When I was 18, I signed up for a college class that involved a trip to Ghana. That visit sparked my motivation to visit as many countries as possible, as soon as possible.
By prioritizing travel at a young age, I’ve been able to experience incredible adventures, personal growth, and cultural education across nearly 100 countries at 26 years old.
Here are 10 places I think everyone should have on their travel bucket lists.
My trip to Ghana inspired my love for travel.
Sleeping under a mosquito net on the mud floor of a local’s home was the pivot point that turned my travel curiosity into a mission to discover different ways of living in every corner of the world.
I found it so easy to share a smile, join a dance, and bond with people raised in a completely different cultural and economic environment.
Ghana offered so much contrast between the warmth of its people and the darkness of its colonial history, which I think everyone can learn from.
There’s so much to love about Argentina.
From the roaring waterfalls of Iguazu to the adorable penguins in Ushuaia (the southernmost city in the world), Argentina has it all.
I enjoyed trekking peaks in Patagonia equally as much as dining on affordable cuts of prime steak in the historic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.
Traveling through Laos on a riverboat is an experience I’ll never forget.
Laos is well worth a visit for a journey down the mighty Mekong River. I took a slow boat for two days from Luang Prabang, the capital, to the border of Laos and Thailand.
I often think back to this experience, which allowed me to immerse myself in nature as I floated by riverbanks full of rural villages. I even woke up next to elephants splashing in the river.
In my opinion, Greenland is an unmissable destination.
On the world’s largest island, which has no connecting roads, I traveled by sailboat from one small fishing settlement to another.
Witnessing the resilience of East Greenland’s remote native community living in such inhospitable conditions is something I’ll always remember as a testament to human survival skills.
With a chance to see the northern lights, gaze at glaciers, and climb mountains, Greenland makes for an unmissable destination.
French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
There are a lot of beautiful islands in the world, but to me, nothing beats the lush green mountains and sparkling turquoise waters of French Polynesia.
As a territory of France, these islands gave me the unique opportunity to munch on tasty croissants and even go for a night of fondue — all while underneath palm trees.
Malaysia is one of my top travel recommendations.
When I brainstorm travel recommendations, Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the island of Penang, and the streets of Malacca always come to mind.
The intermixing of Hindu temples, stunning skyscrapers, and colorful street art captured my attention at every turn.
In my opinion, Malaysian cuisine also stands out. A noodle dish called char kway teow, which is very popular in the country, is my favorite meal in the entire world.
Getting a freshly made plate from the wok of a street vendor is an experience my taste buds have remembered for years.
There’s so much to do in South Africa.
My time in South Africa was filled with so much diversity that I could hardly believe I was still in the same country.
I experienced everything from safari game drives and scuba diving with sharks, to memorable museums about the country’s complex history from the apartheid and colonial eras.
Every day was a new adventure, and I came home with powerful new perspectives.
There’s more to Mexico than the popular tourist spots.
Although many tourists flock to Cancún, the lesser-visited parts of Mexico deserve a visit, too.
Beyond its sun-kissed coastlines, I love Mexico’s culture-rich cities, like Oaxaca, which boasts some of the best meals I’ve ever had, and, arguably, the best Día de los Muertos celebrations.
I have so many great memories from my trip to Morocco.
The taste of sweet mint tea, the sound of a bustling medina, and the sight of the sunrise in the Sahara desert are just a few key memories I have of Morocco.
The country’s hospitable culture, rich history, artisan crafts, tasty cuisine, and stunning architecture made me sure I’d visit again before I had even left.
Norway is truly stunning.
No landscape I’ve seen compares to awe-inspiring cliffs bordering the sea in the fjords of Norway.
A view from Reinebringen, a popular but difficult hike in the Lofoten Island archipelago, has been my phone lock screen for the past three years, simply because I want to remind myself of this majestic beauty on a daily basis.
Walking amid towering cliffs that make you feel small is the best way to remind yourself how big the world really is.
The post I’m 26 and have traveled to nearly 100 countries. These 10 places should absolutely be on your radar. appeared first on Business Insider.
