Uncharted Thoughts.

I am 29, and I have visited 30 countries so far and have another 20 to go before successfully achieving a bucket-list goal. In the next three years, I have plans to turn that 30 into a proud 40. However, before exploring more of this beautiful planet we have been graced to perceive, I am going to release my personal top 5 greatest destinations to you all. In the hopes that it will help you plan next years summer vacation.

How the star system works.

Firstly, and very quickly, I base my top five on a five star rating process. Each of the 5 stars has a purpose, and each of these are judged off a five star rating, at the end all the stars are added up and result in the overall score.

The stars are each represented by:

Star one: How financially sustainable was the trip? (Money)

Star two: How mouth-wateringly excellent was the food/drinks? (Cuisine)

Star three: How engaging were the historical sites? (History / Landmarks)

Star four: How much did the culture shock me and grown my perception of reality? (Culture)

Star five: How many times did I stand and gawk at a view? (Outdoors)

So lets just say…. I don’t know…. Italy, is in my top five. I’d rate Italy out of five on how financially sustainable the trip was. Lets say I rate it 3 stars. I’d then move on to Italian Cuisine, which, is an easy five stars, and so on. By the end, the stars are calculated and result in the final rating.

So far, Italy is scoring 1.3 stars out of 5. (Example)

Star meaning.

0 Star = Honestly, it’s bad. Like really bad.

1 Star = Pretty poor, more boring than anything.

2 Star = Standard, nothing to rave about

3 Star = Pretty decent, no bad at all.

4 Star = Incredible, bloody hell mental that is.

5 Star = Life Changing.

Anyway, lets get into the rating.

5th place – Zimbabwe

Money star – 2.5/5

I went to Zimbabwe in 2017. The only negative setback I had from my time there was the cost of travel. I was young and lucky to have been offered the opportunity to visit such an incredible country. If I recall correctly, I took roughly £1500 ($1700) and spend the majority of it in just under three weeks. I was liberal with my spending, having purchased adventure activities, souvenirs, food and experiences, yet considering the time frame in which we were there, and comparing the money spent with other trips, this was far more expensive.

I was also lucky enough to be driven by family members in Zimbabwe, saving on costs of transport (although fuel money was divided). Additionally, we often stayed in family housing, in local villages and had discounts off accommodation due to our party size.

It is not that Zimbabwe is extraordinarily expensive, it isn’t, but compared to others in this list, it does not come close to being the best value for your money.

Cuisine Star – 2.8/5

This is a hot topic. When putting my cuisines in order, Zimbabwe was hard to place. I remember there being really good African spiced meats, smoked corn with seasonings, incredible forms of barley and vegetables. After all, this was the country I first tried warthog, I can still remember the tender meat and delicious seasoning. I was certain, that Zimbabwe was going to break the 3.something barrier in the food scoring. However, there was a lot to consider.

I remember eating the bugs at the ‘cultural’ night. I remember some of the meals being repetitive. Although tasty, there was a similar thread throughout, a big tasty lump of meat, pulped barley that was great… when it was great, and vegetables. All the plates looked relatively similar.

Again, much like the price of travelling there, Zimbabwe is by no means terrible with its food. However, it doesn’t exceed the 3 stars I was tempted to give it. Perhaps on a revisit this would change.

Landmarks / History star – 3.5/5

Zimbabwe is mostly grassland, small villages and roadblocks. There are little landmarks between towns on long drives, however they are few and far between. When there is a landmark, it is always worth stopping for. We would drive through the African back roads and along its old straight highways for hours, looking out at a wild landscape. Upon pulling into a carpark, we knew that each time we were going to be greeted by a wonder of this delightful country. Be it the Great Zimbabwe, the ruins of Zimbabwe’s medieval capital, or the beautiful Matobo National Park where lay the final resting place of Cecil Rhodes. There isn’t a lot to see in terms of historical landmarks, but what there is, is worth every penny.

