Imaan Abroad

People often ask me “what is your favourite place you’ve travelled to?” 

I find this question incredibly difficult to answer, it is so overwhelming! How can you pick a favourite when each place is so different from one another?

Inspired by a Conde Nast Traveller article I recently read, I have decided to compile a list of some of the places I’ve visited so far, in no particular order, that stood out to me the most in the world! 

This article covers spots in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South & Central America and North America. All photos taken in this post are mine!

EUROPE

Berlin, Germany

The hipster edginess of Berlin combined with the grand buildings of the capital make it a city I could easily see myself living in. There are so many neighbourhoods in Berlin, each adding a unique flavour to Berlin’s diverse cultural landscape. You can spend days exploring Mitte- the center of the city with it’s memorials from the second world war and incredible museums. Berlin’s cool neighbourhoods, like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, pulsate with artistic energy, eclectic street art, and a thriving indie scene. The contemporary art scene flourishes in this city where everyone seems to exude a cool, hipster vibe and is engaged in creative pursuits. And, of course, Berlin wouldn’t be complete without a nod to its world-famous nightclubs, ensuring there’s always some good fun to be had in this vibrant city.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Inside the impressive walls of this coastal city, you’ll find endless winding narrow cobblestone streets to explore. The red roofed buildings can be viewed from the city walls which you can walk on and take a tour around the city. You can also take a kayak out into the waters around the city for more beautiful views of the stunning landscapes around. Of course, now, the first thing that comes to mind for most is the fantasy capital, Kings Landing, from Game of Thrones where the show was famously filmed. It’s easy to be transported to another time when exploring the medieval fortresses of the city. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a charming Scandinavian capital, as clean and colourful as you’ve seen in the movies. The cute, colourful buildings lining the river in Nyhavn create a picturesque setting. We took a boat tour of the city on which we were able to see many iconic sights and interesting landmarks.The renowned Noma test kitchen stands out to me as an experimental top kitchen in the world that at the time of visiting had just won best restaurant in the world for the fourth year. The city exudes a cool and dynamic vibe that adds to its appeal.

The Calanque France

The South of France is your classic glamour vacation destination spot that lives up to the hype. Every spot I’ve been to in this region has been amazing, but I couldn’t mention the South of France without mentioning The Calanque, a gorgeous national park along the coast spanning from Marseilles to Cassis. Calanque is a narrow, steep walled, rocky inlet. The views on my day spent hiking here were unbelievable- gorgeous rocky formations that meet the bright blue sea. We packed a picnic and had a delicious lunch of fresh baguette, meat and cheese at the bottom of one of the Calanque d’En Vau.

Paris, France

My solo trip to Paris might have been one of my favourite times I visited the city (I LOVE solo travel), full of art, museums and wandering the beautiful streets, stopping for a delicious meal or pastry whenever I decided it was time. Paris is timeless, famous for many reasons and well worth its reputation. The cool glamour of the city surrounds you, from the beautiful fashion of the residents to the old, stone architecture and cobblestone streets. The Palais de Tokyo and Centre Pompidou are world class museums for contemporary art, where as the Musee d’Orsay in its old train station is home to old masters and classic 19th century French painting. 

Pienza, Italy

There is so much to explore in Tuscany, with small towns sprinkled amongst the beautiful rolling hills. There are others that come to mind- San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Siena, but there is something especially charming about Pienza. It is perhaps the smallest of all of these towns and the easiest to explore. The ancient, narrow, cobblestone streets have very sweet names: “Via dell’Amore, Via della Fortuna, Via del Bacio and Via Buia.” All leading to  the wall of the city which provides a stunning view onto the valley below.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, the five picturesque towns on the East coast of Italy. When I think of the most beautiful places in the world, this is often the one that comes to mind first. I have visited Cinque Terre several times and each time was just as beautiful as the last. You can walk between the five towns, take the train or boat between them all. There is a range of accommodations from fancy hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts. There are no rankings on this list but Cinque Terre might be my favourite place for its stunning beauty.

Florence, Italy

I have included many of the cities I’ve lived in on this list because they hold a special place in my heart. The time I spent living in Florence, where I did my MA, really allowed me to get to know Florence inside and out. Home to some of the famous artworks in the world, you can spend days in Florence just exploring inside the museums. There are many charming old churches which also house famous artworks. I was once given the advice that when you pass by a church to always go inside and I couldn’t agree more that this is something one should do.

