Add These 3 Places to Your Bucketlist

As a world traveler, many people ask for my travel highlights. I've been to many places -- from Paris to New Zealand to across Asia and Mexico -- I have had my fair share of wonderful travels, great adventures and numerous memories. So, I decided to list a few places that I believe are the top 3 on my must-see, must-visit list. 

#1 Japan

The first thing you will notice about Japan is how well developed, organized and courteous the people are. The city is buzzing with excitement meanwhile, the country is beautiful, vibrant and majestic. The work ethic is unlike anything I have ever seen before and while the community is very polite, the cities are very clean and the food is also affordable. 

I began traveling to Japan when I was Miss Hawaii, I recall going there around 8 times... which is funny because I don't speak Japanese nor do I dance the hula. One time I kind of faked me way through a hula routine at a mall and I swear there were people watching and cringing. Anyway, as you know the Japanese love Hawaii and as a kama'aina born and raised I also love the Japanese. You can get the most amazing bowl of ramen for $9, spend all your days shopping and exploring --- and still have time to make friends, sing karaoke and dance the night away. 

The people truly make Japan a wonderful place, they are so selfless, accommodating and sincere. Make it a point to go to Japan - perhaps in the spring (Cherry Blossoms) or fall. 

#2 Singapore

To be honest, I didn't know too much about Singapore when I made my way there. I heard they had harsh punishments for breaking the law and something about gum being banned and etc. But I found Singapore to be delightful, extremely colorful and diverse along with a great sense of community and culture. 

Formerly governed by the British, they are essentially asians who speak with the most charming accents. The country was created to host a broad range of ethnicities, the infrastructure is brilliantly sound and the focus on environmental impact is inspiring. You'll find people from all walks of life here and the innovation in technology and education is pronounced. 

Singapore is extremely clean, like I mean you could probably eat a meal off the seats in the public transportation clean. You also fee quite safe here, as you also feel in Japan. And lastly the food was also amazing here. i felt like there was great influence from France, Asia and Malay so you get a good mix of classic dishes and the ethnic enhancements from surrounding influence. 

#3 Australia

I've always loved Australia! For one the people speak English, number two the value of our dollar can be better (depends on the exchange rate), and their weather is similar to Hawaii just opposite -- their winter is our summer and vice versa. The people are also extremely friendly and there's a lot to see, do and experience. 

Australia is huge - I've only been to Sydney and Bisbane but I loved the beaches, the activities and of course the food and adventures. Do go and see the animals at the zoo, do experience the various museums and amusement parks and do adventure to the botanical gardens and the typical list of sights to see. 

Overall, Australia would be the place I would move to if I couldn't live in Hawaii. I enjoy the culture, the history and the climate. You feel a great sense of community, serenity and hospitality there. One of the times I was in Sydney it rained for most of the time I was there but we still enjoyed each day and saw the sights in the rain and even caught a train so we could hold koalas. The community there is very trendy, stylish and progressive which is refreshing as well. 

At the Sydney Opera House