I've spent the last year traveling the world, visiting over 27 countries.
When you travel often, you realize that not every place you visit will be amazing. You might even have a completely negative experience and that's okay. A destination doesn't have to be beautiful, interesting, or even fun to teach us something.
That said, there were a handful of places that stood out. They were the kind of jaw-dropping views, or street food stalls that kept you coming back for more every day that week.
These were the places that truly made me feel something. Surprise, wonder, a small glimpse into the infinite possibilities you can encounter if you keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and keep exploring.
Here are the 12 places that did this for me:
Hallstatt, Austria: It may be a bit of a journey to get here, but it's 100% worth it. The views are absolutely incredible. You'll be picked up by boat from the train station across the lake, all the while watching this beautiful, charming village slowly approach. Then you can spend the day wandering around the town, watching the swans glide along the water, and gazing in wonder at the mountains that surround you.
Hiroshima, Japan: I don't know any soldiers, and I've never had much interest in World War II. Yet, I cried here. It was so overwhelming. In a world where we can now easily mistreat, abuse, and punish others with the click of a mouse, I think it's important to remember that our actions have consequences, even if we're not there to witness them. Hiroshima is a testament to this and an important lesson that the world is close to forgetting.
Seoul, South Korea: This place is absolutely wild. Places like New York and Barcelona don't even come close in terms of nightlife. It could be 2 AM on a Tuesday and there will still be people out like your average afternoon. They could be shopping, eating, drinking, or just hanging out with friends. I've never seen anything like it. And then there's the conformist culture: people dress alike, have similar aspirations, and even have surgery so they look physically the same as everyone else. Trends sweep through Korea like wildfire. It's truly unique and something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Guilin Province, China: Guilin Province has one of the most distinctive landscapes I've ever seen. It's so unlike anywhere else in the world that it's inspired Chinese painters for millennia. Stand up early one morning during your visit and hike to one of the mountain peaks. You'll never forget the view.
Nha, Vietnam: There are many places in Vietnam worth visiting, but Phong Nha holds a special place in my heart. I think it's less about the attractions/food/etc. and more about the feeling. In Phong Nha, you feel free. Very few tourists make it here. You can rent a scooter and ride a horse on a road wedged between tropical mountains and have the whole place to yourself. You can visit a woman and her daughter at their home and eat a freshly grilled chicken you killed just moments before. You can zip line to a hidden mud bath or climb waterfalls. If you like adventure, this is your place.
Cappadocia, Turkey: Oh. My. God. This place is gorgeous. It's like something out of a fantasy novel. The famous fairy chimneys (those tall stone structures you see in photos) feel like a dream in person. The Turks are also the friendliest group of locals I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have enough money for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise!
Bologna, Italy: I never cared much for Italy. While all the girls in school were fighting for spots on the study abroad program in Florence, I'd later travel through the "big" cities of Florence, Rome, and Milan, and I felt nothing for them. That changed when I arrived in Bologna. This is the only city that finally made me understand what it was all about. Bologna feels like Italy: towering old buildings, groups of friends chatting over cured meats and glasses of wine, butchers working the windows of the local market with fat legs of meat hanging from the ceiling. Unless you have a particular interest in Italian history or art, I'd say skip the big cities and head straight here.
Paris, France: Personally, I think it's impossible to overstate Paris. I think it's the most beautiful city in the world. The best parts of Paris aren't the clichés, like picnicking under the Eiffel Tower with a fresh baguette, or wandering through the many gardens, or admiring some of the world's finest art (though those are all wonderful). The best parts are the ways the city surprises you. It's finding a delicious falafel shop or exploring one of the three Chinatowns. It's heading to your local bakery and Bein