Palau

Because of the limited flight schedules across the Pacific, I only had one full day in Palau. But I definitely made the most of it. The country is famous for its breathtaking islands, and I was lucky enough to see them from the air, not just as a passenger. I booked a scenic flight, and shortly after takeoff, the Japanese pilot handed me the controls and let me fly the plane over Palau’s spectacular islands. Looking out over hundreds of emerald limestone islands scattered across impossibly turquoise water was one of the most exhilarating moments of my travels.

Back on the ground, I joined a snorkeling tour through the Rock Islands, widely considered one of the most beautiful island landscapes on Earth. We stopped at the famous Milky Way, where everyone covered themselves in its white limestone mud, believed by locals to be good for the skin, before spending the rest of the day snorkeling through crystal-clear lagoons teeming with vibrant marine life. I’ve often said that if someone asked me to name the most beautiful country on Earth, Palau would have a very strong case.