My Travel Top 10

Hi! Today I'll tell you which are my top ten favorite places to travel. I hope this article can inspire you to add a few new countries and cities to your bucket list.

- Who Am I? I'm Mario. I have been to over 140 countries, including 100 before I turned 30. I live in Denmark, where I work for Maersk doing big-money negotiations, and, as as side-gigs, both write books and make videos such as this, and also travel extensively.

- Before we start, two notes:

- 1 - This is not a "favorite country" list. I'll be talking about specific countries sometimes, but also bundling and packaging in some others as well. Just keep that in mind.

- 2 - I'm a big history nerd and absolutely love animals. I rather be walking through ancient ruins or hanging out with gorillas than in neon streets or skyscrapers. You will need to see my list through that lens.

- + For Context -- I'm from Argentina, and what I find interesting and exotic will likely be different from you.

- But let's get started.

10 - Buenos Aires to Cusco

- I did a month-long trip from my hometown of Buenos Aires to Cusco. It was incredibl-e. Passing through the Argentinean North, Bolivia, and Peru this trip had a bit of all:
- In Bolivia, you've the most incredible mix of landscapes -- from the famous Salt Flats in Uyuni (which is an absolutely crazy place) to a route that takes you through the desert to a host of oasis-type lakes that go from blue, red to green in color and which are full of flamingos. It's spectacular.

- In Peru, you've the big boy: Machu Picchu, which is another one-of a kind place. The trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu is legendary, and so is the view from the top. It's one of those places with a uniquely __epic__ vibe to it.

- But that's just scratching the surface from what this trip can offer. In especially Bolivia, you've deep jungle -- the borders of the Amazon, after all, with river dolphins and other fun animals, plus also Potosi - a city that is 4.000 meters high up in the mountains (!) where the Spanish had the biggest and most bad-ass silver mine in the New World.
- (You can go in into that mine, too -- and back when I went, you could buy and then explode dynamite just like that.)

9 - Ethiopia

- I think Ethiopia is incredible. It's likely the most under-rated and less touristic destination from this whole list. The place is special. There are rock-carved churches, ancient hilltop monasteries, giant castles, and much, much more. The people are unique too - with their own old and distinct brand of Christianity.

- If I could describe the place in a few words, I would say that (I guess!) it’s like what, for example, going to India could have looked 50 or so years ago. It's a fascinating place.

- There's A LOT to highlight, but if I have to pick out one-thing is that -- for all of you Indiana Jones fans -- in Ethiopia -- so locals claim and really believe -- you've the the real, historical Ark of the Covenant. (Yep, THAT Ark). The Ark is said to be in the small chapel of St. Mary of Zion in Aksum, in the North. I was obsessed with the Ark growing up, and it was incredible for me to get to that little chapel at the end of my Ethiopian trip. (Again, I told you I liked history!)
- Side Note - There’s only one person who can see the Ark - he’s called the Guardian of the Ark - and nobody but him can enter the chapel or even come close to the Ark. The Guardian is chosen by the priests and serves his role for life -  never leaving the chapel grounds, spending his days and years praying before the Ark and offering it incense.

8 - The Cities of the Ancient Silk Road

- Central Asia -- now a collection of "stans" -- used to be incredibly wealthy per its role of trading hub between East and West. You can see that wealth in the spectacular trio of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan. This is a type of monumental architecture that otherwise you would only see in perhaps Iran or, so I hear, in Afghanistan. It's very, very interesting.

- Take the region's most famous city, Samarkand. Samarkand used to be the capital for the great conqueror Tamerlane (or Amir Timur, as the locals call him). Tamerlane's was the last of the long tradition of steppe nomadic horse archer empires (so Scythians, Huns, Avar, Mongols) -- and the wealth he brought to what's now Uzbekistan is clear to see. It's hard now to wow-yourself at the sights -- which, at least when I went, had very few tourists.

- Beyond Uzbekistan, you can visit in Turkmenistan the ruins of Merv -- another great ancient city totally destroyed by the Mongols. If you ever heard the podcast Hardcore History, where the Mongols just wipe out everyone and dogs, and cats, and so on -- that's referring to Merv. (There's a lot more to say on Turkmenistan, as it's called the North Korea of Central Asia -- but not the focus of this video). Then, across the border in Tajikistan, you can see the most remote city Alexander the Great founded -- Alexandria Eskhata, or translated "Alexandria the Farthest" now called Khujand. It gave me the chills to be at that place -- I fantasized on these northernmost outposts of the Hellenic Empire when I was growing up, and to BE THERE for me was hard to describe.

- If you're not the history-type, there's still a LOT to see: from the spectacular mountains in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, to seeing and experiencing the nomadic lifestyle: see the herds, sleeping in yurts/nomadic tents, and, if you're lucky, see an eagle hunter or someone using one of those crazy composite recurved bows.

7 - The Eastern Mediterranean: Historical Greece and the Holy Land

- I can count with one hand places that gave me chills for just being there, and Jerusalem and Constantinople are definitely on the top of that list.

