September 6, 2024, 6:48 am | Read time: 17 minutes
It wasn’t easy to name the three favorite places. After all, the small list is constantly changing – with every big and small trip and with every new place you discover. Nevertheless, the TRAVELBOOK editors reveal their three favorite destinations: Nature, big city, beach, animal experiences – it’s all there.
Most people like to travel and enjoy going on vacation to get to know foreign countries and cultures. They also simply like to relax a little on the beautiful lakes, beaches, or in nature of that country. The TRAVELBOOK editors are no different. Some of them have already traveled the world – and report here on their favorite destinations.
These are the favorite destinations of the TRAVELBOOK editors
Angelika Pickardt
1. Seychelles
Like many others, I thought the Seychelles only had 5-star hotels and luxury resorts for honeymooners. Far from it! On the paradisiacal, beautiful islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, you can also stay in less expensive hotels and even in affordable guesthouses. What’s more, you can experience far more in the Seychelles than just hanging out on one of the dream beaches. Snorkeling and diving, of course, but some of the islands are also perfect for hiking and cycling, for example.
2. Istria
The Croatian region closest to Germany really impressed me and is one of my favorite destinations. You should definitely visit it soon because the prices are still affordable. The coast is lined with idyllic harbor towns with Venetian architecture, in between are numerous bays, peninsulas, and islands. The hinterland offers endless olive groves, striking mountain villages, and picturesque wineries. The food in Istria is also a dream, with plenty of freshly caught fish.
3. Aeolian Islands
Anyone visiting Sicily should not miss out on a visit to the small sister islands in the north. The Isole Eolie (“Islands of the Wind”) off the coast are still a real hidden gem. And because no two islands are the same, you should simply visit them all while island hopping. Tiny bays, car-free alleyways and bubbling volcanic craters make Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea & Co. the perfect destination for individualists and adventurers.
Louisa Wittek
1. Helsinki
I lived in Helsinki for a semester and grew to love the city so much, that it is one of my favorite destinations in the world. The Finnish metropolis may not be beautiful at first glance, but it has a charm that goes far beyond its gray buildings. The Finns are mainly responsible for this: friendly but not intrusive. Interested but never judgmental.
For the evening hours, I can recommend Harry’s Bar. I find that this bar far surpasses the coolness of most Berlin bars. Harry’s Bar is much more reminiscent of a dusty corner pub with typical Finnish charm. Everyone here is drunk, maybe half are in a good mood, but no one is unfriendly.
2. Wharariki Beach in New Zealand
Wharariki Beach is somewhat hidden away in the very north of New Zealand’s South Island and also one of my favorite destinations. The beach really combines everything you could wish for. Huge dunes, an eternally long sandy beach, meter-long stones in which all kinds of sea creatures have nested. The best thing: baby seals, whose curiosity makes them almost tame. However, I hardly met any other travelers.
After a windy night at the only campsite near the beach, I was in for another surprise. Two horses living freely on the campsite woke me up through the window of the car I was sleeping in. I have rarely been woken up so beautifully.
3. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Norway
The fact that everyone in Norway is allowed to, is probably one of the reasons why I went hiking there a few years ago. With just a tent, map, and food for the next ten days, I took the train to Finse with my friend. Upon arrival, we explored Norway’s nature from there.
On the train, the conductor asked us: “It’s cold in Finse. Are you properly prepared?” As it turned out: We weren’t. Contrary to expectations, we spent the first night in the sleet with mediocre sleeping bags and stones under the tent. It wasn’t comfortable. But it was adventurous. Which is actually much better. After two days of rain and snow, the weather improved, and we were able to continue our little adventure in more pleasant temperatures. If you want to get as close as possible to the feeling of absolute freedom and get away from it all, Norway’s rugged nature is just the place for you.
