10 Best Places to Visit in 2024

As I reviewed all the places I’ve traveled in my life, there are a few cities and countries that stood out among the others. This post is the best of the best; places I would go back to in a heartbeat!

There are an overwhelming amount of choices when picking a new destination. Whether you want an island vacation, an adventurous road trip, or are interested in visiting a country you’ve never been to before, this list has something for everyone.

I hope you find your next destination for 2024!

This post contains affiliate links that earn me a commission. For more information, read my disclaimer.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu remains its first spot on my list of best places I’ve ever visited. Although it is a Greek island, it’s vastly different than the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, etc.) and is located between Italy and Albania.

Corfu Town was built by the Venetians and looks like a small Italian town. It has cobblestone streets among warm-toned buildings.

There are tons of incredible beaches around the entire island and the water is crystal clear. I’ve yet to visit a place with better food than Corfu! Not only are the restaurants inexpensive, but their restaurants are top-notch.

If you like to swim in the sea, seek out great food, appreciate places with rich history, and like to have some adventure, add Corfu to your list!

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit Corfu

Corfu is one of the most lush and green Greek islands due to the amount of rain it gets every year. This means fall and winter are not ideal times to visit unless you want rain and colder weather!

May through September is the best time to visit Corfu for warm weather and sunshine. We visited in June and it was between 90-100ºF the whole time we were there. July and August are typically just as hot as June, with the shoulder months—May and September—being slightly cooler.

Where to Stay in Corfu

If you do not plan to rent a car, Corfu Town or Paleokastritsa are the best areas to stay. Corfu Town is the main area of the island, with tons of shops, great restaurants, and the airport.

Paleokastritsa is on the other side of the island from Corfu Town and has larger hotels. It is a more commercial and touristy area, but that’s because some of the most gorgeous beaches are in this area!

For a full guide to all the villages in Corfu, read my post: Where to Stay in Corfu.

Top 3 Things to Do in Corfu

1. Visit the Beaches

There is no shortage of gorgeous beaches in Corfu! Some of my favorites are Rovinia Beach and La Grotta. For a full list, visit my 10 Best Beaches in Corfu blog post.

2. Eat All the Food

Corfu has some of the most exceptional food I have ever eaten, and it’s at budget prices. Every restaurant we went to had fresh, high-quality dishes! They even have a Michelin-star restaurant. I compiled a list of the best places to eat in Corfu all around the island.

3. Explore the History

Many historical sites throughout Corfu give insight into the different eras of people who lived there. A few historical places to visit I recommend are the Achilleion Palace, Old Fortress, New Fortress, and Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

How to Get Around in Corfu

We rented an adorable small car from Corfu Xplore Car Hire and loved it! The drivers are a bit aggressive, but I found it easy to drive around the island. If you are from a non-European country, you may need to get an international license to rent a car. I had to get one since I am from the United States. 

I would not recommend renting an ATV or anything without a roof as Corfu can get hot and it was luxurious to have A/C in the car. ATVs are also extremely dangerous.

If you do not plan to rent a car, you can get around via bus, taxi, or by boat!

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Corfu?

Greek is the main language spoken in Corfu. Every person I interacted with while there also spoke great English!

It’s helpful to understand the Greek alphabet and know a few Greek words though. Alternatively, you can download Greek language on the Google Translate app to use offline while you are there.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Corfu?

They drive on the right side of the road in Corfu. This made it easy for me to understand the road quickly as someone from the U.S. who also drives on the right side of the road!

What Plug Type to Use in Corfu?

Greece uses the Type F outlet, although Type C and E plugs will also work. These are the standard European plugs with the two rounded prongs you may be familiar with.

I recommend getting a universal adapter that works for all plugs in most places!


Santa Barbara, California

North of Los Angeles is the gorgeous town of Santa Barbara. It was once a hub for movie stars and socialites before Hollywood became what it is today. Today, it is a beautiful beach town with Spanish-style buildings, a thriving downtown, and lovely beaches.

