Hi friends! Hope you all had a great Christmas!
The year is almost over, and I thank you for your support! Just twelve months ago, you guys loved reading my list of the Top 5 Places I Visited in 2017, where I listed my favorite destinations I visited for the first time in 2017. Therefore, I created the 2018 version of that same list, and I hope you enjoy it!
5 – Grand Canyon
There are no words to describe the greatness and magnitude of the Grand Canyon – though I did my best in this post. It is one of the most iconic tourist spots in the world and I think everyone needs to see it once in their lifetime to really how small we are compared to the wonders of nature. That’s what my visit to the Grand Canyon taught me this year: my reality is so small, and my time is so much shorter than that of our land itself, and its rocks and its views. Therefore, let’s make the best out of our time here!
4 – Las Vegas
From a natural wonder to a completely artificial attraction, created with the sole objective of providing fun. Tons and tons of fun. Not even sky’s the limit in Vegas. Everywhere you go there are casinos, bars, restaurants, theaters, opulent and majestic hotels and halls, and so much more. That’s the best part about Vegas, it’s like a gigantic theme park for adults with no exact theme, where you can start your day at the “beach”, have In-N-Out for lunch, see Cirque du Soleil in the afternoon, gamble at the casino in the evening, and end your day having Mexican food for dinner looking over a canal in “Venice”. I’ll write more about Vegas in a blog post soon, but for now, just know that the whole place’s an experience you have to have.
3 – Salzburg
I had wanted to Visit Salzburg for such a long time, so when I had a free day in Munich, Germany, I took a train there and dragged my roommate Jessica with me. I’m so glad we did that! Entering Salzburg was like walking into a fairytale. The white buildings, the Old Town, the narrow streets where Mozart used to walk around, the magnificent churches, all of the spots where the Sound of Music was filmed, oh and the castle on top of the city… it all felt like a fairytale. I was so happy to visit one of my dream destinations, and I would highly recommend the experience. (I wrote about Salzburg here.)
2 – Amsterdam
I really wanted Amsterdam to be at the top of the list, because I spent about ten days there this past summer and really got to know the city. I had so much fun exploring it and was awestruck at every canal, every bridge, every square. Amsterdam came in second place, but it really was so close. This city is bustling with energy, and I can even see myself living there someday. It is a very cultural city and a mix of cultures at the same time. The museums are incredible, the food is delicious, the views are amazing. The sun was up until 11.30pm when I was there, so that allowed for long days of fun! We never ran out of things to do there, and I left the city hungry for more. Amsterdam, I’ll definitely be back. In the meantime, I can only suggest that you all visit this unique place in the world.
1 – Bryce Canyon
When I was putting together my options for this list a few months ago, I had Bryce Canyon in second place. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that no other place left me so completely mesmerized and captivated as Bryce Canyon did. I had never seen anything like this canyon. Everything was special about it: the colors, the shape of the rocks, the hike we took down and up the canyon… it all made the experience so incredible, almost surreal. It might be because I was exhausted, but when I reached the top of that canyon after hiking up for a couple of hours, I really felt the beauty of nature. I felt so connected to the place. That’s why Bryce Canyon takes the gold. I hope to be back someday.
There you go! Hopefully this list pushes you all to visit these incredible places. With that said, I am off to London today and I wish you all the happiest new year! Thank you again for your love and support. Milano To Chicago wouldn’t be a thing without you all! Well, it could be, but it would serve no purpose. You all inspire me to create everyday! Much love!