Morgane Llanque
1. Ilhabela, Brazil
I would never say that Ilhabela is the most beautiful island in Brazil – there are too many of them. But it is definitely my favorite island. Off the Costa Verde, around three hours from São Paulo, it sits proudly in the Atlantic Ocean: secluded dream beaches without electricity lie in front of bright green rainforests; there are cozy, cheap pousadas, a cheerful town center, and breathtaking nature wherever you look. It is therefore not without reason that it is a favorite destination for the inhabitants of São Paulo, as international tourists have not yet flooded it.
Even on the crossing from São Sebastião, there is always an infectious party atmosphere. The Paulistas get out of their cars, turn on the music, and celebrate their free weekend while you get closer to the island’s mountains across the turquoise waters. On site, you can go diving and explore the sunken ships off the coast, such as the wreck of the Príncipe de Asturias, discover the island’s jungle by jeep or simply relax in a hammock on the beach. Ideally, with a fresh, ice-cold Suco de Melancia (watermelon juice) in your hand.
2. Canal Saint-Martin, Paris
At first glance, the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with large chestnut trees, looks more like Amsterdam or London than elegant Paris. But it is one of the unmistakable centers of Parisian student life and one of my favorite destinations. Whether you’re strolling across one of the lime-green bridges and skipping stones across the water like Amélie Poulain, feasting in one of the playful cafés and fusion restaurants, or dreamily admiring the different architectural styles that line up side by side here. The canal is lively and exciting and attracts Parisians from all over the city.
During the day, there is a floating library, a disused train line full of graffiti, the Parc de la Villette amusement park, and the “City of Music” at the end of the canal to admire. At night, when the canal is colorfully illuminated, you can dance in a club that juts out into the water. For me, the Canal Saint-Martin is a very special place in Paris that escapes the hustle and bustle of the city and has something new to offer every time I explore it.
3. The Egyptian Nile
The Nile is a river where time has stood still for long stretches. The best way to explore it in Egypt is in a felucca, a traditional Egyptian boat. The most beautiful route is probably from Ezra to Aswan, past ancient temples, modern cities, and dams, banana forests, palm trees, mosques, and wrecks of colonial ships. Cruising along the Nile is like traveling back in time through the country’s history: You see the imposing ruins from the time of the pharaohs and the mixture of Arab, French, and English culture passing by.
Whether you are on a luxurious ship or a small boat, you will be accompanied on your journey by dozens of white Ibis birds. For me, exploring the Nile was a wonderful adventure and has made the river one of my favorite places. It would be a dream to travel all the way down it one day.
Julie Huehnken
1. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
The entire region around Lake Atitlán is unique in terms of landscape and atmosphere, and it is one of my favorite destinations. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes, and nowhere else have I experienced such peace and harmony. So if you want to switch off and be oblivious to the rest of the world, you should definitely visit Guatemala’s second-largest lake. A boat trip is particularly recommended. Firstly, to get a different perspective of the lake and secondly, to explore the beautiful surroundings on another shore – or to jump into the water on a rope like Tarzan.
2. Sa Pa in Vietnam
For me, Sa Pa is without question one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam and one of my favorite destinations. The region in the northwest of the country is an absolute must for all hiking fans. The landscape of the region is almost mystical.
In the mountainous region, which borders directly on China, the weather can sometimes be wonderfully crazy: it’s not unusual to enjoy bright sunshine one day and then suddenly find it ten degrees (50 Fahrenheit) cooler the next with the fog hanging extremely low. However, this is what makes the beautiful mountain landscape so extraordinary.
Sa Pa is also a fantastic location for photography enthusiasts. You should definitely take at least two days for this excursion, as there are other highlights in addition to the beautiful landscape, such as the indigenous people in the mountains.
3. Brazil
I would love to go back to Brazil again and again. Saudade – in English: longing. That’s the feeling you can’t get rid of once you’ve experienced Brazil. Rio de Janeiro should be the first stop, because for me the Cidade maravilhosa, the wonderful city, as it is also known, really is one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world. So much energy and joie de vivre. Even the biggest dance grouch can shake his hips there.