Culture Star – 3.8/5

The culture in Zimbabwe is divine. The music, the dancing, the clothing and the atmosphere , if there are any negative perceptions on this countries people, a trip there will break them all. I recall dancing, and singing wherever we went. Be it in a shopping mall, at a BBQ , across the street of a church or within a hotel lobby. Men, woman and children greeted us, with warm, wide, teethy smiles. I can not recall in all my travels a country that welcomed us with such a friendly embrace.

There is however, a darker side to Zimbabwe. Wealth and materialism has taken control of the upper and middle classes. While every nation is under the same capitalistic incentive, most other countries do not have a starving population. And when I mean starving, I do not meal a meal a day, or a rubbish breakfast. I mean genuine starvation. The gap between poor and rich within Zimbabwe is devastating to witness. While the rich sit behind tall walls and high security measures for their communities, beyond them men, woman and children walk barefoot among the trash.

Outdoor / Nature Star – 3.9

There is no greater sight in Zimbabwe than Victoria Falls. The water particles take a long voyage over the rocks of the great Zambezi River, rising up into the warm evenings hazing out the sun. Upon the approach to the worlds largest sheet of falling water the roar of millions of gallons of falling water can be heard from miles around. Sunsets bless each evening with a orange warmth. Animals graze on the shores of crystal lakes, casting puppet shadows on its water. Every animal you loved as a child while reading adventure books or watching national geographic spring from the grass lands. This is the garden of Eden.

In the cities, like most poor or developing countries trash has found its way to into every side walk, small stream and swage way. Homelessness, or at least poverty is rampant and proves a heart and eye sore to the incredible backdrop of this nation.

I think this 3.9 rating is low, I hope with another visit in the future I can venture further into the wilderness and hike among the eastern highlands.

Overall, Zimbabwe is magical. It holds a special place in my heart. While visiting this gem of Africa, you get a sense of belonging. Almost like a calling from a past so far gone. I would highly recommend visiting this country. This destination was rated a 3.1/5. However, I am certain, upon a revisit these states may change for the better.

4th place – Columbia

Money Star – 4/5

The truth is, Columbia is cheap. I struggle to recall the pricing of certain items, but I remember finding out a beer (0.5L) was roughly 70p in most cities. I also remember arriving in Columbia with just over seven thousand pounds, I spent about five weeks there, doing all sorts of activities, from clubbing, hiking, visiting coffee plantations, eating out, watching a football match and a Pablo Escobar tour. I left, with over six thousand still in the bank.

Hostels were not the cheapest I have ever seen, but I rarely had room to complain when most were between £3.80-£7 a night. And accommodations was definitely the only thing that was considered expensive for us while travelling in Columbia, so put that into perspective. A meal could be found for under £2 if you are brave enough and transportation was ridiculously cheap, if you can endure the loud, long and often turbulent bus routes.

Cuisine Star – 3.2/5

Columbian food was good. ‘Arepas’ and incredible fresh fruit smoothies blessed us in the early hours before leaving our hostel for a day of exploration. Meat pilled Fritangas lined restaurant tables from city to village, the sweet aroma of cooked meats hanging in the air. For dinner, Bandeja Paisa. And while on the do? greasy empanadas lined the street vendors.

Although the food wasn’t bad. I felt extremely unhealthy while in Columbia, Lots of fatty meats, greasy convenient store bought meals and plastic seated restaurants with a lot of potential health hazards. While this doesn’t take too many point off the score, it is something to be aware of if you are not accustomed to it.

By day thirty, myself and my travelling companion could not look in the direction of an empanada, the very sight of them still makes my stomach churn. It is not that they are revolting, rather it is a hit and miss operation. There is a chance you get a tasty meal, or you die of food poisoning in a sweaty mess. The question is do you take the gamble?

