So you wanna get outta here. And feel a new kind of breeze refreshing your face. Look out at a novel viewpoint to infinity? And taste something that just makes you smile.

Travel has amped up post-quarantine precautions. Everywhere I’m inundated by people venturing to global destinations. Now that there are minimal to no restrictions, the world is an oyster again.

So many choices, how to prioritize with all the factors of budget, culture, accessibility, accommodation, activity, weather, and food.

Based on input from travelers, bloggers, ex-pats, high-end vacationers, backpackers, friends, strangers, nomads, internet-goers, and celebs, I compiled a hot list.

*This site contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you make a booking through us.

The factors that comprise this list have to do with 3 things:

Environmental Beauty & Uniqueness: because isn’t this all anyone wants?
Accessibility: this means ease of being there, and that once you’re there, it’s walkable or a straightforward place to navigate
And, the quality of Local Food

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Lagos in the Algarve is the southern area of Portugal. It’s a dream. The beaches are the kind of mesmerizing turquoise water that maximally delivers to anyone who enjoys sun, sand, and water. There are bronzed rocks that shade and overlay the waters, making for cliff jumping and aesthetic appeal.

Getting there is easy, being there is easier.

The area is almost reminiscent of Greece or Morocco, overwhelming white building landscape one can look out upon from rooftops. Yet, there are also areas of color that look like quaint villages of Italy with cobblestone uphill walkways and old townhouses almost Cuban in charming infrastructure.

There are plenty of places to stay in the area and it’s largely walkable to and from the beach, to cafes and restaurants or shopping.

Where to Stay? The Salty Lodge

The Salty Lodge is adorable and stylish, a mere 5 minutes to the beach, and has the feel of a nice apartment building, yet also your favorite coffee culture spot. The rooms are just the right size to be cozy yet kick you out to explore the gorgeousness of Lagos. The rooftop views are here for days and the concierge will help assist you in planning ocean excursions such as boating, or water activities.

Loule Jardim Hotel

Loule Jardim Hotel is walkable to and from the beach, to cafes and restaurants, or shopping. And it’s for a slightly more hotel-esque option, they offer compact luxe rooms, a fitness center, and their own dining. There’s also a lovely pool on-site in case you prefer that for swimming rather than the ocean.

When to Go?

The time to go to the Algarve is early springtime. At this time of year, the herds will be less yet the weather will still be supreme. There’s enough of a scene on the ground to give that buzz in the atmosphere, and enough of a slower pace compared to summer to hoard the beaches without being squeezed into small corners of sand.

In Lagos, for the activity-doers, there’s booze cruising, and boating, there’s a fort to see, and there’s a harbor. I took a local bus to another village for cuisine tasting and sites, nothing extraordinary, an easy half-day getaway that gives further a feel for the local neighborhoods of Portuguese culture.

Ultimately, it’s such beautiful scenery here that just taking it in and relaxing, eating, reading, and catching up on whatever Netflix show you’re watching is all one needs.

*Safety tip

Every though it’s fairly safe, stay with a buddy if you venture beach-side in the nighttime. Public transportation is fine for solo travelers.

2. Anguilla, Caribbean

When you think about the Caribbean do you think about great beaches and that’s the majority of it? Yes, that. I was that way.

Entry in…the food and pristine sparsely populated beauty of Anguilla.

Why Anguilla?

Anguilla is slightly “far-flung” as Conde Nast says. Nevertheless, you want to go.

The time to go is winter north of the equator. Especially compared to some of the more overt touristic commercialisms of other Caribbean Islands, Anguilla has something genuine in the beaches, the food, and the stays that inhabit it. I now associate both top-notch beaches and top-notch food with this island destination.

However, close or not, easy to get to, or slightly far-flung, Anguilla has graced the top island’s charts of numerous publications, and numerous communities. Not one write-up has an overtly explicit reason, a tangible truth, as to ultimately why this island is so worthwhile.