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara

There is not a bad time to visit Santa Barbara! The weather is, for the most part, great year-round. It rarely rains and its coastal location keeps it from getting too unbearably hot.

Summers are the most popular time to visit and consequently will be the most crowded. My favorite time to visit is late fall and early winter! The sunsets are incredible, the crowds are fewer, and it’s still warm enough for shorts and a tank top at the beach.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Downtown Santa Barbara has tons of great options for hotels. Hotel Californian is one of the top luxury hotels and is right in the heart of the Funk Zone.

If you’re looking for something less expensive, check out the inns on Cabrillo Blvd.! You’ll be walking distance from the beach and close enough to walk to State Street downtown.

Whether you prefer a small-budget inn or something more luxurious, downtown Santa Barbara and the Funk Zone are the best areas to stay since you’ll be close to all the main sights and attractions!

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Santa Barbara

1. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise at the Beach

Santa Barbara’s south-facing coast lets you watch both sunrise and sunset from the beach — a unique experience on the west coast! My favorite beaches for sunset are Butterfly Beach, Leadbetter Beach, and Devereux Beach.

2. Visit a Museum or the Mission

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is one of the best natural history museums I’ve been to! There is also an incredible art museum in Santa Barbara with a great collection of artwork, including pieces from Claude Monet.

You can’t visit Santa Barbara without at least visiting the outside of the mission! They call this one Queen of Missions because of how beautiful it is. With a pink exterior and grand rose garden out front, it’s easy to see where it gets its name.

3. Stroll Around Downtown

Downtown Santa Barbara is full of great restaurants and nice shops. It’s a great place to spend some time walking around and window shopping (or actually shopping!).

If you venture into the Funk Zone—a unique area of downtown further west—you can check out the microbreweries, go wine tasting, and admire the murals throughout this area.

How to Get Around in Santa Barbara

If you stay downtown and don’t plan to venture out far, you can get away with walking or biking around. You can also easily get around with Uber or Lyft, but keep in mind surcharges can make rideshare really expensive on holidays or weekend nights.

A rental car is a great option to give you more freedom to explore all of Santa Barbara since it is somewhat spread out.

For a more unique and fun mode of transportation, book a tour that includes transportation!

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Santa Barbara?

English is the main language spoken in Santa Barbara. Since it is located in Southern California, was once owned by Mexico, and later inhabited by Spaniards, you will often come across many people who speak Spanish as well!

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Santa Barbara?

They drive on the right side of the road in Santa Barbara. The drivers here are slower than I’ve experienced elsewhere. You won’t find many people speeding on the freeway here!

What Plug Type to Use in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barabra uses the same outlet type as the rest of the U.S., which takes types A and B 120v plugs. A universal adapter will allow you to use most types of plugs in most types of outlets!


Seville, Spain

I spent two weeks exploring through Spain where I visited five different cities. Of all those cities, Seville was my favorite. The incredible architecture and great food made us wish we could have stayed for another week to fully experience it all!

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit Seville

Southern Spain has nice weather year-round, similar to southern California. We visited in February and while it was not very warm, we were never cold. Summer brings in the most tourists and it can become crowded.

Shoulder seasons, or even winter, are preferable for those who want to avoid crowds!

Keep in mind that the fountains do not usually run in winter, and the canal around Plaza de España may be empty as well (it was when we were there).

Where to Stay in Seville

The best area to stay in Seville is the heart of the historical town. You will be within walking distance of all the main attractions and restaurants and get the best local experience.

I loved the Airbnb we stayed in there because it was in such a central location.

There are also some hotels right in the center of town so you are within walking distance of everything.

 

Top Things to Do in Seville

1. Explore the Architecture

The most jaw-dropping thing about Seville is the architecture. Plaza de Espana is the most grand place and may be familiar to you since it’s been featured in many movies, TV shows, and even commercials. 

