Dreaming of the best places to travel? Let’s get excited by looking ahead and finding inspiration for future adventures! The chosen travel destinations stand out for their delicious food, animated local life, paradise vibes, ancient lost cities, and spectacular natural parks. Find some unknown spots, as well as some crowd favorites. These are Salt in our Hair’s best places to travel!
1. Algarve, Portugal
Breathtaking coastline, year-round beautiful weather, and waves make it a surfer’s paradise. The Algarve in Portugal is one of the best places to travel to in Europe.
Spend your days slow at the white-sand beaches, discover its crystal clear emerald and turquoise water and the incredible rock formations that surround most beaches.
Stroll along the narrow, flower-covered, streets of the charming whitewashed villages in the Algarve where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood.
Where to Stay in the Algarve
The Algarve is a traveler’s paradise, with lots of hostels and guesthouses for a very reasonable price throughout the entire south coast. You’ll also find lots of beautiful hotels and resorts with stunning ocean views.
If you have a campervan in Portugal, there are lots of great spots to park up on the clifftops outside. Use the park4night app to find all campsites, including reviews and amenities.
2. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is the most underestimated travel destination and the best place to travel! The gem of the Silk Road has landscapes ranging from luscious green mountains to the driest of deserts. Add to that the endless turquoise domes of religious buildings and dazzling gold tiling, and you will surely be blown away by the magic of Uzbekistan.
However, the real heart-stealer is the friendliness of the Uzbekistan people. The country is home to some of the warmest souls in the world, who extend the hand of friendship at every possible opportunity. Because of this, travelers will feel completely at home in this unforgettable country!
Did you know? Uzbekistan has excellent transport links. Additionally, goods and services are very reasonably priced.
Must-read: Uzbekistan 10-Day Travel Guide
3. Sri Lanka
The endless beautiful sights of Sri Lanka deserve a top spot in the best places to travel. Spend at least a few weeks traveling, taking stunning train rides that go through dewy tea plantations, green mountains, and dense jungles. Next, switch from the train to an open-top jeep and go on a safari in Sri Lanka at one of the many rich national parks- home to leopards, monkeys, and elephants.
Finally, unwind on one of the many long sandy beaches on the southern coast, relaxing in laid-back beach bars with live music and fresh coconuts. If action is on the agenda, hire a surfboard and ride the waves, in one of the best countries for surfing in the world!
Get our Sri Lanka e-book with 20% off. Use the code BESTPLACES20 at checkout.
4. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It is home to majestic castles, medieval towns, and cinematic landscapes. Here are the must-see places:
Cesky Krumlov
Step into the fairytale of Cesky Krumlov. The castle and medieval cobbled streets sitting on the bend of a winding river are great highlights. Additionally, Karlovy Vary offers great activities like kayaking on the river or having dinner at one of the many good river-side restaurants.
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a spa city with mineral hot springs, beautiful collonades, and enormous mansions. It has been the decor for huge movies like ‘James Bond’ and ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’.
Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is home to one of the largest castles in the world! Prague is very different from the other places to visit in this country and therefore a great addition to your visit.
Where to Stay in Prague
Prague offers accommodation for every kind of budget, with the best area being Prague 1. Alternatively, see all hotels in Prague. We stayed in the Mosaic Design Hotel, one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in!
5. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a moon-like landscape in Turkey. Every sunrise, the sky is filled with hundreds of hot air balloons that soar along with the unique rock formations.
Not only are you able to see it from the air, but you can also discover the incredible landscape and its caves on the ground by horse. Cappadocia in Turkey is one of a kind and, therefore, one of the best places to visit.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
There are many beautiful towns within the area in which visitors can stay. We chose to stay in Goreme, which is very convenient with many great hotels and restaurants, and centrally located to many main sights.
Our hotel, Sultan Cave Suites, was beautiful and one of the most unforgettable stays weโve had on our travels so far.
6. Philippines
A worldwide front runner, and high on many people’s list of best places to travel, is the paradisiacal Philippines. Home to nearly 8,000 islands, the Philippines is the king of island hopping! Each island is as astonishingly beautiful as the next, so travelers are spoilt for choice.
Spend your time moving between these heavenly places, relaxing on the whitest beaches, and swimming in the clearest waters. The three best places to travel within the Philippines are:
El Nido
It’s easy to see why El Nido has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! The vertical limestone karsts and coral reefs make El Nido an excellent location for snorkeling.
Siquijor
A small island thatโs a bit more off the beaten path, Siquijor has incredible roads, sandwiched between spectacular jungle waterfalls and beautiful stretches of white sand.
Siargao
Named โthe most beautiful island in Asiaโ is the island of palm trees: Siargao! At every turn, you’ll find heart-stopping scenes of thick palm tree forests sandwiched between long coastal roads and utopian beaches. Spend beautiful days swimming in lazy rivers, swinging from trees, and chatting to the most welcoming locals. Consequently, Siargao has a special energy that makes it hard to beat! Here’s how to spend your time on Siargao.
7. Petra, Jordan
Exploring the lost city of Petra is one of the best travel experiences. The UNESCO world heritage site is even more impressive in the flesh than can be put into words. Follow the trails through the rocky desert to discover incredible ancient buildings carved into rose-colored stone.
Even more unbelievable than the lost city itself is the fact that 85% of the city is still undiscovered! Petra is rightly named as one of the seven wonders of the world for its movie-like story and setting. As such, it should be on the top of your bucket list!
