There are some places I’ve been that have stayed with me more than others, which are impossible to forget. When I travel I collect memories. Memories that will stay with me for many years. I expect that the snapshots of these travels will be ones that I cling to forever.
So when Justin and Lauren of Justin Plus Lauren nominated me to write about My Top 5 Favorite Destinations that I’d most like to revisit, in conjunction with “Booked.net – Top Destinations to Go There” challenge, my mind started wandering with all the possibilities. It was actually harder than I thought it would be to narrow the list down to only five, here are the five places I’d return to in a heartbeat in no particular order.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
The volcanic island of Tenerife which is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, has so much to offer that I can write endlessly about all there is to do. It’s also where my family on my dad’s side lives. One of my favorite things to see in the island is the third largest volcano in the world called “El Teide”. The drive to El Teide is spectacular. You feel like you’re in another planet. The south of the island is famous for its black volcanic beaches. One of the best places to stay is in “Playa de las Americas”. I’ve been to Tenerife several times already, and can’t wait to go back to visit the family and see new sites around the island that I haven’t been too.



Positano, Italy
We visited Positano a few years ago on our way down to Pompeii. I’d always wanted to visit. It is said that Positano is one of Italy’s most romantic and luxurious towns. They were right! It was exactly as I had pictured it, with its crystal blue waters and homes built vertically along the hillside cliffs. The stop in Positano was fantastic but a little rushed. I’d love to be able to spend an afternoon and evening soaking up the atmosphere. Positano is definitely on my list of towns that I would like to return to one day.

Venice, Italy
Venice is one of those cities that no matter how many times you visit, you never get tired of it. We been to Venice three times already, and I want to go back again. Most people say it’s one of the world’s most romantic destinations and I have to agree. Venice has so much more to offer than just its gondola rides and canals. It’s a city bursting with art galleries, historic buildings, winding alleys, fascinating museums, monasteries, synagogues, and churches. One of the great things about Venice is that there are no vehicles. Walking around the city makes the Venice experience special.



Mykonos, Greece
I had always dreamed of Mykonos, the beautiful blue water with the white houses lined up on the hilltop with their beautiful blue doors. I was super excited last summer when we got the chance to see it for ourselves. When I think of Mykonos, my mind wanders to one of the most striking features of the island, the windmills set on the side of a hill overlooking the Aegean sea with whitewashed homes. Pristine whitewashed and looking like sentential guarding the town below. Cute little walking paths for streets that you can get lost in a minute, great little shops and a diverse group of cafes and bars. The most powerful feature of Mykonos is the colors. I don’t know if it’s because of the light or the white buildings for contrast but as you can see from the photos, the colors just seem more vivid and charming than almost anyplace that I’ve ever been.


Trinidad, Cuba
Cuba is another place that I’m passionate about, especially since I was born there. I left the island when I was only four years old and went back for the first time fourty-four years later. This year I had the opportunity to travel to Trinidad, which I had always wanted to visit. It’s one of the oldest Spanish colonial towns in Cuba dating back 500 years. I had heard from other travelers that it was a picture-perfect location, between mountains and the Caribbean coastline, and also had an abundance of natural attractions. We stayed in the town this trip but when I return, I look forward to exploring the natural attractions. The town of Trinidad has it all from its colorful buildings to lively entertainment in the evenings around Playa Mayor.



Who doesn’t want to win a brand-new iPhone 6? It’s simple – 5 places you’d return to with 5 photos and 5 nominees. The winner, picked at random, will get a new iPhone 6.
I nominate the following five blogs to take the challenge: Travel Shop Girl, GlobeTotting, Vanilla Sky Dreaming, Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler and The Girl and Globe
I would love to hear about your favorite destinations you’d love to re-visit!
Lauren
Incredible choices!!! I haven’t been to any of them….however…next Spring, we will be going to both Positano and Venice and I cannot wait. Canary Islands is on my list too…well, they are all on my list! It was great seeing your selections! 🙂
Carmen
Hi Lauren, You will fall in love to Venice and Positano. They are both remarkable cities with lots of scenery and plenty to do. We really enjoyed getting lost in the streets of Venice and discovering new places to eat, and new stores for me to shop 🙂
Vicky Alonso [MissArretrancos]
.. and here we are waiting for you!
It’s exciting to see Tenerife in your favorite destination. We live in a little paradise! 😀
Kisses!
http://www.missarretrancos.blogspot.com
Carmen
Hi Vicky, Who wouldn’t love Tenerife, it’s such a beautiful island. I’m hoping to go next year to visit you guys.
Becky
Beautiful photos, Carmen! I’d love to visit Tenerife; your description makes it sound amazing. Cuba’s also high on my list but I’m waiting for it to be easier for Americans to visit. Someday…
Here are some of my favorite spots: http://thegirlandglobe.com/7-places-return/
Carmen
Hi Becky, You have a great selection of cities as well. I love Barcelona. We rented an apartment for 11 days and got to live like the locals. I would definitely go back.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
So gotta make it to Cuba now when I see this 🙂
Carmen
Hi Alexandra, When you go to Cuba you need to go to the small towns to get the real experience. Havana is great but way to touristy.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
What a great list and they’re all beautiful. You’ve intrigued me with Cuba! I’ve only been to Venice on this list and totally agree with you. It’s so captivating and we’re going back for our second time in a few months. Beautiful photos!
Carmen
Hi Mary, It was a hard decision picking my top favorite destinations. I loved traveling to all of them. If I ever had the opportunity to return to a destination, Cuba would be my first choice. I still have family living there ,and also because it haven’t changed much in over 50 years.
Tamara Gruber
We went to Positano this summer and fell in love!! Even despite all those stairs I would love to go back.
Carmen
Hi Tamara, It’s a workout climbing all those steps in Positano. Once you’ve reached the bottom of the stairs and look up into the hills it’s fantastic. We loved Positano!
Tam Gamble
Great choices – I agree about Venice, there is something that keeps pulling us back time and time again. I have been visiting there with my parents since I was 13 – 20 years later we still visit almost yearly and finding undiscovered gems each time we go.
Cuba is also a favourite of mine – it was our honeymoon destination and I would recommend a trip there to anyone! 🙂
Carmen
Tam, Where did you go in Cuba for your honeymoon, Valadero or one of the keys? I’m planning a trip to Cuba in the next few months.
Maria
Ohh Positano looks really great! Glad you shared!
Carmen
Thanks Maria. We really enjoyed our time in Positano. What’s not to love 🙂