The Alcazar is another famous spot in Seville that is worth a visit. You need to purchase tickets to enter — book ahead of time to skip the line! 

Seville also has a stunning cathedral with an intricate facade that has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

2. Eat Tapas at a Local Restaurant

Restaurants in Spain are known for their tapas, which are smaller plates of food. We would order a few plates of tapas between the two of us instead of a full meal each whenever we got dinner. It was fun to try different dishes we never had before!

Go on a tapas crawl to really explore all the tapas Seville has to offer!

3. Walk Through the parks

Seville is home to beautiful parks, many with fountains and rows of orange trees. Walking through the parks or sitting on a bench is such a nice way to spend a few hours.

The orange trees were loaded with oranges when we were there in February, but the oranges were insanely sour and inedible. Still lovely to see!

How to Get Around in Seville

Many areas in the city center are pedestrian-only, so it is best to get around by walking! A taxi can take you so far before it reaches a point where cars are not allowed.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Seville?

Spanish is the main language spoken in Seville. Some people also speak English, but I took it as an opportunity to practice my Spanish skills!

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Seville?

They drive on the right side of the road in Seville.

What Plug Type to Use in Seville?

They use plug type F in Seville and the rest of Spain. The standard voltage is 230V. The universal adapter I use works in Spain.


Malta

Malta is a teeny tiny collection of islands in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily. It consists of Malta (the main and largest island), Comino, and Gozo. While most people will only be familiar with Malta, the island of Gozo is also a treasure trove of historical sites and gorgeous coastlines.

Best Places to Travel in 2024

Best Time to Visit Malta

It can be unbearable hot in Malta during summer and not all rentals will have AC. I recommend visiting in early to mid-fall for the best weather! We visited at the end of October and it was hot and sunny the entire time.

The sun also isn’t as strong later in the year, so the risk of sunburn goes down since the UV is lower.

Where to Stay in Malta

Stay on the main island of Malta since there is more to explore! You can easily spend a night or two in Gozo if you want to have enough time to see everything on that island.

We stayed in Valletta which was nice because it was near the airport, had ferries and boats on either side of the city, and is the main town center on the island.

Valletta is the beautiful capital of Malta and the heart of the city is all pedestrian-only. It’s lively at night and has a rich culture. If you’ve been to Italy, then Valletta will feel very familiar to you.

 

Top 3 Things to Do in Malta

1. Mdina - King’s Landing (Malta)

Malta is known for its many Game of Thrones filming locations. Mdina is a city that was used as a filming location for King’s Landing!  The front gates will be very recognizable to fellow Game of Thrones fans as the main entrance to King’s Landing. 

The city itself is fully enclosed by tall walls and is like a maze inside. You can visit the Natural History Museum, check out the photographable blue door, and get lost walking through the streets.

You can book a full-day tour of Malta, which includes a visit to Mdina and lunch!

2. Azure Window (Gozo)

The Azure Window was once a rock arch that has since fallen into the sea during a storm. The cliffs here are still a popular and beautiful spot to visit where you can look out over the deep blue sea.

This is yet another Game of Thrones filming location — it’s where Daenerys and Khal Drogo get married!

If you want to explore all of Gozo in a day, book a full-day private tour of the island!

3. Take a Traditional Maltese Boat (Malta)

To the southeast of Valletta is the Three Cities, named for the three jetty-like pieces of land that are each their own city. From Valletta, you can take a traditional Maltese boat to the Three Cities.

While the boats were once operated with only oars, they are now suited with motors for a much faster ride across the sea.

How to Get Around in Malta

Malta was one of the most challenging countries to get around in my experience. The public transportation system is mostly just buses, which are not very fast or reliable.

Many areas of Malta are spread out and not walkable from city to city unless you’re willing to walk over 20 miles (12 km) per day.

The best way we found to get around is to use Bolt, the European rideshare app. It is less expensive than Uber and there are tons of Bolt drivers in Malta. You can also use the eCabs app to hail taxis.

