I’m 31 and Have Traveled to Nearly 100 Countries. These 22 Places Should Absolutely Be on Your Radar

I have spent my twenties and early thirties chasing sunrises, street food, and quiet corners in nearly 100 countries, and a few places still stop me in my tracks. This list pulls together the destinations that deliver something special, whether it is world class hiking right from town, markets that make lunch an adventure, or coastlines that feel untouched. Every spot is practical to plan with clear tips for neighborhoods, day trips, and the best times to go. If you want trips that feel fresh without turning into a logistical puzzle, start here and build your next year of travel around these standouts.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto blends quiet temples, lantern lit lanes, and a food scene that rewards slow travel. Start early at Fushimi Inari and you can walk through thousands of vermilion gates before the crowds build. Visit Kiyomizu dera for city views and stroll the stone paths of Higashiyama in the late afternoon. Book a tea ceremony in a machiya townhouse to learn the basics of matcha and etiquette. Nishiki Market is perfect for grazing on skewers, tofu doughnuts, and pickles you have never seen before. Base near Sanjo or Gion for easy access to trains and buses, and save one evening for the bamboo groves in Arashiyama when the light turns soft.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido feels like a different country from the rest of Japan, with wide skies and national parks that reward every season. In winter, powder snow draws skiers to Niseko and Furano, while Sapporo’s snow festival adds giant sculptures and warm soup stalls. Summer is for hiking in Daisetsuzan, soaking in hot springs, and photographing the blue pond in Biei. Seafood lovers should hunt down soup curry in Sapporo and fresh uni bowls in Otaru. Rent a car for easy access to coastal viewpoints, volcanic calderas, and quiet farm roads. If you like space and nature without long lines, this island delivers.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is friendly, efficient, and full of flavor for every budget. Take the gondola to Maokong for tea plantations and city views, then hike Elephant Mountain at sunset. Night markets like Raohe and Ningxia keep you snacking through grilled squid, pepper buns, and shaved ice. The National Palace Museum houses a treasure trove of Chinese art, and the city’s temples offer calm breaks from the bustle. Day trip by train to Jiufen for hillside lanes and to Shifen for the old rail line and waterfall. The metro is clean, clear, and cheap, so staying car free is easy.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju packs lava tubes, waterfalls, beaches, and a dramatic sunrise hike into Hallasan National Park. Walk the Seongsan Ilchulbong crater before breakfast and then swim at Hyeopjae’s pale blue water by lunch. The Manjanggul lava cave stays cool year round and shows off the island’s volcanic past. Try abalone hot pots and black pork barbecue, then watch the haenyeo divers bring up fresh seafood in the afternoon. Rental cars are simple to arrange and the coastal road makes navigation stress free. Jeju is perfect if you want nature with great food and easy logistics.

Siargao, Philippines

Siargao pairs palm lined roads with lagoons, surf breaks, and a laid back village vibe. Book a boat to Sugba Lagoon for paddle boarding and cliff jumps, then spend an afternoon on cloud nine watching surfers. The island hopping loop to Guyam and Daku is a highlight with picnic style lunches and bright water. Rent a scooter for coconut road, tidal pools, and small bakeries that sell fresh pan de coco. Accommodation ranges from simple bungalows to stylish villas, and most places include board rentals and lessons. Dry season from March to May brings clear water and calm days, while surf season peaks from August to November.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is a dream for divers and snorkelers with reefs that look untouched. Base on a homestay over the water and you can swim with reef life before breakfast. Iconic viewpoints like Piaynemo require a short stair climb and repay you with island studded panoramas. Expect manta rays, walking sharks, and coral gardens that sit close to the surface. Logistics take planning with flights to Sorong and boat transfers to your island, so give yourself extra time. The payoff is warm water, starry nights, and some of the richest marine life on earth.

