I quit my job and left my life in the UK in 2012 to travel full time. Along the way I started this blog and over the last decade managed to turn travel writing and travel blogging into my full time job.
I have been lucky enough to visit and live in so many amazing places and one of the most common questions I get asked is ”what is your favourite travel destination?’
Well, that’s just impossible to give a short answer because they are all so different!
And I still haven’t ticked everything off my bucket list for several reasons:
- I like to travel slow to really soak up each destination
- I’m also working and combining full time travel and work is exhausting (many digital nomads burn out after a few years)
- I find myself returning again and again to some of my favourite destinations which now feel more familiar to me than the UK where I was born.
It’s so hard to pick just one best travel destination or decide on my all time favourite place because there are so many beautiful and fascinating places to visit in the world, and they are all different.
So I figured this question deserved a whole blog post – so here are my all time favourite travel destinations.
My All Time Favourite Travel Destinations (After 10 + years of being a nomad!)
So in this post I’m going to list my favourite travel destinations and what I love about them.
I like to travel slow and usually spend at least a month in each country to really soak up everything each place has to offer, immerse myself in the culture and write detailed, helpful blog posts.
Most of these places are backpacker and budget travel friendly destinations that are popular with solo female travellers, yoga lovers, and digital nomads like me.
They are also popular tourist destinations with something to offer all types of travellers and I’ll link to blogs I’ve written about each destination to help you out if your thinking of visiting.
India
Ah India – my first love!
India might not be on everyone’s list of favourite destinations – it’s one of those places you either love or hate (sometimes both at the same time!) but it will always have a special place in my heart as it’s the place where my journey began.
What makes India such a great travel destination is it’s diversity, uniqueness and the friendliness of the people. It’s one of the last few places in the world where you can still get a real dose of culture shock and each state of this massive country is so different.
India has it all – from the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayan mountains to the deserts and chaotic cities to the tropical beaches and backwaters of Kerala.
There’s so many incredible places to visit in India beyond the Taj Mahal. So much history, culture, spirituality, nature and amazing food. Plus, Indian people are very friendly and most speak English so it’s easy to connect with the locals which makes it more meaningful.
India is also the birthplace of yoga so places like Rishikesh are ideal for learning yoga or getting your yoga teacher training certification.
India can be a very cheap country to visit or you can go all out and live like a maharaja staying in palaces, hiring a private chauffeur and traveling on luxury trains.
When I first started traveling I wanted to go somewhere as different to the UK as I could get so I choose India for my first big backpacking trip! Traveling in India can be challenging but that’s what makes it so transformative and rewarding.
India’s not the easiest place for solo female travellers but with common sense, cultural sensitivity and trusting your gut instinct it can be done – I’ve done it many times and lived in Goa for many years too.
I’ve written so many blog posts about India so check them out if you want real tips on what to expect when visiting this bamboozling country.
Thailand
Thailand is one of my all time favourite destinations and I’m not alone – many others have fallen in love with Thailand too and it’s one of the most popular travel destinations in the world catering to everyone from backpackers and budget travellers to families and honeymooners. Many people love Thailand so much they even become expats.
Nicknamed ‘the land of smiles’ Thailand is a fun, safe, easy and affordable place to explore, even for solo female travellers. It’s one of the best places for first time backpackers, solo travelers and digital nomads starting to explore the world and is also great value for those looking for a bit of luxury without blowing the budget.
Thailand was one of the first countries I backpacked as a solo female and I just keep coming back for more! I’ve lived/spent alot of time on the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (which has so much more to offer than just the famous full moon party btw!) I’ve also lived in Phuket and also in the cultured northern city of Chiang Mai. And while Bangkok is a bit too much for me to stay long term (I’m really not a city girl!) I enjoy the buzz of visiting Thailand’s fascinating capital city frequently.
There’s so much to see and love about Thailand, from the buzzing, modern metropolis of Bangkok to the ancient temples in Chiang Mai’s old city, the lush green tropical nature of the north and the paradise islands of the south.
