Downward angle icon Downward angle icon. After traveling to over 40 countries, there are some places I'm in no rush to revisit. Viwat Udompitisup/Shutterstock After traveling to over 40 countries, there are some places I'm in no rush to revisit. My trip to Venice was fun, but next time I'd like to explore different parts of Italy. I thought Phuket was nice, but I'd prefer other options for a beach holiday in Thailand.
When I travel, I always try to approach each destination with an open mind: wanting to experience the culture, meet the locals, read the guidebook recommendations, and get as off the beaten path as possible.
As more and more people choose to travel in 2024, with a record number of Americans already traveling internationally in the first quarter of this year alone – about 15.9 million – I agree.
I've been lucky enough to visit over 40 countries and have traveled to six of the seven continents. I would love to revisit some of my favorite places that left an indelible impression on me, but there are some places I just don't feel any desire to revisit.
Of all the places I've been, this is one I'll probably never go back to.
I loved Los Angeles, but one visit was enough for me.
Growing up in Australia, I dreamed of visiting Hollywood. Anadol/Getty Images
Growing up in Australia, I dreamed of visiting the place where a lot of movies are made: Hollywood. When I was 14, my mom said she was taking me to Los Angeles, I considered myself the luckiest kid on earth.
Beforehand, we spent a few weeks road-tripping through Mexico, visiting Mayan ruins, eating local food, and going to dance parties on the beach. When I arrived in Los Angeles, nothing held quite the same appeal for me.
We had a great time touring movie studios, walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and driving by famous people's homes, but once we'd seen LA we didn't feel the need to go back.
In fact, my husband and I ended up returning to those places together, as he too was eager to experience them in his 20s, but he, like me, felt there were other places he wanted to visit again.
Monaco had its glitz and glamour, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
During my trip, I enjoyed exploring the Prince's Palace of Monaco. Laborant/Shutterstock
While in the South of France, we decided to take a day trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco. My husband really wanted to see the Monaco Grand Prix, so I spent the day exploring the city with his mother while he and his dad went to watch the F1 race.
Walking around Monte Carlo, I was blown away by its opulence – not surprising considering it ranks among the world's top cities for wealth per capita – I don't think I've ever seen so many luxurious yachts and flashy cars.
The gardens were perfectly kept and the streets were spotlessly clean, but it was not my favorite destination.
We have always been surrounded by wealth, but I prefer to visit places where I can interact with people from different socio-economic backgrounds.
I'm glad I got to see Venice, it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Venice is not the kind of place you want to visit more than once. MariaMaslova/Shutterstock
Venice is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. Built on islands in the Adriatic lagoon, the city is unlike any other in the world and its special charm comes from the lack of cars, making the buildings seem as if they are floating on the water.
When I was 23, my now-husband and I went to Venice on a European trip. We splurged on gondolas through the canals, marveled at the Renaissance and Gothic architecture, bought overpriced ice cream in St. Mark's Square, and toured St. Mark's Basilica.
Venice is definitely worth adding to your bucket list, considering it's predicted to be submerged by 2100. However, I found it crowded and expensive, so it's probably not a place I'd visit more than once.
When I return to Italy, there are other places I would like to see, such as Lake Como.
Phuket is beautiful but I would like to explore other parts of Thailand.
Phuket, Thailand is great, but for a beach holiday I prefer Krabi. Viwat Udompitisup/Shutterstock
Phuket is home to some of Thailand's most popular beaches, seaside resorts, restaurants and bars, making it a popular tourist destination.
When I was 17, my parents took me on a week-long holiday to a resort in Patong. I enjoyed swimming in the resort pool and parasailing around the bay, but I didn't think I'd want to go back.
On my return to Thailand, I found more places to enjoy, for example I loved Krabi, a province in southern Thailand known for its limestone cliffs and sandy beaches, which I found less crowded than Phuket and much prettier.
