9 Countries
That Altered My Chemistry & How
Without tooting my own, I have travelled to 40 countries and countless cities and towns in between, just to put this in perspective. But, there are a handful that made such an impact that I felt quite changed afterward.
Now, these countries aren’t featured because they’re the prettiest or most well-known, but because they taught me things I could never otherwise learn. Whether it was through harsh realities or understated beauty, they affected the way I see the world, other people, and sometimes even myself. Even in the raw, the brutal… the chaotic.
So, in no particular order…
Kenya
Going prepared at least prevented such a culture shock, although it was incredibly hard to see things as they were here. I do not think I’ve to this day experienced something so hard, it breaks my heart to know how Kenyans live. However, for that and other reasons, it made me more grateful, less materialistic and, I think, much kinder. Seeing people with so much less than even what many of us consider basic necessities really changed my perspective on life. And yet despite all of that, I found warmth, generosity and happiness everywhere I went. It was a reminder that fulfilment doesn't always come from possessions.
And on a more positive note, being the animal lover that I am, of course doing a safari had been a lifelong dream of mine. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat was every bit as incredible as I'd imagined and returning home afterwards, I found myself questioning how much value we place on things that don't really matter.
Mexico
I was honestly shit scared to go to Mexico, and I am never the nervous traveller but by god people have every bad thing to say about it (although obviously, they haven’t been). So why this unsettled me is surprising, and equally frustrating.
I wish, gooooodness I wish I could shout this from the rooftops really but Mexico is without a doubt one of the most amazing countries I have travelled to, even as a solo woman. While I understand the locals may not have the same impression, I speak on behalf of visitors when I say I always felt safe and at ease: if men flirted, they did it with respect and distance, locals smiled and welcomed me with open arms, and some of the most fun I had was at random times with random people, travellers and Mexicans alike. The transport was even better than countries in Western Europe in terms of comfort and reliability, also hostels which although very affordable vs lets say Italy, were 100x better, and every place has its own special charm - no two things are really the same. Whether that is the vibrant and fun cities of Mexico City, Merida and Oaxaca, or beachy places such as stunning Holbox, Tulum and Bacalar (aka the Maldives of Mexico).
Take it from me, open your hear to Mexico and it will do the same for you.
Turkey
I've been visiting Turkey since I was really young, and there's just something about it that has always felt magical and special to me. It's basically my third home at this point. The food, the blend of modern and historical, the tiny whitewashed floral towns, and surreal places like Cappadocia all make it a country I never get tired of returning to. Some of my fondest travel memories were made here, which is probably why I even have a tattoo inspired by Cappadocia.
And the breakfasts alone Christ, deserve a mention.
Qatar
Qatar absolutely surprised me. To be honest, I wasn't expecting that much before visiting but yet Doha ended up becoming one of the most visually striking cities I've ever experienced. I’m rather confused as to why it is so overshadowed by Dubai.
I loved the vibrant colours of little places like the Mina District, the unique architecture, and the way history and modernity seem to coexist side by side. Sometimes the places we know the least about end up leaving the biggest impression. That was certainly true for my case. I have to also say, the rights and rules for women weren’t strict and people were very kind, smiley and welcoming.
Vietnam
Vietnam truthfully was never top of my bucket list and was a sort of convenient add-on between my trip to Thailand and the Maldives, but it’s a country that ended up being one of my tops. It taught me to appreciate beauty in places many people would overlook; in the hectic, the everyday life, the nature, fresh food and its wonderful people/culture. From tiny street food stalls with tiny tables that seem to accommodate children (no offence at all!), to busy intersections and local markets, I cherished every bit of my time.
The food is some of my favourite in the world, ok yes perhaps boring and bland to some but to me, fresh, light and delicious. The landscapes are diverse, from the bustling cities like Hanoi (which, beyond the busy traffic, is actually very fun to experience) to breathtaking scenery and views to be seen in Halong bay.
Oman
Qatar’s neighbour and yet another phenomenal country, but for some different reasons. Similarly to the reasons above about Doha, Oman seemed like a gorgeous country but equally underrated. And surely enough, it was.
I wholeheartedly adored Muscat and surrounding area with every bit of my being, and I’d go back again and again in a heartbeat. The style is special but there are places like Wadi Shah and other natural places that feel worlds apart from the city areas. It’s lush and beautiful and vast. With that said as well, the diving here is equally phenomenal and there are wonderful places for keen water-enthusiasts to enjoy. Plus, what I really took away is how safe I felt, just how open and sweet the Omani are, and how wrong perhaps others are about their perceived ideas of rights and overall politics of the country. Those who do not go, seem to have much more to say- and it is misleading.
Instead of buying into the bullshit, go see for yourselves.
Malta
People never really understand why I love Malta so much, but I can’t help it and I will die on this hill. No, it's not a very green destination, but not everything needs to be. What it lacks in said greenery, it more than makes up for in history, architecture and extraordinary coastal scenery.
Places like Mdina and Gozo are mind-blowing to me, and the country is a paradise for wreck diving. Plus, affordable overall and has some of the most delicious seafood thus far. I’ve visited multiple times and I'd happily keep returning. Go fly a drone in Malta and tell me it's not bloody beautiful. You won’t ever change my mind.
Thailand
Number 1 on the bucket list was Thailand. I don’t know why but I was fixated on the idea of seeing it some day and when I say this country exceeded my expectations, I mean that.
All round, I have few critiques except overtourism. Bangkok was like a city I’d not experienced, a sort of freedom and openness and excitement with so much to do. Whether that was partying, tasting everything in sight at food markets or discovering the most stunning palaces and temples. And Chiang Mai, similar but smaller with its own phenomenal religious sites, cafes and nature, such as rice fields. And then south, where you can laze around in the magnificent islands of Thailand. I just wish I had more than a few weeks.
Portugal
Portugal is getting more visitors these days, but I still think it's somewhat of an underdog compared to many other European destinations. It's also one of the first countries I truly explored in depth, which means many of my earliest travel memories are tied to it. Wonderful people, incredible seafood again, varied and stunning landscapes and charming towns all combine to create a country that deserves every bit of praise it receives.
Portugal will always have a special place in my travel story.