About Top Places Guide

Welcome to My Travel Journey

Hi, I’m Anna Kelly, and I’m the person behind Top Places Guide. I created this site to share my passion for travel and to help people discover amazing destinations, plan unforgettable trips, and turn their travel dreams into reality.

I know travel planning can feel overwhelming. For years, I watched friends and family members put off trips because they weren’t sure where to start, felt intimidated by planning logistics, or couldn’t decide which destinations were worth their time and money. That’s exactly why I started this site—to break down those barriers and show that planning incredible travel experiences is absolutely achievable.

My Story and Background

I’m not a professional travel agent, and I don’t have a degree in tourism. What I do have is genuine experience and passion that spans more than 10 years of dedicated travel and exploration.

Where It Started: I grew up in a family that valued experiences over possessions. My parents believed that seeing the world was the best education, and from a young age, I was fortunate to travel with them. Those early trips—exploring national parks, visiting historical sites, experiencing different cultures—ignited a lifelong passion for discovering new places.

My grandmother was a meticulous trip planner who taught me that great travel experiences come from thoughtful preparation. She showed me how to research destinations thoroughly, create realistic itineraries, budget effectively, and stay flexible when things don’t go as planned. Those lessons became the foundation of everything I do today.

My Travel Journey: After college, I made travel a priority in my life. I’ve been to over 45 countries across 6 continents, staying everywhere from budget hostels to boutique hotels, traveling solo and with companions, exploring major cities and remote villages.

But more importantly, I’ve learned from every single trip—what works, what doesn’t, how to find hidden gems, how to avoid tourist traps, and how to make the most of limited time and budgets.

Over the years, I’ve deepened my travel knowledge through:

Extensive personal travel across diverse destinations and cultures
Reading countless travel guides, blogs, and resources
Taking courses in travel planning and sustainable tourism
Learning from local guides and fellow travelers
Documenting detailed notes from every trip
Understanding what makes destinations special beyond the typical tourist experience

Why I Started Top Places Guide: In 2017, I realized I had journals full of travel notes, destination research, planning strategies, and hundreds of photos from my journeys. Friends constantly asked me for travel recommendations, itinerary help, and planning advice. I kept sending long emails with detailed suggestions and tips.

That’s when it clicked: if my friends need this information, probably thousands of other travelers do too.

I launched Top Places Guide in March 2017 with guides to fifteen destinations I knew intimately. Today, the site has grown to cover over 250 destinations worldwide with comprehensive planning resources, and I’m incredibly grateful that tens of thousands of people visit each month to find reliable travel information they can trust.

What Makes Top Places Guide Different

1. Every Destination Is Personally Researched and Visited

I don’t just compile information from other sources—I visit places myself or work with trusted contributors who have firsthand experience. Here’s my honest process:

Personal Experience: Most destinations featured on this site are places I’ve personally visited, often multiple times. I take extensive notes, photos, and document real experiences—not just the highlights, but the practical realities of visiting.

Thorough Research: For destinations I haven’t visited recently or am planning to feature, I conduct extensive research using multiple reliable sources, cross-checking information for accuracy, and often consulting with locals or regular visitors.

Regular Updates: Travel information changes constantly—hotels close, restaurants change, attractions update their hours. I regularly review and update destination guides to ensure information remains current and accurate.

Honest Assessment: I share both the positives and the challenges of destinations. If a place is overpriced, overcrowded, or better suited for specific types of travelers, I tell you upfront.

Multiple Perspectives: I consider different travel styles—budget backpackers, luxury travelers, families, solo adventurers, couples—and provide relevant information for each.

2. Comprehensive, Practical Planning Resources

I write guides the way I wish travel resources would be written—with the details that actually help you plan:

Realistic budgets and cost breakdowns
Actual travel times and logistics
Best times to visit (considering weather, crowds, and prices)
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Safety considerations and practical tips
Cultural insights and local customs

I include information that’s actually useful, not just generic descriptions you could find anywhere.

