I’ve been to 45 countries and think every traveler should add these 5 incredible places to their bucket list

From studying abroad in Amsterdam to interning in Eswatini and road-tripping across Arizona, I’ve been lucky enough to study, work, travel, volunteer, or live in 45 countries across six continents.

However, there are five countries that truly wowed me and keep me coming back for more. Here are the countries I think every traveler should add to their bucket list.

There’s something for everyone in Vietnam.

Although many visitors to Southeast Asia will visit places like Thailand and Bali, I highly suggest checking out Vietnam.

In my opinion, the country offers something for everyone. For nature that will wow you, check out the limestone cliffs of Hạ Long Bay or the rice fields in Sapa.

You can also relax on the beaches in Hội An and then head to the Old Town for cooking classes and custom-made clothing. Enjoy the hustle and bustle — plus awesome coffee culture — in Hanoi and Saigon.

From the urban to the adventurous, I found lots to do in Vietnam and found it to be less crowded and more affordable than other places I’ve visited.

The landscapes in New Zealand blew me away.

For natural landscapes that will truly take your breath away, I recommend visiting New Zealand. When my husband and I visited, we rented a car so we could see the country at our own pace.

From geothermal attractions like hot springs and mud pools of the North Island to the fjords, mountains, and glaciers of the South Island, it’s hard to find a view in New Zealand that isn’t stunning.

I also appreciate there’s an expectation that visitors protect the country’s natural environment, in line with the indigenous Māori peoples’ beliefs.

I was completely charmed by Slovenia.

Slovenia is a small country sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria. Although many tourists typically flock to these neighboring countries, Slovenia seemed blissfully less crowded when I visited.

There’s also so much to see and do there. For starters, there’s the postcard-perfect Lake Bled, with an idyllic church on an island in the middle of the water. Lake Bohinj is also nearby, which I found to be even more beautiful.

The capital city, Ljubljana, is charming, too, with a castle on the hill, a meandering river through town, pedestrian markets, and a dragon as the city mascot.

Elsewhere in Slovenia, you can find everything from gorges and caves to waterfalls, vineyards, and beaches.

My home country of Canada gives visitors lots to choose from.

As a Canadian, I’m a bit biased, but I strongly believe my home country should be on every travel itinerary, as there’s a little bit of everything to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a big city with lots of international cuisine and nightlife options, pick Toronto. However, if you’re looking for a city with a European feel and a distinct culture, opt for Montreal.

Into nature? Take a road trip around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia to see some fall foliage or hike up mountains in Banff and Jasper.

Or for a taste of the sea, mountains, and city — sometimes all in the same day — there’s no better place than my hometown of Vancouver.

Sweden is perfect for escaping hot summers.

With Europe experiencing increasingly hot summers — summer 2024 was the hottest on record — I like to spend my holiday up north in Sweden for what some are calling a “coolcation.”

Stockholm is cool — both literally and figuratively. There, you can stroll through the Royal Palace, visit museums dedicated to Viking ships, photography, or Abba, and take in the “world’s longest art gallery,” also known as the city’s subway system.

You can also fly north to Swedish Lapland to connect with nature, learn about the indigenous Sami people, and spot a reindeer (they outnumber the people).

No matter where you are in Sweden, always make time for a Fika (coffee and snack break).

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