Happy holidays! I wasn't going to post this on Christmas since I knew that no one would read it. I don't have that big of an ego...yet. 😏

Since this is the last issue of the year, let's rewind and take a trip down memory lane! Here are the top destinations that amazed me in 2023:
 

1. Kansas City, Missouri - Despite my reservations, this city turned out to be a hidden gem! Despite my initial reservations due to the Super Bowl win against my hometown team, the Eagles, I was pleasantly surprised by Kansas City. The city is renowned for its barbecue, particularly the burnt ends. The live music scene in Kansas City is exceptional, thanks to its history as a hub for jazz clubs during Prohibition. To my surprise, Kansas City is home to some of the best museums in the country, including the World War I Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
   
    
2. Montreal, Canada - Get ready to fall in love with Montreal's charm! Montreal offers a taste of Paris on the east coast, with its great food, rich culture, and friendly Canadian hospitality. It's conveniently located just a few hours away, making it an accessible destination. I recommend visiting during the summer to avoid the cold Canadian winters.
   
    
3. Nashville, Tennessee - Nashville surprised me in the best way possible! Initially, I was hesitant to visit Nashville due to its mainstream popularity. However, Nashville exceeded my expectations. Whether you're a fan of country music or not, there's plenty to enjoy in Music City. The food is fantastic, including the famous Nashville hot chicken. The city also boasts great museums, such as the National Museum of African American Art. The locals are incredibly friendly, and I made some friends during my visit that I'm eager to reconnect with.
   
    
4. Paris, France (Still working on article) - Ahh, the city of love! Paris is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world and should be on everyone's bucket list. The city is known for its incredible food, especially the pastries. Along with exploring Paris, consider taking side trips to places like Versailles. To truly appreciate all that Paris has to offer, I suggest dedicating at least a week for your visit.
   
    
5. Sao Paulo, Brazil - The vibrant city of Sao Paulo will steal your heart. Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in South America and is often referred to as the "Brazilian New York." It offers a great combination of food, culture, weather, and friendly people. I recommend spending at least a month there (if you can) to fully experience all that Brazil has to offer.
    

These are my top recommendations from my 2023 travels. I am grateful for all of your support this past year.

If there are any places you’d like me to explore in 2024, please reply to this email, and I’ll do my best to make it happen!

Keep traveling✈️,

Andrew

What was your favorite travel destination of 2023?