As of February 2026, I have traveled to 80 countries. I hope to see them all during this lifetime. Let me know where you are going and we can share tips! Some of mine are below.
I got to see Antarctica at half price! Travel to the southernmost town in Argentina — Ushuaia — and check the local travel agencies to see if they have empty cabins on the ships departing in the next week!
Here’s a link to some of my favorite hotels around the world: https://www.expedia.com/shop/marialeonardolsen
Bathing in the Red Sea in Israel, and using the healing mud on my skin!
Hiking up a volcano in Guatemala
Volunteering at a school in Karnali, Nepal, high in the Himalayas
Salt flats of Bolivia
St. Regis, Abu Dhabi, Corniche — A bit of a splurge (includes butler service), but worth it! Excellent food (breakfast buffet was the best I have seen), spa, beach, service and views.
Really enjoyed Playa Azul beach in Costa Rica and loved the Azul Hotel + Resort there
In the Maldives, I stayed at the resort closest to the airport with overwater bungalows, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Many of the resorts require a long boat or plane ride to access them. This resort was fabulous! Not outrageously priced, either! Has a daily shark feeding, excellent food, nice spa and gorgeous water. Enjoyed the scuba diving, too.
Colombo, Sri Lanka has many beautiful hotels that are reasonably priced. I really enjoyed the Granbell Hotel Colombo — excellent location, lovely rooftop pool, and wonderful tubs in the rooms overlooking the sea.
Best place to eat in Weligama, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is The Cliff. Make reservations for a sunset dinner overlooking the water.
