Roaming Gnome’s Top 20 Favorite Vacations

Hello, fellow wanderers! If you know me at all, you know how much I love to travel. So much so, I’ve spent the last several countless years making it my life’s work. It gets difficult whirling away the days while drifting from one breathtaking destination to the next … but someone’s got to do it, right? Lucky for me, that someone is yours truly.

While I’ve been out and about exploring the world, no matter where I venture, there’s one common question I always get asked. “Roaming Gnome, where is YOUR favorite place to visit?” Now, when you’ve been ‘round the world a few times, this is an impossible one. But I thought I’d follow up that question with a few of my favorite experiences I’ve had throughout my journeys. (In all fairness, these are in no particular order, and I’m sure I missed a few hundred.) So without further ado, here are 20 of my most unforgettable travel moments. Tell me, how many have you experienced?

Let’s go back to that time when I was …

Studying Politics in D.C.

Books, schmooks. Now THIS is the way to learn your American history.

Skiing in Aspen

 

With views like this, you forget your toes are numb. Or is that what they call “brain freeze?”

 (NOT) Being Eaten by Crocs in Miami  

This brilliant photo opp could’ve ended badly. But sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice when the camera calls, eh?

Dodging Fish Kisses in Grand Cayman

I don’t think even a breath mint would’ve helped this little guy. But he sure is cute.

Perfecting My Pokerface in Vegas

 

What happens here stays here. Well …  my money didn’t come back with me, but the memories sure did. 

Marveling Mother Nature in Peru

 

A selfie stick would’ve come in handy here. I heard Peru’s landscapes were why Instagram was invented. #nofilter

Riding Horses in New Zealand

Holding on tight was an issue, but these four-legged beauties were happy to slow down and take in the scenery.

Finding a Frozen Wonderland in NYC

 

The skyscrapers made me feel a wee bit smaller than usual, but isn’t that part of Manhattan’s magic?

Ziplining in Oahu

Me, scared of heights? Yes, but some views are worth overcoming fears for. (Hint: They’re in Hawaii.)

Mariach-ing in Mexico City

Yes, it’s a word. And no, they didn’t kick me out of the band. I just had more places to roam!

Getting Sandy in Punta Cana

Forget your beach blanket? Create your own … and take home a little sand in your shorts, too!

 Meeting Exotic Animals in Cape Town

You don’t know your place in the world ’til you’ve come face-to-face (or trunk-to-hat) with a 12,000 lb. elephant.

Hanging on a Hammock in Cancun

If I wasn’t such as gnomad, I would’ve made this my bedroom. Who needs a mattress anyway?

Feeling Festive in New Orleans 

Only during Mardi Gras do cheap, colorful beads cause days worth of excitement. 

Chowing Down in Dallas 

Everything is BIGGER is Texas. Including the food, the drinks … and subsequently, my appetite. 

Embracing the Weird in Austin

The only place I’ve visited where being called “weird” is a compliment. At least that’s what they told me … 

Living History in Boston

I’m a world traveler, but haven’t mastered time travel yet. This Boston Tea Party Ship was a close second, though.

Sunbathing in San Diego

The key to floating on your back with finesse? Total relaxation. And luckily, California just does that to me.

Scootering Around Santorini

This beautiful island makes everything (even an ol’ gnome like me) a bit more chic. Looking dapper, right?

Witnessing Iconic Sights in San Francisco

Sometimes a little sightseeing helps make the whole world a bit clearer. Must-see: Golden Gate Bridge.

Tell me what did I miss, and where must I roam next?

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