One of my biggest dreams, and one many share with me, is to travel the world. I want to see as many places as I can, try all the different, yummy foods, and experience what each place has to offer authentically, wholeheartedly, and gratefully. My bucket list is my pride and joy; it’s my favorite list I’ve ever made. I first started adding to it when I was 14, so it’s nearly 300 items long and sorted into categories. It has been super rewarding and fun to look back at the items I’ve crossed off over the past few years. As an avid media consumer always looking for her next book, movie, song, show, or magazine, I constantly see new things I want to try and do.
Travel has consistently remained the biggest category on my bucket list. For many, travel means adventure, while for others, it’s a time for relaxation and self-care. Travel can be connection and community, but also self-discovery. It’s learning how many different lives exist on this planet, and how important global education is. Travel is diverse, and the possibilities are endless. While I’m down for pretty much any and every trip, here are the five places at the top of my list.
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Shanghai is China’s most populous city with beautiful architecture, delicious food, and something to do with every step you take. One of the things I love most about Shanghai and other urban areas in China is how lively they are, no matter what time of day it is. In the late hours of the night, businesses, including restaurants and shops, will stay open, and many people are still on the streets, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
My parents actually had their honeymoon in Shanghai! The blend of historical richness with subtle hints of modern-day and futuristic tech provides a clean, smooth, and safe experience. Did I mention that there are red pandas (that you can feed), shopping malls that feel never-ending, and a vibrant mix of markets? From the iconic skyline view at The Bund to the Shanghai Cat Island (take me there), there’s something for everyone all in one place.
Swiss Alps
Every thought daughter’s dream trip is to wander through the mountains and watch the most stunning scenery pass by the train window. I fantasize daily about journaling while sitting on a train that’s traveling through the most mind-blowing views.
The Swiss Alps are one of the three main physiographic regions in Switzerland, and from towering mountain peaks to sweeping meadows of wildflowers, it’s the picture-perfect location for anyone who loves the outdoors and nature. Whether it’s journaling on the train, eating at a local restaurant, or taking a celebratory photo at the end of a beautiful hike, Switzerland can be a trip dedicated to slowing down and taking in the moment.
Paris, France
As an avid fan of art museums and desserts, I love that Paris has lots of both. I debated a lot over whether Paris should be in my personal top five (which is a big deal for me), but it’s a must-do at least once. Paris is known for iconic architectural landmarks, rich art and history museums, a celebrated culinary and café culture, and global fashion houses.
Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris known for its artistic history, with art stalls, shops, and eateries lining its cobblestone streets. Other places I want to visit are the museums: Musée Marmottan Monet, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée du Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay. I’ve made it a goal to visit as many art museums around the world as I can. Another goal is to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. It may seem like I have a lot of goals to achieve in Paris one day, but above all, I will be embarking on my mission to find the best pain au chocolat in Paris.
Pacific Northwest & West Coast Roadtrip
One of the locations that has survived on my very long and frequently updated bucket list is a national parks road trip throughout the Pacific Northwest and West Coast! I love national parks so much; they always make me feel small in the best way. I can breathe better, literally and metaphorically, and all of my worries and anxiety seem to melt away.
My dream route goes across multiple states and includes many parks. I would start in Wyoming with the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park before making my way to Washington State. There I would visit Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park. After that, I would head to Crater Lake and Redwood in Oregon, and then Yosemite and Joshua Tree in California.
Since I’m already on the other side of the United States, if I’m feeling really ambitious, I might as well go and say hi to the Grand Canyon too!
Masai mara national reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya runs along the Tanzanian border and is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave you thinking about it for the rest of your life. From around July to October, you can catch the peak season of the Great Migration! The Great Migration is an annual movement of over 1.5 million animals (wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, etc.) across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as they try to find a fresh home with newly grown pastures and water. The reserve also offers a hot-air balloon experience at sunrise with peaceful, magnificent views of the savanna.
When visiting national reserves, it’s important to travel ethically and responsibly. This applies to the wildlife, environment, and the local Indigenous communities surrounding the Masai Mara. Make sure to always do your research before you travel to find the best experiences that are considerate of everyone involved.
Concluding Thoughts
So many people, different lives, and places exist on our planet. When traveling, respectful etiquette towards the local communities and places you visit is vital in protecting these places, so that they can continue to grow and thrive. Keep in mind the real human lives and environments your trip may impact. Stay informed, kind, and respectful! Although this trip might be temporary for you, it is someone else’s everyday life. Remaining open-minded and aware of the impact you leave behind helps contribute to a world where we can continue to visit these wonderful places for a much longer time.
Travel is a privilege, a gift, and one of the most valuable classrooms on Earth. There is joy and discovery in stepping out of your comfort zone. Life is too short to have all of your knowledge come from others’ experiences. Celebrate curiosity and connection wherever you go!