Being raised in a family that has traveled, and continues to travel, extensively, I have an innate understanding of the importance and joy of going outside of my comfort zone and experiencing new places. Although I haven’t traveled too far (YET), I have had the chance to visit quite a few incredible places and although you have probably heard of them, and may have visited a few, I thought I’d recommend a few locations that are a MUST visit. All of these locations have made an impact on my life and there is not a day where I don’t miss these places and plan to go back one day.
Without further ado, here is the list.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica will forever hold my heart. I have never fallen in love with a place as much as I did when I got the opportunity to visit in 2015. Costa Rica is a beautiful country filled with amazing people, views, and adventurous activities for all ages. I highly suggest checking out Guanacaste for beautiful beaches, the Arenal Volcano for stunning views of the 7,000-year-old active stratovolcano, and La Fortuna for a small high and an incredible waterfall. However, my favorite stop on my trip was to a small village in Tortuguero. Tortuguero is absolutely incredible and allows you to get away from any city life and just embrace nature’s beauty.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is packed with beautiful waterfalls, view spots, and a plethora of wildlife. The best time to visit Yosemite is late May to early July, but preferably early June. During these times, the majority of the roads are open and the waterfalls have an impressive flow. You can see a majority of the park by car, but I suggest parking and walking to Mirror Lake (pictured) and Yosemite Falls, where you can take fantastic pictures and take in the beauty of the landscape.
3. Portland, Ore.
Portland is one of my favorite cities that I have been to, and I hope to move there within the next five years. Not only is PDX home to TWO Voodoo Donut shops, but there are also many food trucks, breweries, and a number of restaurants that are environmentally friendly and support local food production. Portland is a quirky town that is very accepting and lively and has something for everyone. If you enjoy great beer and food, weirdness, stunning street art, rain, and nature, Portland is the place for you. Also, you don’t have to pump your own gas there. How cool is that?
4. Seattle, Wa.
Unfortunately, I was only in Seattle for a day, but it was incredible. Pike Place Market is an adorable year-round farmers market that includes vegetables, seafood, tourist-friendly knickknacks and crafts for sale. Besides the original Starbucks being right by Pike Place Market, there is a neat wall that is covered in gum, hence why it is called the Gum Wall, that is a great photo op. Now I know that the Space Needle is a very popular attraction, but I really recommend visiting the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center for an amazing view of the city. For another amazing view, and a short ride, I suggest taking a trip on the Seattle Great Wheel.
5. Islamorada, Florida Keys
Islamorada is one of the Florida Keys, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The beaches are beautiful, and this is a fantastic tropical getaway. Islamorada has great sports fishing, snorkeling, swimming areas and fantastic seafood. You can lay by the shore and get some nice rest and relaxation, with a nice pina colada, and then later at night, you can head over to Key West to get a taste of the nightlife.
6. Nassau, Bahamas
Spectacular beaches with crystal clear water, vivid coral reefs, and great snorkeling opportunities. What more can you ask for? I took a cruise to Nassau and fell in love with the culture, sights, and environment the second I got off the ship. We participated in a snorkeling excursion, which I highly recommend, and it was one of the best things I have ever experienced! If you are more interesting in flying to Nassau, there are quite a few hotels, including the luxury hotel Atlantis which has many amenities such as a waterslide that plunges riders down a drop through a tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon.
7. Puerto Vallarta, México
Although I have not been here for a while, this place holds a place in my heart. My grandma and my late grandpa lived there for 15 years in a beautiful home that they built. My grandma now lives near my family in Southern California, but Puerto Vallarta is significant to my entire family. I grew up taking many trips down to see my grandparents, and also enjoy the stunning coast. I don’t remember much from our trips, but I have heard countless stories of how spectacular her house was and how we had fantastic views of the ocean, and often times the sea life. Besides its incredible beaches, Puerto Vallarta is known for its water sports, nightlife, golfing, and resorts.
8. Big Sur, Calif.
Big Sur is a beautiful part of California’s central coast, between Carmel and San Simeon. This region has a multitude of state parks for hiking, camping, and beachgoing. You MUST visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is what is pictured below. Also, check out Bixby Creek Bridge and Limekiln State Park. Big Sur is perfect for snapping beautiful photos and enjoying the beauty of the incredible state of California.
