If you had to pick just a few, which would you say were the most beautiful places in the world to visit?
This is a question that our family hears a lot when we tell how we spent twelve months travelling the world together (two adults and two teenagers) on a budget.
We visited thirty-three countries in total – all of them magnificent – but some wore the crown of being a teeny bit more beautiful than others.
If you would like to watch the video of our podcast while you read, then scroll to the bottom of the post!
6 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The World
This post is part two of a podcast that my son (Sonny) and I made.
We couldn’t fit every beautiful place in the world into one post so we decided to treat you to two smaller bite-sized portions!
Enjoy!
1: Obama, Japan
Where in the world is Obama City?
- Obama City is located in far southwestern Fukui Prefecture, bordered by Shiga Prefecture to the south and Wakasa Bay on the Sea of Japan to the north.
- Obama City sits north of Kyoto and is about four to seven hours by train from Tokyo.
As part of this week’s podcast show notes, I promised to share with you the room that we stayed in Japan! here it is 🙂
And of course, our lovely Japanese host Fumio who we talk about on the podcast!
Why is Obama City one of the most beautiful places in the world?
My advice to you, if you visit Japan (and if you have a two-week itinerary for Japan), would be to concentrate on quality, not quantity.
Take your time to learn culture facts about Japan; eat good food, and visit beautiful towns that are slightly off the beaten track.
Why not listen to our latest podcast episode: What culture facts surprised us most in Japan
Obama city, although not the most beautiful of places on first site, will weave its charm on you soon enough.
Visit the Myotsuji Temple or take a walk down to the pretty seafront.
There are rocks, caves and waterfalls. If you are hiring a car in Japan then take a drive out to the wooded forests and immerse yourself into one of the beautiful Japanese villages that are dotted around the city.
* * Watch Sonny’s cinematic video of Japan that we talked about on the podcast!
2: Kerala, India
Where in the world is Kerala?
- Kerala is a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India.
- Kerala is famous for its scenic locations such as its hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls and wildlife.
Why is Kerala one of the most beautiful places in the world?
Kerala which is famed for its backwaters; an intricate network of canals and lagoons that weave inside and around the beautiful surroundings of the region.
Kerala claims to be the greenest, cleanest and friendliest city in India; and I agree! (Kerala also has the highest literacy rate in India).
Visit this gorgeous Indian state, and you will be rewarded with fabulous beaches, superb restaurants, and of course the chance to do as we did and take a canoe or a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala.
You must do this. it is simply beautiful. Promise me that you’ll do this?
Why don’t you listen to our podcast where my teenage son and I talk about the realities of backpacking through India for a month – India – is it as scary as everyone says it is?
3: Lake Rotorangi, New Zealand
Where in the world is Lake Rotorangi?
- Lake Rotorangi is south of New Plymouth, Taranaki on the west coast of New Zealand
- Lake Rotorangi is the largest manmade lake in New Zealand.
Why is Lake Rotorangi in New Zealand one of the most beautiful places in the world?
We couldn’t resist putting our local place in this guide. If you ever make it down to New Zealand be sure to visit Taranaki.
The region of Taranaki (where we live) was voted as being the second-best place in the world to live, and I can certainly vouch for that!
Although summer is said to be the best time to visit New Zealand Lake Rotorangi will not fail to impress you, whatever the season.
Watch the video and see for yourself! Here is a short vlog Sonny made of us all having a day out on Lake Rotorangi
4: Ella, Sri Lanka
Where in the world is Ella?
- Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka is an island located in the Indian Ocean, SW of the Bay of Bengal and SE of the Arabian Sea.
- The beautiful town of Ella is approximately 200 kilometres east of Colombo and 180 km NE from the beach town of Marissa (Which I can also highly recommend!).
Why is Ella one of the most beautiful places in the world?
On first impressions, Ella might remind you of a ski resort.
It has that same feeling of energy and excitement, teeming with people who are there for the same reason; to relax in nature, go hiking and to drink up the fabulous scenery that Ella gladly provides.
The scenery, the people, the food, the exotic plants and the calmness. All of these things go to making Ella one of the most beautiful places in the world.
5: Paris, France
Where in the world is Paris?
- Paris is the capital city of France, Europe.
- Paris is situated in the north-central part of France.
As promised on the podcast, here is the photo of us having an early morning read in Paris!
Why is Paris one of the most beautiful places in the world?
I feel a little bit sorry for Paris.
The city has such a reputation for being the most romantic, the prettiest, the most chic – in fact, Paris holds plenty of titles for many ‘bests’.
So, people tend to give it a miss.
Travellers put Paris down as being touristy and predictable and instead opt for the trendy Lyon or edgy Marseille.
But not us.
Paris was, and always will be, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Paris is the only city in the world that breathes elegance. Chic. I know it sounds cliche but it is true.
Paris delivers romance as well as confidence to solo travellers. Paris is kind, beautiful and elegant.
You can probably tell by now that I lOVE Paris…
You can watch Sonny’s romantic Paris cinematic video or read my post on Paris travel tips that way, you will see just why this city captured all of our hearts!
6: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Where in the world is Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai Province.
Chiang Mai is 700 km north of Bangkok and is close to some of the highest mountains in the country, including Doi Inthanon.
Chiang Mai. Possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world that we visited as a family.
Brian. Taking in one of the gorgeous valley views at sunset X
Why is Chiang Mai one of the most beautiful places in the world?
If you take the train from Bangkok and head to the misty mountainous region in the North of Thailand, you will find Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, backed majestically by the Doi Pui–Doi Suthep National Park offering bird watching, hiking, and sticky waterfall climbing (Yes! Really!)
Chiang Mai is simply divine. It is both cosmopolitan and refreshingly Asian. I hope that makes sense?
I mean that the shopping malls, the cafes and parks (and the wifi chimes in my teenage son!) are amazing. Better than most I have experienced in any Western country. But there is still the feeling that you are in Asia.
The mopeds, the heat, the smells of street food – fish sauce, ginger and lemongrass. I simply love it and I think you will too.
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Most Beautiful Places In The World To Travel Podcast
(What happens on this travel podcast stays on this travel podcast)
In this week’s podcast episode we found out:
Which city is most common for finding out about pregnancies!
How to see the most beautiful state in India on a budget
Why Chiang Mai in Thailand is the only place in the world I would get dental work done
How to get free parking in Paris
Watch the video recording of the most beautiful places on Earth Podcast!
Or listen to the Most Beautiful Places in the World travel podcast episode here!
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