3. Vision Board Approach to Travel Planning

One of my unique focuses is helping people turn travel dreams into concrete plans:

Dream to Reality: I teach strategies for identifying your travel goals, prioritizing destinations, and creating actionable plans to make trips happen.

Visual Planning: I encourage travelers to create vision boards for their trips—collecting images, planning itineraries, and visualizing experiences before they happen. This makes planning more inspiring and helps crystallize your travel goals.

Goal Setting: Breaking down big travel dreams into achievable steps—how much to save monthly, when to book, how to prepare, what to prioritize.

Inspiration + Action: I balance beautiful travel inspiration with practical planning advice so you’re not just dreaming—you’re doing.

4. Real Photos and Honest Perspectives

Most photos you see are taken by me during my actual travels. They’re not professionally edited travel magazine shots—they’re real representations of what places actually look like when you visit.

I believe this authenticity is more valuable than perfect Instagram photos that set unrealistic expectations.

5. Focus on Education and Empowerment

Beyond destination guides, I create resources that teach travel skills:

How to research destinations effectively
Budget planning and money-saving strategies
Booking strategies for flights and accommodations
Packing efficiently for different trip types
Staying safe while traveling
Sustainable and responsible travel practices
Overcoming common travel anxieties

My goal isn’t just to tell you where to go—it’s to make you a more confident, capable, independent traveler.

What You’ll Find Here

Destination Guides: Comprehensive coverage of locations worldwide:

Major cities and popular destinations
Hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations
Regional guides organized by continent and country
Specific neighborhood and district guides
Weekend getaway ideas
Multi-country itineraries

Travel Planning Resources: Practical tools for organizing your trips:

Sample itineraries for different trip lengths
Budget planning worksheets and guides
Packing lists for various destinations and seasons
Booking strategies and timing advice
Visa and entry requirement information
Transportation guides (flights, trains, cars, etc.)

Vision Board and Goal Setting: Unique content for turning travel dreams into reality:

How to create effective travel vision boards
Setting and achieving travel goals
Prioritizing destinations and experiences
Saving strategies for future trips
Long-term travel planning

Travel Tips and Advice: Expert insights for better trips:

Solo travel guidance
Family travel strategies
Budget travel tips
Luxury travel recommendations
Safety and security advice
Cultural etiquette guides
Sustainable travel practices

Accommodation and Dining: Where to stay and eat:

Hotel and lodging recommendations at various price points
Alternative accommodation options (hostels, vacation rentals, etc.)
Restaurant guides and local food experiences
Street food and market guides
Dietary restrictions and food safety

Activities and Experiences: What to do at destinations:

Must-see attractions and landmarks
Off-the-beaten-path experiences
Day trip ideas
Outdoor activities and adventures
Cultural experiences and events
Photography spots and viewpoints

Travel Gear and Resources: Helpful tools and products:

Luggage and packing gear recommendations
Travel technology and apps
Camera equipment for travel photography
Essential travel accessories
Book and guide recommendations

Why You Can Trust My Content

Transparency in Everything I Do

Real Experience: The vast majority of destinations I write about are places I’ve personally visited. When I haven’t been somewhere personally, I clearly indicate that and ensure information comes from reliable, verified sources.

Honest Recommendations: I only recommend hotels, tours, products, and services I genuinely believe are valuable. If something isn’t worth your money, I tell you.

Clear Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links and advertisements. This means I may earn a small commission when you book accommodations, purchase travel products, or click on certain links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help cover the costs of running the site—web hosting, travel research, and content creation. Any sponsored content or partnerships are clearly labeled as such.

Current Information: I regularly update destination guides with current information. Travel details change frequently, and I work hard to keep content accurate. If you notice outdated information, please let me know so I can update it.

Balanced Perspectives: I share both positives and negatives about destinations. Not every place is perfect for every traveler, and I aim to give you realistic expectations.

Responsive to Feedback: I read every comment and email. When readers share updated information or alternative perspectives, I incorporate valuable feedback into my guides.