Cortona, Italy

Cortona is my first love in Italy, the town in which I did my study abroad when I was 21 years old. The memories of this town are some of the most dear to me from my life. Everything about Cortona is charming, the medieval city walls, the old buildings, last updated in the renaissance, the influence of the Medici’s of Florence and kingdom of Arezzo. The town square is classic for Tuscany. You can wander the streets for days and find amazing Michelin star restaurants, small wine shops and boutique jewelry and artisan stores, selling handmade tuscan leather items. Cortona is on a hill with a gorgeous church at the very top and views of the rolling hills of Tuscany all around. When the sun rises in Cortona, the town is often up high over the clouds, or the sea of Cortona as it appears. The toughest old women I’ve seen in my life were the ones living here, who had been walking those hills with their groceries for decades and even at age 80 could beat me up the hill.

London, England

London is a city I have always imagined myself living in. The collision of cultures from former colonies and people from all over the world makes it an exciting and vibrant center. London is another great capital if you like history. Although the museums are full of stolen relics from the entire world, there are also many incredible artworks and collections that came from England house at these museums. A favourite of mine, is the textile collection at the Victoria and Albert museum- a stop I make every time I’m in London to see their temporary exhibitions- from the History of Wedding Dresses to the history of shoes, they always have something new and incredible (these exhibitions are what inspired me to pursue my degree in Museum Studies). 

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s charm extends beyond its historical echoes, with architectural wonders like the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River. The thermal baths, such as the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, offer a relaxing retreat, while the vibrant markets showcase the city’s rich culinary scene. It’s easy to get sucked in here- we kept extending our stay and didn’t want to leave! Budapest provides a captivating blend of history, culture, and contemporary appeal that makes the city memorable.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini stands as an absolute paradise, etching some of the most stunning sights into my memory for the past decade. The white buildings with their royal blue roofs and cascading pink bougainvilleas were truly breathtaking. Witnessing the picture-perfect sunsets over the tranquil, expansive sea had the power to bring a tear to your eye. The island’s unique trio of side-by-side beaches— the red beach, black beach, and white beach at the tip of the island near the Akrotiri archaeological site— added to the diverse coastal beauty. Renting an ATV allowed us to explore even more enchanting beaches such as Kamari and Perissa, as well as travel easily from Thera to Oia.

Oslo, Norway

I have the most wonderful memories of my time in Oslo with my dear friend Sunni who is no longer with us. She was Norwegian and I am so glad I had the chance to visit her in her home town while she was living there. Oslo’s cool and modern vibes provide an excellent backdrop for contemporary art (the Astrup Fearnley Museum is one of my favourites in Europe!) The city’s scenic beauty along the Oslofjord, surrounded by green spaces and parks, adds a tranquil touch to the vibrant urban atmosphere. From the iconic Opera House, where you can enjoy panoramic views, to the Norsk Folkemuseum (an open air museum outside the city which showcases over 150 traditional buildings from various regions of Norway), Oslo seamlessly blends modernity with a rich cultural heritage.

Belgrade, Serbia

I visited Belgrade alone in the dead of winter. Questionable choice for a January solo vacation. However, the history of this part of the world has always fascinated me- I am practically obsessed with reading about the history of Russia, the former Yugoslavia and the entire baltic area. Belgrade was amazing and satisfied both my interest in the history of this city, and lived up to its reputation as a cool, hipster, European Capital. I met some friends at my hostel who ventured around with me to old museums and churches while also providing companionship for the many evening outings in the city such as cool live music events and cheap and delicious restaurants. 

Algarve, Portugal

The rocky cliffs of the algarve provide breathtaking views of the beaches along the coast. We stayed in Lagos, a fun little party town, common on the European backpacker circuit, which offers not only a vibrant nightlife but also a charming historic center surrounded by ancient city walls. There were endless excursions of swimming, kayaking, boat trips and exploring the stunning sea caves carved into the Algarve’s rugged coastline.

Lisbon, Portugal

Bright and colourful buildings spanning out across the city provide a spectacular view from any of the 7 hills in Lisbon. The cheerful atmosphere is palpable as you navigate the charming streets. Pop into a cafe to sip on a coffee paired with a nata- a Portuguese custard tart (and probably my favourite dessert in the world). Just a short journey away in Sintra, the Pena Palace awaits, resembling a enchanting Disney castle and adding a touch of fairytale magic to your Portuguese adventure.