What raises the bar for Columbia when it comes to cuisine, is the beer. Poker and Aguila are my personal favourite, selling at less than 70p I truly was in a happy, drunk state of mind most evenings. Additionally, prior to Columbia, I had little care or taste for coffee, among the forest of this country is where my taste buds began to enjoy this nectar of the Gods.

History / Landmarks Star – 3.3/5

There is a lot to see in Columbia, and we didn’t really scratch the surface. I’d advocate that the Pablo Escobar tours in Medellin are okay. Not exactly worth the price, but if money isn’t an issue and you have a spare day, go ahead. The best historical landmark in Medellin is by far ‘comuna 13’. A fortress of narrowly built slums, once the most dangerous place on the planet, now a colourful maze that promotes tourism and community.

If you get the chance to go to a football match, I would say “drop whatever you are doing and go”. We went without a guide and sat in the locals section. I must admit, I am not a football fan, but without giving too much away, they do it different in South America.

I felt as though the historical landmarks needed more information to accompany them. Although I do try and read up on the histories of the countries I travel to, I often found myself lost when it came to the complex timelines and events of the 20th century. Additionally, a lot of the tours are very similar in style and pricing, it would be great to see some more verity.

Culture Star – 4.2/5

Columbian culture can be summed up in three simple words. Colour. Salsa. Butt. and of course cocaine, but I feel we will leave this out of the rating.

Columbian culture finds its roots in Salsa music, colourful dresses and a deep love for small waists and large butt cheeks. I found walking around the night clubs and bars exciting. Men grabbed woman (not like that, well maybe like that I don’t know) and whirled them through dance floors in brightly coloured outfits. They sing, laugh and shook everything given to them. There is a freedom in a Columbians nature, a careless flow that ripples through their DNA.

I think this star could be improved with a second visit. I was not surprised to see that indigenous cultures were not seen in any major town or city. At times, it was unclear if there were any indigenous peoples in Columbia. Additionally, cocaine, while fun for those that take part, had, and continues to have hold in the poorer communities, tearing them apart by gang warfare. Only a couple weeks prior to my arrival in Iquitos, a German tourist was killed in the cross fire of two rival drug gangs.

Outdoors / Nature – 2.1/5

It is true that Columbia is home to the largest rainforests in the world and has thousands of aquatic beast, four legged predators and birds within its boarders. However, I found it hard to navigate solo. Everything has to be done with a tour guide or you fall risk to scams, or serious navigational dangers. The rainforest is too thick to walk though without expert knowledge, the heat and humidity is extreme, any walks there are often made twice as hard due to this. The views are not great, why? because there is always a tree in the way.

The rainforest is incredible, and my time in Iquitos showed me how beautiful the country truly is. I could not escape the feeling of being trapped however. That I was unable to see the country for what it was. Additionally, the way animals are treated here is enough to lower the star rating, and once again there is trash everywhere.

But having said that, when you do get a view, or see something spectacular it truly is something to behold.

I think I am satisfied with my time in Columbia. 5 weeks of intense travel from its heart in Medellin, to the blue ocean just off the city of Santa Marta, then into the tropical forests of Minca, the vibrant city of Bogota and the incredible amazon river is enough for a lifetime. Although there is much left to see, I don not feel the need to revisit Columbia, which sits at 4th place with a 3.2/5 rating.

3rd place – Vietnam

Money Star – 5/5

It doesn’t get much better than Vietnam, when it comes to money. I was in Vietnam for three weeks. I lived like a king. Eating out in restaurants every breakfast, lunch and dinner. I took part in tours, visited landmarks, paid tolls, purchased not one, but two motorbikes, paid for fuel, drank and sang my way though countless nights out. When I returned home, I petrified to look at my bank account, I was convinced I had spent all my savings. But that prediction couldn’t have been further from the truth. In three, action packed weeks I spent just over £500. This includes the two motor bike purchases (something I will get into later).

Everything is cheap, the food, the accommodation, transport, souvenirs, activities, beer. Absolutely everything is value for your buck. This is the first 5/5 on the list, and honestly, it could be more deserving.

