Every year, I have a running list. It’s a list that I add to my best cities in the world to visit. When I’m reading a blog post or come across a travel guide, if the city sounds interesting it’s added to the list. At the end of each year, I review the cities that were added to see which ones I want to visit the following year.
In this cities to visit post, I’ll cover the cities that made the list in 2019. I like to book 1 2-week international trip and will use the post to hopefully make the case on where I should visit. With that said, let’s cover the credit cards to help you earn points to book an international trip.
Credit Cards to Use to Travel
The transferable point programs that I use the the most are Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and American Express Membership Rewards. Each program offers personal and business credit cards that I like to use for my spend.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve eats up most of my spend. It’s a versatile card that earns 3X on travel and dining. The Citi Prestige is also a great card to have. It earns 5X on airfare and dining. Rounding out the list is the American Express Gold. This card earns 4X on dining and US supermarkets.
Business owners should consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred. It earns 3X on travel. You can also convert cash back earn from the Chase Ink Business Cash and/or Chase Ink Business Unlimited if you have the Ink Business Preferred. Another option is the American Express Business Platinum. It earns 5X on airfare.
Best Cities in the World to Visit
Madrid, Spain
Spain’s capital has lured me in after a visit a few years ago to Barcelona. The food, mercados (markets), narrow European streets, parks, tapas bars, and wine. Those are what I’m after. And not to mention a top fútbol club in Real Madrid. For more inspiration, check out this Madrid 48 Hour Guide.
Santorini, Greece
The Aegean Sea is where you’ll find the beautiful island of Santorini. Whitewashed houses and hotels along cliffs overlooking the sea are what come to mind for me. Enjoying grilled seafood at sunset after a white wine tour is what I plan to do. I’ll be using this Santorini First Timers Guide when I’m in Santorini.
Tokyo, Japan
Another capital city that I want to visit is Tokyo. It’s there that I’ve got visit the Imperial Palace and many temples. Trying katsu and ramen are a must as well as eating at any number of highly-acclaimed restaurants. A ride on the bullet train to Mount Fuji would be a great way to get the full experience. This Tokyo First Timers Guide will come in handy when I visit.
Tuscany, Italy
Central Italy is where you’ll find Tuscany. It’s capital is Florence, another city I want to see. Among the architecture and beautiful landscape, the wine region is what interests me most about Tuscany. I’ll also want to make a side trip to Cinque Terre.
Vienna, Austria
Closing out this list is Austria’s capital Vienna. Located in northeast Austria, this city has so many things that interest me. Architecture, good food, imperial palaces, Naschmarkt (outdoor market), parks, and sights. Here’s a Vienna First Timers Guide that I plan to use extensively.
Conclusion on the Best Cities in the World to Visit
One of the most fun parts of travel to me is planning. Reviewing cities that made it onto the list every year is what I like about the process. The trouble that I have is figuring out where to go. There’s simply too cities to visit in year!
Which cities make your best cities in the world to visit? Do you have cities that are near ones on the list to see? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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