What are your top 10 countries of 2017?

[Kirstie]

Hi all,

I stumbled upon the Rough Guide's list of the top 10 countries to visit in 2017 which definitely gave me wanderlust and, as January is quite a popular time to think about holidays for the year, I thought it would be interesting to discuss it here!

The list according to Rough Guide is as follows:

1. India

2. Scotland   (I'm half Scottish so particularly pleased this made the list!)

3. Canada

4. Uganda

5. Bolivia

6. Nicaragua

7. Portugal

8. Finland

9. Namibia

10. Taiwan

Do you think this is a good list? Are there any countries you would want to add? Maybe you think your own country deserves to be on there?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Kirstie

(Top 10 Countries for 2017 list courtesy of https://www.roughguides.com/best-places/2017/top-10-countries/ )

[Kirstie]

Hi @Kessy0,

Welcome to the Community Center!

I completely agree with you that Kenya should be on the list! I actually went there for the first time last summer :). We spent a week by Diani Beach which was beautiful and very relaxing by the sea, then we had a week in the stunning Masai Mara doing safari, before spending a couple of days in Nairobi! It was an incredible experience, I would love to go back!

This is one of the gorgeous beaches on Chale island:

And here are the Wildebeest crossing the Mara river - it was nervewracking to watch!

Where do you particularly love going in Kenya? Are you from Nairobi originally?

Kirstie

[Annette33]

LOVE travel = my passion!

My top countries, in no particular order: Ireland - Peru - New Zealand - Nepal

my top 3 cities, in no particular order: St. Petersburg - London - Firenze

but now: My top region - there is only ONE - The American Southwest !! And I live here 🙂

Just a few pictures to get you in the mood, come on out and I'll be your tour guide!

Approaching Monument Valley, Utah, the Forrest Gump Road:

on the road.... those kind of vistas are everywhere:

Arches National Park,   Utah at "The Delicate Arch"

in the Arches neighbourhood, one of my favorite places: Devil's Horse State Park:

in my old playground in New Mexico : Chaco Canyon

and of course, the big one - Grand Canyon! Just 2 hours north of me. Sometimes we just drive up to hike around a bit , "no big deal" , just your regular Wednesday entertainment  🙂

[Kirstie]

Wow @Annette33 those photos are stunning! You are very lucky to live in such an impressive landscape 🙂

It's interesting that none of your top 3 cities are in your top 4 countries - I would agree that you can love a particular city but not be overwhelmed by the rest of the country but you can also love an entire country and not find any of the cities there particularly amazing! I was listening to a podcast recently that was talking about cities and how they are often more like countries in themselves in terms of how they differ to the rest of the country - I reckon it's often true!

Peru, New Zealand and Nepal are all high on my list of countries to visit - I've heard wonderful things about all of them!

Kirstie

[Kristi0]

I love some of these countires and have been to some. 

I am bummed USA isn't on this list and I am sad to say since September 2016 my bookings have suffered. I usually have Candian's stay with me over the winter and in the spring lots of Europeans and I have no bookings from any forgiegn travelers. I realize its the Travel Ban on and off again but have you all experienced the same thing? 

[Baya-And-Paul0]

We've a B&B on the Navajo nation overlooking Lake Powell.  Shash Dine' EcoRetreat.  We have several accommodations including restored covered sheepherder wagons, Bell tents, traditonal Navajo hogans, etc. 

[Kirstie]

HI @Baya-And-Paul0,

Wow your listings look amazing! Is the top one the traditional Navajo hogan? Looks exciting! The wagon looks like something straight out of the Wild West - it's beautiful! I'm sure your guests love discovering the area.

Is there lots of interesting wildlife around that area? If so, it would be great if you could share them here! 

Happy Hosting,

Kirstie 

[Baya-And-Paul0]

Thank you.  Yes, we've two hogans on our ranch.  The earthen one is framed with yellow junier and covered in earth.  Very much traditional Navajo. 

There is much wildlife here.  Also, freerange livestock.  Interesting area of our planet and true outstanding natural beauty. 

[Cotton0]

Australia 

[Kirstie]

Hi @Cotton0,

Welcome to the Community Center!

Oo Australia is high on my list  of places to visit too. Have you got plans to go there this year?

Happy Hosting!

Kirstie

[Alexander178]

Hello guys! I think there must be my lovely small hospitable country in the top list named Georgia ( not state of Usa lol.)  Here u can see the great confluence of old architecture,historical places, churches and modern, progressive atmosphere. Also we have a great mountains and nature! Very very hospitable people and delicious kitchen and wines ^_^

[Kirstie]

Hi @Alexander178,

Wow I will definitley add Georgia to my list of places I want to visit! It looks and sounds beautiful - i'm sure there's lots to discover! I'm sure your guests enjoy their visits 🙂

Happy Hosting!

Kirstie