Here, in no particular order, are my top ten places to visit. Although these are currently the top ten all time favorite places I have visited, this list will most likely change in the future as I still have many more places to see. I’ll be honest, it was difficult to narrow the list to ten, there are so many incredible places to see in this world!
Egypt
There was not one place we visited in Egypt where I was not filled with wonder and amazement. Trust me, there is so much more to Egypt beyond the pyramids of Giza. Your trip should include Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and, of course, a cruise on the Nile River. There is just so much to see and learn in this country. If Egypt is not on your bucket list, it absolutely should be. Hands down, my favorite destination… so far.
Easter Island
Yes, this is a difficult place to get to, but it was worth the effort. It was exactly as I imagined it would be. See the moai was simply magical. I kept waiting for this guy to blink. (I guess I went to the Enchanted Tiki Room at Walt Disney World one too many times!) The moai are found at sacred sites around the island. It’s truly fascinating to think of how they were made and then moved into place.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was at the top of my bucket list for an awfully long time. It was another destination that did not disappoint! This was a trip with took with Tauck Tours called Empire of the Incas. Our tour began in Lima, where we included an optional flight over the Nazca Lines. We flew from Lima to Cuzco, stayed overnight in the Sacred Valley, back into Cusco, then Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and ended in La Paz, Bolivia. From the quality of the tour director to the hotels to the sites, this trip exceeded my expectations on many levels. I’d recommend a in depth guided tour of Machu Picchu on one day, and then another day to explore the site on your own.
Paris
What can I say, it’s Paris! Culture, architecture, museums, history, this city has it all. Every time we visit we see a few more sights in Paris. This is one of several places that I would love to come and spend three months just so I can soak up the culture and finally see everything I want to see. It’s a lot more crowded than it used to be (what place isn’t) but worth any frustrations you might have with the crowds.
French Polynesia
If you’re looking for a place to go and just relax and unwind, you can’t beat French Polynesia. Moorea is my favorite of the islands, but there are many choices. The beauty here is astounding. Water so crystal clear you can see the fish without even going in. It’s just so unspoiled and peaceful. Not the most economical place, but it’s worth every penny!
Washington, D.C.
I have been to Washington, DC many times throughout my life and have yet to see all the things I want to see. The museums from the Smithsonian to the Holocaust Museum are just outstanding. Not to mention the government buildings such as the Capitol, the Treasury Building, the White House, and the National Archives. My favorite of all the buildings is the Library of Congress, it is absolutely stunning. I’m always up for a trip to Washington, D.C.
The Taj Mahal
I really didn’t have a grasp of just how beautiful this landmark is. What you don’t see in the photos is the detailed inlay work that is throughout the building. I can’t imagine the hours upon hours of work required to complete this mausoleum. Then when you hear the story behind it, you can’t help but be touched. Another destination that is not easy to get to, but well worth the effort.
Greece
I don’t care where you go in Greece, just go! In the early 80s I was fortunate enough to live in Greece for nearly two years. It was fascinating to me to walk among the places I had read about in textbooks throughout my education. It truly brought history to life. Although I lived north of Athens, I traveled throughout the southern portion of the country: Corinth, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Delphi and of course Athens. I don’t think there is a Greek island that isn’t beautiful, but I was most struck by Santorini.
The Forbidden City
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by the size of the Forbidden City, after all, it has ‘city’ in its name. It was fascinating to learn about how the city functioned and the ancient Chinese culture. I was there just before the Olympic Games of 2008 were held in Beijing, so they had just completed a refurbishment of the buildings. This is another instance of intricate workmanship; it’s absolutely beautiful.
Iguazu Falls
Eleanor Roosevelt is rumored to have uttered “Poor Niagara” when she saw Iguazu Falls. Whether or not she actually said those words, I can understand the sentiment. Niagara Falls are beautiful but can’t compete with the sheer number of large waterfalls that comprise Iguazu Falls. Best experienced from Argentina but best viewed from Brazil; I managed to see both sides in one day, but a couple of days would have been much nicer.
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