Throughout my life, I have had the privilege and pleasure of visiting some amazing places with family and friends. Over the past decade, travel has become an integral part of my life, and I always jump on the opportunity to fly (or drive) to a new destination, be it near or far. As I have just entered my 20s (wow, am I old!), I want to share some of my favorite cities with you and list some of the places I hope to visit during this new phase of my life. I’ve got a serious case of wanderlust, and I hope you will too after reading these thoughts of mine about the places I love!

1. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

This town lies in the south of France, in the region called Provence. St. Rémy is an exquisite place to visit in France if you’re looking for a destination besides Paris (another one of my favorite places!) because the town lies in the middle of a beautiful countryside and features delicious dining options, boutiques, and trails for bicycling, walking, or running. I got to stay in an old manor that had been converted into a hotel, and to be immersed in the history of the city was amazing. I hope to visit again soon, and I hope you will too!

2. Florence, Italy

During my senior year of high school, I went on a class trip to Italy. We visited Rome and Florence, and while I think that both cities are beautiful, historical, and magical, Florence stood out to me. It is smaller than Rome and is therefore more manageable for a student traveler or tourist who might be traveling alone (and slightly overwhelmed by a new place). I loved taking morning runs through the streets around the hotel, finding hidden gelato stands around most every corner, and exploring the churches and historical sites throughout the city. Florence is a perfect city for anyone looking for a small taste of Italian culture and history.

3. London, England

I may be slightly biased in writing about London because I’m a sucker for royal history, Harry Potter, and British literature. But I promise you that this large, bustling historical and cultural hub is well worth a visit. There are museums to walk through, parks to admire, old royal residences and sites to discover, and pubs for dining (shepherd’s pie, yum!). This city should be on everyone’s list because of the centrality of it within Europe and the world in general, but I definitely recommend taking the train to some of the surrounding towns and countryside to experience what British life is like from multiple perspectives. I hope to study abroad in Bath next fall, and so I’ll get back to you about my experiences there just as soon as I can!

4. Quebec, Canada

My parents actually forced me to embark upon a five-day-long biking excursion through the Canadian countryside in the summer following my freshman year of high school. And let me tell you that I am so glad that I got to take part in that journey. I spent a few nights within the city of Quebec itself (and got to practice my French), and then we took off (by bicycle!) through the surrounding countryside. The region was beautiful, filled with sprawling fields, peppered with gorgeous flora, and featuring what quickly became my favorite food: poutine (think French fries, gravy, and cheese). Canada is huge, and I hope to visit other regions within the country. But historical Quebec and the area around it are all I’ve seen and remain in my memory as some of the most amazing places I have ever been!

5. Highlands, North Carolina

This little town is much closer to home for me than any of these other destinations, but I don’t want to overlook this beautiful place that lies just hours away from me by car. I have spent time at the lovely Inn at Half Mile Farm with my family once when I was much younger, on the way to summer camp, and just this past summer before my sophomore year of college. The inn is a beautiful old home that has been repurposed into a homey bed and breakfast, and it is surrounded by the beautiful North Carolina forest and a lake (with canoes and kayaks). I love nature and beautiful scenery, and so I recommend this inn for your stay. In the town of Highlands, there are several restaurants that serve all varieties of food, and there are many boutiques and other stores to satisfy your shopping needs. Give Highlands a visit with friends or family, and enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds you!

Here are some more places I hope to visit (let me know if I’m missing any!): Scotland, Normandy, Spain, Prague, and Vienna

Safe travels, everyone!