{quote:title=Wayworn1 wrote:}{quote}
> I realize that it is human nature to continue looking for 'the best' place but in fact I don't think it really exists. I think there are many best places based on each individual's idea of best.
I also dont think there is a "best" place in the world, just as I dont think there is a "best" wine, a "best" food or "best" car, etc, if by best you mean the physical aspects, the best views, the best sunset, the best amenities and the like. But I am not convinced that most people travel with the goal of finding "the best" place.
To me, travel has been about the experiences, not the physical attributes of the places visited. I am sure that I would be very disappointed returning to some of the places I thought were fantastic places when I first visited, because what made those places so great were the people I was with or met, the experiences I had there, the excitement of experiencing a new culture. For me, one of the best places I have experienced was Pamplona, Spain during the San Fermin festival. The people I travelled with, the friendliness of the local people we met there, the atmosphere of the fiesta, the excitement of running with the bulls and into the arena - unforgettable. But it was not the place itself, (Pamplona is a nice enough city, but nothing special) but it was the experiences at that particular place and time which made it, for me, one of the best places in the world. But I have no ambition to go back there again.
I no longer think there is something better and perhaps there comes a time to realize that and be satisfied with what we have found.
To me, travelling to new places is not looking for something better. Its hard to explain to someone who doesnt have the travel bug, but for me, the journey itself, rather than the destination, is what I really enjoy. These days my travels are limited to 5 weeks a year, but rather than go to one place, Ill go to a country and travel around it. A bit of research beforehand ensures that I pick the places I think will interest me and I havent been disappointed to date. For a while, I started going back to places I had been to before, places I really liked and still like, but I personally find travelling to new places more interesting than to familiar places, even if I wouldnt call the new places the best, or second best, in the world.