Real Results: Since 2017, I’ve published over 50 destination guides, responded to more than 200 reader emails, and welcomed approximately 2,000-5,000 visitors monthly. These represent real travelers who’ve used my guides to plan their trips—and that matters enormously to me.

My Travel Philosophy

Every Place Has Value

There’s no such thing as a “bad” destination—only destinations that may not fit your specific interests, budget, or travel style. I believe in helping you find the right places for YOU, not just the most popular or trendy locations.

Planning Enhances Experience, It Doesn’t Limit It

Good planning doesn’t mean rigid schedules—it means being prepared enough to be spontaneous. When you’ve done your research, you can recognize opportunities and make informed decisions on the fly.

Travel Is for Everyone

You don’t need unlimited money or time to have meaningful travel experiences. I focus on making travel accessible for different budgets, schedules, and comfort levels.

Sustainable and Respectful Travel Matters

We have a responsibility to travel in ways that respect local communities, cultures, and environments. I advocate for sustainable tourism practices that benefit destinations rather than harm them.

The Journey Is Part of the Experience

Travel isn’t just about arriving at destinations—it’s about the entire experience, including planning, anticipation, and the journey itself.

My Travel Background

Places I’ve Visited:

Over 25 countries across 3 continents
Extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and South America
Multiple trips to popular destinations (returning to places I love and can update thoroughly)
Mix of major cities, small towns, natural wonders, and cultural sites

Travel Styles I’ve Experienced:

Budget backpacking and hostel stays
Mid-range comfortable travel
Occasional luxury experiences
Solo travel
Group travel and tours
Travel with companions
Short weekend trips and extended multi-month journeys

Ongoing Travel: I continue to travel regularly, typically taking 4-6 significant trips per year, plus numerous weekend getaways and domestic explorations. Every trip informs the content I create.

Who This Site Is For

You’re in the right place if:

You want to discover new destinations but need guidance on where to start
You’re planning a trip and need practical, reliable information
You appreciate detailed planning resources and realistic advice
You want to turn travel dreams into concrete plans
You value honest perspectives over glossy marketing
You’re looking for destination recommendations at various budget levels
You want to become a more confident, independent traveler

This might not be your ideal site if:

You’re looking exclusively for luxury five-star experiences
You want only last-minute spontaneous travel inspiration
You prefer video content over written guides
You need highly specialized niche travel (expedition travel, extreme sports, etc.)

Connect With Me

I genuinely want to hear from you. Your questions, travel stories, and feedback make all the work worthwhile.

Email: info@topplacesguide.com I personally read and respond to every email, typically within 2-4 days. Don’t hesitate to reach out with destination questions, planning help, or just to share your travel experiences.

Newsletter: Join my email list for destination spotlights, travel planning tips, budget strategies, and inspiration for your next adventure. I send emails twice monthly—no spam, no daily bombardment, easy unsubscribe. Sign up through the homepage.

Social Media:

Instagram: @topplacesguide – Travel photos, quick tips, and destination inspiration
Pinterest: TopPlacesGuide – Destination boards, planning resources, and travel guides
Facebook: Top Places Guide – Community discussions, reader Q&A, and travel updates

What Drives Me

Here’s what keeps me researching destinations and writing detailed guides:

I love the moment when someone emails to say they had an incredible trip using one of my guides. I love hearing that my advice helped someone overcome their fear of solo travel or finally take that dream trip they’d been postponing. I love knowing that I’ve helped people create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

This isn’t about building a massive travel empire or becoming an influencer. It’s about the genuine satisfaction of helping people discover the world and feel confident exploring it.

Travel has enriched my life in countless ways—it’s expanded my perspective, introduced me to incredible people, challenged my assumptions, and created my most treasured memories. If I can help other people experience even a fraction of those benefits, all the hours of research and writing are worthwhile.

