15 Places I’d Vacation Again Without Thinking Twice — And 3 I’d Avoid Next Time

Ever visited a place that left such an impression, you’d pack your bags and return without hesitation? Or maybe you’ve had that vacation where you silently promised yourself ‘never again’ as you boarded your flight home.

After years of globetrotting, I’ve compiled my personal list of dream destinations worth revisiting and a few spots that simply didn’t live up to the hype. These travel experiences shaped my perspective on what makes a vacation truly unforgettable.

1. Kyoto’s Peaceful Temples

Walking through Kyoto’s ancient temple gates feels like stepping into another century. The gentle chime of bells and whisper of prayers create a soundtrack unlike anywhere else on earth.

I spent mornings at Kinkaku-ji watching sunlight dance across the golden pavilion, and afternoons losing myself in the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. My favorite memory? Stumbling upon a small ceremony at Ryoan-ji Temple where monks tended the famous rock garden.

The city operates at a meditative pace that forces even the most hurried traveler to slow down and breathe. No photo can capture the profound sense of peace these sacred spaces provide.

2. Overhyped Nightlife in Ibiza (Avoid Next Time)

My wallet still hasn’t recovered from three nights in Ibiza. The island’s reputation as the ultimate party destination comes with an extreme price tag – €20 for a basic cocktail and cover charges that could fund a weekend elsewhere.

Beyond the financial strain, the experience felt manufactured rather than authentic. Massive clubs packed with sunburned tourists following the same prescribed fun formula night after night. DJs played identical sets I could have heard anywhere, just with more strobe lights and selfie sticks.

The beaches offer some redemption during daylight, but they’re overcrowded and littered with promotional flyers by afternoon.

3. Queenstown’s Scenic Thrills

Queenstown grabbed my heart from the moment our plane descended between snow-capped mountains. This New Zealand adventure hub combines breathtaking natural beauty with enough adrenaline activities to satisfy even the most dedicated thrill-seeker.

Mornings started with lakeside coffees beneath mountains that seemed painted against the sky. By afternoon, I’d find myself bungy jumping from historic bridges or jetboating through impossibly narrow canyons. The town balances adventure with incredible dining – I still dream about fresh seafood enjoyed while watching the sunset paint Lake Wakatipu gold.

Winter brings world-class skiing, while summer offers hiking trails through landscapes that made Lord of the Rings come alive.

4. Traffic Chaos in Cairo (Avoid Next Time)

Cairo’s historical treasures couldn’t compensate for the exhausting transit experience. Crossing streets became a life-threatening adventure where traffic lights served merely as colorful suggestions rather than rules.

Taxis operated without meters, turning every journey into a negotiation battle I rarely won. The constant honking created a cacophony that followed me even into my hotel room. Air quality issues made sightseeing physically uncomfortable – my throat remained scratchy throughout the trip.

Though the pyramids and museums house incredible artifacts, reaching them meant navigating aggressive vendors and scammers who viewed tourists as walking ATMs. The stress of simply moving around the city overshadowed the cultural experiences I’d hoped to enjoy.

5. Amalfi Coast Magic

Pastel villages clinging to dramatic cliffs above an impossibly blue Mediterranean – the Amalfi Coast exceeded every expectation. Each town along this Italian coastline offers its own distinctive charm while sharing the same breathtaking backdrop.

Mornings in Positano began with espresso at sidewalk cafés, watching fishermen bring in their catches. Afternoons meant exploring hidden beaches accessible only by boat or winding down narrow streets where lemons grow bigger than softballs. The region’s cuisine deserves its legendary status – simple pasta dishes elevated by ingredients harvested that morning.

Even getting between towns becomes memorable, whether by ferry with salt spray in your hair or navigating the famously scenic coastal road with its heart-stopping views.

6. Disappointing Crowds in Santorini (Avoid Next Time)

Instagram vs. reality hit hard in Santorini. Those pristine white buildings with blue domes? Constantly swarmed by influencers staging photoshoots, making genuine experiences nearly impossible. Cruise ships disgorge thousands of day-trippers each morning, transforming charming alleys into human traffic jams.

Restaurants in prime sunset-viewing locations charge astronomical prices for mediocre food, knowing you’re paying for the view. Finding accommodation that doesn’t require a second mortgage proves challenging during high season.

The island’s beauty remains undeniable, but enjoying it means competing with selfie sticks and tour groups at every turn. What should have been romantic evening strolls felt more like navigating through an outdoor shopping mall during a holiday sale.

