkey:
- Indonesia
Indonesia holds over 17,000 islands ranging from dense cities to green rice fields. Jakarta is Indonesia’s economic and industrial epicenter, known for its access to various industries, ports for trading, and growing contributions to contemporary art. Jakarta is on my list of destinations to explore during my next few visits.
Bali, on the other hand, is the island where the jungle meets tradition and culture. From the aromatic street vendors selling a myriad of meat skewers and noodles to the mouth opening waterfalls, hidden behind lush greenery and steep, viney pathways, Bali left me in awe. While the centers of Canggu and Uluwatu are social hotspots, I found peace in the far east of Selat . There I meditated in solitude while surrounded by rice fields and farmers.
While Canggu and Seminyak can feel overrun by tourists, the culture and beauty of Bali still remains, you just need to be willing to find it beyond the internet famous cities. Next time, I hope to explore the smaller neighboring islands and the inland towns like the Raja Ampat Islands or Munduk, Bali.
Activities To Do in Indonesia:
