Reasons to Return: My Top 5 Destinations

View of V&A Waterfront in Cape Town South Africa from the water

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Everyone has their reasons for lusting over that dream vacation destination; white sand beaches, culture, history, shopping. The reasons are endless. But what’s the point of returning to somewhere you’ve already visited? It’s a question I’ve only recently considered. I fell in love with my #1 on this list so it made sense that I would want to revisit it, but when I sat down to write this list I was surprised to find every place I’ve ever visited coming to mind with a valid reason to return…

 

Eiffel Tower in the Distance

Paris

Reason: Second Chance

Paris was cold, grey, and uninviting when I visit in early August of this year; the opposite of the romantic notions I had my heart set on. To be fair, it was a quick day and half jaunt through a major European city. I knew I was going to be missing out on a lot of what earned Paris its reputation. The Eiffel Tower was awe-inspiring and mass at Notre-Dame de Paris was spiritually moving but I left questioning why I had left wonderful London for bleak Paris. Even writing this, I feel like those memories are all wrong. I owe it to Paris to return and give it a second chance. I want it to live up to the beautiful city other travelers tell me about and that I see on TV and in the movies.

Costa Rica Palm Trees

Costa Rica

Reason: Unfinished business

Although I have not been fortunate enough to discover Costa Rica‘s underwater wonders, I have been blessed to enjoy its beaches, play in its surf, and explore its rainforests on two separate occasions all before graduating high school. It was here where cousins became friends, I tested my adventurous side, and grew as traveler. I want to return to experience diving the Pura Vida way, try  a surfing lesson, and push my limits zip-lining through the rainforest.

Big Ben in Busy London

London, England

Reason: City Crush

I know it has nothing to do the water, but I would return to London in a heart beat. There is so much to do in this city that I have difficulty comprehending how anyone could not like it. Yummy food, castles, gorgeous green spaces, and Harry Potter; there something for every sensibility. Offering the perfect mix of history and whimsy, it is right up my alley. After only a week there, I feel like returning would be like catching up with an old friend. Maybe I could dive at the aquarium to get my water fix?

Fort Jefferson

Florida Keys, USA

Reason: Convenience & Fun

I love the Florida Keys for their breezy, fun atmosphere and the simple fact that there is not a place in the keys that I cannot sense the salt air that enlivens my soul. This is why, along with its closeness to home, I keep going back.

I cannot pick a single key for this list because each key offers something different to its visitors. Key Largo offers the wonders of John Pennekamp with hiking, diving, snorkeling, and glass bottom boat rides. It is one of the more low key keys, which can be just what the doctor ordered when slipping away for a quick weekend away from the “real world”. Islamorada is a must as you travel south for the Islamorada Fish Company; fantastic fresh seafood served with an island ambiance. I would be amiss if I forgot Key West. Known for its partying and shopping, it still makes the most of the turquoise waters surrounding it by offering a plethora of world class water sports and experiences for its visitors. I love doing the dolphin tours to see the resident dolphins frolicking in the wild. And finally a boat ride off of Key West will take you to the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson . This is some of the best diving in the keys in my book and Fort Jefferson is fun, historical, and offers a day at the beach with some of the nicest, most convenient snorkeling in the keys.

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

Reason: Love

To this day, I still have difficulty articulating the deep affection that quickly seeded itself in my heart for South Africa and Cape Town in particular. This city represents an amazing harmony of the natural and man made; offering the best of a buzzing metropolis along side breath taking views and natural attractions.

By land, there are Table Mountain National Park, Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach with its wild penguin population. And for those brave enough to power through the chilling water there is surfing and of course diving; cage diving with great whites, reveling with sea lions, and exploring kelp forests alongside seven gill sharks. I am constantly threatening my mom that I am going to move to Cape Town when life here in Florida quits working for me; and part of me really wishes I could pull the trigger and do it anyway.

I was nominated for this post by  Samantha at Wonderlust and Lipstick to write this article as part of the booked.net – Top Destinations to Go There  and the name of the game is to nominate five other bloggers to participate. On that note, I would like to nominate Liz at Here to Conquer, Hannah at HanWanderlust, Megan at Far and Far Away, Emily at Let’s Roam Wild, and Rika at Cubicle Throwdown.

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