I've been thinking about my top travel destinations often. 2016 is already drawing to a close (what the actual f...WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!) and I'm not getting any younger. Sooo as I stare my quarter-life crisis in the face, I'm compiling my shortlist of places to go ASAP while I'm young, spry, and kickin'.
Hopefully, I'll save enough $ to go sometime hella soon. Carpe diem/"seize the carp," or something like that.
1. Japan
During the past few years I've only visited westernized destinations--i.e. Europe and the Caribbean. Don't get me wrong, these places are nothing to scoff at! But I want to go somewhere that challenges me; I want to feel like I'm on another planet. And Japanese culture is so fascinating. Even walking down the street there must be incredible.
Must do: I'd like to see Buddhist temples, behold the cherry blossoms in spring, and try the weirdest foods I can get my paws on.
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| Lesgoo! |
2. Sweden/Scandinavia
Ever been to IKEA? Isn't it the happiest place on earth?? Therefore, Sweden (or any Scandinavian nation) must be pretty rad too. And it's one of the happiest places on earth. I'd like to see the closest thing to a utopia, wouldn't you? (Fun fact, I used to go to IKEA with my friend in high school so we could pretend we were in Sweden. MUCH cheaper than the real thing.)
Must do: Gorge on meatballs, pretend I'm solving a murder a la "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo," and see the Aurora Borealis. If I can somehow stay in one of those cool igloo hotels that let you see the stars, even better.
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| So otherworldly. (This pic also ain't mine) |
3. Italy
I've actually been to Italy three times, which is a privileged statement, I know, I know. Two of those times were just for Venice, which isn't bad, but it's touristy as heck. I'd like to get my butt further south. I'm talking Naples/Isle of Capri/Amalfi Coast, blah blah. Warm weather and delicious food, ahoy.
Must do: Visit a winery, see the human remains fossilized in volcanic ash at Pompeii, and chill by the seaside.
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| Is this insanely gorgeous or what? courtesy themostperfectview.com |
Never have I seen such striking pictures as I have with Bali. Popularized in "Eat, Pray, Love," it almost has a mysterious, spiritual quality to it. If you're not into that romantic fooey, then let the money talk: It's super cheap. My friend Jillian went and said the dollar went far...to the point she was able to book an all-day chaffeur and watch fireworks on the beach with a lobster dinner for only $30. Dude.
Must do: Ride an elephant, get some badass photos of me among jungle foliage and temples, and have exactly the same experience as Jillian. Maybe I'll even do a bit of yoga.
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| Mountains, beaches and temples, oh my. from bali.indonesia.com |
Plz help. Impart your knowledge/recommendations and vote.
Hawaii: Justin Timberlake once said, "Hawaii is the closest thing to heaven on earth." And he's rich, you know. Which means he can go many places. And has been to many a-place. My question is: Is Hawaii a cliche, or is it really that fantastic?
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| I hear it smells like pineapples... |
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| Machu Picchu. |
Southeast Asia: Thailand please, for more elephant riding, world-class beaches and delicious AF food.
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| Dat water doe. Courtesy allianceabroad.com |
Some other honorable mentions: Australia (if I could handle the plane ride), Aruba, Curacao, Egypt (once things calm down), and Alaska.
Where are your top picks on your "must travel" list?