I think this is perhaps why the island is on the lists. There is nothing exuberant about Anguilla. It doesn’t have flair per say. It doesn’t have a sparkly draw. It simply has a very refined environment inclusive to pristine beaches that tend to be less populated than many Caribbean islands. And it tends to have a great food scene established by long-term livers of the place.

Some of the hotels and homestays there are likewise refined, drawing the kind of visitor who wants to feel at home, but an elevated version of home. Some place they can feel familiar with but also like it’s a treat that has been waiting for them, something special to be savored.

Where to Stay? Aurora or Cap Juluca

Rendezvous, Anguilla. Image by JR Pharma

Aurora

One of the special places of sustainability on the island is a hotel that used to be run by Cuisinart and has since reopened as Aurora. It’s a magical stay situated beach-side with a focus on farm-freshness at its restaurants, and a clean manicured vibe of island design. With an expansive golf course on-site, the whole area and aura of Aurora feels generous and generously curated for a wonderful stay.

The thing that’s most impressive about Aurora is the farm-fresh dining. The resort’s restaurants feature produce from their 10,000 square food hydroponic farm. It’s fresh, it’s sustainable, it’s delicious. It’s impactful to see an island pursuing a grow-your-own farm-to-table model.

Looking out to St. Martin/St. Maartin, Image by Stephanie

Beyond the pursuit of growing their own food, the hydroponic farm has more symbolism about the history of the island.

Apparently, Anguilla hosts unfertile soil conditions which were prohibiting factors to the island developing as plantation island and unlike many of its other oceanic neighbors. This has however been noted as allowing the island to be spared some of the harsh racial tensions and perhaps contributes to the upbeat and even serene vibe that the Anguilla’s energy still effuses.

Further, it’s the hydroponic, water-based growth of food at Aurora that gives a new wave of what does and is possible to grow there.

Though Aurora is a self-sufficient haven, the food elsewhere island-side is also worth checking out. There are delightful restaurants and a diverse array of eats. It’s a location where I had, get this: eggplant creme brulee. In addition to the local Caribbean representations and seafood, the Italian food scene is also strong. Unforgettable dinners are there to be had on the waters as well as playful casual seafood spots that are locally beloved.

Cap Juluca

Cap Juluca is a notoriously elegant hotel. Boasting ivory-white tones with the azure nature of the island’s colors, Cap Juluca is home on its own Maundays Beach. With a restaurant and a penchant for little lookouts and places of repose, all-in-all it’s not a surprise that Cap Juluca retains loyal visitors. The luxury is in the overall and the details, a place to stay that will nourish body and soul.

In terms of beaches, Rendezvous Beach on Aurora is nice enough to extend you through a vacation. But other beaches are worth exploring if you choose via rental car. Some tops include Savannah and Little Bay Anguilla which is one of my top recommendations. It’s an uninhabited beach to spend the day and must be gotten to by boat only.

For further food destinations, absolutely check out Straw Hat and Blanchards which are favorites.

*Safety tip

Go with someone adept at island driving to best scope the island’s offerings. The island doesn’t have public transportation, so this will be key if you’re planning to venture around beyond where you stay.

3. Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

If Kyoto is like a living haiku, Ishigaki is like a vinyl track from your teenage days.

I researched a lot about what beaches of Japan were worth going to.

Ishigaki became a clear choice following the three main criteria:

Environmental beauty and uniqueness, of not only beaches but sky (out of the 88 constellations including the Milky Way, 84 are visible from the skies of Ishigaki)
Accessibility of walking and manageably getting around
Charm and quality of the local food and drink scene baby

Ishigaki expresses in a soft glow and film-esque tones like the retro track it gives the mood of. It’s easy enough to fly in from the larger cities or internationally from Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Kabira North

I recommend staying in the south of the island, but the north side of the island is worth going to for the lookouts as well as the food. It’s about 25 minutes from the south area of Okawa. You must get lunch and ice cream at Oishisa which has incredible homemade noodles served most appealingly. The restaurant also serves housemate ice cream with bodacious flavors such as cheese, brown sugar, peanut, and local beer flavor.

