I’ve been to 45 countries — every traveler should add these 5 to their list
**Discover the Must-Visit Destinations for Every Traveler: A Personal Journey**
Traveling the globe has allowed Riana Ang-Canning to explore 45 countries, but five destinations stand out as must-visits for any wanderlust-filled itinerary. Among these, New Zealand captures the heart with its breathtaking landscapes, while Vietnam offers a vibrant mix of culture and adventure. Ang-Canning emphasizes the importance of these locations not only for their natural beauty but also for the unique experiences they offer, making them ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
New Zealand, with its stunning vistas, is a top recommendation. Ang-Canning recalls her own experience road-tripping through the country, where every turn revealed a new marvel, from the geothermal wonders of the North Island to the majestic fjords and glaciers of the South Island. She highlights the country’s commitment to environmental preservation, reflecting the values of the indigenous Māori culture, which resonates deeply with visitors. Similarly, Vietnam offers a diverse array of experiences, from the serene limestone cliffs of Hạ Long Bay to the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon. Ang-Canning notes that Vietnam is not only rich in culture and natural beauty but also more affordable and less crowded than its neighboring Southeast Asian counterparts, making it an attractive option for travelers.
Beyond these two countries, Ang-Canning also praises Slovenia for its charming landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. This hidden gem features picturesque sites like Lake Bled and the vibrant capital of Ljubljana, where visitors can enjoy a blend of city life and nature. Canada, her home country, is another highlight, offering a diverse range of experiences from urban adventures in Toronto and Montreal to the stunning natural beauty of Banff and Nova Scotia. Lastly, she suggests Sweden as a perfect escape during hot summer months, where visitors can enjoy the cooler climate and rich cultural offerings in cities like Stockholm. Each of these destinations offers something unique, making them essential stops on any travel enthusiast’s bucket list.
New Zealand is one of the places everyone should add to their bucket list.
Riana Ang-Canning
After visiting 45 countries, a few destinations have become my top travel recommendations.
The natural beauty of New Zealand blew me away, and there’s so much to see in Canada.
I love that
Vietnam
and Slovenia are a bit less crowded than some of their neighboring countries.
From studying abroad in Amsterdam to spending
three weeks in New Zealand
and road-tripping across Arizona, I’ve been fortunate enough to have studied, worked, traveled, volunteered, or lived in 45 countries across six continents.
However, there are five countries that truly wowed me and keep me coming back for more. Here are the ones I think every traveler should add to their bucket list.
There’s something for everyone in Vietnam.
Vietnam was more affordable than other countries I’ve visited.
Digitaler Lumpensammler/Getty Images
Although many visitors to Southeast Asia will visit places like
Thailand
and Indonesia, I highly suggest checking out Vietnam.
In my opinion, the country offers something for everyone. For nature that will wow you, I recommend checking out the limestone cliffs of Hạ Long Bay or the rice fields in Sapa.
Visitors can also relax on the beaches in Hội An, visit the Old Town for cooking classes and custom-made clothing, and enjoy the hustle and bustle — plus awesome coffee culture — in Hanoi and Saigon.
From the urban to the adventurous, I found lots to do in Vietnam and found it to be less crowded and more affordable than other places I’ve visited.
The landscapes in New Zealand blew me away.
Riana Ang-Canning
Head to
New Zealand
for natural landscapes that will truly take your breath away. When my husband and I went, we rented a car so we could see the country at our own pace.
From geothermal attractions like hot springs and mud pools of the North Island to the fjords, mountains, and glaciers of the South Island, it’s hard to find a view in New Zealand that isn’t stunning.
I also appreciate that there’s an expectation that visitors protect the country’s natural environment, in line with the indigenous Māori people’s beliefs.
I was completely charmed by Slovenia.
Slovenia offers a little bit of everything, from city life to natural landscapes.
Riana Ang-Canning
Slovenia
is a small country sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria. Though many tourists typically flock to these neighboring countries, Slovenia seemed blissfully less crowded when I visited.
There’s also so much to see and do there. For starters, there’s the postcard-perfect Lake Bled, with an idyllic church on an island in the middle of the water. Lake Bohinj is also nearby, which I found to be even more beautiful.
The capital city, Ljubljana, is charming, as well, with a castle on the hill, a meandering river through town, pedestrian markets, and a dragon as the city mascot.
Elsewhere in Slovenia, you can find everything from gorges and caves to waterfalls, vineyards, and beaches.
My home country, Canada, gives visitors a lot to choose from.
Canada is an incredibly diverse country.
Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images
As a Canadian, I’m a bit biased, but I strongly believe my home country should be on every travel itinerary, as there’s a little bit of everything to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a big city with a wide range of international cuisines and nightlife options, pick Toronto. However, if you’re looking for a
city with a European feel
and a distinct culture, I suggest opting for Montreal.
Or, if you’re into nature, I recommend taking a road trip around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia to see the foliage or hiking up mountains in Banff and Jasper.
Or for a taste of the sea, mountains, and city — sometimes all in the same day — there’s no better place than my hometown of
Vancouver
.
Sweden is perfect for escaping hot summers.
I recommend visiting Sweden during the summer for cooler temperatures.
Riana Ang-Canning
With Europe experiencing increasingly hot summers — summer 2024 was the hottest on record — I like to spend my holiday up north in Sweden for what some are calling a ”
coolcation
.”
Stockholm is cool — both literally and figuratively. There, you can stroll through the Royal Palace, visit museums dedicated to Viking ships, photography, or Abba, and take in the “world’s longest art gallery,” also known as the city’s subway system.
You can also fly north to Swedish Lapland to connect with nature, learn about the indigenous Sami people, and spot a reindeer (they outnumber the people).
No matter where you are in Sweden, I think you should always make time for a fika (a coffee and snack break).
This story was originally published on April 24, 2025, and was most recently updated on November 26, 2025.
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