When I mention to others that I have been traveling for a while, I get the almost inevitable question, “what has been your favorite country?” As with food, I have no particular favorite, as there is just too much to love. I always managed to dodge this question, but I’ll at least present this for you—11 places that I love, and to make this fun, 3 others that I hate have yet to appreciate. Finally, I’ll leave you with my thoughts, on why you should be skeptical of lists like this.

1. Koh Rong, Cambodia

Why I love this place: pristine white-sand beaches. Local village life. Bioluminescence.

2. Goldenbay, New Zealand

Why I love this place: rope swings and swimming holes. Relaxing rock climbs. Warm-hearted hippies.

3. Rangiroa, French Polynesia

Why I love this place: Completely isolated. Coral Beches. Scuba diving heaven.

4. Brittany, France

Why I love this place: small villages scattered throughout the region. Food that I still dream about. Incredible surfing, kayaking, and hiking.

5. Pai, Thailand

Why I love this place: slow living. Diverse and inexpensive cuisine. Much colder than the rest of Thailand.

6. Milos, Greece

Why I love this place: over 70 truly unique and beautiful beaches, and the best I ever been to. No crowds, and perfect weather during the month of September.

7. Cappodoccia, Turkey

Why I love this place: I was able to live in a cave. The hot air balloon ride. Endless exploring.

8. Mulu National Park, East Malaysia (Borneo)

Why I love this place: remote, pristine rainforest. Some of the largest caves in the world.

9. Paris, France

Why I love this place: no shortage of gardens and parks. Street markets and street art. Hopping on one of cheap public bike rentals (Vélib’), as there is always something new to see.

10. Guadix, Spain

Why I love this place: small town, with over 5,000 years of rich history. Inspiration to Tolkien’s book “The Hobbit”. Long relaxing days, even the kids are still out past 1 am.

11. Tonsai Beach, Thailand

Why I love this place: chillin’ all day on a hammock, at a local restaurant or bar, without being asked to pay a penny. Rock climbing over beautiful jungle, sand, and sea. The great people I met, locals and travelers alike.

Three Places I’ve Yet To Love

1. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Why? A tourist trap, and completely over-developed. Oh, and I was sick for the entire 5 days I was there.

2. London, England

Why? Three visits already and still no sparks. One day, London, I’ll learn to love you.

3. Sydney, Australia

Why? meh.

Don’t Limit Yourself to the Taste of Others

The best advice I can give you, is to remain flexible, and to ignore at least half of what others tell you, when it comes to where you should and shouldn’t go. Don’t fall into the trap, of trying to live someone else’s experience. This is why I stopped buying guidebooks more than 8 months ago. Disappointed with that place you dreamed of going to? Leave, or explore deeper. Love that town you originally had planned as a day trip? Stay for a few nights if you can.

Bon voyage!