Japan

The high-speed rail network in this island nation makes hitting the country’s top tourist spots extremely easy, Alford says. And while that makes must-sees like Kyoto and Tokyo easily accessible on a short trip, Alford says, the country’s smaller, rural villages are an excellent contrast to the frenzied big cities. But really, there’s one reason she’s heading back to Japan so soon: “It is literally the best food anywhere,” she says.