There are a lot of countries I want to go back to visit more or again. It’s true I’ve been to every country in the world or 193 countries based on the list of United Nations member states; I’ve actually been to over 100 of them multiple times. You can read how many countries there are here. However, there are dozens that I want to explore again or go to different places within those countries, which I’ve already been to. Here are five countries that I really want to go back to and revisit.
Ethiopia
I love Ethiopia, it’s one of Africa’s best countries and has so much to see and discover that it would take several visits to see it all. I have actually been to Ethiopia 6 or 7 times but almost always in the capital of Addis Ababa and other than that, mostly the south including crossing into Somalia via Jijiga.
I really want to go back and visit the towns of Lalibela and Axum. These have been on my list for some time and I definitely plan to get there soon. Not to mention Addis Ababa is one of the best big cities in Africa and has some great coffee and Italian food!
Kensington Tours runs several tours to Ethiopia; which definitely can include Lalibela and Axum.
Venezuela
I actually used to live in Margarita Island, Venezuela for a time. That was back in the late 1990’s and I haven’t been back to the country at all since 2000. One place within Venezuela I really want to revisit is Angel Falls. Angel Falls is the world’s tallest waterfall and is set in a gorgeous jungle, mountain setting. I was only 20 years old when I was there and don’t even have any pictures from my visit so I would really love to go back.
Kensington Tours runs a tour to Angel Falls, Venezuela.
Peru
I have only been to Peru once. I spent two weeks there in November 2003. I went all over from Lima to Lake Titicaca down to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. However, that was a long time ago and again, I really don’t have many pictures from my trip and the ones I do have-I have no idea where they are. I really want to go back and visit Machu Picchu again along with Cuzco but above all, I want to visit the Nazca Lines. I think these are so cool and I have not seen them.
Kensington Tours runs several tours to Peru and Machu Picchu.
Colombia
One of my best friends from business school lives in Bogota but I still haven’t been back since 2008. I have some pictures from that memorable trip; which I loved, including to the island of San Andres. However, I didn’t get to see as much of Colombia as I wanted.
I really want to visit Medellin; which I’ve not been to and see some more of the coastal areas. Of course, Cartagena remains one of my all-time favorite places and will definitely revisit that jewel of a city.
Kensington Tours runs a variety of tours to Colombia.
Myanmar
I have been twice to Myanmar. Both times only in Yangon and I want to do so much more in this blossoming country. Bagan has long been at the top of my list of places to see. I was in Myanmar 2 years ago and the erratic flight schedule cost me a trip to Bagan so I want to right that wrong ASAP. I also want to see the rest of the country before it really develops. There is so much going on in Myanmar and I want to be a part of it.
Kensington Tours runs many tours to Myanmar.
Disclaimer: I receive compensation from Kensington Tours. I am a member of the Kensington Tours Explorers in Residence program. I am also actively leading a trip in April to the Masters. All opinions and country choices in this article were made by me. They have not been influenced in any way.
I love how you want to go back to a country you’ve been to 6-7 times and I haven’t been to any of the 5 you mention! LOL!
Maybe you should get on that Joe!
Brazil is tops on my list!
See you at World Cup?
Myanmar is an intriguing place for me. I would like to go there as well.
Great spot, definitely want to see more of it!
I would kill to go to any of these places that you want to revisit! So unfair!!! Take me with you, Lee! I’d make a great assistant, bag carrier, etc!
Haha I will add you to the list
Lee, good choices. Are you going to try to do every country twice? I don’t think anyone has ever done that?
Thinking about it Peter…more than halfway there already
I have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu
Go for it!
For the record, if you use a false email address, your comments will not get thru my spam filter but someone asked me about the Central African Republic. I’m very open about the fact that I had a flight I had already paid for to Bangui that was cancelled for a day or two. When they decided to go my options were to either take a turnaround flight or not go and lose the money spent (and potentially screw up my onward plans); which wasn’t cheap and of course-I was there waiting. So I went for a few hours and left…not much I could do. The intent was to have a few days but sometimes you are victim of circumstance when you travel to remote or dangerous places where you have no control at all; especially in Africa, Pacific or the Antarctic. So to answer the question, at some point I will go back but now is not that time.
Can I come with you please!!!!! I mean to any of them, it doesn’t matter which one. They’re all warm (I think)!
Haha, ya they’re all warm…more or less although Ethiopia can get cold depending where you are, especially at night…Peru and Colombia at elevation as well
hi..please include Philippines as part of your visit,its one of a kind place for fun and enjployment.
