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I traveled to 50 of the top countries for tourism and ranked them from my least favorite to my No. 1 pick

author, latifah, posing on white steps in santorini greece
I've traveled to 80 countries, and many of them are some of the top in the world for tourism.

Latifah Al-Hazza

  • I've traveled to 50 of the countries on the 2024 Travel and Tourism Index.
  • Germany and the United Kingdom were my least favorite trips from the countries on the list.
  • On the other hand, Spain and Cyprus took the top spots in my book.

I've traveled to over 80 countries, 50 of which were included in the World Economic Forum's 2024 Travel and Tourism Index.

The report measures the economic growth of the tourism industry worldwide. In other words, the 119 countries included on this year's list are very successful at attracting travelers and retaining numbers.

Although I haven't had a bad overall experience in any of the countries — I have wonderful memories from each destination — they still varied in terms of my interactions with locals, general uniqueness, cuisine, available activities, and sights to see.

I spent at least one full night in all 50 countries and, in most cases, stayed more than three. Here's how I'd rank them from least favorite to my top pick.

50. Germany
author, latifah, posing facing neuschwanstien castle in germany
Germany isn't my favorite place to visit, but Neuschwanstein Castle is incredible.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Unfortunately, there has to be a country that comes in last, and for me, it's Germany.

That said, I've been twice, and the second time was better than the first. When I travel, I really value interacting with locals and other people, and I found that more difficult for me to do here.

Even so, Germany has a lot of history, and seeing everything from the Berlin Wall to Neuschwanstein Castle was incredible.

49. United Kingdom
view of the globe theater from across the thames in london
I like to travel to places where English isn't the first language.

photo.eccles/Shutterstock

I seem to rank countries that speak my native language, English, on the lower end of the list. I think I find them less adventurous — less of a challenge. That's primarily why the UK is second to last.

Plus, the skies are gloomy many days of the year, and I'm not a huge fan of the local cuisine.

Full disclosure: I've been four times, and each visit occurred during the dark, cold winter months. That definitely could've colored my opinion on the country.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Christmas markets, the cute city of Bath, and major attractions like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

48. Canada
author, latifah, skiing on a snowy mountain in canada
I've gone skiing in Canada.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Canada is a beautiful country and an outdoors lover's paradise, with national parks like Banff and amazing winter sports in Whistler.

But outside Quebec and a handful of other provinces, English is the primary language. It was hard to decide where to rank it, but by that standard, it ended up lower on my list.

Canada has a great mixture of bustling cities and stunning nature. However, it's so close to the US and has a similar topography in many regions, so it feels like less of an adventure to me.

47. United States
author, latifah, sitting near the hollywood sign in LA
I live in the US, so it's less exciting to travel here.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I primarily live in the United States, so I find it a little less exciting to travel around.

I do, however, love that you can spend months here and experience varying landscapes, people, and cuisines across the country.

I've been to 48 states, and California is my favorite. It has a healthy mix of cities, state parks, epic scenery, and beautiful beaches.

46. Bahrain
view of skyscrappers next to the water in Manama , Bahrain
Bahrain is a small country in the Middle East.

Bas van den Heuvel/Shutterstock

Bahrain, a tiny country in the Middle East, is a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the US.

Unfortunately, that limits the number of things to do. But I love visiting the Manama Souq and the Bahrain National Museum.

The delicious variety of Gulf food is also a plus.

45. Senegal
top of the african renaissance monument in Senegal
The impressive African Renaissance Monument is in Dakar.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I couldn't find a ton to do in Senegal.

From what I experienced, though, I enjoyed taking a boat to the car-free Gorée Island to learn more about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and visiting the gigantic African Renaissance Monument in Dakar.

I also absolutely loved my hotel, Hotel Casa Mara Dakar. It was somewhat of a hub for nomad travelers from all over the world.

44. Honduras
market covered in colorful umbrellas in honduras
Honduras is home to several colorful markets.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I have to admit, the main reason I ranked Honduras in the bottom 10 is because of the endless potholes that plague the roads and highways in the country. Its notoriously rough roads made getting from one place to the other quite stressful.

Aside from that, the country is beautiful.

I recommend visiting the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve and the archeological ruins of Copán. Taking a zipline tour across Pulhapanzak waterfall and exploring Pico Bonito National Park were also highlights of my trip.