The drivers here drive erratically and fast and are incredibly impatient. Although I am comfortable driving, I would have been stressed sharing the road with these drivers.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Malta?

Malta has a mix of different languages, but the main ones spoken are Maltese and English. About 88% of the population speaks English, mostly as a second language.

Since Malta was a Crown Colony of England until 1964, there is a great deal of English influence in Malta and many English tourists.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Malta?

Like England, people in Malta drive on the left side of the road. Between the erratic local drivers and driving on the other side of the road, that was enough for me to opt out of renting my own car and driving myself around.

What Plug Type to Use in Malta?

Malta outlets use the type G plugs, which is the same kind of outlet in England. They do not use the standard European plugs you will find in other European countries. My universal adapter worked like a charm here!


London, United Kingdom

I couldn’t leave London off this list as it has become one of my favorite cities in the world. There is so much to see and do, the public transportation is superb, and London can be visited on a budget.

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit London

London has more defined seasons than other places on this list. It has freezing winters and warm summers.

I’ve visited in fall, winter, and summer, so I’ve experienced a range of seasons in London! Fall was by far the best time because the weather was not too warm and not too cold, the leaves started to change to vibrant red and oranges, and I didn’t get much rain (this could range).

You will also have significantly fewer tourists in the fall season, meaning shorter lines to museums, fewer people on public transport, and overall a more enjoyable experience.

In summer, I was there during an unusual heat wave where temperatures reached over 90ºF. Winter was blistering cold and rainy. I still had an amazing time during each visit! It’s all about being prepared for the season.

Where to Stay in London

There are many different neighborhoods throughout London with different attractions in each one. When I stayed in Kensington, I found that the location was great for hopping on the tube or bus and walking to restaurants and museums.

You could also stay in the City of London or Covent Garden to be near other main attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Sky Garden, and the National Gallery.

 

Top Things to Do in London

1. Visit the Museums

The vast majority of museums in London are completely free. It’s easy to fill multiple days with just museum visits, meaning a full day of activities that don’t cost anything!

Some of my favorite museums are the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Museum.

2. Admire the Architecture

London has a wide array of incredible architecture to explore. Visit recognizable landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben Clock Tower, explore the ruins of a church at St. Dunstan-in-the-East, or walk across one of the many famous bridges like Tower Bridge.

3. Grab Fish and Chips at a Pub

There’s a strong pub culture in London and pubs on almost every corner. Hop in to grab a beer and some fish & chips for a quintessential London meal.

How to Get Around in London

The best thing about London, besides free museums, is the public transportation! You can easily get around by walking, but the tube (metro) and buses are quick, reliable, and easy to use.

I buy an Oyster card at the airport once I land and usually add £20-30 to it. You can then use this card to get onto the tube and buses by tapping it on the readers. You can also use Apple Pay for these readers!

The tube maps are easy to read and follow — you just need to know which stop you want to get off at. If you won’t have service, I recommend making a list on your phone of the activities you want to do and which tube stop is closest to them.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in London?

English! London is pretty diverse, so you will hear different languages and accents, but everyone you come across will likely speak English as that is the official language.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in London?

They drive on the left-hand side of the road in London. If you’ll be walking often, you will have to get used to which way to look before you cross the street. Many crosswalks will have a  “look right” or “look left” painted on the ground as a guide.

What Plug Type to Use in London?

They use Type G plugs in London — the same as in Malta. These are also called the “Commonwealth Plug” because of where it is used.

The universal adapter I use works great with Type G plugs!


Monument Valley, Utah

Of all the places we visited on our Southwest road trip, Monument Valley stood out as one of the most grand and incredible areas.

It’s located in The Navajo Nation, which is a Native American Reservation of Navajo people that spans between Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Monument Valley is named for its large rock formations that are monumental in size and stature.

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit Monument Valley

Being in the desert, Monument Valley is prone to extreme weather in summer and winter. We visited in the spring, and although we were there during an unusual cold snap, it was decent weather! Fall is likely also a nice time to visit for the best weather.