Madrid, Spain

Full of culture, trendy markets and delicious food, Madrid is a charming big city full of art. In addition to the major galleries, the street art and small hidden away art galleries leave much to be discovered. My favourite thing about Madrid is that it is one of the only major European cities where locals and tourists generally hang out in the same places. The major square, which in many other cities are full of tourist trap restaurants and where you wouldn’t spot a local, are filled with people who live in the city meeting with friends, as well as visitors. Madrid surprised me, it wasn’t until my second time there that I really discovered what the city had to offer. 

Granada, Spain

Granada, Spain is home to the Alhambra palace, a 13th century Islamic palace that is one of the most famous buildings in Islamic Architecture. As a major history buff, for me this alone makes Granada well worth visiting. The palaces, churches, mosques and monuments in the south of Spain, rather than being destroyed as the dominant religion changed from Muslim to Christian, were repurposed and architectural styles mixed and integrated into the same buildings. The Alhambra Palace is an example of Moorish Architecture, where the courtyard is the central space, usually with a water feature, and the other rooms come out of this space. The geometrical designs and plant and animal motifs classic to Islamic design can be found in the remains of the palace. I was lucky to visit the South of Spain with my family, my dad planned an incredible trip across the country centered around food and architecture where we saw the remains of Muslim civilizations and enjoyed tapas and local food in Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Valencia, Toledo as well as stops in Barcelona and Madrid. 

Northern Ireland

The drive from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway is undeniably one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. The winding coastal road unveils stunning twists and turns, offering mesmerizing views at every bend. As you approach the Giant’s Causeway, the unique rock formations and cliffs along the way further enhance the beauty of this remarkable coastal route. Northern Ireland’s rugged and picturesque landscapes create an unforgettable scenic adventure, making the journey itself a part of the destination’s allure.

AUSTRALIA

Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is another famous drive that winds along Victoria’s stunning coastline, offering a captivating two-day journey. The route boasts numerous picturesque viewpoints and charming towns to explore, creating a memorable driving experience. Among the highlights is the iconic 12 Apostles, where magnificent rock formations rise dramatically from the ocean. As most backpackers do, we rented a camper van which allowed us to leisurely explore this scenic route over a few days, concluding our adventure in Grampians National Park where we encountered kangaroos taller than our camper van everywhere.

Melbourne, Australia

When people ask me where my favourite place I’ve lived in has been, it is without a doubt Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne is a city full of diversity where you can find your community, regardless of your interests. Whether it’s sports, art, music, food, or any other hobby, you will likely find people with similar interests, who want to make it the best place in the world for that specific thing. It’s a city where you feel that the people living there are really proud of the city. There is always something happening, some sort of street food festival, art event, concert or show. I don’t think I could ever get bored in this city, I would absolutely live in Melbourne again. 

ASIA

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut was one of the most interesting places I’ve visited. I was pleasantly surprised by the city’s upscale atmosphere – from chic restaurants to the impeccably styled locals, it was a dazzling scene that made me feel perpetually underdressed. The archaeological sites, particularly the stunning Byblos and the incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins of Baalbek, added an enriching historical dimension to my exploration. Lebanese food is one of my favourite cuisines and the food in Beiruit was an absolute delight. The warmth of the people we met left us with many new friends and our accommodation was one of the nicest airbnbs I’ve ever stayed in.  

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is absolutely incredible. I lived in Japan for one year and Tokyo holds a very special place in my heart. When people ask me what I miss the most about Japan the answer is easy- I miss the trains and I miss the food. Japanese food is my favourite cuisine (and has been since I was a weird 3 year old eating salmon sashimi with my bare hands). The food in Japan is far beyond what I had imagined it to be. Every day I was discovering new foods and trying new things. And it isn’t just Japanese food thats amazing- whatever cuisine they are going to cook they do it well. And the trains… this is without a doubt the best train system in the world. The trains come often, every few minutes there will be a train and stations aren’t far apart. No matter where you are in the city, you can easily get to where you need to go. There are so many other things I love about Tokyo, the fashion is wild, I’ve never seen anything like the outfits I’ve saw in Tokyo and I have never browsed in as many stores. Living in Japan was an incredible experience and I look forward to returning.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is the historic center of Japan, radiating a serene ambiance that permeates through its ancient streets. There are endless sights to see from the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, to the enchanting Bamboo Forrest. There are many Onsens to explore, as well as charming restaurants and intimate Sake bars near the river. Kyoto is simply beautiful everywhere you go. Japan has four very distinct seasons and when I visited Kyoto in the fall I saw leaves so bright I didn’t even know nature could produce such vibrant colours. Kyoto is sure to leave an impression on all those who visit.