If you're looking for places to stay, Hotel Marina Copán, Finca Las Glorias, and Angeli Gardens are all great options.

43. Saudi Arabia
the sun setting behind skyscrappers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I think Saudi Arabia has expanded its tourism industry in the last few years.

Q world/Shutterstock

It has been quite a long time since I was in Saudi Arabia, which is partially why it ended up where it did.

When I visited in 2008, I couldn't find much for tourists to do. Nowadays, I've heard the country is bustling with tourism, music festivals, unique desert and overwater stays, fashion boutiques, and adventure sports.

Plus, it's ranked No. 41 on the Travel and Tourism Index, so I know, economically, things have grown since 2019.

I'll have to go back to see if that changes my decision.

42. China
two girls sitting on the great wall of china with their arms around each other
I think I'd like to visit China more if I had a better grasp of one of the national languages.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Although I love a challenge — and this goes against my above sentiments — I really struggled with the language and food in China.

I'm a pescatarian, and I wasn't able to find a lot of local cuisine to enjoy. Plus, outside Shanghai, hardly anyone I came across spoke English, which was not surprising. Still, because I wasn't familiar with the language, I found it difficult to get around from place to place.

It was an adventure, to say the least. Nevertheless, my favorite activities were taking a food tour, visiting the Great Wall of China, and seeing the mesmerizing Terracotta Army in Xi'an.

41. El Salvador
view of the coast of el salvador from a nice cliffside hotel
I got a lot out of my trip to El Salvador.

Latifah Al-Hazza

This is where it really started to get difficult to rank all the countries because I've loved traveling through all of them.

I road-tripped around El Salvador with my Dad, and it was quite a memorable vacation.

We met a lot of hospitable locals, but the food was what really left a lasting impression on me. I recommend trying nuegados de yuca (Salvadoran doughnuts), quesadilla Salvadoreña (sweet cheesecake), sopa de pescado (seafood stew), torta (sandwich), tamales pisques, tamarind juice, horchata, and the country's national dish, pupusa (thick flatbread).

Places I loved were El Rosario Church, the volcanic crater at El Boquerón National Park, and the colorful slide at Picnic Steak House.

I also enjoyed staying at the Cardedeu Hotel. The rooms were made of shipping containers and had stunning views of Lake Coatepeque.

40. Armenia
mount ararat in the distance from an Armenian city
I've only spent a little time in Armenia.

Sergey Malomuzh/Shutterstock

I drove across the border from Georgia into Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Although I didn't spend many nights in the country, I remember it had beautiful landscapes and stunning cathedrals.

I definitely want to go back to explore more.

39. Austria
st Stephens cathedral in Austria
I really liked seeing St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I also didn't spend a long time in Austria, but I remember Vienna embodying so much culture and beauty.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must-visit for any world traveler — I'm glad I checked it off my list.

38. Egypt
sphinx in front of the pyramid complex in giza egypt
Seeing the pyramids in Egypt it a surreal experience.

muratart/Shutterstock

My main reason for ranking Egypt on the lower half of the list is that it can be quite hectic — especially for first-time visitors. I experienced a lot of culture shock during my trip.

However, seeing such fascinating and historic landmarks firsthand was incredible.

While in Cairo, be sure to get to the Giza Pyramid Complex early for the opportunity to go inside the pyramids. I also recommend taking a Nile cruise, seeing a belly dancing performance at a local restaurant, and spending time shopping at Khan el-Khalili market.

There are also many places outside Giza worth exploring, including Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, and El Gouna.

37. Dominican Republic
tropical beach on the coast of the Dominican republic
I'd go back to the Dominican Republic.

onapalmtree/Shutterstock

Like many islands in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a fun place to vacation. It's a great destination for couples, families, or groups of friends.

While there, I enjoyed the beautiful beaches, took a catamaran tour, rented my own boat, and went on a four-wheel adventure through the jungle.

36. Singapore
gardens by the bay lit up at night in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is stunning, especially at night.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I spent three nights in Singapore, and I felt like that was enough time to see everything I wanted to.

Overall, I was fascinated by the country's cleanliness, organization, and (for lack of a better word) perfection.

Marina Bay Sands was a beautiful place to stay, and I enjoyed visiting Gardens by the Bay and the ArtScience Museum.

The cafés and shops on Haji Lane are worth strolling around, as is the Lau Pa Sat hawker center (which was featured in "Crazy Rich Asians").