Cuisine Star – 4/5

For me, food in Vietnam was great. I would argue this being a 4.2/4.3, but due to the lack of diversity in eateries, plus the fact I got ill on my first day there I struggle to place it higher. Banh Mi baguettes kept me alive on long motor bike rides, Pho nursed me to bed each evening and fresh smoothies revitalised my energy after a heavy night drinking 35p beers.

I do however, have to acknowledge that Vietnamese food isn’t the same as we have here in the U.K. Although we get the classic dishes here, there is far more sea food in Vietnam than I expected. While I am tempted to raise the score somewhat due to the taste, freshness and price of the food. I also think that the hygiene made choosing a restaurant hard. Often I would walk past fish, meats and fruits left in the windows of shops in direct sunlight, flies crawling all over them. I am no stranger to poor hygiene in food while travelling, but Vietnam did take the icing from the unhygienic fly cake.

History / Landmarks – 3.8

My trip to Vietnam was not really historically centred. I was there to ride a motorbike, see the countryside, and explore the back roads. I wasn’t really there for historical research, which isn’t like me. I usually travel for three core reasons, 1. culture, 2. hiking and 3 History. However, while scooting myself around the country I found plenty of temples, sites of spiritual importance and war memorials to keep myself busy. I do think 3.8 is a little high, considering I didn’t interact as much as I could have with the historical places in Vietnam. However, I assigned this score due to the fact I know now much there is to see, especially in the centre of the country.

I visited the Mekong Delta, Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam War memorial in Hanoi. I wanted to visit the My Lai village and its memorial but was unable to at the time. Overall, good, but need a revisit to explore this further.

Culture Star – 4

Vietnam is a cultural melting pot. Although it is, at least as a foreigner, hard to perceive what is indigenous to Vietnam in terms of culture, or what it has taken on from colonial or political invasion. The country is very much a living cultural phenomenon. When walking down a city street, you have French inspired foods, Chinese inspired architecture, Nepalese Buddhist traditions mixed with a Vietnamese twist, clothing designs that derive from Japan, China and South Korea, soviet styled buildings and statues, a Cambodian, Thai and Indonesian footprint is firmly imbedded in the countries land. Although you are walking among many cultures, you are with every step very much aware of your presence in Vietnam.

Outdoor Star – 3/5

The beauty of Vietnam lays within the North. Large rock formations that sprout from the forest ground, rolling rice paddy hills and a sea of islands scattered across the Pacific ocean. If I was to rate the best sunsets I have ever seen, sunsets that capture the glory of this earths setting day, I would nominate Vietnam. I do no know the science behind sunsets, surly a sunset is no difference in England as it should be in Vietnam, but for some reason it is.

There is no way to explore this country better than on a motorbike. Weaving down snaking roads lined by thick lush jungles is a memory I will never forget. Bikes are cheap, fuel is cheap, there are no real limits on licenses, go and explore its that simple. Just don’t leave your bike anywhere unattended overnight, it will be stolen.

As for outdoor activities. Hiking is next to non existent, the jungle is too thick and the humidity to strong for any enjoyable walks. Additionally, like a lot of countries in this listing, trash and litter has destroyed every road side and small river. A beautiful country, but accessibility to outdoor activities is limiting, and litter is damaging its reputation among environmentalists.

Vietnam is the best value for money on this list. If you are on a budget, wanting to travel for a long period of time somewhere beautiful, with a vibrant culture, Vietnam is your next stop. If you are interested in hiking however, I’d save that money for the next two countries. With £1000 and some common sense, you could easily spend two month in Vietnam. Anyone a little cautious with food and hygiene may want to reconsider their trip. Vietnam got just shy of a 4 star rating on this list.

