By age 27, I completed my wanderlust dream of traveling to 193 sovereign countries as a solo female traveler, earning two Guinness World Records. I cleared the record for “fastest time to visit all sovereign countries” and “fastest time to visit all sovereign countries (female).” Guinness required I traveled to 196 countries total, all 193 sovereign plus Taiwan, Kosovo, and Palestine. It took 18 months and 10 days. By 30, I achieved another dream of becoming an Ironman. I find great fulfillment in inspiring and educating young women to get out there and pursue their passions, whatever they are.
I adore places that bring peace and serenity through nature and culture. When I think of the most beautiful places on this planet, I gravitate toward countries that have otherworldly landscapes, mountains, forests, open spaces, and beaches, and those that brought me solace while I was there. Those are the places I wish to go when I’m stressed because I know they’ll bring me peace. These are my picks for the 11 most beautiful countries I’ve been to.
1. Mongolia
I spent my 27th birthday in Mongolia. At the time, I was rushing around the world to break a world record for travel, but I felt burned out. I wanted nothing more than to immerse myself in a place with no cell reception or WiFi.
I set up camp in the Tuul River valley, in the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, one of Mongolia’s authentic wilderness regions that stretches to the Russian border.
Every morning, I woke up to the sun rising over the steep valleys. Each day, I’d go out exploring the riverbank, larch forests, and lush meadows. I roamed mostly alone, except for a friendly husky who followed me everywhere.
I milked cows with a local family, rode a yak and wild horses, and fell asleep under the stars. It was heaven on earth, and there was never a moment I missed the internet or cell reception.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland boasts remote and vast beauty, and its culture only adds to the allure. Every time I visit Switzerland, I head straight to the mountains — give me mountains and I’m happy. Not only are they breathtaking regardless of season, but the villages scattered among them add a charm and homey feeling that’s always left me feeling positive.
The lakes are crisp, the food is fresh, the people are kind, and the air is clean. Whenever I’m in Switzerland, I hike to the highest peak I can and share the space with free-roaming cows and goats, who also seem to relish the natural beauty of the mountains.
3. Canada
My mom is from Toronto, and Canada is the first country outside the US I ever visited, and it stands out for its abundant beauty.
From the French-influenced cultural richness of Quebec to the coastal allure of Vancouver, my experiences in Canada have always been extraordinary. The warmth and kindness of the people I’ve met whenever I visit never fails to impress me.
Among the countless breathtaking locations, the Rockies, with their awe-inspiring peaks and pristine lakes and glaciers, remain my favorite. Just before the pandemic hit in 2020, I was able to explore Banff, a town in Alberta, with my feline companion, Kishmere. I really love the town for its vast mountain ranges and pristine lakes.
4. Dominica
While often overlooked among Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas and St. Lucia, Dominica is undoubtedly a gem. My stay in a stunning boutique lodge allowed me to take daily hikes down to the beach, where I kayaked through picturesque coves. But the island’s allure extends far beyond its beautiful beaches. It encompasses lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic landscapes that contribute to the natural beauty.
I love the island’s commitment to sustainability, and I encountered nothing but kind locals while there. It’s a place on my bucket list I am eager to revisit.
5. United States
The beauty of the United States and its territories never ceases to amaze me. Whether it’s reveling in the vibrant fall foliage of the Northeast, exploring the lush rainforests of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, snorkeling in Guam, or marveling at the grandeur of Alaskan glaciers and volcanoes, there’s something for everyone here.
What I find special is that each season holds its own allure. I love Vermont in the autumn for picturesque leaf peeping, the Colorado mountains in the winter for skiing, and the deserts of Arizona, California, and Utah for road-tripping during the spring.