The 8 destinations pro travelers say ruin all others

Sometimes you go on a trip, and it's so unbelievably good. The food is life-changing, the vibe is immaculate, and the memories are unforgettable. Basically, you're ruined forever. And now, because no matter where you go, no matter what other absolutely perfect adventures you take, you have this urge to return to the destination that ruined all others for you. 

For me, this is Greece. I’ve traveled a lot, and regardless of where I go, I keep thinking, God, I've got to get back to Athens, I've got to swim in the Aegean Sea. These destinations vary from person to person, and your affinity for any given destination can be anything. Maybe it's where you fell in love with your partner, or where you fell in love with travel or the place you escaped to after a heartbreaking moment, and it put you back together. Whatever your reason, all you know is you need to go back.

This phenomenon is not as rare as you think, which is why I gathered my fellow Lonely Planet staffers and asked them about the destinations they visited that ruined all others for them. Here is what they had to say:

Santiago, Chile

Recommended by Brand Marketing Director, Bridget FitzGibbons

Santiago, Chile and the endless adventures around it are unforgettable: skiing the high Andes Mountains with the crystal blue Laguna del Inca below; aprés ski in the form of pisco sours and empanadas; and exploring the streets of Santiago and Maipo Valley – the birthplace of Chilean wine. It is unreal how much you can do within just a few hours of Santiago (and psst-you're so close to Patagonia!).

Montana, USA (specifically in the summertime)

Recommended by Digital Editor, Ann Douglas Lott

For me, it has to be Montana in summer. It was the first place I visited that made travel feel like an adventure rather than a chore, or at least it was uncomplicated. Every time I go back, I want to drink it all in and am reminded of my outdoorsy itch that must be scratched regularly – spending days on (and in) freshwater lakes, winding trails or in the car on a scenic road trip. You don't need to go to Yellowstone or Glacier to experience Montana's magnificence. I could be happy anywhere here without a plan, simply because it's all dazzling.

Yasuní National Park, Ecuador

Recommended by Social Media Marketing Coordinator, Taylor Stevonoski

The Yasuní National Park (or, more broadly, Amazonian Ecuador). This was the first time I’ve ever been brought to tears arriving at a destination — it truly is 1000x better than any photo or video you see. After a few months of backpacking, I stayed in an eco-lodge, woke up to spider monkeys swinging outside my window, took a paddle canoe out on the glassy, still water and heard nothing but birds, monkeys and raindrops…not to mention the food! I was able to relax, breathe and fall in love with travel again.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Recommended by Social Editor, Rachel Lewis 

Santa Fe was my dream come true – something about the combination of fresh fall air in its lovely parks, how incredibly queer its history is, the presence of Indigenous culture, the literal mile of art galleries and hoards of unique vegetarian eats… I think about it all of the time.

Kimberley Region, Western Australia

Recommended by Destination Editor, Jessica Lockhart

El Questro Station, in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is the place I dream about when I fall asleep. A stark contrast of rich reds, lush green, flocks of white corellas, and hidden waterfalls, it feels like an anomaly in a sunburnt country. It’s genuinely unlike anywhere else in the country, with its crocodiles, native Livistona palm trees, iconic boab trees and ancient Aboriginal rock paintings.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Recommended by Destination Editor, James Pham  

Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest unbroken and unflooded volcanic caldera. The abundance of animals everywhere you look is simply crazy. Roughly 25,000 kinds of animals are somewhat trapped in this caldera, which is only 12 miles across, making it rather Edenic. It is a one-of-a-kind destination. 

Cambodia

Recommended by Destination Editor Zara Sekhavati

I absolutely loved it every second of my time in Cambodia. The people, the food and the culture are amazing. I had one of the best and most memorable travel experiences, too – bird-watching on Tonlé Sap Lake. I still think about Cambodia quite regularly. I'd go back anytime.

Sicily, Italy

Recommended by Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Katelyn Phillipps

I can’t help but constantly reminisce about Sicily. Not only was it beautiful, but one day I forgot my purse in a café at the top of the mountain, and we were staying at the coast. Every single person (from the hotel owner to the café staff) was so kind. I got it back with everything intact. Plus, the island has some of the best views I’ve ever seen. I visited while in college, and it still sticks with me.