I’ve done a moderate amount of travel in my lifetime. Back in sixth grade, my parents bought an RV and took the entire family all around the United States. I’ve been part of student exchanges and taken bare-budget excursions places I probably couldn’t afford even if I wasn’t eating anything. So I figure I’ll take some time to write about five places I’ve really, really enjoyed and to which I’d love to make a return.
5. Barcelona, Spain
The thing you need to know about Barcelona is that it’s simultaneously very much a Spanish city and very much a Mediterranean city. Like hot inland towns, Barcelona closes down in the middle of the day, but stays awake late into the night. It’s an active, vibrant city with an incredible amount to see and do. You can lounge on the beach and admire some of the most beautiful people in Europe, or you can schlep around the city taking in the incredible architecture (Though still unfinished, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen). Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Barcelona is the culinary home to my favorite dish of all time, Paella.
4. Kauai, Hawaii
For many years, my parents owned a timeshare on the island of Kauai. We’d go just about every other year, and I never grew tired of it. I’m told that of all the islands, Kauai is the least overtly tourist-driven. I can say that it certainly is the most beautiful, without having even seen any of the others. White sandy beaches are there in abundance, sure. However, Kauai offers a lot more: Waimea Canyon is simply striking (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” on such a small island), and the Na Pali Coast will take your breath away. Oh yeah, this is also the place where they’ve filmed movies like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, so there’s no shortage of lush, green jungle.
3. Jackson, Wyoming
I suppose I’m cheating here a little bit. The town of Jackson, quaint diners and nice people aside, isn’t really so remarkable. What’s remarkable is the Grand Teton National Park that completely surrounds the town. When you’re in the middle of the town, you’re standing in a valley between the largest mountains on the continent. I mean, look! Plus, it’s an incredible drive to get there.
2. Chicago, Illinois
The Greatest American City, it is! A lot of people who have never been to California are in love Los Angeles, and lot of people who come from sleepy towns are wooed by New York City’s insomnia. But, if you want a huge, vibrant city that’s populated by normal people, go to Chicago. Have you ever moved somewhere and though, “Man, I love this new city, but I wish I could bring all of my friends here with me?” You’ll never have that thought in Chicago — all the people are friendly and welcoming. There’s no defensive sense of “get the hell out of MY city!” Plus, for my money, Chicago’s got the best skyline in America.
1. Heidelberg, Germany
Bet you never saw this one coming — a German City. It’s not a huge city (only about 150,000), and its resident castle isn’t in fabulously preserved condition (in fact, it’s quite obviously in ruin). It’s quaint, European, and not pretentious. Tourists forget about Heidelberg, even though it’s an old city with a deep history. In Germany, Heidelberg is known as the city for lovers. It’s beautiful, and the entire city feels cozy. Narrow walkways are everywhere, and people are extremely friendly. And the university! I don’t think my imagination could design a more beautiful school. Seriously, if you’re ever in Europe at all, make a stop in Heidelberg, even if just for a day or two. Send me a postcard.