I love exploring the glittering golden temples, relaxing with an affordable massage, snacking my way through the lively night markets, island hopping across the sparkling turquoise seas, and enjoying some of the best beaches in the world.
I could go on forever about why I love Thailand and have written loads of blog posts to help you out if your planning a trip.
Check out my Thailand blog posts here:
- Thailand Travel Guide
- How to plan a trip to Thailand
- Thailand 2 week itinerary – Best of north and south
Bali
There’s something special about Bali, a unique island in Indonesia, and it’s another place that I can’t seem to stay away from for long and return to at least once a year.
Bali is a popular (and crowded) tourist destination with something for everyone – it’s popular with surfers, yogis, digital nomads, honeymooners, Instagram influencers… But despite the crowds it hasn’t lost it’s unique charm.
Known as the ‘island of the gods’ Bali’s blend of Hindu, Buddhist and ancient animism creates a unique culture and spiritualty that permeates everything. It’s also one of the most beautiful places on the planet with so many things to see and do.
While holiday makers flock to the trendy beach clubs of Seminyak, my favourite destination in Bali is the inland town of Ubud – the island’s cultural and spiritual heart.
There’s plenty of unique things to do in Ubud, it’s home to ancient temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats, an amazing raw vegan food scene and wonderful people. All this combined make it not just one of the best places to do yoga teacher training in Bali, but in the world.
There’s something indescribable about Ubud that stole my heart but the rest of Bali has so much to love too. Bali is a larger and more diverse island than most people imagine, so it’s really important to choose where to stay in Bali carefully.
Kuta and Legion are not for me, and while Canggu certainly has a vibe and is popular with digital nomads it’s also a bit too busy for me nowadays. If you want to escape the crowds head north or east to Lovina or Amed or to the nearby islands like Nusa Lembogan and the Gili islands which are still blissful island getaways.
And even though it’s one of the most beautiful and most sought after destinations in the world Bali is still a safe, easy destination that can be either very affordable or super luxury so there’s something for everyone.
And one day soon I’m going to explore beyond Bali – there’s so much more to explore in Indonesia – Yogyakarta and Borobudur, Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat are all still on my budget list – so many places so little time! 🙂
I could go on forever about why I love Bali and have written loads of blog posts to help you out if your planning a trip.
Check out my Bali blog posts here:
- 2 Week Bali Itinerary – Surf, Yoga and Spirituality.
- Is Bali Worth Visiting in 2026? My Honest Take
- Spiritual & Unique Things to do in Ubud, Bali
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is a small island in the Indian Ocean has a bit of everything in a manageable package – unspoilt beaches, ancient Buddhist monuments, scenic tea plantations and hill stations, and the best safaris outside of Africa – yet its still not overcrowded by tourists.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country that is often referred to as ‘India lite’ meaning it has a similar beauty and charm but without the long distances and hassle than come with traveling in India. It’s not as cheap as India but is cleaner, easier and safer and is still an amazing value and exciting destination to explore.
Check out my Sri Lanka blog posts if you’re thinking of visiting this underrated country:
- My Sri Lanka Itinerary and Travel Guide
- My Favourite Offbeat Places in Sri Lanka: 3 Hidden Gems to Explore
- Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? My Top 3 Reasons to Visit ASAP
The Maldives
These iconic atolls and islands are perhaps the epitome of tropical paradise and are a dream destination usually reserved for honeymoons.
For someone like me who loves tropical islands the Maldives is certainly one of my favourite destinations that I frequently dream of returning to.
Luckily it is possible to visit the Maldives on a much more modest budget than you might think by staying at budget guesthouses and homestays on the inhabited islands.
So even if, like me, you don’t have the money to splash out on one of the luxury private resort islands, the beaches are just as beautiful and the sea is just as blue.
The Maldives is just a cheap, short flight from India or Sri Lanka so take the chance to experience paradise if you are traveling in South Asia.
Check out my blog on how to travel the Maldives on a budget to make your dreams a reality too!
Malaysia
Malaysia is a beautiful underrated destination in southeast Asia.
Multicultural Malaysia is so diverse with so much to offer, yet is still so underrated despite being next to popular Thailand.
