Were you sitting around your house bored back in 2020, thinking, when this lockdown is over, I’m going to see the world.
Now you can travel; but don’t know where to go. I have some suggestions for you – actually seven.
Over the years, my friends and family always ask, “what’s your favorite place that you’ve been to?’
That’s a hard question because, as a single man, my favorite place is different than most. I wouldn’t suggest my aunt visit Zagreb Croatia on her first trip overseas.
But I do suggest some places that I think everyone would like.
Also, when I suggest a city, I’m thinking about a particular sight or attraction they should see.
So if you’re looking for some ideas of where to travel to, here are 7 different suggestions:
(Btw, these are only places I’ve seen with my own eyes)
7 Famous European Sights
Rome, Italy
Italy is not my favorite city in the world, however, I tell everyone, if you can only go to one place in your life, go to Rome.
The Colosseum and The Roman Forum are incredible.
Walking onto the Colosseum, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Not only because the structures have been there for almost 2000 years, but everything in Rome is so real and so visceral. It is much more than looking at things in a museum.
Normally, I tell everyone, don’t visit just one country or city when you travel. You’ve flown all the way to Europe, try to see two countries at least.
But, Italy is the exception. You can only go to Rome and come home.
Paris, France
The Eiffel tower is as amazing as advertised.
Two points. First, Paris is the most romantic city I’ve ever seen. It would be the best place to take a girlfriend or wife.
Second, as a solo male traveler, we should be able to do everything on our own. However, Paris is one city where you might want to hire a tour guide.
I joined a tour group when I went to Paris. I remember my tour guide took us around some back alley, through some neighborhoods, and out into some area in Paris. He placed us right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I’ll never forget that image.
I never would have found that spot on my own. For that reason, I think it would be a good idea to join a tour group when visiting Paris.
Budapest, Hungary
The Parliament building at night is the coolest sight I’ve ever seen.
I know I’m being subjective, and the Parliament building is literally only a government building, but I have never been so blown away by a view in my life.
I’ll never forget taking the metro/subway to a stop across the river from the building, walking up the stairs, and seeing the glowing Parliament building right in front of me.
Pictures and video don’t do it justice.
By the way, there are tons of cool sights in Budapest. You probably need a week to do everything there.
Czech, Republic
Prague is considered by many the crossroad between Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Prague is a great place to start If you’ve been to Western Europe and want to dip your toe into Eastern Europe.
And check out Wenceslas Square.
When you’re on Wenceslas Square, you definitely feel like you are in Europe. You probably feel a little more Eastern Europe, but there’s plenty of Western influence to make you feel comfortable.
Prague is special to me. The first completely solo trip I took was to Prague. I remember landing in Prague, walking down to Wensceslaw Square, and standing there. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Also, when you’re in Prague, check out the Charles Bridge.
Dubai, U.A.E.
The Burj Kalifa building is one of the most impressive structures in the world.
I think it’s the tallest building in the world, standing at 2,722 feet tall (1/2 a mile in the air!)
It is definitely worth a visit.
You can see the Burj Kalifa piercing the sky from anywhere in Dubai. However, a great view is from the Dubai Mall.
The Dubai Mall is the best and biggest mall I’ve ever been in. Go to the mall, and you kind of go out back onto a plaza area, and you can see the Burj Khalifa. It is an incredible sight.
You can also go inside the Burj Khalifa up to the observation deck. I think it’s on the 163 Floor.
Closed March 2020
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get up to the observation deck because it was closed when I was there due to Covid.
However, I could get up to the 145 floor to a restaurant called Atmosphere.
Definitely check it out if you can.
Moscow, Russia
As I write this in August 2022, probably nobody wants to visit Russia.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, the world has pretty much put the Iron Curtain back up around Russia.
Before the war, Red Square was one the most impactful places I’ve ever seen.
When you walk onto Red Square, you have St. Basil’s Cathedral (the gingerbread-looking building in all of the photos of Moscow) in front of you at the other end.
If you turn around, you have the beautiful State Historical Museum in front of you.
The whole square is amazing, and when you stand there, you can’t help but think about the gravity of the place. You’ve probably seen the May Day parades on TV with the tanks rumbling down the cobblestones on Red Square.
Standing there, you definitely feel like you’re in Russia. Unlike Saint Petersburg, where you feel like you’re in the U.S.
Again this all takes a different sentiment currently, but Red Square is a place everyone should see.
Kyiv, Ukraine
The war in 2022 has made everyone aware of Ukraine.
When it’s over, and it is safe, everyone should visit Maidan Square in Kyiv.
Standing in front of Maidan Square, you get a sense of its importance.
Many significant events have happened in Ukraine since 1991. All of them have a connection to Maidan Square.
After the war, if you’re looking for a place to go, for dozens of reasons, Kyiv is a great place to go, and Midan Square is the best place.
By the way, Kyiv, Ukraine is the only city I’ve been to twice in 16 years of travel.
Summary
I’m sure you have a buck list of places you want to see, but if you’re looking for ideas, hopefully, these seven places gave you some ideas.
Have fun, and go explore!
P.S. If you want to know how to find cheap flights (for real) go here: Cheap Flights