Where to Stay in Monument Valley

There are just a couple of places to stay within Monument Valley. We enjoyed staying at Goulding’s Lodge in one of the individual tiny homes. It was just a few minutes from the entrance to Monument Valley and near a grocery store, gas station, laundry mat, and restaurant.

If you’re planning a southwest road trip, I wrote a whole guide about where to stay on a southwest road trip that may be helpful!

 

Top Things to Do in Monument Valley

1. Take a Guided Tour

To see all that Monument Valley has to offer, a guided tour is required. Much of Monument Valley is inaccessible by private cars and you must book a tour with a Navajo guide to see it all.

We didn’t get a chance to do this on our first trip, but will book one on the next visit!

2. John Ford’s Point

Since we did not book a tour, the only area we could drive ourselves is the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop. We were short on time during our visit so didn’t do the whole loop.

The roads are extremely bumpy and all dirt, so highly recommend going in an all-wheel drive vehicle if you can.

John Ford’s Point was a really neat spot along this loop and was by far the most popular. It’s a great spot to take photos!

3. The Mittens on Valley Road

Another great spot along the Tribal Park Loop is the view of The Mittens. We stopped at a few different spots on our way out of Monument Valley to get the best viewpoint.

How to Get Around in Monument Valley

You can either drive your own car along the Tribal Park Loop or book a tour with a Navajo guide. Either option is great! I wish we had time during our trip to go with a Navajo guide and learn more about their land.

If you have time, I would recommend a tour of all the places you cannot visit on your own and then self-drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop if you have an all-wheel drive car.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Monument Valley?

Children in the Navajo Nation are taught the Navajo language the first few years of school and are then taught some English starting in third grade.

Everyone we encountered spoke perfect English. The Navajo guides who run the tours do them all in English as well.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Monument Valley?

They drive on the right side of the road in Monument Valley.

What Plug Type to Use in Monument Valley?

Monument Valley uses the standard U.S. plug, types A and B 120v plugs.


Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii and one of the smaller inhabited islands. It’s known for the lush, green Napili Coastline and tropical rainforest. It is my favorite Hawaiian island because of the lush landscape, delicious food trucks, and gorgeous beaches.

Best Places to Visit in 2024

Best Time to Visit Kauai

The reason Kauai is so green and lush is because of how much it rains here. It’s named “the Garden Isle” because of the plants that thrive in its wet climate.

Summer is the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain, although you will still get some tropical rains in summer.

Most times I’ve visited Kauai were during the summer, but I have also visited in early fall and had great weather then. There was a large rainstorm on our last day there in early October, but it was hot and sunny for the majority of the trip.

Where to Stay in Kauai

One unique thing about Kauai is that the road does not go all the way around the island. The road stops in the northwest, which means you have to drive all the way around to get to the west if you are staying in the north.

I’ve stayed in both Kapaa and Princeville and loved both of them! If you want to explore the island every day but don’t want to drive too long, Kapaa is a more central location since it is on the east side of Kauai.

If you want a more local experience and proximity to the best beaches and food, Princeville is my recommendation! We loved staying in the north shore, even though we had to drive longer distances to explore other parts of the island.

 

Top Things to Do in Kauai

1. Visit the Beaches

Kauai has gorgeous beaches throughout the entire island! A few of my favorites are Hanalei Bay and Lumahai on the north shore, Moloaa on the northeast, and Lydgate Beach on the east.

For a full list, read my 10 Best Beaches in Kauai post!

2. Eat at the Food Trucks

The best food I’ve had on the island all came from the food trucks in Hanalei. There is great food all around the entire island, but the food trucks are special!

3. Explore Haena State Park

Some of the most beautiful places in Kauai are in this state park. It has lovely beaches, a rigorous hike, and taro fields, and is right next to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve.

