The best places in the world to visit, according to a travel agent who has been to 120 countries

From the gigantic 120 to land Gillian Woodley has visited, some stand out.

The travel agent – ​​who has also been on 100 cruises – recommends three places for travel-hungry Australians.

”I love Iceland. It really is a blow to the size of the country,” Gillian, who lives in Hobart and has been a travel agent for 28 years, told 9Travel.

”We just got back from a place I didn’t expect to love so much: Mexico City. It was simply fantastic,” she adds.

“Food, nightlife and great day trips – and the Mayan pyramids which are an hour outside the city. It’s a great place.”

“The other place we’ve been twice is Portugal, the city of Porto.”

The 51-year-old says Portugal is currently a big hit with Australian travellers.

However, she says that often it doesn’t matter what exotic location you are in, traveling will always be special.

”Sometimes your favorite places also coincide with your favorite moments in life,” says Gillian, who is married to restoration plasterer Darren.

“I think it’s all about the memories and who you travel with.”

Gillian worked in the police force but was inspired to do something different after going to Europe with Contiki on her honeymoon.

She responded to a vacancy in the newspaper to work for Flight Center. She now works for Travel Associates.

Meanwhile, her list of places to go includes Costa Rica and Colombia, as well as Puglia in Italy.

In terms of Australians’ holiday destinations in 2025, Europe remains popular.

Customers also book river cruises, mainly from Amsterdam to Budapest, but also from Japan and Korea, she says.