Our Top Travel Destinations . . . So Far

The picturesque village of Kinderdijk, Netherlands, is just one of many captivating spots throughout the fabulous country.

By John Roberts

Writing about travel and being on adventures so often we always get the same question:

"What's your favorite place?"

A simple question with no easy answer for anyone who loves to travel.

So far, I have a handful of destinations that really stick out. Countries with wonderful people, great climates, awe-inspiring nature and Old World architecture.

Here are seven top spots we have been to (simply ranked alphabetically). This list is by no means exhaustive and leaves out many cool places we have been, but these have stood out for the especially outstanding times we have had during our trips. Of course, I'm partial to warm Caribbean destinations because I especially enjoy water and tropical adventures.

Antigua -- This Caribbean island in the West Indies is a gem. Located just north of the equator, the island gets temps in the mid-70s during winter and mid-80s for summer. The waters are warm and blue and fun to explore by snorkeling. The people also are very friendly. We enjoyed inexpensive delicious food and tasty beers during our lazy afternoons after a morning boating and swimming (below). It's also a treat to wander the markets for crafts such as handmade wooden dolls and clothes made with fabrics bursting with colors -- bright reds and tropical flowers. The laid-back feel and low cost make us consider this as a retirement destination some day.

Bonaire -- A snorkeling and diving paradise. Bonaire, along with Aruba and Curacao, form the ABC Islands that represent special municipality countries associated with the Netherlands. Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and has about 17,000 residents. Though it enjoys a fantastic tropical climate, Bonaire has few of what you would consider typical beautiful stretches of white Caribbean sandy beaches, such as its neighbor Aruba enjoys. But Bonaire is unique because you can pretty much just step off the shore and be in deep water filled with the most amazing coral reefs and colorful fish, rays and sea turtles.

The snorkeling in Bonaire is the most amazing I have enjoyed so far.

Curacao -- Another great spot for water sports. We've had wonderful outings snorkeling sites of sunken vessels and hiking to visit unique fort ruins. The capital city of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is easily recognized by the row of colorful colonial buildings lining the harbor in its old town. You'll see a palette of pinks, oranges and blues.  

Costa Rica -- The Central American country is so small yet so ecologically diverse, with wonderful water activities, mountains, jungle, all sorts of wild animals to discover, fresh foods (I sample coconut water below) and friendly people. The country's motto is "Pura Vida," or the pure life and the people are proud to have the oldest and most durable democracy in Central America. The nation abolished its army in 1949 and owns a top-notch reputation for its conservation efforts, creating large areas of protected lands to nurture its wonderful biodiversity and sustain a vital tourism industry.

A shaman prepares me for my visit to the underground -- swimming in a sacred cenote in Mexico's Yucatan.

Mexico -- With Mexico being a close neighbor, we've been to Cozumel and Cancun several times (among other cities in the country). We've used these locations for home bases and fine launching points for day trips to other villages to seek out adventures. We particularly enjoyed a day in the Yucatan learning about the ruins in Coba, as well as swimming in a cenote (natural underground pit or sinkhole in the limestone). We are inspired by many of our travels to better learn Spanish, and we get plenty of practice and kind assistance from the residents we meet during our trips here. Very fun, indeed.

The Netherlands -- We have been several times, visiting Volendam, Amsterdam, Kinderdijk (pictured at top of page) and other small towns around the country. The people are unfailingly pleasant, and we enjoyed many nights chatting and laughing over beers and food with natives and fellows travelers. The scenery you witness while moving around the country is just amazing: green farmlands, fields of tulips, canals carving paths along the fields and windmills spinning lazily.

Turkey -- One far-too-brief stop in the country to visit Kusadasi and the tiny village of Sirince (below) has us yearning to return to further explore a nation chock full of history. We made a port stop to see the amazingly preserved ancient Roman ruins at Ephesus, then went to Sirince for lunch. A resident invited us into her home and prepared a meal. After all the wonderful people we met that day and the things we learned about Turkey, we know that we must return. 

Oh man, how could I leave out Tahiti . . . and Ireland . . . and England . . . and Belize . . . and . . .

Sigh!

I told you this was an impossible question to answer.

Let me know some of your favorite destinations!

Thanks for reading, and always travel happy!
JR