East Asia: Taiwan. Food, geographical diversity, and their unique melding of indigenous and Han, Hakka, and Hokkien cultures that is experiencing a tiny bit of a renaissance
MENA: Oman. Mesmerizing terrain, complex food traditions, fascinating history and overlapping of cultures and religious practices, a place that truly feels secure in itself. Go watch Parts Unknown Oman episode - it does a decent job sharing the vibe of the place.
Europe: +1 to France. Never been somewhere that has such a distinct identity and atmosphere as Paris. The universal accessibility of national treasures is a monument to mankind’s potential. Where else can you visit a centuries old castle off of a subway stop and have the place all to yourself? (Chateau de Vincennes)
If it weren’t for the decades of conflict, Afghanistan would’ve been on the list.