Five Places That Changed Me (and Might Just Change You Too)

Available on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

If you know me, you know I love to travel. Not just a quick weekend getaway or a touristy beach trip. I mean real travel. Getting into the streets, meeting people, trying food, soaking up culture. On this episode of Five with Fry, I finally share my top five favorite places I’ve ever been and why each one left a mark.

This isn’t a ranking. It’s more like five “you need to go here” conversations I’ve had on repeat. And now I’m sharing them with you.

Havana, Cuba

Let’s start strong with Havana. Yes, I partly went because of Bad Boys II—no shame—but it quickly became so much more. The food? Incredible. The culture? Deep. The safety? Honestly, I felt totally fine walking around solo.

One of the most unforgettable moments? Riding the original Hershey train, a real, vintage train that’s as barebones as it gets. It’s a 3-hour trip with no bathroom, but absolutely worth it. Havana just has something. If you go, don’t miss that ferry ride across the water. It’ll cost you ten cents and give you a memory for life.

Bali, Indonesia

My sister runs a hotel there, so I visit Bali more often than most—and every time, it gives me exactly what I need. Bali is warm (not hot), affordable, and full of little luxuries that don’t cost much. Massages? Cheap and amazing. Food? Fresh and full of flavor.

Yes, the flight is long. Yes, it’s far. But once you land, your dollar goes so far. It’s the kind of place where you can exhale. Where you can reset. Where the pace slows down in the best way.

Phuket, Thailand

Now if Bali is warm, Phuket is hot—like capital H, sun-bouncing-off-the-sand, “is this sand actually boiling my feet?” hot. But wow, is it beautiful. The beaches, the blue water, and the night markets—I can’t overstate this—the food was unreal.

I loved every minute of it. And again, I felt completely safe wandering, eating, relaxing, and exploring. If you’re into spice, adventure, and sunsets over the ocean, put Phuket on your list.

Mexico City, Mexico

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Mexico City, and now I’m trying to figure out how to buy property there. It’s that good. It’s super walkable, full of amazing restaurants and bars (like world-top-50 level), and it has this welcoming energy that just hits different.

I went with my best friend Sarah, and let me tell you…we walked miles. She does not believe in taxis unless absolutely necessary. I begged. She said no. But honestly, I’m glad she did. We got to see so many corners of the city that we never would’ve seen otherwise. And we even took a trip to some hot springs in the mountains that were completely worth the three-hour drive.

Marrakech, Morocco

Last but definitely not least: Marrakech. This place is straight out of a movie in the best way. I got two jackets and a leather skirt made custom for around $150 total. And that skirt? Let’s just say it’s a showstopper.

The food, the markets, the energy… I loved it all. I was supposed to do a hot air balloon ride and a camel tour, but they got canceled, so clearly I have to go back. There’s unfinished business.

Want the Full Stories?

Each of these places taught me something different, and gave me stories I still tell. If you’re thinking about your next trip or just want to hear what made these places stand out, go listen to the full episode of Five with Fry.

You’ll hear the wild details, the food I still dream about, and why I think these destinations are more than just travel. They’re transformational.

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