- Even if you're not religious, there is so much holiness in Jerusalem, so much history, that it's impossible not to wow at the site. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, and has a dramatic history (and sights!) all the way from antiquity, to the Middle Ages and the Crusades, and into modern times. Specifically to me, sitting down for a mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre -- the most holy site in Christendom, -- above what is believed to be Christ's own tomb was one-of a kind, magical experience.

- Then, you've Constantinople -- Imperial Capital of Rome for over a 1000 years. Now called Istanbul in present-day Turkey, Constantinople is to me, after Rome, the most __interesting__ city in the world. When Rome in the West fell, Constantinople and its incredible Theodosian Walls (which you can still see!) stood as the impenetrable fortress of Christendom and Roman culture against Germanic Tribes, Huns and Arabs until its fall to the Fourth Crusade. There's so much to see that I can't do justice in just this quick video. I must though highlight the Hagia Sofia - the city's incredible, must-see cathedral built almost 1500 years ago. (Also -- Kudos to the Turkish hospitality. I can't remember other big cities where people have been as friendly to me as in Istanbul).

- Footnote -- The Eastern Mediterranean was __the __center of gravity in the West for millennia, and if you like history like me there's a lot to see e.g. the other places in the Holy Land (Betlehem, Galilee), then Athens, Tyre, Byblos is present-day Lebanon, and more.

6 - Paris and London

- The Imperial Cities. If I would take them independently they would both be in the Top 10... but that would make it a boring video, right? So bundling them in here.

- Paris. There's no other city more beautiful than Paris. (Not to me, at least.) I'll keep my description short: I have been around the globe multiple times over, but I haven't seen another place with as beautiful architecture all over. Add to that the incredible amount of landmarks, like the Notre Dame, Arc del Triumph, Eiffel Tower, and all. It fits perfectly. It's a very romantic place.

- Across the Tunnel is London. I'll also keep my description concise: London is incredible. Like Paris, it's architecturally beautiful -- and you can see that the wealth of Britain's global empire went to the city's buildings, parks, palaces, statues, and so on. It was no doubts my favorite city in my first trip around Europe. The hype is real.

- Then there's the museum: for nerds like me, there's no other place in the world as the British Museum. I could spend a whole year in there. The collection on the Ancient Near East is the most unique if you ask me -- after what ISIS did in Syria and Iraq I'm glad that archeologists could preserve at least part of the legacy in this museum.

- (Side Note -- I was supposed to live in London for 6 months in 2020, but we all know how 2020 went -- lol). Hope I can get the chance in the future. That could move London up a few steps on this list!

5 - Miami, Florida and the Caribbean

- So, this one will come out as an odd inclusion -- but, as they say, I put my money where my mouth is. I have visited Miami and Florida minimum a dozen times, and -- if pandemic allows - - it would be a trip I would do every year.

- Overall, I have used Miami -- and its place as a hub to the Caribbean -- as my go-to location for a winter-time relax. You need to zoom out, after all, and together with my wife, we've been happily taking cruises and excursions through Florida and the Caribbean for years. It has been our off-work, off-life, chill place to-go since then.

- Miami, Florida and the Caribbean have great weather, great beaches, sea-animals, good food, good shopping and the whole place is EASY. Thanks to cruises, I have now pretty much visited every big Caribbean Island. I especially like the Southern Caribbean -- where there's a mix of mountains as in St Lucia, amazing beaches as in Aruba, plus sea life and a fun culture.

- As I mentioned, if I could, I would go to the Caribbean every year. (Now, with the kid, adding a Disneyworld stop as well.)

4 - Vienna

- Vienna is hands-down my favorite city in Europe (if not in the world). I love it. I lived in Vienna for six months during my studies and I never had as much fun in my life. This may cloud my judgment, but still -- when you look into all those "best city to live" rankings, Vienna is often Number 1 in the whole world.

- What's so cool about Vienna?
- First - It's one more of those European Imperial Cities. The Habsburgs - who ruled from Vienna -- commanded a huge and wealthy empire and you can see it. There's spectacular architecture, beautiful palaces and all that all over. It's tough to find a nicer walk than through Vienna's ring road and city center.

- Second - What sets Vienna apart is that a lot of that imperial past is open for normal people. You can go to a ball and dance, tuxedo and all, in the city's fanciest palace. Literally the place the Emperors and so on did their own parties. You can go and see Opera in the world-famous opera house. Both, by the way, cheap - like, normal people cheap. You can go and see -- for free -- orchestra concerts all through the city in spring and summer, including on the gardens of another of those insanely pretty palaces. It's like if you could __live__ and experience part of that Imperial past vs. just look at it. It's cool. It's also very classy.

- And there's a lot more. The Christmas Markets in winter are worth of a visit on their own. The hikes up the mountains close to the city are beautiful and full of local wine taverns and good food. Like Miami, it's a place I re-visit if not every year, almost so.