Sashimi

The sashimi at Shin-eicho is top-notch, seek it out. It’s as fresh as fresh can be and something is inspiring about watching sushi mastery behind near the beach of a little Japanese island.

Sea Story Ishigakijima: Local song, dance, & traditional island food

This is a local spot to experience the traditional dance and music of Ishigaki Island. Sea Story Ishigakijima is a cute tiki-esque locale that serves cold brew and sake, and delicious island fare. They serve unique plates that can’t be found elsewhere. While you eat you witness the song and dance, drumming, and costumes of native Ishigaki. It’s beautiful.

Kimono Style

Beyond beach and island activities one of the most exciting experiences is getting fully fitted in traditional kimono. If you’re curious but have never been regaled in a real kimono, the intricacies and hair with flowers, the bolts of various fabrics, and even the un-walkable platform sandals are fascinating to try on. This is a thrilling experience for anyone with a particular affinity for appreciating traditional culture.

Where to Stay? Beach Hotel Sunshine

Beach Hotel Sunshine

Beach Sunshine is on the waters of Ishigaki’s island shore. The views are immaculate and the rooms are plush. With a pool and baths as well, Beach Hotel Sunshine has two restaurants and activities like bicycling and water sports to take part in. Airbnb

A plus of having an Airbnb on Ishigaki is the local connection. Our host took us around in her car island hopping one day and I highly recommend traversing the length of the island. It’s a way to get a panoramic tour of the surroundings and delve into the diversity that this island includes.

*Safety tip

Ready your Google translator or a translation mechanism, it is helpful to get to local hot spots as people on the island tend to speak less English than in major cities.

4. Seoul, South Korea

Have you watched Singles Inferno? I know you’ve watched Squid Games, Physical 100, have you been listening to BTS, Blackpink, Twice, and more…The prominence of Korean culture is unavoidably addicting and continues on and on and on.

Seoul is its base camp. And legit.

Why Seoul?

Changing pace from beach-prominent spots, Seoul is a youthful urban, going-out, and artsy cultural jam. There is a manageability of conquering Seoul meaning that it’s walkable, it’s metro-able, and its highlights are in the overt and the subtle. It’s a very livable city to visit. And you’ll find pockets of joy in street food, a perfect latte, impressive artwork, and the heritage of Seoul’s historic landmarks. Korean music plays here and there, but there’s inevitable influence from America, China, and Japan. Seoul is big and like most large cities there are various moods in each area that differentiate the feel of the country’s culture therein.

Where to Stay?

For a first-time trip to Korea Mapo-Gu is a must. It includes Hongdae, Hapjeong, and then Itaewon is a third locale.

These three are essential and yet different immersions. They’re all places to stay and continually explore for someone first venturing to Seoul. They provide an extremely particular sense of Korea as well as being gateway immersions to the country and its capital city.

Of course, more commercial areas Myeong-dong and Gangnam are also highlight spots, but more obviously available. And they are less essentially Korean.

Hongdae

Mapo-Gu is a young hip neighborhood, think boutiques, cute cafes, classic restaurants, and all the street styles you can imagine.

To walk through the neighborhoods of Hongdae or Hapjeong is to get a sensational experience of the enthusiasm and the changing Korea in the material realm of it. Besides the daytime in-take, the nightlife of Hongdae is top-tier. There is no going to sleep. Koreans have a roster of going out events that begin with dinner, continue to drinks, continue to clubbing, continue to a midnight snack, and then nori-bong or karaoke, and more snacks before the event of daybreak.

Where to Stay? LOTTE City Hotel, or Hongdae Apartment, or Amanti Hotel

Hongdae

This apartment in Hongdae overlooks the uneven skyline with rooftop gardens and terraces. Centrally located and with a lot of bright natural light, it’s a prime location to situate yourself if you want to immerse in the hubbub of this enlivened area. Hongdae is my pick for location and offers a lovely immersion into a stay in Korea.

