Top 3 Favourite Countries: Simon Eyre of Reluctant Backpacker
June 28, 2022 | Tagged: Top 3 Favourite Countries
Introducing Simon Eyre of Reluctant Backpacker. Here Simon talks in-depth about his Top 3 Favourite Countries
I’m lucky enough to have visited over 50 countries, either on business or for pleasure, sometimes for both. Picking three favourites is, of course difficult.
There are so many contrasting reasons why certain countries stand out.
The sheer chaos and confusion when I first arrive somewhere like Bangladesh, for example, has its charms and forms many memories.
On the other hand, I’m not averse to spending time stomping around in the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the Scottish Islands or England’s Peak District (I grew up in Sheffield, minutes away and spent many childhood weekends there).
Equally, I am also happy lying on a sun bed, sipping a cold beer, and admiring a cobalt blue sea, as long as there aren’t many other people there.
In fact, my ideal trip usually allows time for chilling out, eating good food and drinking local wines, beers and even cocktails.
All these things, the landscapes, the sights, the history, the food, the drink, and the overall beauty all influence the trips that have stayed at the forefront of my memories. I have therefore gone for three countries that tick all these boxes.
All three are places I would go back to, and in some cases have returned many times. I’d even emigrate to any of these three countries at the drop of a hat.
Before I start, Iceland gets an honorary mention. I’ve only spent 5 days there and was so enthralled I’m determined to back and see more.
Maybe Iceland will push into my top three soon?
Anyway, here are my top three countries right now, in no particular order.
There are so many contrasting reasons why certain countries stand out.
The sheer chaos and confusion when I first arrive somewhere like Bangladesh, for example, has its charms and forms many memories.
On the other hand, I’m not averse to spending time stomping around in the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the Scottish Islands or England’s Peak District (I grew up in Sheffield, minutes away and spent many childhood weekends there).
Equally, I am also happy lying on a sun bed, sipping a cold beer, and admiring a cobalt blue sea, as long as there aren’t many other people there.
In fact, my ideal trip usually allows time for chilling out, eating good food and drinking local wines, beers and even cocktails.
All these things, the landscapes, the sights, the history, the food, the drink, and the overall beauty all influence the trips that have stayed at the forefront of my memories. I have therefore gone for three countries that tick all these boxes.
All three are places I would go back to, and in some cases have returned many times. I’d even emigrate to any of these three countries at the drop of a hat.
Before I start, Iceland gets an honorary mention. I’ve only spent 5 days there and was so enthralled I’m determined to back and see more.
Maybe Iceland will push into my top three soon?
Anyway, here are my top three countries right now, in no particular order.
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1. Italy
The food in Italy, for me, is by far the best in the world. I spent two years living and working in Milan and Rome and have made many trips there since. I can honestly say that I have not eaten any meal that didn’t make me smile.
The sheer beauty and diversity of its interior and seaside landscapes is unparalleled.
From picturesque villages clinging to cliffs above azure bays to jagged breath-taking mountains – Italy has it all.
I also love the language - I am by no means fluent but apart from English it is by far my strongest and it’s so evocative and flamboyant. It is one of those languages where you don’t have to know a single word and you can get the gist of overheard conversations.
The sheer beauty and diversity of its interior and seaside landscapes is unparalleled.
From picturesque villages clinging to cliffs above azure bays to jagged breath-taking mountains – Italy has it all.
I also love the language - I am by no means fluent but apart from English it is by far my strongest and it’s so evocative and flamboyant. It is one of those languages where you don’t have to know a single word and you can get the gist of overheard conversations.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica was my second rainforest experience after Sri Lanka, which just misses out in my top three countries.
I love the sounds of the rainforest.
The screaming howler monkeys, shaking the treetops and freezing the blood in your veins with their calls.
The milieu of bird song, chirping tree frogs and insects as loud as an Iron Maiden concert.
I love Costa Rica’s approach to most things; the people have ideas for addressing most of the world’s problems. Moreover, they take meaningful action to implement those innovations.
Again, there is so much diversity of landscapes as well as flora and fauna to explore.
Wonderful sunsets over surfing beaches, rainforest vistas that seem to stretch to the ends of the earth and dramatic volcanoes and bubbling mud pools.
I love the sounds of the rainforest.
The screaming howler monkeys, shaking the treetops and freezing the blood in your veins with their calls.
The milieu of bird song, chirping tree frogs and insects as loud as an Iron Maiden concert.
I love Costa Rica’s approach to most things; the people have ideas for addressing most of the world’s problems. Moreover, they take meaningful action to implement those innovations.
Again, there is so much diversity of landscapes as well as flora and fauna to explore.
Wonderful sunsets over surfing beaches, rainforest vistas that seem to stretch to the ends of the earth and dramatic volcanoes and bubbling mud pools.
3. Greece
Greece is my relax and rewind ticket. There is nothing I love more than sitting in the warmth of the sun staring at a sea that has more shades of blue than a Farrow & Ball paint catalogue.
I love the old-world charm of the smaller, less touristy islands like Meganissi, Ithaca and Kastellorizo.
What is best about Greece is peace and solitude is only ever a short boat ride away.
I love sitting by the shore in a tiny fishing village that has barely changed for centuries.
There is always at least one taverna serving the most delicious grilled food.
Of course, there is also the history, the vast mountainous landscapes and some of the friendliest locals I have met.
I also learned to sail a 33-foot sailboat in the seas and bays around the Ionian Sea, a two-week trip that gifted me so many good memories.
I love the old-world charm of the smaller, less touristy islands like Meganissi, Ithaca and Kastellorizo.
What is best about Greece is peace and solitude is only ever a short boat ride away.
I love sitting by the shore in a tiny fishing village that has barely changed for centuries.
There is always at least one taverna serving the most delicious grilled food.
Of course, there is also the history, the vast mountainous landscapes and some of the friendliest locals I have met.
I also learned to sail a 33-foot sailboat in the seas and bays around the Ionian Sea, a two-week trip that gifted me so many good memories.
