Nearly six years ago we sold everything and started slow traveling the world. When we set out on this journey we had no expectation for how long we would travel, and while we had a short list of places we wanted to visit, we never would have guessed that we would still be traveling the world in 2026.
Since we started this trip we have visited eighteen countries. We like to travel slow, usually spending several weeks in each location. This allows us to really get to know a place and have favorite restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Spending more time in places also makes them feel more like home and we end up with favorite destinations that we return to over and over again. This familiarity probably helps to counter some of my desires to settle down. It also keeps us from getting burned out on traveling. We are still very much enjoying this slow travel lifestyle and don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
We compiled this list of Our Ten Favorite Places After Six Years of Slow Travel based on several factors including our favorite types of food, cost of living, friendliness of the people and things to see and do. These are all places we want to visit again. They are not in any order as there is really no way we could rank them, and we don’t have a single favorite place.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Whenever we arrive in Cambodia it feels like returning home. In 2014 we took a big chance and decided to move to Cambodia sight unseen. When we first I arrived, Phnom Penh seemed unmanageable, but exciting. We had never even been to SE Asia before and we took a big leap to move here. Everything was foreign but we soon began to uncover its charm.
The first thing that struck us was how kind and sincere the people were. Many places in Asia are known for being friendly, but to me the people in Cambodia are not just friendly and courteous, they are genuinely interested in getting to know you, and we have forged many long term relationships during my stays.
In 2014 Phnom Penh was incredibly interesting, but very rough around the edges. After a year in Cambodia we left and when we returned for the first time in 2022, Phnom Penh didn’t even feel like the same city. Things are changing so fast here that now every time we return even if after just a year there are new, exciting things to see and do. Phnom Penh now has a thriving food scene with an amazing mix of traditional Khmer dishes and International cuisine. Alleys in the BKK neighborhoods have been transformed into trendy food and nightlife spots, and there is a bustling weekend night market that spans the riverside. Brewpubs and cocktail bars line the backstreets and coffee shops are filled with young people. The quality of life has undoubtedly improved for many people in Phnom Penh and the city continues to grow as people flock here from the countryside in search of a better life.
For the first time traveler to Phnom Penh there are a lot of sights to see. While several revolve around Cambodia’s tumultuous history there are also lovely temples, monasteries, palaces and museums, as well as a number of worthwhile day trip destinations. With a new international airport Phnom Penh is seeing more international tourists and while Cambodia’s main attractions are the famous temples of Angkor Wat, spending time in the capital city should be a priority for anyone visiting Cambodia.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Phnom Penh Video
Pokhara, Nepal
We first visited Pokhara Nepal in 2023 and intended to stay for about ten days. Two months later we were still there. We arrived in Pokhara at 3am after an exhausting eighteen hours bus ride from Kathmandu. We decided the next day we would need to stay longer as the idea of turning around and repeating that journey in a few days was unthinkable.
Over the course of the next few weeks we fell in love with Pokhara. Known as the adventure capital of Nepal, Pokhara is also the gateway to the Annapurna mountain range. There was a surprising amount to see and do in and around the town aside from the trekking that draws so many International trekkers.
Pokhara sits on the beautiful Fewa Lake and is surrounded on both sides by mountains. This is a great place to do some day hikes where you can get stunning views of the higher peaks. Pokhara is also home to several nice temples such as Pumdikot with its huge Shiva statue. There is also the World Peace Pagoda and there is a very important temple on an island in Fewa Lake. Boat trips around the lake are highlights but there are also many other adventure activities.
You can paraglide, take a helicopter ride to Annapurna base camp, and there are even microlight flights where you fly among the peaks. I signed up for a yoga/detox programs at a yoga retreat. We booked in seven days at Tri-Bikram Yoga that sits beautifully perched on a hill overlooking the lake and the city. This turned into more than a yoga experience as we became close with the wonderful family that run the retreat, and we returned the following year.
Another highlight is to take the Annapurna cable car that starts near the lake and rises up to the village of Sarangkot where you get unobstructed views of the Annapurna range. In the Lakeside neighborhood of Pokhara activity is centered around the promenade which is lined with restaurants, coffee shops and bars. The food scene in Pokhara was a highlight. I found you can get just about every type of food you can think of, and the quality was way beyond my expectations. There is even a nice taproom serving delicious craft beers.