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

El Nido’s limestone cliffs rise straight from turquoise water and the island hopping is as good as the photos suggest. Join a small boat for the big and small lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkel stops with giant clams. Kayaks let you slip into quiet corners away from engines and music. Spend a sunset at Las Cabañas or Nacpan with grilled seafood and fresh mango shakes. Many hotels arrange transfers from Puerto Princesa, so getting here is easier than it looks on a map. Book a free day for inland waterfalls and motorbike rides along empty roads.

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country and South Coast

Sri Lanka’s train ride from Kandy to Ella glides through tea terraces and misty valleys that belong on a postcard. In Ella, hike Little Adam’s Peak at sunrise and walk the Nine Arches Bridge when a train passes. Down south, base in Ahangama or Hiriketiya for surf, coconut sambol, and evenings that end early. Galle Fort offers colonial architecture, boutique shops, and sunset walks on the ramparts. Safari day trips to Yala or Udawalawe add elephants and birdlife to the mix. Distances are short, food is vibrant, and the welcome is heartfelt.

Dhofar, Oman

Dhofar brings frankincense history, green monsoon hills, and empty beaches on the Arabian Sea. Base in Salalah and drive to Wadi Darbat for waterfalls in khareef season and to Mughsail for blowholes and cliff walks. The frankincense trail museums explain how this resin shaped trade routes and rituals. Seafood is excellent and beachside grills serve kingfish and prawns by weight. Roads are smooth, signage is clear, and rental cars make exploring easy. If you want Arabian landscapes without crowds, this region is a standout.

Wadi Rum and Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum’s sandstone valleys feel like another planet, especially at night when the stars blanket the sky. Stay in a Bedouin camp, ride a 4×4 to rock bridges, and watch sunset from a dune with mint tea in hand. Petra is best at dawn, when the Siq glows and the Treasury appears in soft light. Hike past the main sights to the Monastery and enjoy a quiet lunch at the top. Base in Wadi Musa and add a day for Little Petra if you love rock cut facades. The combination of desert silence and ancient architecture is unforgettable.

Tbilisi and the Caucasus, Georgia

Tbilisi mixes balconies, sulfur baths, wine bars, and a walkable old town that stays lively late. Jump between cafes on Erekle II Street, then soak in a private bathhouse with a cold plunge. Take a day trip on the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi for mountain views and the hilltop Gergeti Trinity Church. Food portions are generous and khachapuri with tarragon lemonade quickly becomes a habit. The metro is simple, ride hailing is cheap, and guesthouses feel personal. Georgia’s hospitality makes solo and first time travelers feel at home fast.

Soča Valley and Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia gives you emerald rivers, easy hikes, and calm lakes in a compact package. Raft the Soča for crystal water and mountain backdrops, then picnic on local cheeses and sausage. Vršič Pass delivers switchbacks and views, and the short hikes off the road are worth every step. Lake Bled is ideal early in the morning for rowing to the island church and climbing to the castle. Base in Bohinj if you prefer quieter shores and more trails. Buses and trains connect major points, so you can skip a rental car if you plan ahead.

São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

São Miguel layers volcanic craters, hot springs, tea fields, and ocean viewpoints into one island. The twin lakes of Sete Cidades are best seen from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno after a short walk. Caldeira Velha and Terra Nostra offer warm pools surrounded by ferns that look prehistoric. Drive the coast for blowholes, black sand beaches, and fishing villages with seafood stews. The only tea plantations in Europe sit on gentle hills and welcome drop in tastings. Weather changes fast, so pack layers, and let the island surprise you every hour.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a hiker’s dream with levada trails that follow hand cut channels along cliffs and through laurel forest. Start with Levada do Caldeirão Verde for waterfalls and mist, then climb Pico do Arieiro for sunrise above the clouds. Funchal’s market sells tropical fruit, flowers, and island honey, and cable cars lead to terraced neighborhoods. Swimming platforms and natural pools make it easy to dip in the Atlantic without sand. Rent a car to reach the miradouros that line the north coast with dramatic scenery. The island feels safe, organized, and welcoming year round.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten’s peaks rise straight out of the sea and red rorbuer cabins sit on stilts over clear water. Hike Reinebringen for the classic view and spend an afternoon at Haukland Beach when the light turns golden. Cod drying racks and small fishing museums explain why these islands mattered long before Instagram. Summer brings midnight sun for long hikes, while winter yields aurora nights with quiet roads. Eat cinnamon buns at tiny cafes and try stockfish with mashed peas for a local plate. Lofoten rewards slow days and early alarms.