7. Banff’s Mountain Serenity

Waking up in Banff National Park feels like stepping into a living postcard. The Canadian Rockies create a jagged horizon that seems almost too perfect to be real, while turquoise lakes reflect the surrounding peaks with mirror-like precision.

Wildlife encounters happen naturally here – I spotted elk grazing just minutes from town and watched black bears foraging berries from a safe distance. The hot springs offer magical relaxation after days spent hiking through alpine meadows exploding with wildflowers.

Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-globe wonderland with some of North America’s best skiing. The town itself maintains authentic charm despite its popularity, with locally-owned shops and restaurants serving hearty mountain cuisine perfect after outdoor adventures.

8. Cartagena’s Old Town

Cartagena’s walled old city bursts with colors that seem impossibly vibrant under the Colombian sun. Bougainvillea spills over colonial balconies while street vendors sell tropical fruits I’d never seen before.

Music flows through these streets – impromptu salsa performances break out in plazas where locals and visitors dance together regardless of skill level. The cuisine blends Caribbean, African, and Spanish influences into dishes that explode with flavor. I still dream about arepas con queso enjoyed while watching the sunset paint the ancient walls gold.

Though temperatures soar during midday, evenings bring a magical atmosphere as the city lights up and residents emerge for paseos – leisurely strolls that epitomize Cartagena’s unhurried approach to enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

9. Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom Season

Timing a trip perfectly with Kyoto’s cherry blossom season feels like winning a travel lottery. The city transforms under a canopy of pale pink blooms that seem to float above ancient temples and traditional wooden homes.

Locals celebrate hanami with picnics beneath flowering trees, sharing food and sake while petals drift down like fragrant snow. The Philosopher’s Path becomes particularly magical – a stone walkway lined with hundreds of cherry trees beside a peaceful canal.

Evenings bring special illuminations where lanterns cast a golden glow on the blossoms, creating scenes straight from a fairytale. Though crowds swell during this season, the collective joy creates a festive atmosphere where strangers exchange smiles over shared appreciation of nature’s fleeting masterpiece.

10. Vancouver Island Escape

Vancouver Island offers that rare combination of pristine wilderness and sophisticated comfort. The Pacific coastline alternates between rugged cliffs where bald eagles soar and sheltered coves perfect for spotting orcas from shore.

Victoria’s British-influenced charm provides cultural balance to outdoor adventures. I spent mornings kayaking with harbor seals, afternoons hiking through temperate rainforests with trees older than European settlement, and evenings sampling locally-distilled spirits in cozy pubs.

Tofino’s surfing beaches and hot springs create the perfect relaxation rhythm – challenge yourself in the waves, then soak tired muscles while watching storms roll in from Japan. The island’s farm-to-table food scene showcases incredible seafood and produce harvested hours before reaching your plate.

11. Cape Town’s Coastal Beauty

Few cities blend urban sophistication with natural grandeur like Cape Town. Table Mountain creates a dramatic backdrop visible from everywhere – I hiked to the summit for sunrise views that stretched across two oceans meeting at Africa’s southernmost point.

The city’s troubled history feels acknowledged rather than hidden, with thoughtful museums and township tours led by residents sharing personal stories. Coastal drives reveal beaches where penguins waddle between sunbathers and cliffs drop dramatically into turquoise waters.

Wine country lies just beyond city limits, where historic Cape Dutch estates serve world-class vintages against mountain backdrops. The food scene reflects South Africa’s cultural diversity – from Cape Malay curries to braai (barbecue) traditions that bring communities together around shared meals.

12. Seville’s Cultural Warmth

Seville embodies everything I love about southern Spain – passionate flamenco performances in tiny bars where dancers stomp close enough to feel the vibration, plazas that transform into outdoor living rooms each evening, and orange trees lining streets that wind between Moorish and Renaissance architecture.

The city moves at a deliciously slow pace. Lunches stretch into hours of conversation while evenings don’t truly begin until after 10pm. I wandered through the Real Alcázar palace gardens where fountains provide welcome relief from Andalusian heat.

Food becomes a highlight without even trying – from market stalls serving paper cones of jamón ibérico to neighborhood bars where each drink arrives with complimentary tapas. Sevillanos radiate genuine warmth that makes visitors feel like welcomed guests rather than tourists.

13. Dubrovnik Off-Season

Visiting Dubrovnik in November revealed the medieval gem without summer’s crushing crowds. Walking the ancient city walls, I often found myself completely alone with panoramic Adriatic views – a stark contrast to high season when these same pathways resemble human conveyor belts.

