23 Best Places I Have Visited (2018)

Today is my 23rd birthday! I have been reflecting on my upcoming birthday, as well as the travels I have been fortunate enough to have in my 23 short years. To celebrate my birthday, in no particular order, here is a list of 23 of the best places I have visited to this day!

 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand was the place I fell in love with travel. It was the first time I truly immersed myself in another culture. The laid back vibe in Chiang Mai is contagious, and the friendly locals will help you find the best street food you have ever tasted. Don’t miss seeing a “ladyboy” show!

Elephant Nature Park, Thailand

The Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue just outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. I did an internship here, caring for injured and elderly Asian elephants rescued from tourism and illegal logging industries throughout the country. All animal lovers should make the trip to this amazing place!

Haiti

My very first trip abroad was to Haiti. I fell in love with the country, even though my trip was somewhat of a disaster. The low mountains, colorful buildings, and cheerful people I met made up for the horror of the actual trip.

Belize

I visited Belize with a group tour from EF Ultimate Break. I can’t imagine anyone NOT loving this tiny country! The wildlife was abundant, booze cheap, and hiking incredible. I hiked Mayan ruins, tubed through a cave, and visited some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

Belize Barrier Reef, Belize

The Belize Barrier Reef was so amazing, it deserved its own spot on this list. The reef is HUGE, and I fell in love with the colors of the corals and mesmerizing sea life. The reef actually stretches from Mexico, around Belize, and stretches to the Honduras. Different parts of the reef are full of different corals, sea life, and underwater environments. It’s well worth the visit!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Harry Potter Park, located in Universal Studios, is one of my favorite places in the world. I grew up reading the books and attending the midnight premiere showings of the movies. The park looks like it was plucked right out of the movies! The rides are fantastic, and there are ways to interact with the park itself with your own magic wand. Be sure to stop by the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer and good quality British food for lunch!

Tikal, Guatemala

For history buffs, avid hikers, and wildlife lovers, Tikal is the perfect place to visit. The late Mayan capital is huge, full of intact temples to climb and wildlife to befriend. Standing on the top of an ancient tower and watching spider monkeys dance through the treetops was a dream come true for me!

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is another beach worth the visit in the United States. South Carolina is not nearly as hot as Florida, Texas, or Georgia, so it makes for a pleasant trip. There’s plenty of museums, activities, and exploring to do outside of the beaches as well.

Walt Disney World, FL

I have always been a Disney fan, so Walt Disney World had to be part of this list. Located in Orlando, Florida, the expansive Disney property includes four theme parks, two water parks, a downtown shopping area, and hundreds of other activities. Each park is unique in its own way and sparks magic and happiness for children and adults alike. I especially enjoy attending special events that are held at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Events are held with adults in mind, such as the International Food and Wine Festival. There’s something for everyone!

Cedar Point, OH

Cedar Point is my favorite theme park I have ever visited. Nicknamed the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. Huge roller coasters and thrill rides fill the park, while scenic Lake Eerie offers amazing sights from the ground and the very top of the coasters.

New York City, NY

New York City has something for everyone: amazing food, great nightlife, historic monuments, and educational museums. My favorite things to do here include visiting the expansive Metropolitan Museum of Art, catching a Broadway show, and exploring some of the best restaurants the city has to offer.

Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg is located in the scenic Smokey Mountains. Here, the best way to spend the night is in a cabin instead of a hotel. The best time to visit is in the fall in order to view the breathtaking colors of the leaves changing from the mountain peaks. Wildlife is abundant, and the hiking is amazing. Neighboring Pigeon Forge is full of fun activities as well, such as Ripley’s Believe it or Not Aquarium, dinner shows, and some of the best fudge I have ever had.

Washington, DC

The United States capital is a decent place to visit on a budget. Accommodation and food can be expensive, but free activities are abundant, and the cherry blossom season is beautiful. Most of the national monuments are free to explore, and the Smithsonian Museums are free to visit. I highly recommend visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The experience will change your life forever.

Sarasota, FL

My home during my college years, Sarasota contains one of the country’s best beaches. Siesta Key beach is continually rated as one of the best beaches in the United States. The water is calm, warm, and glistening in the Florida sun, and the white sand is the softest I have ever felt. Other than beaches, Sarasota also contains one of the best art museums in the country, the world-famous Mote Marine research facility and aquarium, and some of the best sunsets I have ever seen.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is a vibrant city, full of music, art, and amazing gumbo! Walking through the streets of New Orleans, listening to the jazz performers on each corner, is one of my favorite memories. The city is also home to the largest street festival in the country, Mardi Gras! I highly suggest visiting the city, and to take the time to explore the old French Quarter as well as listen to some amazing music.

St. Louis, MO

Home of the Gateway Arch and the Cardinals baseball team, St. Louis is a city full of activities. My favorites include exploring the City Museum, a 10-story building created by artists full of secret passageways, tunnels, and a huge jungle gym made from recycled materials. There’s even a real plane at the top if you’re brave enough to climb to it! St. Louis is also home to my favorite pizza place in the country: Imo’s Pizza.

Myakka River State Park, FL

Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is the alligator capital of the world. Hundreds of different species of wildlife can easily be seen from walkways as well as hiking trails. My favorite thing to do here is to kayak when the river floods, and get extra close to the surprisingly docile alligators. They won’t hurt you as long as you don’t bug them!

Garden of the Gods, IL

The Garden of the Gods in Illinois is one of my favorite hiking spots in the country. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, the area is full of huge boulders, beautiful forests, and abundant wildlife. For any hikers, adventurers, or animal lovers, this spot will not disappoint! 

Tacoma, WA

I visited Tacoma, Washington for a wedding in 2017, and immediately fell in love. It was the first time I had visited the west coast of the United States since I was a little kid and my first visit to the Pacific Northwest. The bright green of the forests around me, as well as the stunning views of Mount Rainier, took my breath away. Just make sure you pack a rain jacket!

Treeumph! Adventure Course, FL

Treeumph! Adventure Course is a high ropes course located in Bradenton, Florida. It is by far the best high ropes course I have ever visited, and I go often! The course is full of challenging obstacles, and ziplines that will give you a thrill flying over the Florida treetops.

Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee has some of the best music and food of any city I have ever visited. Try some BBQ, and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, head out to Jack Daniel’s distillery just outside of the city: you can taste whisky right out of the barrel!

Orlando, FL

Orlando, Florida is home to the Universal and Disney parks, as well as some amazing nightlife. I visit the theme parks often, but also enjoy heading into the city for some shopping, dinner, and drinks. Soupa Saiyan is my favorite restaurant in Orlando: a Dragon Ball Z themed noodle restaurant. If you love the show, definitely make your way there! The Sugar Factory is my favorite bar, where you can get a 60oz (yes 60!) goblet of candy-infused cocktails, candy martinis, and other amazingly sugary drinks. This spot is a celebrity favorite, so you may even get lucky and see someone you know!

Newburgh, IN

My small hometown of Newburgh, Indiana is located in the very southern tip of Indiana on the Ohio River. This town has preserved its history in its downtown buildings, but my favorite thing about home is in the neighboring city of Evansville: the Fall Festival. This street fair is the second largest in the country (second to Mardi Gras), and will completely overwhelm you with the charm of a midwestern town. Hundreds of food booths line a mile-long street offering everything from deep-fried cookie dough and fresh corn, to chocolate-covered crickets and brain sandwiches for the brave foodies. People come from all over to attend this fair, which occurs the first full week of October every year. I highly recommend it!

 

Here’s to 23 great years full of travel memories, and many more to come!

Where are your favorite places you’ve traveled to?

 

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