Hotels Near Petra
All hotels in Petra are in Wadi Musa, a perfect location at the entrance of Petra.
8. Tbilisi, Georgiaย – One of the Best Places to Travel
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and has remained under the radar for too long. Now itโs been put on the map because of its incredible architecture, world-class wine, delicious food, and high-quality living standards. As a result, itโs rapidly gaining in popularity and one of the best places to travel.
Tbilisi is a huge surprise for travelers, going beyond all expectations, with it’s surprisingly modern and European way of life. See the quaint houses with their ornate balconies and cobbled streets, next to the weird and wonderful leaning clock tower.
Follow this, by admiring the charming old buildings, complemented by the young and edgy art galleries and converted factories. These are just a few reasons why Tbilisi ranks highly on the list of best places to travel, and why tourists will be itching to explore more of Georgia!
Where to Stay in Tbilisi
Most things to do in Tbilisi are located in the old and charming city center, and this is also the best area to stay in Tbilisi.
The city offers accommodation for any kind of budget, including some great hostels (search for a hostel here).
9. Peru
Peru is an amazing country packed with historical goodness, colorful landscapes and cities, and fresh and flavorsome food! It is also home to one of the seven wonders of the world and numerous UNESCO world heritage sights. The best places to travel in Peru are:
Machu Picchu
Ask anyone for a list of their dream travel destinations, and Machu Picchu is likely to be on it. One of the seven wonders of the world, this incredible historical site definitely lives up to the hype. Nothing can top that feeling as you hike to the summit of Machu Picchu first thing in the morning when the ancient city emerges through the mist. This is the stuff that dreams are made of!
But Machu Picchu is so much more than just the ancient Incan city itself, itโs the journey too. Travel via train through luscious green mountains, passing through quaint Peruvian villages and waving at beaming locals. A once in a lifetime experience!
Arequipa
One of Peru’s lesser-known cities is beautiful Arequipa. However, it should be on everyoneโs Peru travel route. The city is well known for its European-style buildings made of white volcanic stone, taken from the nearby volcanoes.
Spend a day or two here, wandering through the beautiful squares, gazing at the churches and the grand white cathedral. To see the colorful nature of the city, head to the Santa Catalina Monastery to see the flower-filled arches, painted in bright blue and red.
Where to Stay in Arequipa
Arequipa has great accommodation for every kind of budget. Find a hostel or hotel within 15 minutes of walking from the main square to be sure youโre near all major sights.
10. Koh Lipe, Thailand
Koh Lipe has to be one of the best places to travel in Thailand, for its breathtaking beauty. Nicknamed the โMaldives of Thailandโ, the tiny island is situated between Malaysia and Thailand. Get that stranded desert island feeling, with no noise, few people, and an endless number of white sandy beaches, palm trees, and coconuts. Koh Lipe is heaven!
Where to Stay on Koh Lipe
There are hotels on the island for all kinds of budgets, but prices really go up and down depending on the season.
The best area to stay on Koh Lipe is Sunrise Beach, as it is the most beautiful area of the island, away from the harbor where the boats dock and close to many good restaurants.
11. Italy
One of the best countries in the world, and high on the list of destinations, is foodie paradise Italy! Italy is more than just a place. Itโs the feeling of the sun on your face, laughs with jolly locals, and a belly full of pizza. These are the three best places to travel in Italy:
Venice
The magical floating city of Venice is an all-time favorite and still(!) a must-see. Additionally, because it has no roads for traffic, there is a special old-world feeling as you travel from A to B along the canals by gondola. Easily one of the most romantic cities in the world!
Best Venice Hotels
Stay in the middle of the city but tucked away in a quiet street 5 minutes walking from San Marco Square at Novecento Boutique Hotel.
If youโre on a tight budget, your best option is to stay outside of Venice on the mainland.
Cinque Terre
The Amalfi Coast of the north is the stunning hillside coastal area of Cinque Terre. Colorful houses sink into the layers of cliffs, among olive groves, rocky outcrops, and the Mediterranean ocean.
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
Accommodations inside Cinque Terre National Park are booked far in advance. Hotels are mostly available in Riomaggiore and Monterosso, but expect to pay way over your typical budget per night.
A more affordable choice is to stay in La Spezia, where hotels start at 35 EUR a night. Alternatively, for the most budget-friendly option, search for a hostel in the area.
Tuscany – best place to travel in Italy
Tuscany is a region in Italy with rolling green hills, endless fields of sunflowers, vineyards, and beautiful rustic Italian farmhouses. Explore this area by motorbike or car, breathing in the fresh smells of the fields and flowers, and the atmosphere of the charming hill-top villages. If you’re hoping for some culture, factor in time to see Tuscan cities, such as Siena and Florence.
Planning on renting a car in Italy? Book throughย Sunny Carsย as they work with local car rental companies and the price includes all insurances.ย Book your rental car here.
12. Morocco
Traveling through Morocco is a great adventure. On the same day, you can walk on dunes in the Sahara at sunrise, snowboard in the Atlas Mountains by the afternoon, and relax in luxurious medina riads by evening. Discover the Blue City Chefchaouen, the market streets of Fes, spend the night in the Sahara, and of course world-famous Marrakech.
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I’m from Tbilisi Georgia and it makes me extremely happy to see Tbilisi on this list