El Nido, Philippines

I had wanted to go to El Nido for a decade before I finally visited this year. The rocky cliffs that meet the clear blue ocean had made an impression and were more beautiful in real life than the photos I’d seen. The Philippines has some of the most incredible, clear water I have ever seen. The colourful coral reefs are a wonder for snorkelers and divers. The peaceful, small islands of Palawan truly embody the idea of what paradise looks like.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the coolest motorcycle experiences I’ve been on. The 4 day trip is a loop through the mountains in the North of Vietnam, which the city of Ha Giang is the gateway to. Ha Giang is about 300 km from Hanoi. The landscapes of these mountains were unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. We stopped at so many gorgeous viewpoints on the trip and were absolutely spoiled for views. Usually I’m a fan of warm weather travel but I would say the cool air and mountains of Northern Vietnam could rival any beach I’ve seen. 

Hoi An, Vietnam

When I think of Hoi An I think of lanterns because the city is absolutely full of them! The handmade lanterns are strung up all around the city, around the water, and sold at shops on every street. Hoi An is also the place in Vietnam famous for tailor-made clothes, something I really wish I had taken advantage of when I was there because I left envious of all the gorgeous garments my friends had made for them! I stayed at a wonderful hostel there- Snap Stay- which hosted cute events and was a great place to meet other solo female backpackers who were the same age as me- something I was afraid wouldn’t happen in Asia backpacking alone in your 30’s. We took a really fun cooking class, enjoyed delicious local food and when we left, me and all the girls I met at my hostel decided to travel to Hue together via the Hai Van pass on motorcycles- in the pouring rain! An adventure to say the least, this was definitely a highlight of my time in Vietnam and I would recommend not missing Hoi An as a stop.

Singapore

Singapore is perhaps one of the places I have been most surprised by in my life. My expectation was large business buildings, Marina Bay Sands, extreme cleanliness and wealth was partially true but what I didn’t anticipate was the culture and cool areas of the city amidst all of this. Singapore is a really really nice city and it felt really alive. People were out and about enjoying the historic areas such as the area around Chinatown and near the water. The architecture was really interesting and really beautiful and the food was amazing. Singapore has a very interesting history and after visiting I could imagine it being somewhere I could live.  

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali, is the home of Yoga in Bali and holds a special place in my heart as I did my yoga teacher training here. The spiritual center of the island, you can feel the peace around you in Ubud. The town and surrounding areas are full of yoga studios, vegan restaurants, sound bath and meditation centers. Ubud means medicine and has long been regarded as a place of healing for the Balinese. Read more about my yoga teacher training in Bali here!

Uluwatu, Bali

Uluwatu is an upscale surf town that has maintained a laid back feel, even as Bali has increased in popularity and prices have spiked. Uluwatu is very trendy, full of beautiful boutiques, amazing restaurants and endless places to explore. The beaches are fantastic and due to the good surfing here, the crowd has remained down to earth, even while prices have not. A standout view from both times I’ve been to Uluwatu is the view of the ocean from Single Fin’s beach club. The bar which sits high on a cliff above the ocean, provides a stunning view of endless rolling waves where you can catch an absolutely incredible sunset. 

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Koh Phi Phi offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere, especially popular among young partygoers – a common theme in many of the places I visited in Thailand. Beyond the energetic nightlife, the island boasts a range of activities, including a captivating viewpoint accessible by hiking, numerous boat tours for exploring nearby islands, and opportunities for swimming adventures.

AFRICA

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is another city that surprised me with how much I liked it after visiting. It became very apparent that this is another city that I would love to spend more time in or possibly live in at some point in my life. We had a wonderful experience staying with family here, who showed us around the city. Nairobi, with its dynamic energy offered a diverse range of attractions. From the bustling markets and vibrant street life to the lush green spaces like Karura Forest, the city provided a rich tapestry of experiences that added to my fondness for it.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar has a unique history to the rest of Tanzania, making it one of the most interesting places we visited in Africa. Steeped in history, Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets tell tales of centuries past, with ornate doors, spice markets, and historical landmarks like the House of Wonders. Beyond the historic charm, Zanzibar offers a paradise for beach lovers, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters. blend of natural beauty and cultural allure.