From Rio, head south along the Costa Verde – a bus trip that is really worthwhile, as the almost 600-kilometer-long (372-mile) “Green Coast” is dotted with paradisiacal beaches and cute little fishing villages.
If you still have time, you should make a detour to the island of Santa Catarina, which is part of the municipality of Florianópolis and is located on the southern Brazilian coast. Fantastic beaches, great surf spots, good parties, but also quiet and deserted corners. There is certainly something for everyone.
Nuno Alves
1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Bahia, Brazil
South of Campo Bahia, the home of the German national soccer team at the 2014 World Cup, there is a small town that could hardly be more of a paradise: Arraial d’Ajuda. Here, Rua do Mucugê, which is lined with small bars, galleries, restaurants, and stores and is also called the “most charming street in Brazil” by some, leads directly to a tropical picture-book beach.
For me, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa do Descobrimento, the coast of discovery, in north-eastern Brazil. It was mainly hippies and dropouts who discovered the place for themselves and developed it over the years. An Italian who had settled here with his family described his six-year-old son’s everyday life to me: “After school, he comes to the beach with his friends – and then they play in the water all day.”
Fortunately, there are no high-rise hotels, instead Arraial d’Ajuda offers numerous individual and sustainably run pousadas.
Holidaymakers in Brazil in particular, who are put off by the confusion of large cities such as Rio, Recife or Salvador, will feel at home here. Arraial d’Ajuda seems far away from everything – and yet offers good infrastructure. And if you need a change from paradise after a few days, you’ll find another one just seven kilometers (4.3 miles) further along the beach: in the beautiful village of Trancoso…
2. Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal
It is a little surprising that comparatively few holidaymakers from abroad come to Gerês. This may also be due to the fact that the Portuguese hardly advertise their country’s only national park, which stretches along the northern border with Spain – of course also because this natural paradise wants to be protected. Spring water flows down from the mountains, sometimes in cascades, and in some places forms small lagoons in which you can swim if you take the trouble to descend to them.
Ever since I was a child, I have returned to this place, which has shaped my image of perfect nature.
If you drive – or hike – a few more kilometers after the former border post Portela do Homem on the Spanish side, you will reach Torneros, where you can bathe in hot thermal springs.
3. Thong Nai Pan Noi/Yai, Koh Phangan, Thailand
The two bays of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pa Yai in the north-east of the island are no longer as off the beaten track as they once were – there is now a real road to them – but the beaches are still among the most beautiful on Koh Phangan. Here you will find cozy bungalows for rent, nice beach bars, and restaurants. In the low season, with a bit of luck, you may even have entire stretches of beach to yourself. A place to do just one thing for days on end: nothing but relax. I actually had a brief discussion when checking out of the hut because I was firmly convinced it had only been four nights. But it was actually six. I had completely lost track of time.
Robin Hartmann
1. Berlin, Glienicker See
The lake where I grew up is still one of the cleanest in the whole city and one of my favorite destinations. Ideal for meeting old friends and making new ones. The lake is ideal for swimming, but also for boating and fishing, and in the middle there is a wonderful little island with a swinging rope for jumping into the water.
As a child and teenager, I spent entire summers here and smiled at the city dwellers who always turn up their noses at Kladow but still came to our bathing lakes when the weather was good. Numerous legendary barbecues and parties have taken place here, and it’s always fun to watch the divers training in the lake. Friendships and relationships have been formed at this lake, and last but not least, the best people in the world live just around the corner, my dear parents.