Amanti Hotel

For something classy and sophisticated, the Amanti Hotel in Hapjeong is a little less boisterous than the nightlife of Hongdae, but with neighboring proximity. It likewise has nice eateries, cafes, and shopping, but is slightly quieter. This hotel has all the crisp, simple, total comfort you need.

LOTTE City Hotel

Alternatively, Myeongdung is the neighborhood out of all in Seoul that reflects a city in America the most, a bit like Times Square NYC. For an experience here, LOTTE City is amidst the walkways of this main area’s bustling streets. It’s a definite for options of great food, plus amenities such as a gym and concierge.

Highlights

Activities

Leeum Museum

For a deep culture scene, Itaewon is it, and the cafes and restaurants are classy. Leeum Museum is for art mavens. The installations incorporate impactful architectural components mixed with plays of shape with light. The installations play with the corporeality of humans in space and with that of what we surround ourselves with and in. It’s spectacular and a full-body immersion of space, color, shape, and light.

Dongdaemun Design Place

Another favorite, Dongdaemun Design Place History and Culture Park is an architectural scope of an area that gives thought to the variation and material use of shapes. Newer to Seoul having opened in 2014, it is industrial, rotund curves are reminiscent of the space age and provide an elevated experience walking amongst them. Its location is known for its shopping and already it’s become a landmark icon of contemporary Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace is the second oldest palace in Seoul is a royal palace that was built during the Joseon Dynasty.

It was created as a private residence, an urban retreat, for the family back in the day and still seems to feature itself as this though the royals are long gone. Its significance is further historical having been a pivotal spot for meetings as well as ceremonies when Japan invaded the country in the 16th century. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and juxtaposes traditional Korea within its modernizing confines. Youth and recently married will visit here for photos in traditional attire, it stands as a symbolic site of Korean heritage and is a beautiful spot within Seoul to behold.

Food

My biggest recommendation food-wise in the ground here is to follow the old and young herds. This prioritizes casual second-floor eateries as well as boutique cafes, and especially large-scale markets where you can sample versatile Korean eats. There are also a lot of Western-inspired spots and even chain restaurants that serve reliable eats for newer-to-Korean-foodies.

*Safety tip

Remember that soju is stronger than it tastes. In terms of etiquette, Korea is somewhat conservative in unusual ways. One thing that’s helpful to know for young women traveling there is that exposure of bare shoulders is still an up-and-coming phenomenon. Even though short shorts are alright, bare shoulders are not often considered appropriate or respectful, mostly when visiting with elderly or old traditional spots.

5. Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the places in this world that is genuinely one of a kind, ethereal, and fairly celestial. If you have an idea of what cities can be beyond the norm, Venice is the fantasy come to life, a resplendent spot of Italian artistry and jovial culture.

The Gondola Ride

Bridge of Sighs, Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim

The gondola men who sing in Italian as they take you on the waters, the delicious Italian food, the simply novel-esque feel of a city that’s surrounded by water instead of streets…

Via the waters, you’re sure to cross the Ponte di Rialto or Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Market, glide along the Grand Canal, and pass under the Bridge of Sighs, all noteworthy elements of the city’s design. They’re better up close in a gondola than merely walking through the streets. Yes, it’s cliche, and yet it’s a staple element of Venice’s notoriety for a reason. You’ll further be granted entrance into St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace as well. This is a tour that’s organized and chock-full of the highlights.

There are certain experiences that stick with you for a lifetime and riding in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs was one of those transformative experiences for me.

The high tone of the Italian song that our rower burst into with gusto and no reserve, the soft sound of the lapping waters against the paddle with the view of a city encasing, the feel of the worn velvet seat as we moseyed in between buildings.

Something that makes Venice magical is the oxymoronic architecture, water as a base to buildings, and gliding amidst it all slim-boat-side is everything.