Faroe Islands

The Faroes mix cliffs, tunnels, sheep dotted slopes, and tight knit villages that treat guests like friends. Gasadalur’s waterfall is the postcard shot, but the islands are full of smaller coves and turf roofed homes. Ferries and undersea tunnels connect most places, and the drives themselves are worth the trip. Pack rain gear and accept that the weather will move through several moods in a single hour. Book ahead for Michelin noted Koks or try farmhouse dinners that highlight local produce and seafood. This is a place for wool sweaters, hot coffee, and windswept viewpoints.

Westfjords, Iceland

The Westfjords feel remote even by Iceland standards, with dirt roads that lead to empty beaches and bird cliffs. Dynjandi is the showstopper waterfall with a layered cascade that you can approach on foot. Latrabjarg hosts puffins in season and the cliffs are dramatic even when the birds migrate. Hot pots dot the map and locals are happy to point you to the next pool along a gravel track. Patreksfjörður and Ísafjörður make good bases with bakeries, gear shops, and small museums. Give yourself patience for weather and road closures, and you will be rewarded with quiet and big skies.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

The Albanian Riviera pairs mountain backdrops with clear coves and prices that make long stays easy. Base in Himarë or Drymades for beach days and evening walks on relaxed promenades. Rent a car to hop between bays, hilltop castles, and olive groves that sell oil by the liter. Seafood is fresh and simple, and beachfront restaurants are happy to grill whatever came in that morning. The Llogara Pass delivers switchbacks and views all the way to the Ionian. This coast feels like the Mediterranean of old, with friendly guesthouses and room to breathe.

Puglia, Italy

Puglia shines with whitewashed towns, olive groves, and a coastline that runs for hours. Stay in a trullo near Alberobello or pick a masseria farmhouse for long breakfasts and pool time. Ostuni and Locorotondo invite evening strolls and gelato on quiet piazzas. Polignano a Mare offers cliffside views and easy swims in clear water. Orecchiette with turnip greens, burrata, and grilled seafood keep meals simple and satisfying. Trains link many towns and driving is straightforward if you want to roam.

Cappadocia, Türkiye

Cappadocia’s rock valleys look surreal at sunrise when hot air balloons drift above chimneys and ridges. Sleep in a cave hotel and enjoy courtyards that stay cool even in midsummer. Hike the Rose and Red Valleys in late afternoon for shade and color, then book a pottery lesson in Avanos. The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu add history and a break from the sun. Local menus feature testi kebab cooked in clay pots and baklava with strong tea. Balloon rides are weather dependent, so plan at least two mornings to improve your chances.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei’s dunes glow orange at sunrise and their curves change with every breeze. Climb Big Daddy if you want a challenge and then run down into Deadvlei’s white pan dotted with ancient camelthorn trees. Lodges near Sesriem make it possible to enter the park early, which is worth the extra cost. Keep an eye out for oryx at the waterholes and stop often for photos along the access road. Night skies are outstanding and many properties offer basic telescopes for stargazing. The silence is a memory you will take home.

El Chaltén, Argentina

El Chaltén calls itself the hiking capital of Argentina and it earns the title with trails that start right from town. Hike to Laguna de los Tres for a front row view of Fitz Roy on a clear day, and save a second day for Laguna Torre. The village has simple bakeries, gear rentals, and microbreweries that feel great after long walks. Weather is unpredictable, so pack layers and keep a flexible plan. Buses connect El Chaltén with El Calafate, which adds Perito Moreno Glacier to your route. If you love mountains and clean air, this is an easy yes.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance