Recently, I traveled to Hawaii, inducing a plethora of firsts, including my first time out of the Minnesota-Wisconsin area and my first time on an airplane. Since then, my mind cannot stop thinking about all the places I want to explore.
To give some perspective on how outrageous my travel-fever currently is, I have compiled a list of 25 places I want to travel and why.
The United States of America
1. Hawaii: Although I have already been here, there is still so much more I want to explore and experience! My ultimate goal for this destination is to see the active volcanoes on the Big Island and learn how to surf on Oahu’s coast.
2. Florida: From Daytona International Speedway to Key West, this state has a handful of worthy sightseeing locations.
3. Alaska: Alaska is home to numerous animals including Kermode Bears (also known as Spirit Bears), salmon, halibut, and moose. On top of it all, Alaska has beautiful mountainous regions.
4. South Carolina: As if Myrtle Beach was reason enough, the Magnolia Plantation & Garden was voted one of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens.
5. California: The Sunshine State attracts my curiosity due to its famous wineries and the Redwoods National Forest.
6. Washington: Washington may seem very similar to Minnesota, but this state is home to mountains, deserts, and rainforests—all things Minnesota definitely does not have.
7. Montana: Montana offers numerous outdoor activities including numerous hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and gorgeous stargazing opportunities.
8. Colorado: Colorado is most commonly known for its wildlife and national parks. However, it is also home to deep western history and captivating architecture.
9. Maine: Numerous islands dot the coast of Maine while the mainland is filled with mountains and forests. However, no matter where you go, delicious seafood, especially lobster, is available at your heart’s desire.
10. Tennessee: As a girl who grew up on country music, I would love nothing more than to visit the place with guitarists on every corner—or so I have heard.
Europe
11. Ireland: Ireland’s seaside cliffs and historical castles caption my eye’s attention, but what captures my intellectual desire is that Ireland is the home country of Jonathan Swift. For those of you who do not know, Jonathan Swift is the author of “A Modest Proposal,” and he is one of the English language’s prominent prose satirists.
12. Spain: Personally, I want to go to Spain for two things: architecture and culture.
13. England: Not only is the Alnwick Castle—the filming site of the Harry Potter series—located in England, but it is home to rich literary history as well.
14. France: Who doesn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower in person and travel to the City of Love with their significant other?
15. Italy: While I want to travel to Italy partially for their food and art, I cannot wait to taste Italian wine, view the gorgeous waters, and learn about their intense, deep history.
16. Norway: Towering mountains, stunning fjords, deep Sami culture, and breathtaking aurora borealis are only a few reasons why I want to visit Norway.
Islands
17. New Zealand: For a nerd like me, New Zealand is a prime destination spot. This country is where the Hobbit series was filmed. Other reasons to travel here include white-water rafting, a glow worm cave, scrumptious white wine, and a number of hike-worthy sights.
18. Maldives: What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life than to go to a romantically oceanic destination? Enough said.
19. Madagascar: Unique wildlife and white-sandy beaches are two obvious reasons to go to Madagascar. However, this island doesn’t receive many tourists, so you won’t have to wait in line for cliche pictures or spend way too much money on food with inflated prices.
20. Jamaica: For starters, the beaches come straight out of heavenly dreams. However, glowing lagoons, raft rides, snorkeling, delicious food, and deep culture are even more incentive.
Other
21. Vietnam: In case you’ve never seen this YouTube channel, I highly recommend watching the Best Ever Food Review Show on YouTube. Follow Sonny and his film team travel around the world cooking and tasting the world’s most delicious—and not so delicious food. His film crew is based in Vietnam, so they highlight a lot of Vietnamese food and culture. Other reasons to go to Vietnam are its architecture, caves, captivating bays, and hundreds of intriguing animal species.
22. Peru: Machu Picchu is an extremely cliche reason to travel to Peru, but I have fallen victim to the desire of seeing this ruin. However, that isn’t the only reason I want to go. I also want to try their fresh peruvian entrees, hike to the top of one of the world’s tallest free-falling waterfalls, and eat world-famous peruvian chocolate.
23. Australia: The Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Sydney, Melbourne, Bondi Beach, the Golden Coast, Kangaroo Island, Fraser Island, and Tasmania are all typical tourist destinations. After all, I am a tourist.
24. Mexico: The three Ts of Mexico include tacos, tequila, and truly unique species. If that isn’t enough for you, consider how cheap it is compared to other high-tourist destinations.
25. Canada: Last but not least, I have Canada on my travel bucket list. Some of the most gorgeous national parks are home to unique wildlife including the Spirit Bear, tourist-friendly citizens (or so I have heard), and mountainous regions.
Between airfare, lodging, and food, traveling is quite the expensive hobby. On a future teacher’s salary, I honestly do not see myself crossing off each of these places. However, as long as I can continue to learn new things about different cultures and traditions, I think I will be satisfied.