How to Get Around in Kauai

A rental car is necessary if you want to explore the island at all. It’s easy to drive through Kauai, and driving is the best way to get around.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in Kauai?

Hawaii locals speak a wide range of languages, including Hawaiian, Tagalog, and Japanese. Most locals you will come across at the restaurants, shops, etc. speak English as well.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Kauai?

They drive on the right side of the road in Kauai — the same as the rest of the U.S.

What Plug Type to Use in Kauai?

Kauai uses the standard U.S. plug Types A and B, 120v.


San Francisco Bay Area, California

There is so much more to the Bay Area than San Francisco! From the dreamy city of Sausalito to the charming city of San Mateo to the mountains of the East Bay, there is no shortage of places to explore here.

Best Places to Stay in 2024

Best Time to Visit the Bay Area

If you’re visiting the coastal areas, late summer and early fall are the best times to visit for nice weather and less fog. It’s also slightly less crowded during this time once all the summer tourists have left.

Where to Stay in the Bay Area

The Bay Area is LARGE and where you stay completely depends on which areas you want to visit.

San Francisco is the most popular place to stay if you’re visiting this area for the first time.

San Mateo is a bit more central if you plan to road trip to different cities during your visit, but there isn’t as much to do there.

 

Top Things to Do in the Bay Area

1. Visit Filoli Historic House & Garden

My top recommendation in the Bay Area is to visit Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside, CA, next to San Mateo. It’s a gorgeous estate with manicured gardens that change seasonally.

It’s truly just the most beautiful place in the Bay Area and feels like you’re in Europe.

2. Spend a Day in San Francisco and Sausalito

I know I said there is more to the Bay Area than San Francisco, and there is, but if this is your first time in California or the Bay Area you cannot skip the city.

It has art museums, parks, gardens, beaches, and the famous views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Walk, bike, or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach Sausalito. It’s a smaller city, but is right on the water and also has beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge that connects it to San Francisco.

3. Go to the Art Museums

The Bay Area is home to some of the best art museums in the world. Their collections range from paintings by the masters to modern art installations and everything in between.

A few of my favorite art museums are the Legion of Honor and De Young Museum in San Francisco, The Haagen Museum in Stockton, and the Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford University.

How to Get Around in the Bay Area

BART is the metro that connects cities throughout the Bay Area. It’s a great option for getting between cities if you’re planning to explore.

If you really want to see the Bay Area and all it has to offer, renting a car is more convenient if you’re comfortable driving in the Bay Area (there is more traffic and aggressive drivers than you may be used to).

Rideshare like Uber and Lyft are also prominent throughout the Bay Area and can get you to most places.

Know Before You Go

What Language do they speak in the Bay Area?

The Bay Area is incredibly diverse and you will hear dozens of different languages. The main language spoken is English and the majority of people speak it here.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in the Bay Area?

They drive on the right side of the road in the Bay Area.

What Plug Type to Use in the Bay Area?

Like the rest of the U.S. locations on this list, they use Type A and B plugs in the Bay Area.


Sydney, Australia

Australia is a large country with a great selection of different cities and towns that all offer their own unique things.

If you’re visiting for the first time, Sydney is a perfect place to start. It’s a large city with lots to do, plenty of places to eat, and an array of unique-to-Sydney attractions.

Best Places to Stay in 2024

Best Time to Visit Sydney

Australia is in the southern hemisphere, which means their seasons are opposite of what us northern hemisphere people experience. Our summers are their winters; our spring is their fall.

December through February is summer in Sydney, which means you can swap winter for summer if you live in the northern hemisphere and visit during this time.

I visited in our summer, their winter, so the weather was cooler. I was delighted to find that the days were mostly still sunny and crowds were fewer since it was the off-season for Australia.

Where to Stay in Sydney

Stay in the heart of downtown Sydney so you’re conveniently within walking distance of all the main attractions and restaurants!

I highly recommend the Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circle Quay. The location is central to the harbor, opera house, and bridge, as well as nearby great restaurants. We loved our stay here!

