I visited 64 countries before the age of 30. There are 5 I have no plans to return to.

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Author Allie Hubers with wine in Greece overlooking blue waters

I've had fun moments in every country I have visited but some I don't plan to go back to at the moment. Allie Hubers
  • I've been to 64 countries before turning 30, but not all destinations were worth the hype for me.
  • South Africa and Morocco were beautiful, but I didn't always feel safe on my travels there.
  • Japan and Greece were wonderful but felt crowded — I'm in no rush to visit them again.

I've been traveling internationally since I was young.

Years of family cruises eventually transformed into a fiery passion for global travel in college and throughout my 20s. Studying abroad with Semester at Sea only fueled that passion, allowing me to visit 10 countries while living aboard a cruise ship for 100 days.

I never had a specific goal of how many countries I wanted to visit before turning 30. Instead, I set my sights on traveling as often as my work schedule and budget allowed.

Between family vacations, girls' trips, and getaways with my husband, I've visited 64 countries across six continents before the age of 30.

Some of these destinations lived up to their hype, but there were a few countries that fell short of my expectations when I traveled to them.

Here are a few places I don't have plans to visit again.

South Africa

Woman looking at rhino lying down on dirt

I loved going on safari in South Africa, but not every part of my trip was perfect. Allie Hubers

Many rave about South Africa as one of the best countries they've ever visited, so the destination was high on my bucket list for a while.

I finally visited last year when I cruised along South Africa's coast on a safari adventure with a friend. I was awestruck by the country's scenery and rich culture.

Nothing could compare to the thrill of looking for the "Big Five" on game drives. I also loved exploring the country's hidden coastal gems, from charming Mossel Bay to the breathtaking Addo Elephant Park near Gqeberha.

However, when we got to Cape Town, our local guides frequently warned us to be cautious and watch out for theft, robbery, and street crime.

They emphasized the city's high crime rate, which created lingering stress during our visit, especially as two women traveling alone.

At times, I found it hard to enjoy the beauty of Table Top Mountain and Cape Peninsula when worrying about safety was always in the back of my mind. Out of an abundance of caution, we also avoided visiting anywhere at night.

Of course, it's important to be cautious no matter where you travel. However, I'm still in no rush to return to South Africa — especially since I was able to check a safari off of my bucket list.

Greece

Author Allie Hubers looking at white and blue houses in Greece

Greece is undoubtedly beautiful, but I found it to be too crowded. Allie Hubers

I've traveled to Greece four times, including Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu.

Each visit has felt increasingly more crowded, especially in tourist hot spots like Santorini. For instance, catching Santorini's famous sunset in Oia meant I had to battle hundreds of other tourists in the village's tiny alleyways.

Greece's weather was also miserably hot during the summer and fall months, creating an uncomfortable climate for exploring.

Although I can't deny the country has beautiful beaches and impressive ancient ruins and landmarks, I can't see myself going back.

For those looking to visit, I'd suggest planning to visit Greece during the offseason so you may get cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Or, I'd suggest going to nearby Croatia instead. It's just as beautiful and typically sees millions of fewer visitors a year.

Spain

Author Allie Hubers and her husband smiling in Spain

Spain is beautiful, but it wasn't my favorite place to visit. Allie Hubers

From its sunny weather to its beautiful landmarks and landscapes, Spain is a magical destination for many — but I'm not in a rush to return.

As a cruise fanatic, I have visited many regions throughout Spain, including Barcelona, Vigo, Málaga, Cádiz, and Valencia.

Although I especially appreciated quieter, less touristy cities like A Coruña and Vigo in Northern Spain, I'd rather visit a new destination in the future, such as Malta or the Azores.

In some ways, I also found it tough to adjust to the country. Local siesta culture also meant many businesses were closed for most of the afternoon, and dinner was typically served at night. As an American, I struggled to plan my schedule and adjust to business hours and meal times I wasn't used to back home.

Not to mention, recent protests against overtourism in Spain leave me hesitant to plan a return trip to the country anytime soon.

Morocco

Allie Hubers and her partner riding camels in Morocco

I've never visited anywhere else in the world like Morocco. Allie Hubers

I was eager to visit Morocco during my semester abroad, as it marked my first visit to Africa. The popular Saharan country is known for its colorful cities, bustling medinas, mosaic architecture, and sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert.

I crave authentic experiences when traveling, especially when immersing myself in an entirely new culture. So, I tried to embrace haggling with vendors at Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa market, navigating the maze-like alleys and tasting the bold, unfamiliar cuisine.

Unfortunately, my trip felt overshadowed by some of the extra-persistent vendors' sale tactics and the unwelcome advances of some locals, which left me overwhelmed.

For instance, one vendor grabbed my arm and applied henna tattoos to it, unprompted, only to demand money afterward. At one point, two men also tried to steal my purse, which further dampened my visit.

Looking back, I wish I'd set more realistic expectations and better prepared myself to safely and confidently navigate the busy markets.

Even though parts of my visit to Morocco caught me off guard, it was also the backdrop to unforgettable memories with my now-husband, such as riding camels together at sunset.

I've never visited anywhere else in the world like it, which is really cool even if I'm not planning to return.

Japan

Author Allie Hubers in Japan with her sister and dad

Japan is beautiful, but I'm not in a huge rush to return. Allie Hubers

It's easy to see why Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia — I've been there twice, to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

The country is also considered to be fairly safe, which I especially appreciate as a female traveler.

However, I thought dining and accommodations were surprisingly expensive in bigger cities like Tokyo. In some cases, we struggled to find value in our trip.

As tall individuals, my husband and I felt cramped in our tiny, budget hotel room in the city that felt reminiscent of a college dorm. For the same $150 nightly cost, we could stay at the upscale Le Meridian in Phuket, Thailand, one of our favorite destinations in Asia.

We struggled to find sit-down restaurants within our budget during our trips and relied on a lot of fast food and quick bites. I also ended up feeling more overwhelmed by the crowds in the city than I expected.

Although it was my choice to stay in more popular areas and extra planning could've helped improve our experience, I'm not in a rush to go on another trip to Japan.

If I'm able to return to Asia, I would rather I'd rather head to Thailand, where I know firsthand my accommodations and dining will be significantly more affordable.

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