Current Focus and Future Plans

Right now I’m working on:

Expanding destination guides for Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe
Creating more detailed budget planning resources
Developing comprehensive multi-destination itineraries
Building better vision board and travel goal-setting tools
Improving the site’s searchability by region and travel style
Adding more video content and virtual destination tours

Long-term goals:

Covering 300+ destinations with comprehensive guides
Creating downloadable trip planning templates
Building an interactive trip planning tool
Expanding sustainable travel resources
Developing travel planning courses
Creating community features for travelers to connect and share

I’m one person managing this site alongside regular travel and other responsibilities, so progress is steady rather than rapid. I appreciate your patience as Top Places Guide continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really just you running this site? Yes, primarily. I write the content, research destinations, take most photos, manage the website, and respond to emails. Occasionally I work with trusted contributors who have expertise in specific destinations, but I oversee all content to ensure quality and accuracy.

Have you really been to all these places? I’ve personally visited the vast majority of destinations featured on this site. When I write about places I haven’t visited, I clearly indicate that and ensure information comes from thoroughly vetted, reliable sources. I never write generic guides just for content—every guide serves a purpose.

How do you afford to travel so much? Through a combination of strategies: prioritizing travel in my budget, using credit card rewards and miles, timing trips for off-season savings, mixing budget and mid-range accommodations, and generating income through this site. I also balance expensive trips with more affordable destinations.

Do you work with tourism boards or companies? Occasionally I work with tourism boards, hotels, or travel companies for press trips or partnerships, but these relationships are always clearly disclosed. The majority of my travel is self-funded and independent. I maintain editorial independence—partnerships never influence my honest opinions.

How do you support yourself with this site? Through display advertising, affiliate commissions (booking platforms, travel gear, hotels), and occasional partnerships with travel companies. When you book through my links or see ads, I earn small commissions that help cover site costs and support ongoing travel research.

Can I use your itineraries and guides? Absolutely! The guides are meant to be used and adapted for your trips. Feel free to print, save, or modify them for your personal travel planning. If you want to republish content elsewhere, please email me first for permission.

How can I support your work? The most meaningful ways to support Top Places Guide:

Use my affiliate links when booking travel (no extra cost to you)
Share guides with friends planning trips
Leave feedback and updated information from your travels
Turn off ad blockers when visiting (ads keep the site free)
Subscribe to the newsletter and engage with content

Do you offer personalized trip planning services? Currently, I don’t offer one-on-one trip planning services, but I’m happy to answer specific questions via email. The guides and resources on the site are designed to help you plan independently.

How do you keep information current? I regularly update popular destination guides, monitor reader feedback for changes, follow travel news and updates, and incorporate new information from my own travels. If you notice outdated information, please email me so I can correct it.

Will you add my suggested destination? I love destination suggestions! I keep a running list of reader requests and consider them when planning future content. I prioritize destinations based on reader interest, my ability to visit or thoroughly research them, and filling gaps in current coverage.

What’s your favorite destination? This is the question I get most often! Honestly, it changes based on what I’m seeking at the time. I love Japan for culture and food, Iceland for natural beauty, Portugal for value and charm, Mexico for accessibility and diversity. Every place offers something special.

A Personal Note

Thank you for taking the time to read about me and Top Places Guide. Thank you for visiting, for using my guides, for sharing your travel stories, and for being part of this community.

Whether you’re here planning your first big trip or you’re a seasoned traveler looking for your next adventure, I’m honored that you’ve chosen to trust me as part of your travel journey.

Every email I receive, every comment left, every photo shared from your travels—these remind me why I do this work. You inspire me to keep exploring, keep researching, and keep sharing.

Here’s to turning travel dreams into reality, discovering incredible places, and creating unforgettable memories.

Anna Kelly Founder & Travel Guide Creator Top Places Guide

Last Updated: November 2025

Top Places Guide is an independent website owned and operated by Anna Kelly. All content, opinions, and recommendations are my own. I am not affiliated with any tourism board, travel agency, hotel chain, or travel corporation unless specifically disclosed.