Haha ok, that is actually high up on the list…perhaps late Fall…we shall see
Argentina is #1 on my return list, best steak on earth! I never even considered Ethiopia, I just assumed everybody was starving over there like in the commercials.
agreed on the steak, killer!
Lee, are you going to be on the Masters Tour with Kensington Tours?
Yes Natalie, I am leading the tour and will be there! I can’t wait!
Greece for me!
High on my list too…should be there May or June!
All I want to do is go back to France. I studied abroad there 9 years ago and haven’t been back since. I dream of it every day. You are so lucky.
Thanks Taylor and I hope you make it soon!
I like serenity of one particular beach at Anguilla, I will be back there many times I hope….
sounds good to me buddy!
I’m 32 and I’m at only 23 countries which is a dwarfed number versus your record. Many countries of your to-go-back list are in Latin America .. Interesting. I was surprised to see Ethiopia. What are your must see 5 African countries in your opinion?
Hello, If you love nature, Uganda is the place 2 visit! 10 wildlife infested national parks, 4 regional parks and 6 nature reserves. ~ Its stunning and people under estimate this beautiful country !
Lee – I was in Ethiopia in 2012 and Lalibela and Axum are a must! Tip – buy internal flights when you are there – MUCH cheaper than buying them from outside the country. I had 4 internal flights: A.A to Lalibela, Lalibela to Axum, Axum to Gondar and Bahir Dar to A.A. – total: $200. (To buy from Australia just one of those flights would have cost $200!) Flying saves days on backbreaking bus trips!
The year before I made it to Myanmar – get back there soon!! It has opened up and I imagine some of the charm of it’s relative isolation will wear off quickly!!
(‘m up to 81 countries and heading to 4 new ones: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran in September.)
Cheers, Terry
Made it to Bagan in 1995. Even then I immediately recognized how fortunate I was to be there, somewhat off the beaten path at the time. I’m seeing it pop up more and more in T & L and NY Times, and the like. I would run, not walk , to see it.
Great site, by the way!
Lee..I agree about Burma. Amazing, been there twice as well. You must, as you know go to Bagan. Incredible. I do disagree with you in regard to Ethiopia. I found the people tedious, not genuine. 99% of the interactions were about wanting money.
in every country there are tedious and un genuine people, you cant generalize a 82 million people by a behavior of few people. And you should re visit Ethiopia again
I wanna thank you lee, for discovering Ethiopia and for your recommendation on your blog.
Hi Lee!
I’ve just discovered your blog today. I wish I could have discovered this a long time ago.
I can’t stop reading and laughing at your repartees as well. You’re a great storyteller.
Since you’ve mentioned that you wanted to go back to some countries and explore some more, I’d recommend Batanes in the Philippines. I’ve read your blogs about Boracay and Palawan, and I’ve been to both. However, one of the most challenging places to visit is Batanes known as “Home of the winds”. It’s also near to Taiwan. Please do check it out. =)
Peru is a very interesting destination, the variety of its landscapes, its cuisine, are a very strong reason to visit this country and its wonder Machu Picchu.
Hi everybody. I remeber when I traveled to Cusco the last year, the experience was spectacular, Cusco has the best place to know about history. Also I remember the experience with my travel agency, was perfect, if you want know more the MachuPicchu and Peru, can search the web page and travel for all Peru. Hugs.
http://www.ericadventures.com/
I agree with you on your choices. I have been over Europe for a while. Too commercialized, too expensive, and not much of variation. Europe is suitable for travelers who desire comfort. My preference has been for the low key Dutch (Netherlands). Adventure is in Africa and Latin America. Too bad many people have allowed their perceptions to be hijacked by western TV programming. Ethiopia is a true gem. And I do not think they bother to sell themselves as much as they should. Fabulous landscape and highland scenery, and everywhere. Great climate to boot. Hypnotic Simien Mountains in the fall, a must!!! Also unique historical and geological destinations, like the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, and the Danakil Depression. Hot, Hot, Hot. But, where else can you see out of this world colorful hydrothermal fields and probably the only permanent lave lake at Erta Ale (reads like Erta Allez) on the planet. The Great Rift Valley is a destination by itself. But, you will have to trade adventure for comfort on these cool highlands. Was there 6 months ago, plan to revisit in 6 months. Peru is getting oversold, but a great destination. I would love to do Colombia and Brazil. Security issues weigh on the decision.