TPG Staff Picks: The One City We're Embarrassed We've Never Visited

Here at The Points Guy, we've managed to make it to many far-flung places around the globe. However, there are still a few places we have yet to visit. You might be surprised that some of us have never been to some of these popular travel destinations — from US cities like Los Angeles to international cities like Paris, here are all the places TPG staffers are embarrassed they've not made it to.

Tel Aviv

"I'm embarrassed to say I've never been to Tel Aviv. With better options for getting to Israel — United's Polaris and El Al's Dreamliner — there is no reason for me not to go anymore." — Brian Kelly, The Points Guy

Amsterdam

“One city I’m embarrassed I’ve never visited? Amsterdam. I’ve seen the lovely lounges on connections with KLM and Delta, however, I’ve never left the airport. Between the bitterballen and beer, I think I would be very happy there.” — Adam Kotkin, Chief of Staff

Paris

“For many international travelers, Paris is one of the first cities to visit. But for me, I have yet to see the City of Light even though I studied French for years in high school and college. I’d stuff myself with all the wine and cheese possible while strolling around the Champs-Élysées.”—Brendan Dorsey, Assistant Editor

Nashville

“Though I’m a huge fan of all things country music, it pains me to say I haven’t been to Nashville yet. Ideally, I’d pair it with a visit to Memphis so I could check out all the blues music on Beale Street and make a long-awaited pilgrimage to Graceland.” — Kaeli Conforti, Senior Editor

Austin

“I’ve always wanted to visit Austin, Texas. I have a couple friends that live there (and the city is driving distance from where I grew up), so I have no excuse for never visiting. Going for South by Southwest conference and festival or Austin City Limits Music Festival would be amazing and is definitely on the bucket list." —Jeff Preis, Editorial Intern

Hong Kong

“Despite having been all over Europe, Africa and some Central and South America, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never traveled to Asia. I’m dying to experience Hong Kong. This is an essential 2018 bucket list item for me." — James Cury, VP, Editorial

Copenhagen

“For someone who wears all black as much as I do, it is pretty embarrassing that I’ve never visited Copenhagen. I’d love to go to the Nyhavn and Glass Market. It looks like such a beautiful city and I’m hoping to make a trip there soon.” — Samantha Rosen, Social Media Editor

London

“Having explored all over other parts of Europe, I’ve never made it to London. And no, I don’t count the horror of transiting through LHR as having visited.” — Emily McNutt, Associate Editor

Berlin

“I’m ashamed to say I’ve never traveled to Berlin. It’s the most interesting city in Europe right now, a lot of my friends have moved there, it has played an outsized part in the lives of some of my idols — David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop — and yet I’ve never been. One thing for sure, though: when it happens it won’t be on Air Berlin. RIP." — Alberto Riva, Managing Editor

New Orleans

“It’s chock-full of culture, food, music and entertainment, and yet I still haven’t made it to New Orleans (aka the Big Easy). Soon, however, the beignets from Cafe du Monde will be mine." — Nick Ellis, Assistant Editor

Mexico City

“I've heard about the wonders of Mexico City for as long as I can remember from my parents. It’s a city of rich cultural history spanning back to the 14th century — with all of the art and architectural marvels that came along the way— from the world-famous Zócalo to Diego Rivera's jam-packed mural masterpieces. Mexico City is clearly a capital city with style, tradition and food. To miss it is to miss one of the world’s great capital cities — and I don’t plan to do so.” — Wallace Cotton, Community Manager

San Francisco

“I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to San Francisco. Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman Wharf and cable cars, I'm dying to venture through this exciting city and dive into the Bay Area's world-class restaurant scene.” — Alexa Noel, Editorial Intern

Chicago

“I have yet to travel to Chicago. I have friends and family that live there and embarrassingly enough, I have to admit I’ve never been to the Windy City.” — Becca Denenberg, Marketing & Events Manager

Los Angeles

"Maybe it’s my fear of jean shorts and Kardashians, but I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve yet to dabble in the City of Angels — despite a food scene that’s arguably hotter than NYC. From can’t- miss spots like In-N-Out to Sugarfish co-founder Lele Massimini's new pasta bar, Uovo, there’s more to Los Angeles than green juice and sushi." — Jane Frye, Nights & Weekends Editor

Cape Town

“I’ve actually never been to Africa at all — the entire continent. I’ve come close a few times, but haven’t made it yet for one reason or another. It’s definitely high up on the list, and I’m told Cape Town’s a must on the first trip to South Africa.” — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large

Seattle

"Seattle is one city that I’ve never visited. I hear it’s beautiful and cool and fun and all that. Plus, it’s practically a rite of passage for Gen-Xers. But I just never made it up there.” — Mike Bruno, SVP of Content

Maine

“As a lifelong East Coaster who grew spending summers in New Hampshire — and later Rhode Island, Vermont and Massachusetts — I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never been to Maine (or any cities in it). You’d think the allure of the best lobster rolls in the world would’ve lured me north by now. Alas, I will have to keep that New England state on my list.” — Cindy Augustine, Lifestyle Editor

Portland

"I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've never been to Portland, Oregon, which I should've been to for several different reasons. I've driven around it and flown over it, but never been in it. If I were more creative, I'd make up a story about how I had a big trip there planned but ended up in Portland, Maine, instead, but I haven't had enough caffeine yet today." — Michael Park, Freelance Editor

Iceland

“I can’t believe I’ve never made it to Reykjavik — or Iceland in general — especially since it’s been on my travel bucket list for years now. With plenty of cheap fares, I really have no excuse for not booking a trip and getting in some quality time at the Blue Lagoon.” — Sarah Silbert, Points and Miles Editor

London

"When I studied abroad in Florence I avoided traveling to London telling myself I would for sure make a separate trip there in the next couple years. Five years later and I still haven’t been. Since its an easy international destination to get to I’ll have to bump it up on my list of travel priorities."— Kate O’ Brien, Director of Marketing & Compliance

Madrid

"Madrid is one place I'm embarrassed to say I never visited. I’ve been to Barcelona and have road-tripped around Basque Country, but the Spanish capital feels like a major hole in my roster of European destinations. That’s especially the case because I generally travel for food and Madrid’s gastronomic culture is legendary." — Sarah Firshein, Freelance Travel Editor

What cities are you embarrassed that you've never visited?