35. Tunisia
traditional tile rooftoop in tunis Tunisia
There's some beautiful architecture in Tunisia.

Travel-Fr/Shutterstock

Tunisia is a beautiful country.

One of the top things I remember is that it had a lot of cute coffee shops, which I love.

Some of the highlights of my trip were visiting Tunis, Hammamet, Kairouan, Sousse, and El Jem.

34. Tajikistan
Panj River flowing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan along the Pamir Highway Road
The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan was worth driving.

DeniskaPhotoGuide/Shutterstock

I had unique experiences staying in homes throughout Tajikistan.

A highlight was hiring a driver to do the scenic Pamir Highway.

A good chunk of the drive borders Afghanistan, and it was fascinating to see villager life across the river that separates the two countries.

33. Kuwait
market in kuwait city in kuwait
My family is from Kuwait, so I've visited the country many times.

Curioso.Photography/Shutterstock

I may be biased because I'm originally from Kuwait and travel back to visit my family every year, but I love the country. That's a testament to how difficult this ranking was because it didn't even break into my top 25.

My favorite part of every trip is spending time with family, but my second favorite thing to do is explore all the new restaurants, shops, museums, and pop-up events.

I realize that compared to some tourism hot-spots, Kuwait doesn't have that much for tourists to do. If you're thinking of visiting, I think it's best if a local can show you around.

The old souk, Mubarakiya, and Kuwait Towers are a must-visit. And be sure to try some delicious dishes, such as hareesa (creamy soup), margoog (lamb stew), and muhammar (sweet rice dish), as well.

32. Malaysia
author, latifah, overlooking the ocean in malaysia
I had a lovely time in Malaysia.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Malaysia has a lot to offer, from beaches to jungles to cities.

Some of my favorite places to visit in the country were the night markets of Kuala Lumpur, the colonial city in Penang, the UNESCO sites of Malacca, the island of Langkawi, and the Batu Caves of Selangor.

31. The Netherlands
bikes locked along a small bridge in Delft Netherlands
I highly recommend biking in the Netherlands.

sadman/Shutterstock

I love the biking culture in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, locals seem to cycle everywhere, and it's fun to see rush hour happen on bicycles.

Amsterdam also has beautiful canals where you can stay on a houseboat.

The country has some of the best cheese in the world, and biking to the countryside to see the tulips and windmills was well worth the adventure.

30. Malta
st peters pool in malta
I spent a lot of time outside in Malta.

Latifah Al-Hazza

The island country of Malta has so much history.

I enjoyed exploring the town of Valletta, staying in the palazzo of Domus Zamittello, jumping into St Peter's Pool in Marsaxlokk, watching the sunset from Sliema and Rabat, dining at Bahia, and lounging at Golden Beach and Gnejna Bay.

29. Qatar
colorful market in doha qatar
Qatar hosted the World Cup in 2022.

Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

In 2018, Qatar didn't seem to have a lot to offer tourists, but hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 changed the landscape of the country.

Now, it's ranked No. 52 on the Index, and there's so much for people to explore. I think it's such a beautiful place full of Arab hospitality.

When I visited, I found myself constantly returning to Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Pearl Island.

28. France
author, latifah, posing along the river in Annecy france
There's so much to do all across France.

Latifah Al-Hazza

France is another country whose regions cater to a lot of varied interests.

Visit Courchevel in the French Alps for a lovely ski vacation, the glamorous French Riviera for some of the most relaxing beaches, the charming town of Annecy that's been dubbed the "Venice of the Alps," or the regions of the Loire Valley or Bordeaux for wine.

Even though some might think the capital city is overrated or overdone, you can't discount all the fantastic shopping, romantic walks, museums, monuments, and restaurants in Paris.

27. Switzerland
overhead view of the river running down bern in Switzerland
I'm pretty outdoorsy, and I found plenty of adventurous activities in Switzerland.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Switzerland has stunning natural beauty and is perfect for any outdoors lover.

The country offers breathtaking lake and mountain vistas, and cities like Geneva are remarkably clean.

Some of my favorite places in the country are Zermatt, Interlaken, Zurich, Lake Lucerne, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Bern.

26. United Arab Emirates
latifah posing in front of abu dhabi sheikh zayed mosque
I've traveled alone to UAE, and I've felt safe during my trips.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I think the UAE is the perfect introduction to the Gulf Arab culture for tourists.

