A tourist who explored England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales has revealed their verdict on the finest destination.
The traveller from Central Asia explained they embarked on an extensive solo journey across the UK, with one nation leaving a lasting impression. They remain captivated by the location and have even begun studying the local tongue.
Their affection for Wales was expressed in a post on the r/Wales Reddit forum, where the visitor confirmed they would definitely return.
They disclosed they journeyed throughout the UK, visiting Eryri, Aberystwyth, and Bangor. However, even Wales’s larger urban centres proved “welcoming”, with the tourist commending the warm reception.
Their Welsh experience proved so memorable they intend to bring their partner on their next visit – and have even been swatting up on key phrases to use on their travels.
The holidaymaker penned: “Wales… I don’t even know how to explain it. It wasn’t the place I was most hyped about, but now it’s the one I keep thinking about the most.
“There’s something in the air there, in the mountains, in the sea, in the small quiet roads between villages. I spent a couple days hiking around Snowdonia and honestly it felt like I was walking through a dream. I’ve never seen nature like that.
“I stayed in Aberystwyth and Bangor and absolutely loved both. Peaceful, beautiful towns with such a calm vibe. Walked around, drank way too much tea, talked to strangers like I’d known them for years.”
The traveller was not only charmed by the smaller towns and villages of Wales, but also found the larger cities equally captivating.
The tourist enthused: “Cardiff and Swansea were also amazing, bigger, busier, but still so welcoming.
“I had a pint in some tiny village pub outside of Swansea, surrounded by people speaking Welsh, and I didn’t understand a word… but somehow still felt completely at ease.
“Other countries within the UK were absolutely stunning either, but I don’t know, Wales is in my heart.”
The tourist’s glowing review left locals feeling a renewed sense of appreciation for their homeland.
One local responded: “Great read, we have had a surge of tourism and it’s actually made me appreciate my home country a lot more having others’ perspective. You don’t really know what you have until people point it out.”
Another added: “I live in Swansea and I love it when people say how much they love Wales. Each December, 10 of us stay in a converted barn in Garth (not far from Builth Wells). As I am an early riser, I get up at 5.00 every morning.
“I have a couple of coffees and read my book. Once the sun comes up, I go outside and the view I breath-taking. We are in middle of nowhere. There is no traffic noise, just nature. One year, I even sat out there in the snow (suitably dressed, of course).”
A third local extended a warm invitation to the tourist, writing: “Welcome any time!”.
Another individual commended the tourist for choosing Wales as their destination and expressed their delight at hearing about the positive experience.
They penned: “I have loved Wales for fifty years. I was just talking about how it’s time for me to get back there. I’m so glad you got to experience so much of it!!!”