When I tell people I have visited over 50 countries, they often ask me:
“So, which one is your favourite?”
Sorry to disappoint you. There isn’t just one. In fact, I would re-visit most countries without hesitation. (One notable exception is Egypt. I will never go back to Egypt.)
I often say that if I had only one favourite country, I would probably be living there right now! Nevertheless, here is an attempt at an answer, on a per-continent basis.
North America
I really like Mexico. It offers reliable sun during the Canadian winter, has great food, and an almost infinite variety of places and attractions to visit, from colonial towns, to beaches, to archeological sites. And it’s just a short flight from Toronto so I can go for only a week if I want. I have travelled to Mexico four times already. Unfortunately, with all the bad press in recent years, I haven’t returned since 2008. But Mexico will see me again.
Central/South America
Argentina has continuous appeal. I’ve been twice already, for a total of 12 weeks! There is good wine, good food (think steaks, pasta in cream sauce, cakes, and ice cream), beautiful people, a huge variety of landscapes (from tropical waterfalls, to mountains, to glaciers). It has delicious cheap chocolate. And it has the tango! Oh and the seasons are reversed so you get long summer days when Canada is mired in winter. Always a plus for me.
Europe
This is tough. Greece and Italy are both real seducers. Nearly-surrounded by the sea, they offer a Mediterranean climate, beautiful men, rich ancient civilizations and history, architecture, ruins, music, hot sun in season (April to October), and, in the case of Italy, glorious food and wine. These countries have pretty much everything you may want in a destination.
Portugal is a new favourite. I have only been once but I want to go back.
Asia
Also tough. I completely fell under the charm of Bali (Indonesia) when I was there in 1995. There was something languorous, peaceful, almost mystical about the place. The luxuriant vegetation, the flowers, the colours, the gentle people in traditional garb intermingling culture, religion and art in a seamless lifestyle. The exotic gamelan music and accompanying dance performances. I wish my apartment had a secret instant tunnel to Bali for when I feel overwhelmed by Western civilization.
Laos is also a beautiful and peaceful country. And the beaches of southern Thailand are hard to beat (without saying anything of the food!). OK I’ll stop now.
Oceania
I love New Zealand. I would go back there in a heartbeat. Friendly people, beautiful nature with a perfect climate for hiking and outdoor activities. The seasons are also reversed. And the carrot cake is heavenly!
Africa
I haven’t seen much of Africa yet so I don’t feel like it’s fair to pick a favourite, but I definitely want to see more of South Africa. Too bad that it takes so long to fly there.
The last word
In terms of regions, I find myself returning again and again to southern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. People and weather are warm. It’s affordable or downright cheap. There are plenty of things to see and do, and you can easily visit several countries in one trip, often overland. The food is pretty damn good too.
“Yes, but where would you go back, if you could only pick one place before you die?” asks the persistent friend.
Antarctica. No doubt about it. But that’s not a country.
What about you? What’s YOUR favourite country so far?
at 9:43 AM
Wow! Antartica hein. You hate winter. I do not understand. We have to speak about that.
at 1:02 PM
Ha ha ha! You’ll have to go there to understand. 🙂
at 1:18 AM
But what about France???? I remember asking you if you had to choose ONE place to call your favorite, what would it be? And you finally said “I guess France.” Guess you forgot!
at 1:49 AM
I said France? I don’t remember. You’re sure that wasn’t you? 🙂 Well, France is very nice too. I’ve been there many times, so I’ll write about it at some point, for sure.
at 12:48 PM
Egypt? Why not? You’ve left me with baited breath! It’s one country I’ve always wanted to visit (although not right now with the unstable political situation). What turned you off?
at 10:20 PM
A good question Claudia. I’ll probably write something about that in the near future!
at 11:21 PM
Gee, Marie-France, we have almost the same taste in countries — after 25 years of travel, my favourites list is almost the same as yours. My only differences: while I liked Greece, I probably have a softer spot for France and Denmark. But if I spent more time in Greece, I might change my mind.
Second, in South America, I’d probably choose Peru as my favourite. It has about as much diversity as Argentina, with the added draw of Machu Picchu (one iconic tourist site that lives up to its reputation) as well as Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, condors and that wonderful Andean culture. And to be honest, I just couldn’t get over the crazy way Argentineans speak Spanish …
at 12:32 AM
Ha ha ha! I know what you mean about the Argentinean Spanish. I hated it at first, and it wasn’t until my second trip that I started understanding more and even pronouncing those “ll” and “y” sounds like “sh”. 🙂 Peru is great too. I just find it a bit more uncomfortable with those high altitudes and freezing nights.
This list could have been longer but that would have defeated the purpose of picking a favourite country (which I didn’t even manage to do. LOL!)
at 6:10 AM
Why not Austria or Switzerland? I love palaces and mountains.Don’t you?
at 11:03 AM
Hi Achintya. Yes I love mountains! (Palaces are OK.) In fact most of the countries on the list above do have mountains. I also like Switzerland and Austria, but they don’t make my top 10 (one reason being the very high prices).
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at 6:26 PM
I’d go to New Zealand in a heartbeat! I love Italy, France …. i love Europe!