Top 5 Visited Places 2021

As 2021 comes to an end, I reflect back on all the places I have visited this year, both old and new. And as I reflect here are the top 5 places I visited this year. Are any of them on your list for 2022?

1. Alaska

Being the biggest US state and one of the more remote places, where literally you can drive for hours and not see another car, let alone another human, Alaska, Denali area specifically, is a place that everyone should experience at least once in their life. With incredible views of the Alaskan mountain range, endless hiking and animal spotting opportunities, spending a few days here won't even come close to covering much ground. And if you are tired from all the hiking and site seeing around the Alaskan Mountain range, going to Chena hot springs (located an hour outside of Fairbanks) is a great way to relax for a day.

2. Colombia

I don't even know where to begin when it comes to recommending visiting Colombia. Thiis beautiful and diverse country should be on everyones bucket list. From the coastal beaches, to tropical forests such as Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to the Los Nevados and Valle del Cocora, The Deserto de Tatacoa, all the way down to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers options for any traveler. And that is not even touching on the incredible food and the welcoming cultural that you can find in every corner of the country.

3. Hawaii

While Covid provided a lot of negatives, including in my own life, it did provide me opportunities to visit places that otherwise would not be available to me financially, and Hawaii was one of those places. With relatively cheap flight options, some great camping spots (that are offered for affordable rates), beautiful beaches, and unique hiking experiences, Hawaii can be a great escape for both adventure travelers and those seeking to just pass some time on the beaches soaking in the rays.

4. Washington

With Rainforests, Mountains, and lush greenery at every turn, Washington is a nice state to visit if you want to spend sometime taking in the Pacific Northwest, plus Seattle is a city for visiting whether for a short time or the entire stent of your trip.

5. Italy

While this seems like an obvious place for anyone to have on their top visited places, this country offers so much more than just the stereotypical cities. Not only can you spend time enjoying each regions different meals, and diverse architecture, but from North to South you can bask in the unique landscapes from mountains, to cliff villages, clear blue beach towns, and rolling hills.

And as I look back on this year and the privilege I have had to visit all these beautiful places, plus the others not mentioned on this list, I reflect on both the memories made and the gratitude I hold, and look forward to the new opportunities and adventures that 2022 are brining me.