2. Cartagena de las Indias, Colombia
Of all the cities I’ve visited in South America, it’s my favorite and one of my favorite destinations overall. There is just a certain magical, Caribbean flair here, the days are hot, the nights are long to endless and the travelers from all over the world are relaxed and in the mood to accept every stranger as their new best friend. The Fiestas de la Independencia commemorating independence from Spain are a lavish celebration lasting several days, and the women here are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
There’s always something going on here, the graffiti and art scene is creative and wild, and Havana is probably the most authentic and best dance bar with live music I’ve ever visited – if you don’t learn to dance salsa here, it’s your own fault. With the Archipelago Rasario, Playa Blanca and the Totumo volcano, there are also some natural highlights here, but I was particularly impressed by the colorful and lively flair of the colonial old town. I enjoyed my second visit just as much as my first, and I would come back any time.
3. Madrid, Spain
I lived here for six months and experienced the best of Spain, from the friendly locals to the varied great food and hot summer days to endless nights with a few beers in the Plaza de España, long walks, or wild disco nights. Madrid is also one of my favorite destinations.
Unlike Barcelona, the center of Madrid is always crowded but never feels overcrowded, the streets are small and winding, and the stores, bars, and restaurants are endearingly old-fashioned, around every corner you can discover something new and be amazed. Parks and small squares invite you to linger, especially the Retiro Park on the weekend, where you can simply stroll around and watch and listen to the artists and musicians.
The Prado is probably the most impressive museum in the world, along with the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza as well as numerous other museums, exhibitions, and week-long city festivals – a mix of people and cultures from all over the world.
Romantic little towns such as Toledo and Segovia are just a stone’s throw away, as is the rugged nature of the surrounding lakes, forests, and mountains – a hike to the source of the Manzanares is an unforgettable experience. In addition to culture, the city breathes soccer, whether you are a fan of Atlético or Real or just love the sport because you can drink beer and eat tapas in one of the noisy bars. With the Museo del Jamón, Madrid has probably the tastiest fast food chain in the world – a ham sandwich for one euro and a beer for 90 cents – no further questions asked.
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1. Lopes Mendes, Brazil
Lopes Mendes beach is located on the island of Ilha Grande near Rio de Janeiro. It is one of my favorite travel destinations. The island itself is worth a visit, but it is best not to visit in the high season, as the main town of Abraão can quickly become quite crowded. Lopes Mendes can mainly be reached on foot – with a magnificent hike. It takes around two hours to get from Abraão through the Atlantic rainforest, also known as Mata Atlântica, to Lopes Mendes beach. As soon as the forest ends abruptly, the fine sandy beach begins – what a sight! Shallow, turquoise water and a wide, deep beach, with shade only available under the trees of the rainforest. Dreamlike.
The best way back to Abraão in the evening is to take a water cab, which departs from a beach just 20 minutes away. But I must give a warning about Lopes Mendes beach: since my vacation there, I have not seen a more beautiful beach in the world, none can compete with Lopes Mendes. This beach ruins all the others.
2. Patagonia
Whether it’s the southernmost city in the world (Ushuaia), whale watching in Puerto Madryn in the east, or hiking in the national parks on the border between Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a real paradise for nature lovers. Therefore, it is also one of my favorite destinations. Endless expanses, day-long bus rides or repetitive landscapes sound boring – but you’ll never get bored. I was particularly taken with the Los Glaciares National Park. And I hope I will never recover from its natural beauty.
Another thing you’ll never forget is your first time. Mine was in Puerto Madryn, where I saw whales for the first time. A goosebump inducing experience. Anyone who enjoys hiking or would like to see one or two exotic animals should treat themselves to a few days in Patagonia. The more, the merrier.
3. Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon in the west of the USA is one of the great natural wonders of the world. The gigantic landscape was created thanks to the Colorado River. A scenic flight over the canyon really brings out the beauty. In the early hours of the morning, as the sun slowly rises, the rocks and stones are bathed in colors that you are unlikely to see anywhere else. Flying over the canyon in a small plane, seeing how the river eats its way through the landscape and creates incredible riverside landscapes – it really is worth getting up really early for this.
The original version of this article was published in 2017.