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San Fernando, Philippines (2010)
Everyone has an opinion.
Just like when you are getting married or having a baby, when you are planning a trip around the world, everyone has an opinion. The difference is, when you’re planning a trip, other people’s ideas can actually be really helpful. :)
We’ve got a rough plan of where we want to go, but there are a few countries and cities that are on the bubble – the place of indecision between cutting them out of the plan or adding them back in. If you’ve been there (or even have a secondhand story to share), that could help tip the scales one way or the other.
So bring it on. I want to hear about your favorite spot in the world (outside the US, please), and why you think we should go there. Even if you think we’re already planning to visit there, tell me why YOU loved it.
This is just about the best time for us to make adjustments to our plans and include your ideas, so please leave your suggestions in the comments. Many thanks for taking the time to share!
The thermal baths in Vals, Switzerland. Designed by Peter Zumthor; an iconic structure, amazing experience up in the mountains. Took 2 trains & a bus across Switzerland to be there for 2 hours; it was totally worth it.
Also stayed at La Tourette, a Corbusier monastery in southern France (via Lyon). I had to hike 5 miles to get there with the pack on – too cheap to take a cab – but it was worth it for an inexpensive stay for 2 or 3 days. You stay in the spartan rooms that the monks stay in (not sure if they have doubles, they may) and eat with the monks. Hiking trails all around. Peaceful concretiness.
Bayeux, France. The most charming town in France, in my opinion. Just a stone’s throw away from the amazing beaches of Normandy, this picturesque town has bakeries, boutiques, gorgeous cathedrals, small museums, and tons to do within a half hour drive around. You can wander the cobblestone streets for hours, eat crepes while sitting on the edge of a canal, and delve back into history at the cathedrals, memorials, and beaches that are so close. If you do get a chance to stay in Bayeux, make sure you check out the Churchill Hotel. You get actual, old-style keys (seriously!) that you hang on the wall of the lobby before you leave the hotel for the day, they have baskets of pain du chocolat and croissants waiting for you every morning in the breakfast room, which is filled with small tables and chairs along a window that looks out into the street, and it’s just a lovely, family-owned, small (almost B&B-like) establishment where every room is more unique and different than the next. Hope this helped – there are tons of other places in the world that I love, but the North of France has to be up there on the list. Go to Amsterdam, if you can, and Berlin is such a cool city, as well. Good luck planning your trip! I bet you will have an incredible time!