I regularly travel alone, and this is one of the places I felt the most safe. Plus, it has everything a cosmopolitan city should offer — including plenty of museums (the Museum of the Future is my favorite), restaurants, and activities.

Although Dubai has some of the best shopping and nightlife, Abu Dhabi has the best cultural attractions, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hatta is a wonderland for hikers, and Ras Al-Khaimah is perfect for travelers looking for a desert experience.

25. Kenya
elephants roaming the savanna in Amboseli National Park in kenya
I went on a safari in Kenya.

CK-TravelPhotos/Shutterstock

If you're interested in taking an African safari, I highly recommend going to Kenya.

My first safari experience was here, and it was unforgettable. We saw breathtaking landscapes and got up-close experiences with animals. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

I also recommend checking out the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

24. Uzbekistan
outside the Bibi-Khanum mosque complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan played a large role in the trade operations of the Silk Road.

Yulia_B/Shutterstock

When I visited Uzbekistan, I started in Tashkent.

I saw the Chorsu Bazaar before visiting Samarkand's Registan Square and Bibi Khanum Mosque. I ended my sightseeing tour in Bukhara, which was a major stop on the Silk Road.

The country is definitely top-25 worthy, and I can't wait to go back. On my next visit, I'd like to see the archeological sites in Khiva.

23. Tanzania
author, latifah, petting a turtle in tanzania
I got to pet a giant turtle in Tanzania.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Tanzania will always hold a special place in my heart because I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro. It was so gratifying to check that famous site off my list.

I also went on a safari in the Serengeti with my Dad. It was just as amazing as the one in Kenya.

Zanzibar was another highlight. I saw the giant tortoises on Prison Island and did some epic snorkeling.

22. Mexico
author, latifah, in front of a government building in Mexico city
I've been to several regions of Mexico, and I want to explore the country more.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I love that each region of Mexico is so different. Every time I return, everything from the cuisine to the landscapes makes it feel like an entirely new experience.

Some of my favorite regions are Mexico City for a bustling city, Baja California (specifically Todos Santos and La Paz) and Sayulita in Riviera Nayarit for laid-back beach vibes, and the cenotes and jungles in the Playa del Carmen.

I look forward to visiting Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende on my next trips.

21. India
shot of the Varanasi ghats as seen from Ganges river in india
Many Hindus make pilgrimages to Varanasi.

Joe Dordo Brnobic/Shutterstock

Mumbai and Delhi are must-visit destinations in India, but don't discount the beauty of Jaipur.

The city is so rich with colors, bazaars, and ornate buildings. I loved driving down the street alongside elephants, horses, and mopeds loaded with an entire band of people.

Kerala is a tropical beach town with thriving wildlife, but Varanasi was my favorite place to visit.

It was unlike anywhere else I've been. It's a pilgrimage site for Hindus, and people make the journey there to die, heal, and mourn.

20. Costa Rica
people swimming in a natural pool in fortuna costa rica
Costa Rica was a thrilling vacation destination.

Stock Photos 2000/Shutterstock

Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for adventurers and outdoors lovers.

I had wild experiences in nature, ranging from white-water rafting and night hikes through the jungle to camping and ziplining.

The flora and fauna are also unmatched — so much of the country is lush.

19. Turkey
people million about hagia sophia in turkey
I visited the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I constantly think about returning to Turkey to explore more of the country.

If you're new to traveling beyond the US and Western Europe, it can be a bit of a culture shock. However, it's a great country to visit if you want to get acquainted with aspects of Middle Eastern culture.

Istanbul is a vibrant city with delicious cuisine and stunning sights like the Hagia Sophia. The city is split — half located in Europe and the other half in Asia — which makes for a fascinating wander.

Next time, I'd love to visit Bodrum, the capital of the Turkish Riviera.

18. Nicaragua
outside the cathedral léon in Nicaragua on a nice clear day
The cathedrals of Leon are stunning to see.

Michal_Hertlik_Slovakia/Shutterstock

Nicaragua is another country with a special place in my heart because I spent weeks there producing a documentary for my master's thesis.

Highlights include capital-city Managua, the beaches of San Juan del Sur, colonial architecture in Granada, the cathedrals of Léon, and volcano-surfing in Cerro Negro.