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3 - Italy

Ah, Italy -- It would be enough with Rome itself. But then, in Italy you then add: Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, the Vatican, and natural beauty as in Lake Como or in Sicily. Plus, the food... It's hard to put Italy at Number 3 and not Number 1.

- Some Quick Highlights:

- First: Rome -- The Eternal City. I love history -- and I keep telling you about it -- but of all, I'm the most fan of (and studied as well) in Roman History. I read most of the classics and it's just wow that you can be at the same Forum that Cicero presented his cases and walk the same roads Caesar did. Considering we're talking about 2000 years ago, it's incredible that there's still so much for us to see. Then, also in Rome there's Vatican -- and, speaking of chills, what about when entering St. Peter's Basilica? I can't think of a more beautiful and majestic building, at all.

- Second: Venice -- "La Serenissima" as they called it. I don't need to tell you about the beauty, charm, the canals, and so on. What I can tell you -- and what many are not aware of -- is that Venice was the richest and most powerful city in the West for centuries, a Republic in a sea of kingdoms... We're lucky Venice exists, it's a one-of-a-kind place. There's nothing like it in the world.

- But there's so much more in Italy. A Tour Through Tuscany -- through Florence, Pisa and Siena -- heaps more beauty, more history and more uniqueness. Plus, -- and LAST -- to show a bit of perspective -- that even in "off the beaten path" Italy there's so much to see check Ravenna. The last capital of the Roman Empire in the West and host to a world-famous and incredible collection of mosaics 1500 years old. If you ever opened a book on Byzantine/Eastern Roman history, you got to have seen this one. You can see the real one in Ravenna.

- I'm not done visiting in Italy -- as of now, I haven't been south of Naples nor to Sicily, and it wouldn't surprise me I move it up to Number 1 when I do.

2 - Japan

- I am a full Japanophile: I grew up watching anime, playing Nintendo and hearing j-pop. I even studied the Japanese language for years and got pretty good at it.

- Japan has truly the most distinct culture of the world's big nations. There's no other place like it. If you can summarize Japan in one word, the word would be "intense". There's an obsession with perfectionism that is unlike any other place is in the world. I find it truly fascinating.

- All my life, I dreamt of going to Japan -- a hard ask when growing up in Argentina: Japan is on the completely opposite end in the world and used to cost a fortune to get there. I finally visited in 2015 and it delivered up to all my expectations.

- In my trips, combined a mix of the old, the modern and nature. For the Old, I visited traditional-looking villages and cities, including Hakone, the old Imperial city of Kyoto, Himeji's incredible castle other small locales. For the Modern, I checked out the buzzy Tokyo and Osaka -- all with their themed restaurants, anime hotspots and more. (Shout-out to the Studio Ghibli museum -- I absolutely loved it, and want to take my kids there in the future.) For nature, there are the spectacular sights of Mt. Fuji and the nearby hot springs. It's an amazing package.

- Then, there are givens for Japan: people are incredibly polite and friendly, the food is amazing, and you'll never in your life see a place as clean. Japan is also -- unlike its reputation -- not an expensive place to travel anymore.

- If Japan is not Number 1, it's because both times I went to Japan I went alone. I prefer to travel alone (or with my wife, sometimes), but I would expect Japan is a place you enjoy more when you visit with friends who would love it as much as you do. In all cases, I look forward to more visits!

1 - Tanzania

- I told you I love animals.

- If you can, once in your life you need to do a **real safari**. It's an absolute must-see. If you can ever do just one trip, do proper safari. It can be very expensive but it's worth every dollar.

- A week-long trip through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other smaller parks in Northern Tanzania is likely the best place to do it. I've done safaris in South Africa and Botswana, but in neither I felt as immersed -- it wasn't the same experience.

- The Serengeti is BIG -- and in a long trip you can do a proper round of the place, and end up in many corners where it's just you and the animals and nobody else. If you add the unique and crazy Ngorongoro Crater, which has the biggest wildlife density on Earth, or something like that, on top of that you've a trip of a lifetime.

- Maybe I was lucky. You can't imagine how many animals I managed to see -- hundreds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, dozens of hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, buffalos, some rhinos and even at one point a whole pride of lions hanging around our car for more than an hour and without anyone else around. I was lucky that it was just me and my wife and an EXCELLENT guide and that we stayed in good lodges. We could even see zebras or buffalos from our tents or lodge windows. Fun stuff.

- The Serengeti would still make Tanzania Number 1 -- But, if you, on top of that, add that Zanzibar is in the same country it's like the "icing on the cake". The beaches in Zanzibar are absolutely incredible and the place is a fantastic stop for a relax before or after the safari.

- What's Missing? I'm sure that as I travel more this list will change. (But likely, not much). The places I imagine I have not been to or not explored enough that would make the cut are Iran, France and China. To Iran I haven't been at all, and in France and China, I've been to the most famous places but I feel I only scratched the surface. Ah, maybe we could add the Galapagos Islands to the mix. Also on my bucket list.