Last year we took the whole family to see Scotland. I really enjoyed Glasgow, but the little villages were great too. And of course. Edinburgh was great as well.
That sounds EPIC! Our daughter has visited a couple of times but we never have. Yet. Would love any recommendations you have. We will add it to our list.
We've barely scratched the surface of what's to be explored in Germany so we hope to be able to go see a lot more one day! Austria and Switzerland are top countries on the bucket list too. Such an amazing part of the world to see!
The beer alone is worth it! 😀 My aunt is from Austria and I’d love to see where she lived in the mountains. My dad spent a few years in Germany in the Army back in the day. There was so much he saw but still wanted to see before they changed his orders. Thanks for the recommendation!
Travel lists like this always make me reflect on how differently people experience the same planet. For some, visiting seven countries already feels like a huge chapter of life. For others, the world slowly turns into a kind of long-term map you keep expanding piece by piece. Both approaches are fascinating because what really stays with us are the moments attached to the places.
One thing I liked in your piece is how clearly those moments come through - Quebec, Cozumel, time in Europe with family. Those are the kinds of experiences that anchor travel in real life rather than turning it into a checklist.
I’ve spent a big part of my life moving across countries as well, and what surprised me over time is that the places that stay with you are rarely the ones you expected beforehand. Sometimes it’s a city, sometimes a random small town, sometimes just one afternoon that somehow captures the entire feeling of a country.
Pieces like this are a good reminder that travel is less about how many borders you cross and more about the stories you carry back with you.
Well said, Mats! I agree that we all experience things differently, which is why I think it's good for travelers to get out there and experiment, or to not always follow the "Top 5" visit lists. We have ended up in towns and places that were not the popular destinations, but were some of our best travel memories. Puth, Netherlands, is one example we've written about. Then there are places like Barcelona or Rome that were great, but not anyplace I feel I need to return to.
Regardless, I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone to experience new adventures, cultures, people, and places. It is good for the soul.
Thanks James ☺️🙏🏼 I completely agree with you on that. Some of my best memories also came from places that weren’t on any list at all. I’ve noticed that the more you travel, the less interesting the “Top 5” mindset becomes. The famous places can be great, but they often feel a bit predictable after a while.
What really stays with me are the unexpected moments - a random town you stop in because of a missed connection, a long conversation with someone you just met, or a place that simply wasn’t on the plan at all.
After visiting quite a few countries over the years, those are the experiences that seem to define the journey much more than the big landmarks. Curiosity tends to lead to the better stories.
YES!!! 👏 Some of my best times are like you said, those unexpected moments. The landmarks are nice, but the people I've met are priceless. I hope someday you and I will meet on one of those adventures. The beer or coffee is on me!
Love that so much, Mats! Those moments that make for great memories are what are so important to me. I love thinking back and remembering the good times we had in each place. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Last year we took the whole family to see Scotland. I really enjoyed Glasgow, but the little villages were great too. And of course. Edinburgh was great as well.
That sounds EPIC! Our daughter has visited a couple of times but we never have. Yet. Would love any recommendations you have. We will add it to our list.
Scotland is definitely on the bucket list! I can't wait to visit there one day.
Here are my sketchnotes which should have a few recommendations: https://sketchnotelab.substack.com/p/sketchnoting-scotland-how-visual
Thank you!
I lived in Ravensburg Germany for a while. It is a small city near lake Constance. You are less than hour from Austria and Switzerland.
Germany is one of my favorite places on earth. Safe, full of castles, great food, wonderful beer and people.
We've barely scratched the surface of what's to be explored in Germany so we hope to be able to go see a lot more one day! Austria and Switzerland are top countries on the bucket list too. Such an amazing part of the world to see!
The beer alone is worth it! 😀 My aunt is from Austria and I’d love to see where she lived in the mountains. My dad spent a few years in Germany in the Army back in the day. There was so much he saw but still wanted to see before they changed his orders. Thanks for the recommendation!
If you go to Ravensburg try the Leibinger beer made locally. Amazing stuff.
Done! 🍺
Thanks for sharing ☺️🙏🏼
Travel lists like this always make me reflect on how differently people experience the same planet. For some, visiting seven countries already feels like a huge chapter of life. For others, the world slowly turns into a kind of long-term map you keep expanding piece by piece. Both approaches are fascinating because what really stays with us are the moments attached to the places.
One thing I liked in your piece is how clearly those moments come through - Quebec, Cozumel, time in Europe with family. Those are the kinds of experiences that anchor travel in real life rather than turning it into a checklist.
I’ve spent a big part of my life moving across countries as well, and what surprised me over time is that the places that stay with you are rarely the ones you expected beforehand. Sometimes it’s a city, sometimes a random small town, sometimes just one afternoon that somehow captures the entire feeling of a country.
Pieces like this are a good reminder that travel is less about how many borders you cross and more about the stories you carry back with you.
Well said, Mats! I agree that we all experience things differently, which is why I think it's good for travelers to get out there and experiment, or to not always follow the "Top 5" visit lists. We have ended up in towns and places that were not the popular destinations, but were some of our best travel memories. Puth, Netherlands, is one example we've written about. Then there are places like Barcelona or Rome that were great, but not anyplace I feel I need to return to.
Regardless, I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone to experience new adventures, cultures, people, and places. It is good for the soul.
What are some of your most memorable adventures?
I appreciate you for sharing!
Thanks James ☺️🙏🏼 I completely agree with you on that. Some of my best memories also came from places that weren’t on any list at all. I’ve noticed that the more you travel, the less interesting the “Top 5” mindset becomes. The famous places can be great, but they often feel a bit predictable after a while.
What really stays with me are the unexpected moments - a random town you stop in because of a missed connection, a long conversation with someone you just met, or a place that simply wasn’t on the plan at all.
After visiting quite a few countries over the years, those are the experiences that seem to define the journey much more than the big landmarks. Curiosity tends to lead to the better stories.
YES!!! 👏 Some of my best times are like you said, those unexpected moments. The landmarks are nice, but the people I've met are priceless. I hope someday you and I will meet on one of those adventures. The beer or coffee is on me!
Looking forward:)
Love that so much, Mats! Those moments that make for great memories are what are so important to me. I love thinking back and remembering the good times we had in each place. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks Donetta ☺️🙏🏼