Welcome to 2019! As always, I set off to make bucket lists full of goals and ambitions I want to accomplish for the year. However, there is one relatively constant checklist that I am determined to finish it before I turn 30. That is my travel bucket list! If anything, the list has gotten longer since I first started it, partially because I am in school and it is difficult to travel on the budget as well as not interfere with school’s work. Here are some of the top destinations that I have always dreamt to explore:
1. Japan
I have been obsessed with Japan ever since I was a little child. My love for Japan starts with anime and manga. Anime is animation of a cartoonish show and manga is book of pictures or comics. Japanese art in anime and manga are very unique and different from other cultures and it also varies within the mangaka (manga artists) themselves.
Japan also has a variety of delicious and savory food and drink such as ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), or takoyaki (ball-shaped Japanese snack made with wheat flour and diced octopus stuffing). If I am going to travel to Japan, I would like to go during the cherry blossom season so I can enjoy the view of the landscape being covered by thousands of light pink petals.
2. Santorini, Greece
I would love visit Santorini at some point after my cousins have shown me photos of them enjoying their vacation there. They told me Santorini has one of the best sunsets in the world with drops of red, purple, pink, orange, and yellow in the sky when the sun drops into the sea.
Santorini is also a well-known landscape that can help produce very artistic photos. My boyfriend’s hobby is photography so if we travel there together, I would be able to accomplish 2 important aspects of the trip: romance and photography.
3. Bora Bora
I love islands and the clear blue ocean with the white-sand beaches. Bora Bora has one of the most stunning turquoise water I have seen, at least in the photos and videos online. Also, the idea of staying outside in a water bungalow where you have the literally direct access to open water fascinates me. Imagine walking up listening to the sound of the ocean and looking out to a beautiful view.
4. South Korea
South Korea has one of the best cuisines I have had. There are super affordable street food at every corner of Seoul, the vibrant and modern capital of South Korea. Over the centuries, Koreans have created a fascinating and rich food culture made up of meat dishes, stews, soups, noodle dishes, seafood and many vegetable side dishes. Some food you must try in this country include Korean barbeque, Ddukbokki (spicy rice cake), Kimchi, and so many more.
South Korea has also done a great job maintaining their culture and tradition. Along the modern building and technology, you can experience culture first-hand when wandering through areas like Bukchon Hanok Village, a lovely neighborhood made up of traditional Korean houses, or hanok. They also have year-round festivals so you can enjoy the festive vibe at any month of the year.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Located in southern Thailand, Phuket offers something for everyone, especially budget-minded travelers. Everything from accommodations to spa treatments and boat tours come with a low price tag.
Long stretches of white sandy beach with turquoise blue water – that is what you’ll get in Phuket and there are many to choose from. I find that most beaches here are less crowded, clean and the waters so enticing to swim in.
My cousin who lives in Thailand told me about the magnificent Promthep Cave which she praised as the best place in the world to watch a sunset. Although because it is too famous, you might have to find through the crowd to find a perfect spot, she said it is worth-it to give it a try.
There are many more destinations I would like to explore and experience around the world and these 5 places are only a part of my bucket list. I think you can never fully understand a culture unless you experience it first-hand. Traveling, to me, is a great opportunity to really get to know the cultures around the world.