17. Iceland
author, latifah, posing on a frozen beach in iceland
Iceland is full of glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I think Iceland has the most distinct topography of all the countries I've visited. Seeing glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes up close isn't something I can do every day.

Some of my favorite places in the country were Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Akureyri, Mývatn Nature Baths, Hallgrímskirkja church, and the attractions along the Golden Circle.

16. Oman
a town near the mountains in nizwa, oman
I don't think enough people plan trips to Oman.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Oman is a major highlight of the Persian Gulf. It's one of the most hospitable Arab countries I've been to and has such beautiful nature.

In the capital of Muscat, the Royal Opera House, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and Oman National Museum are must-sees. Outside the capital, the mountainous regions of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are stunning hiking destinations.

Some of my favorite stops were Wadi Shab, a canyon with clear water to swim in, and Wahiba Sands, the desert region of the country. Nizwa is also a fascinating ancient city, and Salalah is known for its beaches.

15. Peru
latifah sitting in front of machu picchu in peru
Machu Picchu is a breathtaking site.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Peru was the first South American country I visited, and it did not disappoint.

I could've spent months wandering around, but in my 10 days there, I made it to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and the Amazon.

The locals were incredibly warm to me, the food was delicious, and the vistas were breathtaking.

I'd like to return to visit Rainbow Mountain and spend a few more nights in the Amazon.

14. Thailand
latifah and others getting in a white water raft in thailand
I loved white-water rafting in Thailand.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I love Thailand. The only reason it isn't higher on the list is that I'm not a huge fan of Bangkok, its capital.

Luckily, the country has something for nature lovers, city dwellers, water fanatics, adventurers, and partiers.

Chiang Mai is laid-back and has beautiful temples, great night markets, and endless outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting. Whereas, the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui are great for diving and have lively party scenes.

13. Georgia
landscape view of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia
Georgia has a famous wine region.

Omri Eliyahu/Shutterstock

I was pleasantly surprised by Georgia — probably because I hadn't heard that much about it before visiting.

The country has various regions to visit depending on what you'd like to do.

I went to Tbilisi to get a sense of city life, Mtskheta to see Jvari Monastery, Vardzia for the cave monastery, Svaneti to see the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi to see the Gergeti Trinity Church, and Sighnaghi for the historic wineries.

12. Finland
a log cabin under the northern lights on a winter night in finland
Seeing the northern lights in Finland was a dream.

Jonny Browne/Shutterstock

I love Finland — especially in the winter.

I spent a few November days exploring Helsinki, partaking in a food tour, stopping in Hietalahden kauppahalli food hall, and experiencing a Finnish sauna at Löyly Helsinki.

Then, I took a short flight to Lapland, where I went dog sledding, sat around a campfire, and experienced a winter hammock nap at HaliPuu.

Above all, there was nothing quite like soaking in the beauty of the northern lights at Levin Iglut.

11. South Africa
latifah posing on lion's head in south africa
Hiking up Lion's Head was a highlight of the trip.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I only explored Cape Town on my trip to South Africa, but I absolutely fell in love with the city. I'm excited to return to see even more of the country.

From shark-cage diving to hiking Lion's Head at sunset, I found some thrilling things to do.

Foodies should do wine tastings in Stellenbosch, and animal lovers should know about the penguins at Boulders Beach. Riding the cable car to Table Mountain was also the perfect place to snap beautiful photos.

Other highlights include historic Robben Island and the beaches of Camps Bay.

10. Colombia
woman walking down a street in medellin colombia passing by a building with a colorful mural
Medellin is a bustling city in Colombia.

Simon Mayer/Shutterstock

Colombia sometimes gets a reputation as being unsafe, but I've been twice and had zero issues. In fact, it's one of my 10 favorite countries to visit.

My favorite places in the country are the bustling city of Medellin, and Cartagena, a smaller town with so much personality.

If you go to Guatapé, there's a gigantic granite rock that can be climbed. It's quite famous and fun to see.

9. Ecuador
view of rock formations in the sea in the Galapagos islands
I love visiting the Galápagos Islands.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Ecuador has a beautiful mix of city and nature.

Many travel to the country to summit Cotopaxi, but I've been twice because I am fascinated by the Galápagos Islands.