Kampala, Uganda

Kampala Uganda is the capital of Uganda and city in which my father lived for many years of his life. He was born nearby in Fort Portal, but moved to Kampala to attend boarding school (as was common in the 1960’s) and spent much of his childhood and teenage years here. The town is an overwhelming maze of sights and smells, with giant traffic circles with what feels like hundreds of cars and even cows walking through the streets. The soil is red giving all of the city a reddish tint. What surprised me and what I loved the most about Kampala was how lush the city was. The tropical climate is a wonderful place for all sorts of fruit trees and plants to grow. The Bahai temple is a safe haven amongst the busy city that provides a peaceful refuge away from the city.

Ngorongoro Crater

This was one of the most interesting Safaris we went on. The Ngorongoro Crater was formed by a volcano that collapsed 2- 3 million years ago. Close to Arusha, the Ngorongoro crater region is home to the Olduvai (Oldupai) Gorge, where the oldest human remains on the planet have been found. The crater itself is home to almost every animal species in the region including the big 5: Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos, all of which we saw here. The caldera provides a very interesting landscape and you can feel that you’re inside a crater no matter which way you look.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Lake Nakuru was another beautiful Safari spot. Located in Kenya, the lake is famously home to Flamingos (which are so loud- I had no idea until I saw this many together!) We stayed at a beautiful glamping lodge in giant tents and got to wake up to breakfast by the lake. Sadly, the lake is flooding and it was a real eye opening experience to see the ways in which nature and animal habitats are being impacted due to climate change and the rising water levels. We also visited the Serena camp at nearby Lake Elementita, another stunning accommodation and amazing safari experience (we stayed at Serena hotels in most spots across East Africa on our trip and it was an out of this world experience!)

Serengeti

Embarking on a safari adventure in the iconic Serengeti is a journey into the heart of Africa. The vast, golden plains stretch endlessly, full of wildlife, from majestic lions to graceful giraffes. The Serengeti is a living canvas of the Great Migration, a where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the landscape in search of fresh grazing grounds. As the sun set over the savannah, the horizon dotted with acacia trees, and everything turned gold, I was truly in awe of this landscape.

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA

Sacred Valley, Peru

You can read a more detailed blog post about my time in the Sacred Valley of Peru here. I spent a few days exploring the archaeological sites and landscapes by motorcycle and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life! In addition to Machu Picchu, there is so much to explore in this incredible region.

Huacachina, Peru

Have you ever been to the desert? I hadn’t until I went to Huacacina in Peru and it was one of the coolest landscapes I have ever laid eyes on. Tourists are carted around in sand dune buggies, an experience I can only compare to being on a rollercoaster with no tracks. I was shocked that we didn’t flip over but the expert drivers who have been doing this all their life loved to make the tourists panic. It was an exhilarating experience. We also got to slide down the giant sand dunes on boards which was so much fun. There is an oasis in the middle of the desert around which the town is built. This was one of the top thrillseeking experiences I’ve had.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Nestled on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is a vibrant seaside town that captures the essence of laid-back tropical living. With its beaches lined with lively beachfront bars, and colourful colonial architecture, this coastal town attracts travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by lush hills and San Juan del Sur is a haven for surfers, sun-seekers, and nature enthusiasts. From the breathtaking views atop Christ of the Mercy statue to their famous Sunday Funday parties, this town offers a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement.

Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua

Laguna de Apoyo in Nicaragua is a lake inside the crater of a volcano. I haven’t quite experienced anything like this before. We drove up the side of the volcano and arrived at the top to a peaceful and serene lake. Our hostel was a quaint accommodation with few travellers, some of who were in a band together and provided us with lovely live music in the evenings. The lake is a peaceful spot for swimming and relaxing in the day. The volcanos were my favourite part of Nicaragua- we went volcano boarding in Leon, where you hike up a volcano and toboggan down it on a piece of wood. We also saw inside an active volcano at Masaya- we could only be up there for a few minutes but staring into a volcano full of lava is a site I will never forget- it reminded me of staring into Mordor in lord of the rings or seeing the sun inside the planet.

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico city- the city with the most museums in the world! How could this one not be on my list. CDMX is a city vibrant in art, food and culture. Home to over 10 million people, it is Mexico’s largest city. The architecturally stunning neighbourhoods of Condesa, Roma and Coyoacán (where Frida Kahnlo’s former house is- now a museum) are incredible to wander through. I have spent days in these neighbourhoods exploring and getting lost on the beautiful streets, popping into small hole in the wall boutique stores, small restaurants and bars. Mexico city has an energy that is cool and trendy, I’ve been twice and can’t wait to return!

