“What’s your favourite place?” I’m not sure how many times I’ve been asked the question, but being a travel writer, it’s a lot! And it’s not that I mind, more that I truly don’t know how to answer. After a lifetime of globe trotting that’s racked up close to 80 countries, many of them on multiple occasions, how could anyone choose? And how do you compare, for example, Paris and the pyramids?

So, my responses usually begin with an “apples and oranges” disclaimer, or, “I loved this place, but once was enough.” Perhaps: “I’ve been so many times to blank, it must mean something” – even if familiarity means a place may not be as inspiring as the first time around. Sometimes my last love seems the most profound.

Indulge me then this following alphabetical list of favourite “places” and/or experiences, which I selfishly hope helps set my travel ducks in a row, and also, just maybe, gives me a convenient hand-out for the next time I’m queried, “So, what’s your…?”

Stay tuned to future issues for the rest of the list. Meanwhile, to start, A is for:

Ashford Castle

Sprawling, turreted Ashford Castle is like something out of the movies – and, indeed, has been the setting for many. The restored 800-year-old castle in County Mayo (near Galway) is the oldest in Ireland, once belonging to the Guinness family. Now a five-star Red Carnation property and a Leading Hotel of the World, the amazing estate is set on 140 hectares of parkland overlooking Lake Corrib. If guests can tear themselves away from the ornate interior of the castle, activities run riot, from horseback riding, fishing, falconry and shooting, to golf, cycling and kayaking. Or simply wandering in the wonderful gardens. Ashford is a fantasy come true. It’s worth the splurge.

Honourable mention: Going up the Amazon
Bucket list: Antarctica; Angkor Wat

Unlike the song, I have not been everywhere, so please don’t wonder why one of your favourites wasn’t one of mine. Instead, tell me at baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.

I’m already thinking about my next list.