One of the best days of all our travels was when we were in Pokhara in 2024 during the Holi Festival of Colors. We are currently researching my next trip to Nepal that will certainly include plenty of time in Pokhara.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Pokhara Video
Karpathos, Greece
We’ve visited a lot of islands in our travels. Some of them were your quintessential beach island paradise destinations. When we think of islands this image of crystal clear water and white sand often comes to mind and it’s easy to imagine ourselves sipping pina colada’s and watching the sunset. We’ve done this and while it is a great escape from reality, We’re always looking for places that a little more interesting. Give me some history and delicious food to go with those beaches, now that sounds like paradise to me.
Karpathos Island in Greece ticked all those boxes for us. We were staying in the town of Pigadia on the southeast side of the island. Here a small harbor was lined with fishing boats and a promenade that boasts restaurants, but not really any bars. Karpathos is not a party destination. Instead, family run restaurants with delightful food were the attraction. Each with their own olive oil and many with their own wine. The hills behind Pigadia are covered with olive groves and grapes vines.
A small port sits right on the edge of town and ferries bring visitors to the island. What helps to maintain the islands charm is the lack of a cruise ship port. There is no mid morning crush of tourists that descend on the island, like on so many Greek islands.
We took the ferry from Rhodes Island which was about a five hour journey, and we quickly settled into the slower pace of life of Pigadia. There is plenty to see right in town with several beaches and some nice chapels to visit, but we were looking forward to exploring more of this large island so we rented a car.
Karpathos is a long narrow island of about 50 kilometers in length. The landscapes are diverse and there are mountains reaching 1,215 m (3,986 ft) in elevation. The remarkable Apella beach is one of the top attractions on the island. To get there you have to navigate a narrow winding mountain road, but the views are incredible.
For history buffs the mountain town of Olymbos will not disappoint. Perched on several ridges with stunning views of the sea on both sides, Olymbos is liking stepping back in time. Founded as a mountain refuge from pirates in the 7th century, it has preserved its unique dialect and matriarchal social structure. Offering so much for visitors without the crowds, we would have to say that to date Karpathos remains our favorite island.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Karpathos Video
Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul surprised us in so many ways. We didn’t expect to feel so comfortable in such a big city. Istanbul has a population of over 15 million but it never felt that big and we never found it to be chaotic. Maybe part of this was because we were recently in Delhi, India which is a city all others will seems calm to in comparison.
Istanbul is very large by area so no place really seemed terribly overpopulated. Then there is the fact that the city is found both in Europe and Asia separated by the Bosphorus Strait. The Bosphorus serves as a wide open space that provides stunning views and a sense of calm.
The history in Istanbul rivals anywhere we’ve been and it has the sites to back it up. From stunning places of worship such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to bustling markets like the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, this is a shoppers paradise. Neighborhoods such as Taksim and Galata are sources of irresistible energy. A walk across the Galata Bridge lined with restaurants and fisherman, takes you to the historic center of Sultanahmet. Here tourist and locals blend with shops, restaurants, open spaces and even castles.
These things alone make Istanbul a world class destination, but what we fell in love with was the food. We thought we had a decent grasp on what to expect from Turkish cuisine before we arrived. It turned out to be so much more. The food in Istanbul is a melting pot of cuisines from around Türkiye. Here kebabs and meatballs roast over charcoal and are presented with some of the best produce I have ever had. From the bread and cheese, to the fruit and veg, the ingredients are of very high quality which means spice can be used conservatively.
The seafood was also extraordinary. Across the Bosphorus in the more laid back Kadıköy area, seafood and produce vendors line the streets and it would be easy to imagine you are in a much smaller city even though you are just separated from the European side of Istanbul by a 30 minute ferry ride.
Taking one the longer boat trips the entire length of the Bosphorus gives great insight into the many different sides of this magical city, one that we will need to return to in the very near future.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Istanbul Video
Da Lat, Vietnam
Spending a lot of time in busy cities and tourist hotspots can take its toll and sometimes all it takes to fall in love with a new destination is a change of pace. Da Lat is as much of change of pace as we can think of in comparison to the rest of Vietnam. We have grown to love the busy motorcycle packed street scenes in Vietnam. The non-stop action in the cities is what attracted me to Vietnam. Sometimes though, after a while these busy places and the extreme high temperatures can make even the simplest of tasks seem daunting.
When we arrived in Da Lat after several months on the coast and in the big cities, it felt like a weight had been lifted. Da Lat is located in Vietnam’s central highland at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,900 ft). The cool air was an immediate relief and the people seemed different. They were going about things at a slower pace. The population of Da Lat is only around 250,000. The people in Dal Lat didn’t seem to carry as much stress, and it’s was something that we could actually feel.