Malaysia is split into two, Peninsula Malaysia located between Singapore and Thailand, and Malaysian Borneo – one of the last really wild places on earth so try to them both!
From tropical islands to ancient rainforests and multi-cultural cities, Malaysia offers an amazing adventure whilst also being safe, well developed, hassle free and great value for money. Again, many of the locals speak English and are friendly and helpful to visitors.
I love eating my way through multicultural melting pots like the modern capital Kuala Lumpur and historic Georgetown on the island of Penang. Then I’ll walk it off by looking for street art and visiting places of worship from all different faiths on the same street.
Whether you want to explore some of the world’s oldest rainforests, see the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, see orangutangs in the wild, experience some of the best scuba diving in the world or just relax on a tropical islands like Langkawi you should visit Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur is a flight hub so I’ve visited more times than I can remember and each time
I find something different to love. So if you are transiting in KL take the time to get off the plane and explore Malaysia a bit – you won’t regret it.
Want to know more about underrated Malaysia? Check out my Malaysia travel blogs and guides
Australia
Australia – ‘The Land Down Under’ is a land of superlatives and should be on everyone’s bucket list. Iconic sights, cosmopolitan cities, unique wildlife, incredible natural wonders and the vast outback, traveling Australia is always an epic adventure.
Australia is a well-developed, English speaking country and is easy and safe to explore, although it is one of most expensive destinations to visit, but is well set up for backpackers with plenty of hostels and camp sites that make backpacking Australia more affordable.
If you are lucky enough the be eligible for a working holiday visa and can earn Aussie wages and take your time to cover the long distances it becomes much more affordable.
I took a year’s working holiday in Australia and worked in an outback pub which was an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and save some money, fund my adventures, to buy a campervan.
Even though the distances are vast its seems like Australia was just made for road trips and traveling by campervan is the best way to travel Australia on budget and soak up all the unique natural beauty along the way.
The East Coast Route from Melbourne, and the Great Ocean Road, to Sydney and then up to Brisbane, Bryon Bay, The Whitsundays, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is the most popular route – but don’t miss the chance to see the mesmerising Outback – that’s where Australia gets really unique and special.
Sadly I didn’t get time to visit the Top End/ Northern Territory and Western Australia – there’s some incredible, hardly touched places out there that I hope I get a chance to return one day!
Want to know more about Australia? Check out my Australia travel blogs and guides:
- The Best Places to Visit in Australia
- My Epic Backpacking East Coast Australia Route and Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Australia on a Budget
Mexico
Mexico – my newest love. Mexico is a place full of life
There’s so much more to Mexico than Cancun. It’s a huge, diverse, colourful, vibrant country that is so full of life, music and joy.
There always seems to be a fiesta in Mexico and why not, it has a lot to celebrate – ancient Mayan sites, steamy jungles, blissful beaches, Caribbean islands and colourful historic cities. And oh the food!
I spent a month exploring Mexico City and Oaxaca. I loved leafy, diverse, Mexico City, colourful Oaxaca City and the offbeat beaches of the Oaxacan Coast like Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite.
If you’re thinking of visiting Mexico and looking for a more offbeat alternative to the touristy Yucatan then I highly recommend Oaxaca – this is my Mexico City and Oaxaca itinerary. But there’s so much more to see in Mexico and I’m planning to go back to explore more as soon as I can!
Mexico has something for everyone – luxury beach resorts to backpacker hostels. It’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia but it’s a lot of fun and still great value, plus you can stay for up to 6 months without a visa which makes it popular with digital nomads.
Mexico doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to safety but when I backpacked Mexico solo and, by using common sense and basic precautions, I didn’t feel unsafe at all.
Most tourist destinations in Mexico are pretty safe, but it’s worth doing some research and sticking to affluent, safe neighbourhoods in big cities like Mexico City – here’s my tips for the safest areas to stay in Mexico City and you can also follow my Mexico City itinerary to make the most of your time in the captivating Mexican capital!