The second time I visited, I took Ecoventura's weeklong cruise that combined educational information with island exploration. It was mesmerizing to observe the island grouping's endemic species and flora thriving in the wild.

8. Indonesia
author, latifah, looking out at tide pools along the coast of nusa pendia in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most beautiful countries I've ever visited.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Indonesia was easily one of the most memorable trips of my life.

I went to Bali, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands, and all the locals I met were incredibly kind and helpful. The cuisine was delicious, I felt safe, and there were endless activities.

Bali, in particular, has a great balance of culture, nature, and modern amenities.

7. Morocco
fruits and other foods for sale on a blue stoop in morocco
Chefchaouen is full of blue buildings.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Morocco triumphs in my book of Arab countries. Traveling by train from Fez to Marrakech was one of my greatest adventures.

Chefchaouen (the blue city), Essaouira, and the Sahara were all highlights of my trip to the African country.

6. Portugal
duoro valley in portugal
I mostly visited places in central and northern Portugal.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Portugal had such a rich mix of landscapes, cultures, and vibes. I spent a few days soaking up the tourist attractions in Lisbon before I made my way to Sintra, which was once a summer getaway for royalty.

I continued up the coast to Nazare, a coastal town known for its epic waves, and Aveiro, known for its canals. Then, I spent a few days in Porto before ending my trip with a wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

If I return, I'd love to explore the country's southern regions and islands.

5. Vietnam
hoi an fisherman casting a net in Vietnam
I spent a few nights sleeping on a houseboat in Vietnam.

Latifah Al-Hazza

Vietnam is one of my favorite Southeast Asian countries because there are seemingly endless places to visit and things to do.

My favorite itinerary begins in the city of Ho Chi Minh before going to Hoi An to visit the famous Night Market and experience a basket-boat tour.

Next, I recommend making your way to Hanoi. I explored the city before sleeping a few nights on a houseboat in Halong Bay.

I'd love to return to Vietnam to see the rice terraces in Sapa.

4. Greece
author, latifah, posing on white steps in santorini greece
I went on a long trip to Greece.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I spent months island-hopping between the Cycladic Islands and Athens and loved every minute of it.

I was welcomed into locals' homes, ate the freshest seafood on the islands, and sunbathed on remarkable beaches.

Some of my favorite Greek Islands were Milos (for local life and beauty), Mykonos (for nightlife and shopping), and Santorini (for sunsets and views). But Crete was the cream of the crop — the large island offered so many opportunities for exploration.

3. Italy
flowers blooming on trees in front of a church in taormina italy
Taormina is one of my favorite spots in Italy.

Renata Ty/Shutterstock

I could spend years exploring the beauty of Italy.

Rome, Milan, and Venice are full of history, stylish people, and fantastic shopping. However, my favorite trips have been to the country's southern parts, from Naples through the Amalfi Coast.

Sicily is definitely one of my top spots in the country. I loved roaming Taormina's charming streets, taking a ferry to the Aeolian Island of Salina, and staying a few nights at Principe di Saline.

2. Cyprus
bridge of love on the coast of ayia napa in cyprus
Road-tripping around Cyprus is one of my favorite vacations.

Latifah Al-Hazza

I spent many wonderful summers in Cyprus as a child, and the island nation is still one of my favorite travel destinations.

I love taking road trips around the island. I begin in Limassol, where I explore the quaint streets and walk along the seafront. Then, I'll move on to Paphos to visit archeological sights before driving through the Troodos Mountains and stopping in beautiful vineyards along the way.

I usually spend at least a day in Nicosia — a capital city that's divided between Cypriot and Turkish governing bodies. Then, I like to end my stay in Ayia Napa for its beaches and nightlife.

1. Spain
people swimming and lounging on a beach in Mallorca spain on a clear day
I highly recommend visiting Mallorca.

engel.ac/Shutterstock

Surprisingly, it wasn't difficult for me to select my No. 1 country — Spain has always been near and dear to my heart.

Again, I may be biased. It's where I lived as a child and studied abroad, but every return trip has been memorable.

You really can't go wrong anywhere you travel in the country. Sevilla and Granada are great places for history buffs, San Sebastián is a foodie's paradise, and Madrid and Barcelona have amazing shopping and nightlife.

Mallorca is my favorite Spanish island because it's home to stunning beaches, cultural festivals, and stunning scenery. Even though it's very popular, it somehow still has a relaxing aura.

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