Travelers Share Destinations That Lived Up To The Hype

Everyone connects with destinations differently while traveling. The best city you’ve ever visited could’ve been someone else’s worst nightmare, and it’s hard to know whose opinion to trust before you plan your trip.

While there’s no guarantee that you’re going to feel the same way about a city or country as someone else, it never hurts to hear. These travelers shared the destinations they visited that lived up to their expectations.

Krakow, Poland

“I just traveled to Krakow recently. Completely changed my perception of the city. It has a little bit of everything including a medieval castle and a statue of a dragon (that breathes fire!).

The Polish pride is evident in the city, with polka music emanating throughout the city, Polska scarves and flags everywhere, and incredibly friendly locals that were very eager to help.”

St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

“Beautiful scenery (especially if you go when the icebergs are floating by), the friendliest people, great history, and a surprisingly cool food scene that’s blooming. Hiking right along the edge of the Atlantic was fun too. Very much recommended!”

Amalfi, Italy

“It’s this tiny beachside town built on the side of these huge cliffs. It’s got the best food, the best beach and the most interesting people I’ve ever met. We just spent every evening in the town square, all the restaurants turn their tables and chairs to face the streets so everyone can sit and watch people go by while they eat.

There was this beautiful brass band that played in the square seemingly just for the love of it. It’s like everyone is just so happy to be alive.”

Osaka, Japan

“It has everything a big city would have, but without any of the downsides typically associated with a big city. All kinds of places to go and see, lots of things to do, great ways to get around, everything is really clean, and all the people are really nice. I’m hoping I get a chance to go back soon.”

Quebec City, Canada

“Quebec City. Holy god, I’ve never been to a more perfectly designed city for young nightlife. Poutine, beer, and amazing architecture galore.

“It definitely feels more European than Canadian, as if the city was built in France and teleported to Canada after being completed.”

Portugal

“Portugal. It’s like it’s forgotten on everyone’s ‘visit Europe’ list. Beautiful, has old castles and walled cities. Has mountains and Mediterranean climate. Lisbon itself is a very friendly and comfortable town, easy to get around in.

“Best was Porto Portugal. Old world feel with beautiful scenery, great food & wine, and relatively inexpensive.”

Alaska, USA

“Alaska. Imagine Colorado with bigger mountains, larger bears, better fishing, tons of moose, nearly 24 hours of sunlight in the summers, the Northern Lights in the winter, fresher air, higher elevation, cooler small towns, less tourists, untouched wildlife father than the eye can see.”

Pokhara, Nepal

“Dear lord, it’s beautiful, fun and a launching point for gorgeous treks up through the Annapurna region. People are friendly, everything is cheap, crime is almost nonexistent. (To my admittedly limited knowledge.)”

South Island, New Zealand

“The whole landscape is just so scenic and tranquil, sometimes I would just stop somewhere off the side of the endless quiet roads just to breathe in the air and look at the horizon and mountains.”

London, England

“I come from a small country with a tiny population, and London was the first big city I visited and I just fell in love. The mix of old and new architecture, the underground (seriously I could talk about how much I love the underground for days), and despite people warning me Londonites are rude, I thought they were very polite and helpful.”

Ireland

“Ireland is called the Emerald Isle for a reason. Everything is green and it’s beautiful. There’s so much history in that island and it’s fascinating.

“The locals were very friendly and eager to help you if you need directions. The weather is rainy, but I was fortunate enough to have nice weather when I went. My pub experience was excellent as well.”

Budapest, Hungary

“The architecture, culture, people, and experiences are absolutely amazing.”

“Budapest was amazing. It had the perfect balance between architecture/art/history and a unique nightlife. Also, Hungarians are definitely one of the nicest people I’ve met in my travels. It’s probably the number one place I’d recommend for traveling.”

Santorini, Greece

“I spent three weeks there on extended vacation and never wanted to leave. The people were amazing, weather fantastic, and food exquisite. Plus ya know, some nice views.”

“As you approach the island from the sea (if you take the ferry to get there) the view of the port of Santorini is just amazing, especially at night. Oh, and might I add that perivolos beach is also beautiful.”

Taipei, Taiwan

“It’s like a fusion between China and Japan, and the Taiwanese are super helpful. I was walking down the street, exploring, and someone actually stopped me in the street and said ‘You need to go to this temple tonight, something really cool is going to happen!’ And it was one of the best nights of my life. Also amazing food, amazing vistas, amazing museums.”

Norway

“Endless nature, giant pretty mountains, drinkable see-through water, so many rocks to jump on, very few people in sight, 9/10.

“The fjords of Norway are the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen full stop. Not to mention the fact that the people are absolutely gorgeous.”

Costa Rica

“Costa Rica in general was a traveler’s paradise. Beautiful forests, beautiful beaches, great food, activities everywhere, safe, good infrastructure, and the people there are fantastic.

“I really love how focused they are on conservation and preserving their natural resources.”

Mexico City, Mexico

“It isn’t overrun by tourists, it’s inexpensive, you can find the best food in the world both on the high and low ends, it’s filled to the brim with art/museums/culture/history (old world and new), incredible architecture, warm (if humid) weather, tons of foliage, the people are among the warmest in the world, and it’s got a fresh and exciting nightlife that never shuts down / hipster bar and food scene.”

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

“Everything was super-sized and beautiful. Hiking in a normal local park, even if it has mountains and waterfalls, just feels small now.

“Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.”

Florence, Italy

“The first time I saw Il Duomo was walking from Santa Maria Novella. It is the only thing that has ever fully taken my breath away. I will never forget that moment. I love Florence.”

Riga, Latvia

“I went not knowing what to expect except that everyone I had met traveling was telling me it was amazing and it was.

“So many cool little cafés, a vodka museum run by one of the most hilariously off-beat guys I’ve ever met in my life, amazing food, and it’s dirt cheap and gorgeous.”