Locals reclaim their city during off-season months. Cafés fill with animated conversations rather than tourist menus, and prices drop to reasonable levels. The weather remains mild enough for comfortable exploration, with occasional dramatic storms that transform the limestone streets into glistening pathways.

Game of Thrones filming locations become genuinely enjoyable without selfie-stick forests blocking views. Evening brings magical moments as sunset paints the terracotta rooftops gold and seafood restaurants serve fresh catches to mostly local clientele who have time for unhurried conversations with visitors.

14. Chiang Mai’s Slow Pace

Northern Thailand’s cultural capital offers a refreshing alternative to Bangkok’s chaos. Chiang Mai wraps ancient temples and artisan workshops within crumbling city walls, creating a walkable haven where spirituality and creativity flourish together.

Mornings begin with monks collecting alms through misty streets. I joined cooking classes where grandmothers shared family recipes passed through generations, then practiced meditation with monks who welcomed questions about Buddhist philosophy. Weekend markets showcase hill tribe textiles and contemporary designs from young artists reclaiming traditional techniques.

The surrounding mountains provide easy day trips to ethical elephant sanctuaries and remote villages. Evenings in Chiang Mai offer choices between traditional khantoke dinners with dance performances or contemporary fusion restaurants where young chefs reimagine Northern Thai flavors.

15. Quebec City’s Winter Charm

Embracing winter rather than escaping it transformed my perspective on cold-weather travel. Quebec City turns freezing temperatures into a cultural celebration, with the old town’s narrow streets becoming more magical under fresh snow.

The famous ice hotel offered a bucket-list overnight experience, sleeping on ice beds covered with insulated sleeping bags while northern lights occasionally danced overhead. During Carnaval, locals celebrate with ice sculptures, night parades, and outdoor activities that make visitors forget about the cold.

French influence extends beyond language to cuisine – I warmed up with decadent poutine and maple-infused everything. Historic buildings dating to the 1600s gain fairytale quality when outlined in snow, while modern Quebecois hospitality provides cozy respite in cafés serving chocolat chaud exactly when you need it most.

16. Lake Como’s Romantic Vibe

Lake Como embodies Italian romance without trying – grand villas with gardens tumbling down to crystal waters, village squares where time seems permanently paused in a more elegant era, and mountains that create a protective embrace around the wishbone-shaped lake.

Ferries connect postcard-perfect towns, each with distinct personality but shared commitment to la dolce vita. I spent lazy afternoons in Bellagio watching the interplay of light on water while sipping local wine at lakefront cafés.

Unlike Italy’s more famous destinations, Lake Como maintains authentic charm despite celebrity residents. Locals still dominate evening passeggiate (strolls), greeting neighbors while children kick soccer balls in centuries-old piazzas. The region’s silk-making heritage lives on in boutiques selling locally-produced scarves that capture the lake’s shimmering blues and greens.

17. Ljubljana’s Hidden Gem Status

Slovenia’s capital remains Europe’s best-kept secret – a pedestrian-friendly wonderland where dragon statues guard bridges and riverside cafés overflow with locals enjoying unhurried conversations. The city center has been car-free for years, creating a relaxed atmosphere where children play freely in squares dominated by Baroque architecture.

Ljubljana Castle provides panoramic views across red-tiled rooftops to distant Alps. The central market transforms into an open-air food festival on summer evenings, with local chefs preparing street food using ingredients purchased that morning.

Slovenian cuisine blends influences from neighboring Italy, Austria, and the Balkans into something uniquely delicious. The compact size makes Ljubljana perfect for exploration on foot, with unexpected discoveries around every corner – from hidden courtyards housing artist workshops to tiny wine bars specializing in the country’s excellent but little-exported vintages.

18. Kyoto Again, Always

Returning to Kyoto feels like visiting an old friend who reveals new secrets with each meeting. This ancient capital rewards repeat visitors who venture beyond famous sites to discover neighborhood shrines where locals pray before work and family-run restaurants serving regional specialties for generations.

My third visit coincided with autumn’s maple season, when temple gardens transform into impressionist paintings of red and gold. I found myself drawn repeatedly to Arashiyama’s bamboo forest at dawn, when morning light filters through swaying stalks before tour buses arrive.

The city’s commitment to preserving traditions creates immersive cultural experiences – from tea ceremonies conducted by practitioners trained for decades to artisan workshops where traditional crafts continue unchanged for centuries. Kyoto never exhausts its capacity to surprise and delight, no matter how many times you walk its ancient streets.