A few other nice hotels in the same area are the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Sebel Quay West Suites Syndey, and Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney MGallery

 

Top Things to Do in Sydney

1. Walk on Sydney Harbour Bridge

You can get some amazing views from the bridge, including an overlook of the Sydney Opera House! There’s a pedestrian walkway across the entire bridge that is flanked with chain link fencing for safety.

We walked from the south end to the north end, but you can walk either way!

2. Take the Ferry Across the Bay

There are fast ferries that you can take across the bay from Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach. It’s only a 20-minute ride with stunning views. They also have wifi and a bar on board!

3. Visit Bondi Beach

The trendy beach town of Bondi is a popular tourist destination! There are tons of restaurants along the beach, a few different coastal walks (we did the one from Bondi to Coogee), and the famous Bondi Icebergs Club pool right on the water.

Find more things to do in Sydney!

How to Get Around in Sydney

We got around using Taxis and Rideshare, which was easy to do in Sydney since it’s a big city. For the most part, everything we wanted to do was walking distance from the hotel!

You can walk to most places easily, take the ferry across the bay, or get a rideshare/taxi to venture out a bit further.

Know Before You Go

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Sydney?

They drive on the left side of the road in Sydney and the rest of Australia!

What Language do they speak in Sydney?

English is the main language spoken in Australia.

What Plug Type to Use in Sydney?

Australia outlets use Type I plugs. The universal adapter I recommend works for these as well!


Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a gorgeous city full of unique architecture, amazing art museums, and delicious food.

It’s located on the northeastern coast of Spain and is home to some of the most famous buildings in the world!

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Spain is lovely year-round! Although Barcelona is in the north, it was still beautiful and sunny weather in early February when we visited.

Summers are hot and crowded, but winter is less crowded and accommodations are more affordable. Spring and Fall are also great seasons to visit!

Any time you visit will likely be great, but I recommend a shoulder season instead of mid-summer.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

We stayed at a lovely hotel called Praktik Bakery. It’s located above a full bakery where you’ll wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread!

In the morning they have a nice breakfast spread full of freshly baked pastries, croissants, and bread. The rooms are beautifully decorated and luxurious.

The location was great as well! We were within walking distance from all of the main attractions.

Top Things to Do in Barcelona

Explore Park Güell

Gaudi was a famous architect who is known for his organic, unique style. You can find the best display of his work at Gaudi Park in Barcelona!

It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with gardens and architectural displays at the top of a hill. 

Visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

This large art museum has an impressive collection of art which varies from Picasso sketches to Alphonse Mucha paintings and everything in between.

The grand front steps are a great spot to take photos, and the top of them is a great spot to watch the sunset at the end of the day.

Explore the Architecture

Barcelona is arguably most famous for its unique and eccentric architecture. It’s a paradise for people who love architecture!

You can find it throughout the city, including the famous La Sagrada Familia, buildings designed by Gaudi like Casa Batlló, and Mercat de Santa Caterina.

How to Get Around in Barcelona

If you stay in an area that is nearby the main attractions, it’s easy to walk around everywhere! For getting to and from the airport, a taxi is the best option.

What Language do they speak in Barcelona?

They speak Catalan in Barcelona! Even if you speak Spanish, you may still struggle to understand Catalan as it’s more different than I expected.

Which Side of the Road Do They Drive On in Barcelona?

They drive on the right side of the road in Barcelona.

What Plug Type to Use in Barcelona?

They use plug type F in Barcelona. The standard voltage is 230V. The universal adapter I use works in Spain.


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Kessler

I’m a travel blogger and photographer from the San Francisco Bay Area, splitting my time between there and Santa Barbara. I love to share comprehensive guides about my travels, with a focus on all things sun, sea, and beach! When I’m not exploring new destinations (probably somewhere by the coast), I love being home with my husband and two fluffy kitties, Captain Jack and Sparrow.

https://www.kesslerelsewhere.com
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