Where to Stay? Hotel da Bruno

Hotel da Bruno is a charming old-school classic Italian boutique nestled by the bridge. It’s a three-generational establishment and provides the comfort, allure, and history that traveling in Venice ought to provide.

St. Marks Basilica, St. Marks Square, Venice. Image by Maximilian Zahn

The Sites

Ponte di Rialto

One of the most famous bridges in Venice, the stone bridge is one of a most notable site throughout Venice. The half-dome windows that line the sides of the bridge give a romantic feel to its design both from the bridge looking out on the waters, as well as from the canal outside of it.

Situated on the Grand Canal, there on the bridge you get panoramic views of the city and the connecting neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo. There are shops along it that sell tokens, jewelry, local crafts, and food items as well.

Rialto Market

The Rialto Market is in San Polo and is one of the staple hubs of Venice. For those who stay in apartments or with kitchens particularly, it’s a beloved location to glean produce and fish. The fruits and vegetables of the market are exceptionally fresh with small-scale vendors that come in with newly picked, or caught, bounty. There are additional wares to purchase such as clothing and crafts. The goods there make up the backbone of the culture of Venice for the locals every day, it’s worth the immersion for sure.

Dimly lit market, Image by Marco Chilese

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is a spectacular Baroque-style attraction of the city both from the canals and from other vantage points. The white limestone bridge itself is opulent, another architectural facet to this uniquely built city. Allegedly, the name was bestowed upon the landmark for the perpetual sighs exhaled by prisoners who walked along the bridge before being placed in holding cells.

Legend has it that when you kiss your sweetheart while passing underneath…your love will be marked for eternity.

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica sits within San Marco Piazza and is perhaps the most adorned and awe-inspiring site within Venice. The basilica is a manifestation of Byzantine design with domes and peaks, points, four bronze horses, golden hues, and intricacies to astound. Inside, likewise, gold mosaics feature scenes of religious scripture. You can further explore the upper levels of the structure for views of the city and square below. Because of its location, the basilica is really a central heartbeat to the throngs of Venice.

Broody vista on the square and Basilica at nighttime, Image by Niklas Hamann

Interior of Doge’s, Image by Mohammad Mayan

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is the authority government of the Venetian Republic. It’s the seat of governance and another central building of Venice on land. The palace is of white, creamy, and pink marble and Gothic architecture. Inside it houses government in office, prison, and court within its quarters. The building stands further as a museum for visitors to gain insight into both the history and government of Venice.

*Safety tip

If you have time, check out the other islands around Venice. There are plenty of other islands in the vicinity of the most well-known.

Have other hot spots to share for 2024? What’s your top of 2024?

The Hottest Top 5 2024….!

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Where to Stay? The Salty Lodge

Loule Jardim Hotel

When to Go?

*Safety tip

2. Anguilla, Caribbean

Why Anguilla?

Where to Stay? Aurora or Cap Juluca

Aurora

Cap Juluca

*Safety tip

3. Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

Kabira North

Sashimi

Sea Story Ishigakijima: Local song, dance, & traditional island food

Kimono Style

Where to Stay? Beach Hotel Sunshine

Beach Hotel Sunshine

*Safety tip

4. Seoul, South Korea

Why Seoul?

Where to Stay?

Hongdae

Where to Stay? LOTTE City Hotel, or Hongdae Apartment, or Amanti Hotel

Hongdae

Amanti Hotel

LOTTE City Hotel

Highlights

Activities

Leeum Museum

Dongdaemun Design Place

Changdeokgung Palace

Food

Food

*Safety tip

5. Venice, Italy

The Gondola Ride

Where to Stay? Hotel da Bruno

The Sites

Ponte di Rialto

Rialto Market

Bridge of Sighs

St. Mark’s Basilica

Doge’s Palace

*Safety tip

Bali & Gilis

M-m-Miami?

Weird Lotus: Life-Changing Travel