When I am not traveling, I am usually planning my next trip. It may be a place I have never been. Or it may be revisiting places I love, like these travel destinations from A to Z. I created this list to inspire future journeys. If you have an insatiable curiosity for new sights, cultures, food, history, and more, then follow along this alphabet of adventures.
It is challenging for me to write about just one destination for each letter, so I will feature one of my favorites, but also mention others. In some cases, there are links to articles I have written, with more detail. So, after journeys to some 55 countries and more than 600 cities . . .
Austria
“The hills are alive with the sound of music.” That sums up the diversity of Austria in one line. Would you rather listen to a classical concert in an historic opera house or trek through breathtaking alpine scenery? You can easily do both in the same day in this landlocked Central Europe nation, once a great empire. One of my favorite odd things to do is to visit the cemetery in Vienna where Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, and others are buried in rather simple graves.
While we in in the “A’s”, for something completely different, try Alabama. Specifically, visit the space center in Huntsville for its technology achievements.
Beijing
I lived in this city, so I could write volumes, but I would sum it up by saying that nowhere else seems to blend the ancient and modern quite like Beijing. The dynamic performing arts center is down the street from the Forbidden City. The Olympic complex sits near a temple from the 1600s. Even the amazing food has its roots in ancient cooking techniques.
On the subject of “B’s”, it was difficult not to feature Barcelona or Bangkok here, two of my favorite cities in the world. Barcelona is still building Gaudi’s Familia Sagrada. Bangkok is truly the gateway to Southeast Asia. And one can’t forget to spend a few days in Budapest!
Cambodia
Despite a tragic 20th century, one would be remiss not to visit 900-year-old Angkor Wat, the enormous Buddhist temple complex in Siem Reap. Be sure to allow a few days to explore, learn, and observe what nature has reclaimed from man.
Chengdu is another “C”, known for spicy Sichuan food and pandas. Chengde is another interesting region of China I have written about.
Dana Point, California
Nearby Laguna Beach and Newport Beach get more attention, but Dana Point, with a beautiful harbor, is actually the official Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. Add to that spectacular weather, beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts. And what it doesn’t have, such as museums, are only an hour away in Los Angeles. Disneyland and Universal are nearby too. It’s easy to see why we make this Orange County coastal community the home we come back to after our travels.
Other “D’s” around the globe range from Denmark to Dubai.
Estonia
This fiercely independent little northern European nation is most often visited as part of Baltic cruise. It deserves more than a day trip. The capital, Tallinn, is both a well-preserved medieval city and home to one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. Outside the city, visit vast forestlands or more than 2,000 islands.
Florence
It took me years to finally visit Florence, the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, and it did not disappoint. Yes, one can suffer from museum overload, but with careful planning, the art and architecture are unrivalled. It is a surprisingly walkable city, where one follows the footsteps of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and more. And, of course, it is the gateway to for a road trip through magnificent Tuscany.
I could have featured Finland here or maybe France, but Paris is coming below.
Germany
Germany is a microcosm of Europe, a mix of industry and nature, BMW factories and fairy-tale castles, cities and hamlets, sleek architecture and black forests. My favorite city is Munich, right in the center of Europe, and a compelling base for visiting the continent by train (or that BMW).
If you prefer French to German, just 7 hours from Munich is Geneva, the impressive Swiss city at the foot of an expansive lake and mountains.
Hong Kong
You may know that this city means “fragrant harbor” in Chinese. That is appropriate, as there are some 263 islands, with the major ones accessible by ferry. And it is the Cantonese cuisine that sets the city apart from the rest of Asia. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, it is little wonder that people here eat about 5 times a day. Take the world’s longest escalator to the Peak Tram and marvel at more than 8,000 skyscrapers. Then it’s time to eat again.
Three more Chinese regions beginning with “H” are Hangzhou, sitting on beautiful West Lake, Hainan, considered to be China’s Hawaii, and Huangshan, the avatar-like mountain gem. And then there is my happy place, America’s Hawaii. Which island to visit first?
Ireland
There is a reason Ireland is so green. It rains a lot! But that also makes this island of low mountain terrain so beautiful. Our stay is in Killarney, with its national park and amazing hiking and biking trails. And, of course, we down many a pint of Guinness while feasting on fish and chips.
Ilocos also starts with an “I”. This historic, cultural region proves that the Philippines are more than beaches. For Italy, we talk about Florence above, but don’t forget Venice, Verona, Milan, and Rome. And I finally made it to Brazil’s Iguazu Falls for a luxury stay at these spectacular waterfalls.
Japan
I eat sushi from the world’s largest seafood market, Tokyo’s Tsukiji, and follow kimono-clad girls through the immense Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto. It seems like everything is both big and unique in Japan. Greater Tokyo is the largest megacity in the world, but there are plenty of tranquil retreats for contemplation. Get “spirited away” at this fascinating destination.
Kenya
I always wanted to go on an African safari. When we did, we made some mistakes. But make no mistake, we would go again (just smarter this time). Two things we did right were to choose Kenya and to visit Nairobi before and after the safari.
Korea begins with a “K”, although technically I have only visited Seoul, South Korea. It also means one of my favorite places, Kauai. There are so many things to do there that are upscale on a budget.
Laos
I wrote an article entitled, “Time is now to visit Luang Prabang, Laos.” That is still true, because while Laos sits midway between bustling Bangkok and Hanoi, the country feels centuries apart. The pace is as slow as the weather is hot. Temples mix with shops and restaurants, and the Mekong river winds its way through the culture.
Latvia is another “L”. Riga, Latvia is just across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm, but very different, including having to declare independence from Russia twice. Las Vegas is a world unto itself, even if you don’t gamble. You can always visit the neon boneyard or the National Atomic Testing Museum. Speaking of museums, Los Angeles now has the fun Academy Museum.