2rd place – Peru

Money Star – 3.8

While Columbia is far cheaper than Peru. Peru grants you far more possibility when it comes to spending your well earnt money. Besides Peru, I do not think I have visited a country that makes you regret not bringing a shipping container for the souvenirs you can purchase. I spent, far more in Peru than I did when I was on Columbia. Not only because of the very slight price difference, but because there was so much more to do and buy.

Food on average is less than £5 a meal, accommodation varies as it always does but hostels are between £9-£15 a night. Transport is dirt cheap, buses can be as little as £10 to travel across the entire country, plus the rides aren’t as rough as Columbia.

Cuisine Star – 2

I really, really did not enjoy the food in Peru. Which is odd, because I love chicken, beef and potato. I found it to be flavourless at times and unoriginal. I do not think that the food is inedible, hence the 2 star rating, but I found myself delving into home comforts while travelling through Peru. Strangely enough, I found one of the best lasagnes I have ever had here, they do good Italian cuisine.

I do not wish to completely diminish the cuisine in Peru. At this point I was three months into my South America trip and I was seeking some comfort in the food I ate. I spent a month in Peru and in that time I did resort back to European foods, missing out on some potential great Peruvian cuisine. I ate a lot of chicken and rice here.

History / Landmarks Star – 4.6/5

I don’t think it gets much better than Peru when it comes to exciting landmarks and historical sites. From the ancient world of the Inca, there are thousands of ruins to visit. Machu Picchu may be the crowning achievement of Peruvian history, but throughout the sacred valley and the coast of this incredibly historic country lay secret gem that equal to the famous wonder of the world. Personally, although Machu Picchu is without a doubt an incredible experience, the ruined sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac stole my heart.

I found that there was a history here that lived and breathed among the culture, and the price of admission into these great sites were low in comparison to western countries. My ticket into Pisac was barely £10. Machu Picchu was somewhat more, however, I do not remember it being enough for me to take a second glace or thought.

The only reason, this is not at a five star rating, is to no fault of the Peruvian country. There is a lack of historical sites outside of the Incan Empire. I found that although the Incan ruins are spectacular, there was little diversity in any additional historical landmarks. I would say however, upon a return trip, I would do better research and actively look for any non Incan sites, rather than follow the crowds.

Culture Star – 4.4/5

The clothes, the music, the festivities, the ancient ancestral techniques of weaving and farming, the Pachumama spirituality and the close ties to its historical past make Peru one of the greatest cultures on this list. A powerhouse of culture shock, mirrors the beauty of this countries history and landscape. In cities you find the same old rough and dirty streets that you will find anywhere, but in the countryside, there are marvels that I have yet to find anywhere else in the world.

A people bound by the land they live on, and by their ancestral teachings. No doubt there are elements of erosion within the culture. While the countryside and small towns are rife with tradition, the cities are not. There is a clear divide between its people, the new cities do not reflect the countries culture in any shape or form. In fact, it seems as though they are attempting to eradicate its culture by stepping away from tradition and towards modern growth.

Outdoor Star – 4.8/5

The diversity in geographical landscapes are like non other. Peru holds the lush, dense, uncharted forest of the Amazon river to its East. Cutting through its centre like a rising spine through the earths crust is the spectacular mountain range of the Andes. To its most Northern point, the shores are littered with white sand beaches, with cool Pacific waters lapping against its golden coastline. South, there are deserts of sand dunes and small oasis watering holes that whisper of a time before its colonial invasion, a land near impossible to traverse without the help of modern technology.

There truly is little to complain or discourage when it comes to this spectacular land. I stood on each mountain top, each beach and desert in complete awe of this country. It was here I saw the explosion of a volcano with my very eyes, as I stood over a canyon gorge. If there is anything that can lower the status of this countries landscape, it is the lack of wildlife. Not so much that it is perhaps lacking, rather it is hard to find.