The surroundings of this highland city are beautiful as well. Known as the city of eternal spring, Da Lat is an important agricultural hub. There is a large lake near the center of town surrounded by a park, flowers are everywhere and there is even an annual flower festival.
There is a surprising amount to see and do in and around Da Lat. There are adventure parks with zip lines and alpine coasters. There are numerous hiking opportunities, and tea & coffee plantations you can visit. Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines and they have their own dishes in Da Lat such as Bánh căn, a savory rice flour pancake. Da Lat is a popular domestic tourism destination so there are always lots of Vietnamese people on holiday. All of this creates a wonderful vibe. We didn’t get enough Da Lat, but we know I will be back for more.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Da Lat Video
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We spent a month in Kuala Lumpur on my first visit to Malaysia and just fell in love with it. Kuala Lumpur or KL as it is often referred, is a melting pot of cultures. KL is a modern city that sometimes feels futuristic. It is also a city of contrasts with towering skyscrapers rising up from old neighborhoods lined with old shop houses. Among these impressive skyscrapers are the famous Petronas Twin Towers and the Merdeka 118 which is second tallest building in the world.
KL has plenty of beautiful green spaces too, including the KLCC Park, the Perdana Botanical Gardens and KL Forest Eco Park. There are stunning temples including Batu Caves and Thean Hou Temple. A city of great neighborhoods, KL has a large Chinatown, Brickfields which is known as Little India, and the old world Malay neighborhood of Kampung Baru. Beyond these areas KL flows together as a harmonious gathering of cultures that is most evident in the food.
We found the food in Malaysia to be as exciting as anywhere in the world. To be able to get amazing Chinese and Indian food in the same city is nice ,but what makes it so unique is how all the foods in KL are influenced by each other. Malay cuisine and Indonesian, as well as foods from this Middle East, all come together and it is all bursting with flavor. The quality to price ratio of the food in KL is as good as I have found anywhere, especially when you consider its diversity.
Some places we have traveled to are cheaper than KL, but we can’t think of another modern with city where you get so much for your money. We often visit KL for at least a month, as high rise apartments are very comfortable and affordable and this is a great city for shopping. You can’t go far in KL without running into a shopping mall. These vary greatly from bargain markets to high end luxury boutiques. The city is very easy to get around, and the people are friendly and inviting. Just thinking about all that delicious food makes me realize We’re ready for another extended trip to KL!
Find Out More in Our Guide to Kuala Lumpur Video
Ohrid, Macedonia
Ohrid, Macedonia is the place on this list that we visited most recently. Sitting on the shores of the beautiful Lake Ohrid, it’s easy to imagine you are at the sea rather than on a lake. Lake Ohrid is one the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, and the water is crystal clear as it is fed by thousands of springs at the bottom of the lake. This also means that the temperature of the lake doesn’t really fluctuate throughout the year, except for a few degrees near the surface.
The town of Ohrid itself is charming. Built on a hill, Ohrid is full of narrow alleys and walking around the old town you are surrounded by restored Ottoman style architecture and 365 churches, one for every day of the year. At the top of the hill sits Samuel’s Fortress. Down from the fortress on the lake is the most famous place in Ohrid. The Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo is known not only for its architecture but for the amazing views out over the lake.
Ohrid also boasts a lively promenade with plenty of places to get in the water. Ohrid sits at around 700 meters (2,250 ft) in elevation. This combined with the cool water and the surrounding mountains gives this area the perfect summertime climate. While many places on the sea in Europe are baking under the summer sun, Ohrid remains pleasant with cooler temps and clean mountain air.
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area. One the highlights is a boat tour around Lake Ohrid to the Bay of Bones and the Monastery of St. Nuam. A day trip to the nearby town of Struga will get you away from the high season crowds. All this at prices much lower than what you find in more popular European destinations, makes this one the most underrated spots in all of Europe.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Ohrid Video
Da Nang, Vietnam
There are lot of reasons why Da Nang has become such a popular tourist destination. It has a long beautiful beach, plenty of tourist sites, a laid back atmosphere and it still remains an incredibly affordable place to visit.
The main attraction in Da Nang is Mỹ Khê beach that stretches for nearly 30km. In the mornings the beach is packed with locals swimming, exercising and doing tai chi. Then the sun rises as the does the temperature and the beach becomes nearly deserted. During the middle of the day, the beach sees tourists arrive to enjoy its calm waters, and in the evening as the sun begins to set it is once again a center of activity.