Want to know more about Mexico? Check out my Mexico travel blogs and guides:
- Mexico City Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Where to Stay in Mexico City – Safest Areas and Hotels
- My Mexico City and Oaxaca Itinerary and Travel Guide
Europe
Europe is a place that elegantly fuses it’s enchanting history with modernity. It’s full of iconic sights and history, different cultures, landscapes and incredible food.
Another thing I love about Europe is that it’s all so close together and well connected that you can easily explore multiple countries in a short space of time. You could have breakfast in Paris, lunch in Switzerland and dinner in Italy – although I would recommend taking more time to explore slowly if you can.
The first big trip I took (the one that gave me the travel bug) was interrailing around Europe. I loved the diversity and freedom to travel between different iconic cities so quickly. Traveling by train is certainly the best (and most eco-friendly and sustainable way to explore Europe) and getting an interrail pass is great value if you want to travel a lot and see it all!
There are so many amazing places to visit in Europe, and each European destination has its own unique charm, but if I had to narrow it down to my favourite countries in Europe it would be Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. They all have amazing history and architecture, excellent food, warm weather and incredible nature from beaches and islands to mountains and hiking trails – there’s something for everyone in Europe.
As I was born and brough up in Suffolk in the UK, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many places in Europe for a weekend break. Some of my favourite European city breaks include Barcelona, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam and Paris. Portugal is a country I find myself visiting frequently nowadays as I have friends and family living there and I also did a big Spain and Portugal road trip which was amazing.
And because I’m from the UK, I’ve visited London A LOT and it’s a city full of history where I still find something new to discover every time I visit even after all these years! But there’s so many more places to visit in the UK – if you only see London then you haven’t really seen the UK!
Whilst Europe is one of the most popular and expensive destinations in the world but it’s possible to visit most places in Europe on a budget. To save money and enjoy visiting Europe avoid the peak summer holiday season, book well in advance to get better deals and go self-catering.
If your budget is really tight, avoid the big famous cities like London, Paris and Rome and head off the beaten track to Eastern Europe where you’ll find some of the cheapest places to visit in Europe – with plenty of hidden gems to discover without the tourist crowds.
I’ve been to almost every country in Europe, either on a weekend break, as part of my interrail trip, or just random backpacking trips when I was younger, but most of it was before my blogging days. I’ll have to go again and write more soon!
I’ve also enjoyed trips to Morocco and Türkiye (Turkey) from a soul healing surf camp in Taghazout to getting lost in the medinas of Marrakech – Morocco was fascinating and affordable but some places were challenging for a solo female traveller (even one who’s spend so much time in India!)
I also recently spent a few months living in underrated Bulgaria and traveling around Türkiye, from Istanbul to Cappadocia to the Southwest Coast (Turkish Riviera) so I’ll have to write up about that soon!
So many places – so little time! And these blog posts take so long to write!
Destinations Still On My Bucket List!
Even with over 10 years of being a digital nomad there are still some destinations on my bucket list that I haven’t ticked off yet.
The main ones are:
- Costa Rica
- Peru
- Egypt
- Japan
- Uzbekistan
- African Safari
So there you have my favourite places in the world after over 10 years of travel – many of these have something really special about them that entices me to spend as long as I can there and pulls on my heart strings to return again and again so there’s still plenty of places still on my bucket list to explore.
While each place is unique and worth exploring, the most important thing that travel has taught me it is that people all over the world are kind and we are not so different.
The world (and other people) are never as scary as the news/ media makes it out to be, and traveling is not as glamourous or as easy as Instagram makes it out to be either – but I still believe that it’s worth it.
Travel is the one thing you can buy that makes you richer – not in monetary terms (you can always make more money) but in terms of experience, knowledge, wisdom and understanding of yourself, your place in the world and other people.
Travel allows you to connect with other people and other cultures and to learn from them, it allows you to make unforgettable memories and make the most of your time on earth – and these things are priceless.
One of my favourite inspiration travel quotes sums it up nicely
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again- to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.” Pico Iyer
I hope that you enjoy reading about my experiences and find my travel tips, guides and blogs helpful to plan your own adventures.
Is there a place that you keep returning to? Let me know what’s your favourite destination and why?
