Three countries I'd gladly return to

Over seven years I've visited 25 countries across six continents. I didn't own a passport until my family moved from the US to Ireland when I was 16, and living abroad opened my eyes to the world. People often ask which country is my favorite, and while that's impossible to pin down, there are three places I would happily revisit.

Ireland will always hold a special place in my heart. From friendly people and breathtaking landscapes to cultural hubs like Dublin and Cork with museums, distilleries, and good food, I keep finding new reasons to go back. I lived there and have returned almost a dozen times; smaller towns often feel like the best way to taste true Irish culture — book a top restaurant in Kinsale, take a boat tour in Dingle, or explore a castle in Adare.

I've been to Egypt twice and have barely scratched the surface. The country feels incredibly culturally rich and the people are welcoming; koshari, the street food of rice, noodles, lentils, chickpeas, and a tomato garlic sauce, is enough to draw me back.

Ireland, Dublin, Cork, Kinsale, Dingle, Adare

ireland, dublin, cork, kinsale, dingle, adare, egypt, koshari, street food, irish culture