As we close out the 2010s I’ve been reflecting a lot on my top 10 travel destinations of the decade. WOW! I’m so grateful for all the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, the growth I’ve tackled and the adventures I’ve accomplished. Biggest lesson: Travel is a choice. And over the last 10 years I chose to prioritize and build my life around travel because of its intoxicating ability to make me feel alive and to broaden my perspective of what it means to be a global citizen. I’m thankful for my epic, impactful and memorable travels. Here’s a look at my Top 10 Travel Destinations of the 2010 Decade:
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Attending the Yi Peng Lantern Festival was a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list, dream-come-true experience that is beautiful, powerful and spiritual beyond words. It should be a must on every traveler’s future top 10 travel destinations!
2. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Hiking Ciudad Perdida – the “Lost City” of Colombia – in 2012 reignited my passion for international travel after years of being focused on building a life in LA… and the rest is history!
3. Berlin, Germany
Falling in love in a city is rare for me, but boy did I fall hard for Berlin’s energy, nightlife, history, Christmas markets and culture that promotes freedom of expression.
4. Pulau Tiga, Borneo
Growing up in the Midwest I was inspired by a reality-TV show to travel the world, so it brought tears to my eyes visiting the origins of that childhood inspiration and realizing I turned my dream into my reality.
5. Mürren-Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Out of all my thrill-seeking adventures the scariest has been hiking and hanging off the side of a sheer cliff thousands of feet above ground unsupervised on a via ferrata.
6. South Africa
I’ve never felt more connected to Mother Nature than during my first trip to Africa which included my first ever safari with Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, cage diving with great whites and leaping off the world’s highest bridge bungee jump.
7. Torres del Paine, Chile
Trekking solo on the W trek Patagonia was one of the most physically demanding and mentally exhausting experiences of my life that allowed me to prove to myself how strong I really am. Definitely a top 10 travel destinations must.
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
I’ve never been prouder of my Italian heritage than experiencing the beauty of my homeland for the first time while hiking along the Cinque Terre trails that connect five small towns along the jaw-dropping Italian Riviera.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
Thanks to two trips to Zion National Park with Travel Mindset I discovered my favorite US National Park to date while hiking Observation Point, Angels Landing and The Narrows.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
One of my first solo trips of the decade, Machu Picchu is a traveler’s rite of passage that left me mind blown and more confident than ever that my passion is to travel.
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