Every country is striking in its own aspect and is worth visiting, but there are countries that attract more people and transcend among others. The most popular and most visited of them all is France. Home of the lover’s city – Paris, France is definitely a must-explore destination. It receives a huge amount of visitors any season. And that is why it’s on the top of the list with 79.1 million tourists in 2006 (World Tourism Organization). Spain receives the second spot for the most traveled country. Most popular in summer, Spain’s beach spots and resorts attract millions.

Spain Beach Spot

United States and China gets the third and fourth place respectively. Italy made the upper half of the list with 41.1 million visitors roaming its ancient attractions. Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence are some of the cities of Italy which are frequently visited.

 United Kingdom bags the sixth spot for its famous castles, ruins and cities. London, its most popular city is the home of the most popular clock in the world – Big Ben. Germany, Mexico and Austria are not far behind with their corresponding tourist attractions and 60 million combined visitors.

Scottish Castle

 Completing our 10 most visited countries is the Russian Federation. 20.2 million Travelers come here for a Russian experience. Despite its travel warnings; Russia is still visited by many.

 These are the top tourist destinations worldwide. However, every country has its own luxury tourist attraction and hotspots waiting for all of us to visit.

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I’m not one of those who can afford to go on a luxury travel because I feel bum, or  I need a tan.  I went on a luxury travel because I got quite a big amount of bonus two years ago.  Almost all of my lifetime savings went to that luxury travel in Cancun, Mexico.

One-time luxury travel diva

But I must admit, going on a luxury travel unleashed the diva in me.  I was with my friend, Sandy and we just turned single two weeks before that so bitterness and vengeance were part of our luxury travel baggage, so to speak.  

For the first time in my life, I purchased a first-class ticket, perused three hot towels during the flight, consumed five glasses of champagne, and called the flight attendant seven times during the whole trip.  But take note, I added the word, please, every time I asked for him.  

As we arrived at the hotel,  I asked immediately that food be brought to our room after we have settled in. Also asked for the pillow sheets to be changed, thrice.  Went for a Brazilian wax for but settled for a massage instead which resulted in asking the most sought-after massage therapist in that spa to report for work two hours before her actual working hours.  I know, it all seemed diva-like and somewhat cruel.  But you know what, they were really accommodating and it was like they seem to enjoy more in serving the most demanding customers.

But after I realized that I went above my spending limit after I swiped my card for a pina collada, the heavens turned gray and I was numb for almost five minutes.  Good thing Sandy was the frugal one, she turned out to be my luxury travel savior.  

Having the privileges really changed my attitude that time.  But, for the first time in my life, I was able to feel liberated.  That I don’t have to think a thousand times on how to spend a hundred dollars.  During that luxury travel escapade, I didn’t have to be torn between buying a scarf or buying groceries that will last until next pay day.

Going on a luxury travel gives one a feeling of freedom and carelessness.  Especially if you have really worked your hardest and that hard work gave you the resources to pamper yourself in an expensive way.  When you have the money, you do have a certain power.  But don’t abuse it.  I didn’t. Did I?

As I went home after that luxury travel adventure, it made me feel like I had the time of my life. I went back to my old self again, the luxury travel diva will not be making an appearance in a long time. Hey, only human here,  we all deserve to let the inner divas out once in a while.  

I don’t know when will I ever go into another luxury travel. Have to save again and be my own spending auditor.  But then again,  I will  have one again. I have to. I want to.

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