Travel Catriona Rowntree’s top 10 world hotspots
The Getaway reporter and Noni B ambassador shares her favourite global picks with Woman’s Day
1 BHUTAN
Seeking a cultural experience? I’ve found it for you – a mystical kingdom where gross domestic happiness is valued more than gross domestic product.
10 CROATIA
The Dalmatianlti C Coast t makesk me e dreamy, Plitvice Lakes National Park ark has me in awe and Zagreb just makes me really hungry. Superlative overload coming your way!
9 AUSTRALIA
C’mon people, we live in the best country in the world! I strongly recommend playing in our own backyard before heading overseas. We are truly blessed!
2 SCOTLAND
“The world’s most beautiful country,” say the locals, and I just love their spirit! A double helping of haggis always helps to make my smile just a wee bit broader, too.
3 THE COOK ISLANDS
I’m nutty for all of the South Pacific, but when I was looking for paradise for my honeymoon, this is where I chose.
4 ITALY
When one is in need of a self-esteem hike, get thee to Italy. I swear you could have three heads and you’d still get a compliment there. There’s fabulous factory outlet shopping (Prada, Gucci and more) near Florence, and the food and art are pretty darn good, too.
5 FRANCE
Throw that diet out the window, my darling, and have a bottle of champagne for brekkie and a double souffle for lunch. Viva la France!
6 RUSSIA
Go in June to make the most of the White Nights – when the sun never sets – and prepare to have all your preconceived ideas blown out of the water.
7 USA
I know it’s having a mild PR challenge right now, but this country just gets me so excited as a traveller. Sing a tune in Nashville, spot a superstar in Los Angeles and be awestruck in New York City. There’s just so much joy to be had here.
8 THE BAHAMAS
I took my sons swimming with pigs in The Exumas. We also swam with happy sharks and fed lizards grapes on sticks. They declared it their “best holiday evaaaaah”!