As of this writing, I have been to 23 countries and 47 U.S. states, not to mention a bunch of Canadian provinces and a few U.S. territories. Often, I am asked “what is the best place you’ve traveled to?” That is a very difficult question to answer because every place is different; you experience something new in each new place; and the time of your life you visit there could impact how you experienced it too. With that said, if I really have to pick a favorite place, you’re going to have to let me pick five of them. Here’s a brief synopsis below.
- Israel
I visited the Holy Land in August 2018. It was always at the top of my bucket list and it delivered. As a Christian, I always wanted to see the places Jesus walked and taught. I wanted to go to the site of his death and resurrection. I wanted to travel through a land with all the stories from the Old Testament. It’s hard to pick the best experience in Israel, but going to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached his famous Sermon on the Mount, looking out across the Sea of Galilee, and visiting Capernum, “the town of Jesus,” where he lived during much of his ministry, was just mind blowing. Then, going into Jerusalem, which is layered with thousands of years of history was simply amazing. Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built on the site of Christ’s death and resurrection, was one of the most spiritually powerful experiences I’ve ever had. It felt like I had come to pay homage to the greatest gift ever given. On top of that, the food in Israel was some of the best I’ve had. The geographic spot where Israel is located is also the crossroads of the world, including the world’s three largest religions. A stopover in Tel Aviv was also neat to see a huge modern city with beautiful beaches. It reminded me of Miami Beach in some ways. While Israel and the Middle East often experience turmoil, I felt totally safe - and totally alive - during my visit there. No matter your faith, I don’t see how a trip to Israel can’t impact you to the core of your soul and help us each better understand the people and places so often taught about in history and in current day events.
- Spain
Just before my senior year of undergrad, I spent five weeks on a study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain through my college, Florida Atlantic University. The week before I studied in Spain was my first week ever outside the United States and I spent two days in London and three days in Paris. I then took the trains down to Spain and the journey itself was a lot of fun. Living and studying in Salamanca was simply amazing. And our program took us on trips to different places around Spain each weekend: Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla. Plus, I took my own side trips to Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls, and to Barcelona. Four years later, I traveled to Europe for four weeks with one of my brothers and we concluded our trip with ten days in Spain. I have always loved the history of Spain and there is just so much to do and see and great fun to be had!
- Central Europe
In the summer of 2017, a friend and I took a 10-day trip that started in Munich, Germany, continued to Salzburg and Vienna in Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary, and Prague, in the Czech Republic. While in Germany, we began our trip with a visit to Dachau, the longest-running concentration camp; we visited the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, and had fun in the bier halls of Munich; in Austria, we visited the nearby Eagle’s Nest (over the border back in Germany) and did the Sound of Music tour. In Vienna, we saw the palaces of dynasties and took in a Mozart concert at the Vienna State Opera House. When touring an old fortress on the outskirts of Bratislava, I realized that Slovakia was the first formerly Soviet-controlled territory I had ever stepped foot in. Budapest was inexpensive and filled with so much history and scenery.. And Prague was like stepping into Fantasyland with all the iconic spires - not to mention the refreshing Pilsners. The food across this region was great and hearty. But perhaps the most impactful thing was just how much tragic history took place in these parts not too long ago, with the Nazis and Communists overrunning most of these places. Yet, since then, and during our lifetime, freedom prevailed. We ended our trip in Wenceslas Square, smoking cigars. in the same spot, where in 1989, tyranny was pushed back and freedom prevailed.
- National Parks
Especially Yosemite, Shenandoah, Badlands, and the Grand Canyon
I really believe that America’s National Parks are some of the most underrated places of travel. And, I have barely scratched the surface. Since I visited Yosemite National Park in May 2018, I often tell people I think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. With my parents and one of my brothers and his family, we rented a home inside the park for three nights and that gave us plenty of time to explore by foot and by car. We saw amazing sunsets and iconic waterfalls. Over two decades ago, we visited the Grand Canyon, but only for two hours, as we were on a bus trip from Las Vegas. It still remains etched in my mind as truly magnificent and I hope to go back soon for a longer stay. For those on the east coast, take a swing into Shenandoah National Park; and if you can swing a trip to South Dakota, you’ll marvel at the Badlands -- I’ve been there twice and can only describe it as feeling like I was on another planet. Skip the trip to the theme parks and head out to America’s hidden treasures - our national parks - open for all to see and explore.
- Peru
In the summer of 2019, three friends and I traveled to Peru for nine amazing days. It was also one of those “top of the bucket list” items I had dreamed of going for so long. The pinnacle of the trip was Machu Picchu. It has been listed as one of the modern wonders of the world, an Inca city in the clouds. While I’ve always been fascinated by the pictures, it actually was much more impressive in person -- it seemed larger and where it was situated is not easy to get to. You have to wonder how they did it. We also visited the capital city of Lima -- the international entry point into Peru and spent two nights there. And prior to getting to Machu Picchu, it’s best to spend time in Cusco, which was both the Inca capital as well as the Spanish colonial capital in Peru. The mix of Spanish and Inca architecture and religious sites was so interesting to see. The views in Peru are amazing -- whether you are looking at the Pacific Ocean from Lima, the ancient ruins and mountains surrounding Cusco, or visiting the iconic Machu Picchu. We spent the last two nights down in the Amazon, on river boats and dirt roads near Puerto Maldonado. While it was tough to compete with the food of Israel, the cuisine in Peru may be the most flavorful I’ve ever had. The cost of travel here is also very low compared to most places I’ve been. Peru remains the only place in South America I have been but it has given me a thirst to explore even more.
Runner-ups: Five places is hard to choose when you’ve been to amazing places like Italy, Greece, and Ireland -- not to mention a memorable trip to the Far East: China! Domestically there is so much to see and do in the United States, but places like Asheville, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina have been special places. And nearby Tennessee is warming on me too. And have we talked about The American West? Maybe some other time…