My Top Ten Favourite Countries (1 to 5)

Cambodia has a special place in my heart. I first visited in late 2010 when I travelled through northern Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. I loved it and wanted to go back! In 2012 I took a sabbatical and chose to volunteer in Cambodia. I lived in Phnom Penh for two months working at an orphanage for several disabled children and HIV positive children who had been abandoned by their family. I then worked for a marine conservation charity on the island of Koh Rong for a month. I spent my evenings and weekends exploring the local areas as well as other parts of the country. The most wonderful thing about Cambodia is the people. They’re so friendly, warm and welcoming despite the relatively recent horrific suffering they experienced at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.

Phnom Penh has plenty to see and do such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, “The Killing Fields”, Tonle Sap Lake and the Chong Kneas. It’s a busy city but a lot less frenetic than somewhere like Bangkok. Angkor Wat is surely one of the most famous (and most visited) sights in the world. It’s possible to escape the crowds by visiting very early and there are loads of smaller temples to explore. Smaller towns such as Battambang, Kep, Kampot and Kampong Cham are worth visiting and then there are the beaches of Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem for some chill out time.

2.Italy

I have to admit that Italian cuisine would probably be top of my list of reasons why I love the country. Think of all the delicious pasta, risotto, pizza, ragu, arancini, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and not forgetting the wine (Sangiovese, Grillo, Pinot Grigio, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo) – heaven!

Closely followed by food would be the history, culture and architecture in the cities, especially Rome. So many famous sights – The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, I could go on. So much history. So many photo opportunities. I’ve loved visiting smaller cities such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Bologna and Palermo and had an equally great time in these places. I’ve also enjoyed the beaches / coast at Sorrento, Capri and Cinque Terre, the picturesque landscapes and hilltop villages of Tuscany, rolling hills covered with vineyards in Emilia Romagna and farm stays in the Sicilian countryside.

3.Mexico

There may be a theme emerging as I think food and drink is also one of the best things about Mexico! Loads of freshly made dishes (and nothing like Tex-Mex) such as tacos, mole, tamales, enchiladas, plenty of avocados and of course Tequila and Mezcal.

I had always wanted to see Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan sites and it didn’t disappoint, although overall I think Palenque was probably my favourite Mayan site that I visited. The history and culture, especially of the Mayans and Aztecs, is so different to my own and I found it fascinating. All the Mayan sites I went to were impressive in their own way. I loved the towns and cities too – Mexico City is a massive, crazy city with lots to see (but nightmare traffic), and I especially liked Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and Campeche. At the end of my trip I spent a day relaxing on the beach on the Riviera Maya which was beautiful (but not authentic Mexico for me).

4.Japan

I’ve travelled extensively around Asia, visiting Japan last year (2019) and can confirm that it really is very different from anywhere else. A large part of this is due to the Edo period where the country was in self-isolation from the rest of the world and any external influences for over 250 years.

As expected, Tokyo is a mega-city and very full on. The size of it is mind-boggling (you get a bit of an idea from the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower with views across the city all the way to Mount Fuji). There’s such a contrast between the ultra-modern of Tokyo and the ancient temples of Kyoto. Always stunningly beautiful, they’re a glimpse into Japanese history and culture. I loved seeing all the art – gorgeous ceramics, paintings, drawings, woodwork, calligraphy, kimonos etc. The Japanese people are very polite and respectful, they love to follow rules and etiquette and have structure and precision in so many aspects of life. It was captivating to watch things like a traditional tea ceremony and I feel it helps to explain how the Tokyo Metro can function so efficiently in a city with approaching 40 million people. Again I have to mention the delicious food and drink. Such a lot of choice and very tasty (and surprisingly affordable), plus where else in the world can you eat bright green KitKats?!

5.India

India can be a crazy place, travel can be very hard going and the poverty is upsetting however it’s also an incredible country. I’ve been five times and there is still so much more for me to see and experience.

Both Kerala and Goa in the south are very beautiful and are much more relaxed and easy going so I think they would be good for a first visit to India. I didn’t do this – I arrived in Delhi by myself before joining a group tour a few days later which was definitely not an easy option but certainly an experience.

I had wanted to see The Taj Mahal for years (it’s on the front cover of a book I got as a present when I was younger entitled “Wonders of the World”) and the first time you catch sight of it is unforgettable. Varanasi was one of my favourite cities on my first trip to India and I also enjoyed a few days spent sailing along the river Ganges. The state of Rajasthan in northern India is surprisingly colourful despite there being a lot of desert. The forts and palaces are imposing and often beautifully decorated with tiles, carvings, frescos and stained glass. You can also stay in converted palaces giving you the opportunity to experience what life might have been like for the Maharajas in the past.