While I’ve ventured to many parts of the world and look forward to the opportunity to see more places for the first time, there are some destinations that keep calling me back.
My favorite places draw me to them because they each offer something unique. Let me tell you why I can’t get enough of certain cities.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Some people in the United States say Louisiana is like a whole other country. This city, situated in the southern part of the U.S., lives up to the hype that’s made it famous.
The local cuisine includes Cajun and Creole specialties. No city can do a beignet or po’ boy the way New Orleans can. But that’s just the start of the list of must-eat New Orleans foods.
While I’m there, I make it a point to hear live music. Frenchmen Street is walking distance from the French Quarter and is a great place to hear jazz, zydeco or blues.
And then there’s Mardi Gras—the ultimate street party. This carnival celebration brings people of all ages and walks of life out to enjoy parades showcasing elaborate costumes and floats.
Limon, Costa Rica
It’s hard to beat or even match the natural beauty of this part of Central America. I’ve found the pristine beaches as well as the lush vegetation throughout the city to be striking.
Limon is a popular port of call for cruise ships, so at peak times during the year, the downtown and major shopping areas become crowded. The chaos may not bother local Costa Ricans who are known for being some of the happiest people in the world.
Biodiversity is another treasure of Costa Rica’s. The Veragua Rainforest is less than an hour from Limon and is a great place to watch different species in their natural habitat. Monkeys, birds, butterflies, sloths and more call the rainforest home. And if you get tired of flora and fauna, you can always zip line through the forest!
Salt Lake City, Utah
If you appreciate the beauty of nature, you’ll enjoy Salt Lake City’s magnificent land and water attractions, the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake.
Sometimes it feels great to hop in the car and go for a drive. When I want to take my time to take in the view and take control of the wheel, I feel safe doing it in this car-friendly city. The city is easy to navigate and there’s a low chance of having a car accident, with the likelihood being only 3.4 percent.
To explore Great Salt Lake, the largest salt water lake in the western hemisphere, you might do it by car or get out to bike or hike in the warmer months.
The view of the Wasatch Mountains is breathtaking. Utah offers world-class ski resorts that are a reasonable drive from the city and the average temperature in the winter is warmer than at a lot of places with ski resorts.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Right in the center of the city and throughout many streets are markets where vendors sell everything from jewelry to rugs to meats. It’s crowded. It’s chaotic. It’s an experience like no other. I’ve also enjoyed great entertainment in the markets. It’s common for snake charmers, storytellers and musicians to be right in the mix.
And to get a taste of authentic, historic Marrrakesh, riads, or townhomes owned by individuals, can be a great option for lodging. Since they are individually designed and the owners vary, you’ll have a unique experience at each one you stay in.
New York, New York
In a single trip to New York City, I’ve only been able to scratch the surface of what the city has to offer. With so much to see and do, multiple trips are definitely in order.
The energy of the city is infectious. Seeing thousands of people hurriedly moving about and the bright lights and enormous billboards are just a couple things that make me want to get out and be a part of the action.
The theatres on and off Broadway have productions running all the time, so you’re guaranteed to catch a good show.
Diversity of people is another benefit to visiting New York City. About 40 percent of the residents are not native to the United States. By visiting the different boroughs or taking a ride on the subway you might experience the ethnic and cultural diversity found there.
Tokyo, Japan
Architecture is one of the Tokyo’s big attractions. Buddhist temples and shrines are all around the city and some sit on the backdrop gorgeous gardens. It will take time to visit and experience Tokyo’s best shrines and temples, so expect to have a wish list that may not be completed the first go-round as you explore the city.
I wouldn’t be doing this city justice if I didn’t mention the dining options. I’ve been handed exquisite and meticulously crafted dishes time and again on trips to Tokyo.
Also, the abundance of nightclubs means I have lots of options if I’m in the partying mood. The size and aesthetics of some of Tokyo’s clubs is impressive. Certain areas of the city are peppered with small, unassuming bars filled with friendly people where you can grab a drink.
Consider booking a trip to one of these places. And if you can’t do and see everything you hope to in the time you have, then no worries. I bet you’ll want to go again.
About Author:
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.
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