Head away from the beach toward the city and you arrive at the Han River lined with restaurants and home to the famous Dragon bridge. Here every Friday and Saturday night crowds gather to watch this marvel of engineering breath fire and spray water onto the spectators below.
Da Nang is home to two wonderful temples. Across the bay from Mỹ Khê on the Son Tra peninsula is the Linh Ung Pagoda with its towering Lady Buddha statue. The entire temple complex is a place of calmness with its bonsai gardens and views of the city. Just south of Da Nang are the Marble Mountains. Here ancient rock formations are adorned with Buddhist temples and caves to explore.
Central Vietnam has some unique dishes such as Mì Quảng and Cao lầu. Being a growing city with people moving there from all over the country, the variety of Vietnamese food is fantastic. One of the absolute joys of Vietnam is the cuisine and that’s one of the main things that keeps bringing me back.
We first visited Da Nang in 2014 and have made several visits over the past few years. Things in Da Nang are definitely changing quickly. Construction is everywhere and some areas have become considerably overbuilt and more expensive as tourism and the expat community have grown immensely. But, it is still easy to escape all this be locating yourself away from the An Thoung neighborhood. Despite losing some of the charm it had when we first visited, we are still very much in love with Da Nang.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Da Nang Video
Cappadocia, Türkiye
Cappadocia is one of those places that is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, and it has blown up on social media and become an extremely popular destination. We were actually undecided if we were going to go there. But then the more we thought about it we figured if we’re spending three months traveling around Türkiye it would be a shame to miss it.
Looking back we’re not exactly sure what we were expecting, but what we found was amazing and even though we visited during the high season in June, it never really seemed that crowded. Cappadocia is a big area, even if you are just talking about the main tourist areas. Everything is spread out and we were easily able to escape the crowds just by looking for out of the way spots on the map.
Cappadocia is known for its conical rock formations. Built by cave dwellers and later used as refuges by early Christians. What remains now feels otherworldly and exotic in a way we have never quite seen before. Is it touristy? Yes, but it is also fascinating and the desert landscape included sandstone cliffs, dry river valleys and dunes.
The main center of tourist activity is Göreme. Here many of the old caves have been converted into hotels and restaurants and while this certainly changed the appearance of things, it was done in a way that seems to respect the surroundings and desert vibes. Stroll out of town and you find open air museums where you can explore cave dwellings and hidden rock churches as they have been for centuries.
The nearby town of Uçhisar is famous for its stunning “castle.” This massive rock was as close as you have had to a skyscraper 4000 years ago. Most people only seemed to visit Uçhisar for a few hours to see the sunset from the castle, but we decided to spend four nights here and it was incredible. Uçhisar is surrounded by amazing ancient sites and some very interesting hiking trails, including one that leads you to the rarely visited St. Basil Cave Church.
Another highlight in Cappadocia is the hot-air ballooning and this the main reason many people travel here. Watching the sunrise as you ascend over the rocks formations was definitely a highlight of my trip and something we would recommend everyone experience.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Cappadocia Video
Puerto Vallarta, México
We first visited Puerto Vallarta over twenty years ago and it became our go to, once a year vacation destination. We were immediately impressed by the grand Bay of Banderas that it sits on, as well as the vibes of the old town the lively romantic zone which has become the true heartbeat the of city.
In early 2021 while waiting for travel restrictions to be lifted, we spent five wonderful months in Puerto Vallarta, and we recently had another extended stay about a year ago. It’s safe to say that Puerto Vallarta is another one of those places that feels like home. It’s hard to explain on the vibe in Puerto Vallarta. It’s lively and certainly has a party side to it, but it feels more mature than some of the other Mexican beach destinations. It also has a wonderfully accepting and all inclusive nature that proudly welcomes diversity.
One of our favorites things about Puerto Vallarta is that if you visit between December and March you are almost certain to see humpback whales from the shore. They travel here to give birth in the bay, and a boat trip to see them up close is an exciting day out.
Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco, which is known for its food and drink, such as birria and of course tequila. The seafood is also of outstanding quality and you can find everything from affordable street tacos to fine dining. Nothing beats a Puerto Vallarta sunset enjoyed with a margarita and some mariachi music from one the many bands that can be found on the beaches.
Traveling outside of Puerto Vallarta you will find that the massive Banderas Bay is lined with relaxing beach towns that make for wonderful day trips or overnight trips. One our latest visit to Puerto Vallarta we found the peaceful pueblo of Quimixto that is accessible only by boat.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Quimixto Video
This is our current list of favorite destinations from our most recent travels starting in 2021. I’m sure that it will change over time as we have no intention of stopping anytime soon.