Madrid
Picasso’s Guernica occupies an entire room in the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art. It takes your breath away. And this isn’t even the most famous museum in Madrid. That honor belongs to the world-famous Prado. This is a city steeped in history and culture, and yet vibrant today. Eat 12 grapes with us at midnight to welcome in the new year.
We are up to the letter “M”, which leads us to Mexico and the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. I write about unique things to do in this art, cuisine, and accommodation mecca. You can also cruise to the cities of the Mexican Riviera. My favorite Hawaiian Island (not an easy choice) is Maui. Every tropical adventure is possible here, including some unusual ones I write about, even piloting your own plane over paradise.
New York City
What can you say about “The city that never sleeps?” How about “I love New York?” The self-proclaimed greatest city is a magnet for people all over the world to experience its energy, entertainment, cuisine, museums and more. Supposedly, all those people speak more than 800 languages, so you should feel right at home somewhere in New York.
Another “N”, New Mexico, is the U.S. polar opposite of NYC. Full of natural beauty, from desert to mountains, to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Oahu
Most people start their Hawaiian adventure on the island of Oahu. Some never leave. After all, it has famous Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, world-class North Shore surfing, and a big city named Honolulu. Pick a pineapple, put a slice in your Mai Tai, and settle in.
About as far away from tropical Hawaii as you can get and still be North America is Ottawa. The seventh coldest capital city in the world has Victorian architecture, as it should, since it was Queen Victoria who decided it should be Canada’s capital.
Paris
It is little wonder that “The City of Light” is most mentioned as world travelers’ favorite city. The experience is overwhelming, from 35,000 visible works of art in the Louvre to a choice of 45,000 restaurants. And yet, this walkable city seems intimate and romantic, as are the châteaux accessible on a day trip.
Speaking of intimate, the city of Prague can be navigated in a few days, allowing one day for Old Town and one day for the castle side of the Vltava River, connected by the Charles Bridge.
Quebec
If you live in North America and Paris is out of reach, try a journey to Quebec. French is mandatory, and Quebec City even looks and feels like a city in northern Europe. Yes, the winters are long and cold, with 140 days of snow on the ground, but the populace embraces the weather with skis and skates.
Russia
The world’s largest country also heads some lists as the world’s least friendly for tourists. But if your travel is carefully choreographed, there are many wonders to behold. Saint Peterburg’s Hermitage is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. Prepare to be impressed by this prestigious complex.
The top honors for large and old belongs to Rome. Ancient Rome still infiltrates both the sights and very character of the city, including the Colosseum, built 20 centuries ago. The city even surrounds another country – the Vatican.
Sydney
Places that are distant from most of the civilized world have an opportunity to develop their own unique quality of life. One could attribute that to Australians and their vibrant metropolis, Sydney. The folks from “down under” speak English, but are far from England in every way imaginable.
Trying to select a destination beginning with “S” is probably the hardest task. Does one talk about countries, such as Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain? Or should I mention world-class cities, from Shanghai, which even has a Disneyland, to the San Francisco experience? Or how about a city that is also a country? That would be Singapore.
Thailand
Would you like to journey to a faraway land that has a world-class city, beautiful beaches, or jungles with elephants and local tribes? Thailand offers all three Southeast Asian experiences in a country that is much smaller than Texas. And it may be impossible to have a bad meal here.
United Kingdom
England is a country. Britain includes Wales. Great Britain includes Scotland. The UK includes Northern Ireland. Ireland is separate. London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom. No matter what the name, London and the UK are great travel destinations as well as a gateway to the EU. Just get your visas right.
The letter “U” can also stand for Utah, a U.S. state with numerous natural landmarks, from salt flats to rock pillars to sandstone arches. Our favorite is Bryce Canyon.
Vietnam
From south to north, Vietnam has risen from the ashes of war to become a vibrant Southeast Asia tourist magnet. Hanoi is a bustling city of motorbikes. Step away from the traffic, and one steps back in time through Ninh Binh Province on the way to sailing picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay.
“V” also leads us to Vancouver, a beautiful city that is also the gateway for an Alaskan cruise.
Wyoming
While we are in the western United States, my favorite destination is Wyoming, home to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Use Jackson Hole as a base to visit these natural, national treasures.
Nothing could be more American than Washington D.C. From the Smithsonian and other museums to the complex of capitol buildings and monuments, this is the place to learn about the “great American experiment in democracy.”
Xian
There is so much history in this birthplace of Chinese civilization it is difficult to know where to begin – from the excavated Terra Cotta Warriors to the stele tablets to the well-preserved city walls. Visit the Bell and Drum Towers for panoramic views of this ancient city.
Yangon
Myanmar has had a turbulent history. I wish I could say it was over, but there is still serious strife in this country, once known as Burma. Yet, the people are welcoming and the natural and man-made sights are fascinating. Yangon is home to the gold-plated Shwedagon pagoda, one of 4 million pagodas in the city. It is the starting point for travel to Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, and other wonders of Myanmar.
The letter “Y” also reminds us of Yunnan, the southwestern Chinese province, with its spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang. For similar beauty, Yosemite National Park sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
Zermatt
Ah, the Swiss Alps. This is the secret place I have sought out to rejuvenate for more than 40 years. With up to 80 million visitors per year, maybe the secret’s out. That doesn’t stop us from hiking around Zermatt, the car-less playground at the base of the legendary Matterhorn. The views never get old and neither do we when we are in their presence.
“Z” also stands for Zen, an appropriate way to end this journey. Zen aims for enlightenment through direct experience, seeking both compassion and wisdom. I can’t think of a better, never-ending reason for travel.
Despite all my globe-trotting adventures, there are so many more journeys to take! Do you have any questions about these destinations? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
