Questions I Always Get Asked While Traveling (or at Home)
From Asia to Europe to Central America — every country has left me with unforgettable moments.
One of the first questions I always get — whether I’m at home with friends and family, or halfway across the world — is:
“What’s your favourite country?”
Having been to so many, I simply can’t pick just one. Each country has its own uniqueness — the people, the culture, the scenery, the food. They all hold something special.
I usually start by saying Canada is my favourite. It has everything I love: wide open spaces with relatively few people, clean air, and wildlife everywhere. You can live in a quiet rural area that’s still close to a city, or disappear into the wilderness and not see another soul for days. Big cities have their own charms too, from summer festivals to winter wonderlands. The people are famously friendly (the geese, not so much). And the small towns scattered across the country all have their own kind of charm.
But when someone says, “Well, you can’t pick Canada,” I usually break it down by continent instead.
Canada will always be home — endless lakes, crisp air, and small-town charm.
Asia – Thailand
I’ll always have a soft spot for Thailand, the first non-English-speaking country I moved to. Their hospitality matches Canada’s, and the food… I still miss it. I would go into a local restaurant and simply say “chicken and rice” or “chicken and noodles,” and out would come one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever eaten. Somehow beer was always more expensive than the food — and yes, I got used to putting ice in my beer because it was too hot to keep it cold!
Life in Thailand was non-stop. From wild parties with locals to being invited out to concerts, I was always on the move. Teaching there was an amazing experience. Thai students show so much respect for their teachers, and those classroom moments are some of my fondest memories. I could write forever about Thailand, but I’ll save that for another blog.
Thailand taught me to embrace the unknown — including mystery meals that became my favorite memories.
Oceania – Australia
Australia was the first country I ever moved to, and the transition felt seamless. The culture reflected so much of my life in Canada, but with even more emphasis on the chill factor — beers at the beach and a laid-back lifestyle.
This is also the country where I learned how important it is to have a savings cushion. Somehow, I landed in Carnarvon with only $7 AUD to my name. I found a job within a day and even had to ask the owner for $20 in advance to pay my hostel — which didn’t take cards. Luckily, the bar owner offered me a place to stay, and from there things only got better.
What I miss most? The weather, the sunsets on the beach with a drink in hand, the kangaroos hopping across the landscape, and the incredible friends I made along the way.
Life was grand in Australia — sunsets, beaches, and beers with new friends.
Europe – Italy
Europe is tough because I love so many countries there, but Italy takes the top spot. My 5-day trip to Rome and Venice was simply not enough. The cobblestone streets, castles, monuments, and history around every corner left me hungry for more.
The house wine tasted amazing, though I always seemed to pick restaurants where the pizza was burnt or the pasta was a little too firm for my liking. Still, I loved every moment. Italy reminded me how much I enjoy learning about ancient civilizations, and it’s one of the countries I most want to return to and explore deeper.
Italy was five days of history, cobblestones, and house wine that never disappointed.
Central America – Guatemala, Costa Rica & Panama
I can never narrow Central America down to just one. I always say three: Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Guatemala was pure adventure. Tasty food, vibrant traditions, women in colorful clothing with babies strapped to their backs, and some of the most diverse landscapes I’ve seen. I explored the ruins of Tikal, floated in the turquoise waters of Semuc Champey, watched a lightning storm over Lake Atitlán, saw volcanoes erupt from a rooftop bar in Antigua, and stayed in guesthouses along the Rio Dulce that were only accessible by boat. Guatemala surprised me at every turn.
Guatemala was one adventure after another — ruins, lakes, volcanoes, and endless surprises.
Costa Rica is the country everyone raves about — and I get it. It’s full of adventure: surfing, beaches, hiking volcanoes, and endless wildlife. I saw sloths, which was a huge highlight, and I highly recommend hiring a guide. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you’ll spot so much more than you would on your own. The only downside for me was how touristy it felt compared to its neighbors.
Costa Rica delivered wildlife, volcanoes, and cloud forests that felt like another world.
Panama was a complete surprise. I knew almost nothing about it before arriving, other than the Panama Canal and its reputation as a haven for hidden money. But outside the city, it was breathtaking. I snorkeled in Santa Catalina at Coiba, a nature preserve teeming with sharks, turtles, and countless fish. In Boquete, I hiked to waterfalls and enjoyed the mountain life. At Lost & Found Hostel, I trekked 20 minutes just to reach it, but the serenity (and hot showers!) were worth it. And then there’s Bocas del Toro — the ultimate backpacker party spot. I balanced the chaos by slowing down at Starfish Beach. (And no, don’t pick them up!)
Panama surprised me with wild beaches, mountain hikes, and starfish-studded shores.
Africa – Egypt
So far, I’ve only explored Egypt, but what a start. The entire trip felt like a dream — standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza, sailing down the Nile, wandering through temples that had stood for thousands of years.
The history was breathtaking. Unfortunately, the experience was tainted a bit by constant harassment from men — everything from being called “Shakira” (which I don’t look like) to offers of “a million camels.” Still, I met a lifelong friend, Keri from South Africa, and we continue to try to meet somewhere new in the world when we can.
Egypt felt like a dream — history so powerful it hardly seemed real.
Wrapping It Up
Random people I meet on the road often tell me, “You should write a book!” My response is always: “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
For now, this blog and website are my writing ground. Travel means more than just stamps in a passport — it’s the people, the lessons, the wild stories, and the quiet moments that shape you. Maybe one day it will be a book, but for now, I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I loved living them.
And for the record: my friends and family don’t usually ask how I’m doing. Their question is always,
“Where in the world are you now?”
Travel isn’t about choosing just one favourite country — it’s about moments like this.
