I often get asked about my favourite travel destination, but the truth is, it's a complex question. Travel offers diverse experiences, making it impossible to choose just one. My response always depends on what aspect of travel we're discussing.
If we're talking about food, my top picks so far are Japan, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, and France. Each country's cuisine is unique and incredible. Mexico and Thailand use bold flavours and plenty of heat, creating depth through layers of aromatics, chilis, and spices. Street food is vibrant and diverse, from savoury tacos al pastor in Mexico City to fiery papaya salads in Bangkok. Japan and France, on the other hand, are known for their sophisticated culinary techniques, resulting in beautifully presented and delicious dishes, whether it's sushi and ramen in Tokyo, or the best pastries in Paris (although, I have to say, the best uni I've had in my life was in Paris!). Italy embraces simplicity, using a few high-quality ingredients to craft fresh, delightful meals like pasta carbonara in Rome or seafood risotto in Venice.
Paris, France; Photo by Jeff Rios
Paris, France; Photo by Jeff Rios
These are vast countries with immense regional diversity. In Sicily this Fall, for instance, I cannot wait to experience the birthplace of cannoli, arancini, and an endless range of pasta, seafood, and citrus dishes. Next year, I plan on embarking on a food tour to Oaxaca, Mexico, in early November to celebrate the Day of the Dead festivals and savour the region's renowned cuisine, including tlayudas, mole, and chapulines (grasshoppers). It's clear that I don't have a single favourite place, as even within a country, different regions boast distinct specialties, and experiencing them all brings me immense joy.
When it comes to wildlife, the Galapagos Islands and South Africa are particularly memorable. In the Galapagos, the unique ecosystem has led to animals that are remarkably unafraid of humans due to the lack of natural predators. You can't touch them, but they'll approach you closely if you remain still. A personal favourite was the blue-footed booby, known for its comical mating dance and striking blue feet. We were fortunate enough to spot a rare marine/land iguana hybrid. Marine iguanas are the world's only lizards capable of foraging in the ocean for algae. Snorkelling there reveals sea lions, seals, rays, reef sharks, and even hammerheads in certain areas, alongside countless fascinating fish.
Galapagos, Islands; Photo by Jeff Rios
I prefer to see animals in their natural habitats rather than in captivity, so I generally avoid zoos. South Africa provided an incredible safari experience, venturing out at dawn and dusk when the animals were most active, allowing us to observe them in their element. We witnessed a pride of lions stalking an old, scarred giraffe who had miraculously survived previous attacks. I learned that lions specialize in certain prey, and each pride, while opportunistic, tends to favour specific species.
One of my absolute favourite travel experiences was in Lucca, Italy, Puccini's hometown. While having lunch, a school band marched by, playing Puccini's music. We also attended a concert at the Chiesa di San Giovanni, a beautiful church that hosts the Lucca Summer Festival, one of the world's oldest music festivals. Different musicians perform throughout the year, honouring Puccini's work, and the festival has been running for over 100 years.
Lucca, Italy; Photo by Jeff Rios
In New Orleans, the food is amazing, and the French Quarter is constantly alive with the sounds of world-class jazz. Street musicians, pubs, and the iconic Preservation Hall offer unforgettable musical experiences. The streets are filled with music late into the night, and you can even pub crawl while enjoying drinks.
I could go on and on, but the point is that my favourite places are those with good people, food, music, art, or nature. Travel is about exploration, and that's why I seek out new festivals, markets, and experiences worldwide.
Interested in experiencing your new favourite trip? The Sicily-Malta tour embarking in September is calling your name! Contact lyle@trudentravel.com for details or join the Truden Travel Club for updates on upcoming tours in the coming year!
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