With a 4 star rating, the only thing that truly reduces this countries stature in this listing is the cuisine. Perhaps, when I return to this land, I will be able to embrace the food more, and lift this epic country into the top spot. I travelled through Peru for over a month, and there is still so much I wish to see. This has to be on your list. The next placement, has achieved first prize with a 0.1 lead, that is how highly I recommend Peru.

1st place – Nepal

Money Star – 4.7

Vietnam is, to my recollection, slightly cheaper than Nepal. To jolt my memory on the subject I looked online to find out and to my surprise I found that Nepal and Vietnam are in the top three cheapest countries to travel to in the world. Depending on the list, depended on who was the cheapest. Vietnam, Nepal and Laos have all been accredited to being the cheapest locations to travel.

I would however, consider Nepal to be better value for money when it comes to souvenirs. While Vietnams shops are filled with cheap hats and plastic merchandise. Nepal has wooden masks, legitimate religious collectables and real Gurkha Kukri blades. I spent next to nothing purchasing new (fake)hiking gear, a mask, a wooden statue to help furnish my future home/garage.

Cuisine Star – 3.8/5

It has been almost ten years since I visited Nepal, and I plan on not letting that exceed twelve. Out of all the things I have forgotten about that incredible country, cuisine remains at the top of the list. I remember eating Dal Bhat, most days, a refillable plate that consisted on a lentil curry, rice, vegetables, chutney and on some occasions a rich yoghurt. To this day I have yet to find anywhere in the U.K. that does Dal Bhat. The curries were incredible, and the rice dishes flavoursome. I’d have to revisit Nepal to place it any higher or lower than 3.8 at this time.

History / Landmarks Star – 3/5

The landmarks in Nepal are incredible to those that have never been to Asia. The temples are sculpted with masterful craftsmanship. There is a ancient ambience to each and every one of them. Each crack and corner seems to be part of the land around it. Tree roots and trunks grow within the framework of houses and temples, nature is truly left to its own devices. Paint dust from festivals long past can be seen in the recesses of old door ways carved from wood and stone. There is a real sense of the countries age within its architecture.

However, besides temples, palaces and some of the craziest telephone wire hazards I have ever seen there is little else to see in terms of landmarks or historical buildings. In fact, the history of Nepal is not on show at all in monuments. Rather there is a more religious ambience to the city streets.

Culture Star – 4.1

Religion is the strongest pillar in Nepalese culture. It seems as though every street has a spiritual shrine dedicated to Buddhist teachings. The orange and red robes of monks contrast against the old buildings and cars. The cities are mazes of randomly placed buildings and walkways that lead to dusty markets. I was not in Nepal long enough to celebrate any of its many and fascinating festivals. I hope my next visit will include the dog appreciation festival.

Outdoors Star -5/5

Our second 5/5 star rating on this list goes to the great outdoors of Nepal. I have travelled through, the grasslands of Africa, the lush rainforests of South America, the canyons of North America, the high waves of the North sea and the green fields of Europe. Never have I felt the power and spiritual significance of a land as much as the Himalayan mountains in Nepal. Of course there are many countries I have yet to explore, some of them I am hoping will challenge my view of this 5 star rating, but so far, non have.

Walking up through the low land jungle below the 8,000 meter + mountains above forces you to realise ones own insignificance. Not in a depressing, belittling manor, for mountains do not ask to be praised, instead you realise the beauty of existence and how lucky we are to exist on a planet with such wonders, in a time where travel is so excisable.

From hiking, to paragliding, Nepal is an adventurers playground paradise.

If you have been to South, or South East Asia before I do not think the structures will be much of a wonder to you. There are greater temples in Cambodia and Laos. Additionally the food will not be as pleasant as other Asian countries. However, there is no where on this earth that speaks so softly, yet hold such wonders as Nepal. Nepal comes at the top of my list with a 4.1/5 rating. I hope to visit again very soon.

If you enjoyed this ranking and wish to seem more of my travel rankings please feel free to ask. I am always up for producing more rankings and travel talk on my blog.

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Thank you and God bless.