Holbox, Mexico

Holbox is a small island off the coast of Cancun with a very relaxed vibe. There are no cars on this island- the best way to explore is by bicycle or on foot. The streets are lined with murals and you’ll find no shortage of delicious tacos. At night, you can bike across the island to see the bioluminescence light up the night. In the day, there are various boating tours that will take you off to different swimming spots. The whole vibe of Holbox is just amazing, making it one of my favourite beach spots in Mexico.

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu is a surfer hippie paradise. I had a wonderful experience traveling around the island with my friend in an old VW campervan we rented. The freedom to choose any beach to stop at granted us the flexibility to fully immerse ourselves in all the beauty Oahu has to offer. Embarking on a different hike each day, visiting multiple beaches, pausing at every scenic lookout, and spending nights in cool campsites allowed us to absorb the island’s beauty at our own pace. I highly recommend exploring Hawaii this way, as Oahu boasts an abundance of gorgeous spots waiting to be discovered.

Newfoundland, Canada

Cold, cool and rocky, this coastal Atlantic province is where you can find some of the most unique and gorgeous landscapes in Canada. As the second biggest country in the world, we have a wide variety of landscapes from East to West. The Maritime and Atlantic provinces are unique in their history. Joining Canada much later than the other provinces, Newfoundland maintained their British and Irish ties and it is evident when you’re there that it feels distinctly like its own culture, especially when it comes to accents, music and food! The hikes around the province and incredible wildlife and nature including polar bears, whales, eagles and icebergs make Newfoundland a very appealing destination. 

New York City, USA

For most of my childhood, I envisioned one day living in New York City. When I went for the first time at 13 years old, it was everything I had envisioned! The fashion, the food, BROADWAY! The city has a vibrancy that lives up to the hype. If you enjoy big cities, New York is it. I had the opportunity to visit again in my early 20’s when one of my close friends lived there. We spent our time drinking cocktails on rooftops and in underground speakeasies, walking through central park, going to sports games and enjoying fancy brunches. There are endless things to do in this city and though I no longer dream of living in New York, for my younger self I had to put this city on the list. 

Montreal, Canada

Montreal offers a distinctive vibe from other Canadian cities. Combining historic charm with a vibrant hipster culture, this largest French-speaking city exudes a European ambiance in contrast to the more American feel of neighbouring Toronto. The charming cobblestone streets of the Vieux Port, the vintage stores of St. Laurent and the picturesque triplexes of Mile End give one much to explore. Montreal is one of my favourite eating and drinking cities in the world. The natural wine culture, and creative french cooking pair perfectly to create an endless delight for the palate. The city’s boutique stores and incredible thrift shops contribute to a pervasive cool and hipster style. Lastly, my appreciation for Montreal extends to its green spaces and Mount Royal. Living here for 8 months, especially during the initial intense lockdown of the first 3 months of Covid, allowed me to cherish the outdoor spaces, as well as witness the creativity and resilience of the bar and restaurant community, which thrived even during challenging times.

Banff, Alberta

Banff, Alberta, is a place very near to my heart- and near to where I grew up. I sometimes forget that some of the most beautiful views in the world are just a few hours from my hometown. The giant rocky mountains with all of their incredible hikes and camping spots, combined with the bright blue waters of Lake Louise and Moraine lake give endless spectacular views. The long winters are a good thing in Alberta if you like skiing, with Lake Louise and Sunshine Village right near the town of Banff where you can ski until late May and find all sorts of cozy and fun activities in town!

Whistler, BC

Whistler is home to North America’s largest ski resort and has become a staple in my life since moving to Vancouver. Whistler is not cheap but it is so much fun, I had to include it on my list! You can ski on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountain, and take the peak to peak gondola between the two all year round. After 3 years of skiing here, I still have yet to explore all of the runs on this mountain! The village sits right at the bottom so after a long day of skiing, you can head straight to the Longhorn Saloon for a great outdoor winter party in your ski boots, or cozy into one of the fancy restaurants for your apres ski!

Tofino, BC

Tofino is on the very western edge of Vancouver Island, the most western point in Canada. Tofino is a surf town (and yes you can surf in Canada!) that is both charming and moody with landscapes unique to this part of the island. Beyond its waves and sandy shores, Tofino boasts pristine rainforests, rugged coastlines, and the breathtaking Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This laid-back coastal haven beckons adventure seekers with its surfing opportunities, while also providing peaceful retreat for those captivated by the untamed beauty of the Canadian Pacific and looking to get away from the business of the mainland.