I started off the year with a pretty ambitious travel wish list for 2018. Halfway through the year, I’ve made it to two of the five places on my list (not bad!?!). With amazing trips to Mardi Gras and Costa Rica so far (as well as plenty of wine weekends and a trip to Vegas), 2018 is shaping up to be a pretty decent travel year. With that said, my travel daydreams continue. There are countries and islands that call out to me. Unbelievably beautiful places, bursting with culture, brimming with experiences are just waiting for me. I’m haunted in such a good way- so many places, so little time!?! Here are four places right at the heart of my daydreams; the beginnings of what will surely be a growing travel bucket list.
Saint Lucia
Homes and resorts carved into lush green mountains, overlooking perfect turquoise waters below. With volcanic mud baths, rainforest, gorgeous beaches and a vibrant Creole, Caribbean culture- is it any wonder that I’m mildly obsessed with Saint Lucia?
Years ago, I read about a resort in the mountains in Saint Lucia, where the rooms only have three walls. The fourth “wall” is an open air, unobstructed view of the ocean below. Like a fancy, luxurious tree house. That image has stuck in my mind, putting this beautiful island in the Caribbean at the top of my travel bucket list.
South Africa
I’ve only been to Africa once, so far. Nearly twenty years ago I took an amazing trip to Ghana, West Africa. Since that time, I’ve always wanted to make it back to the continent. South Africa is a country that I’ve been intrigued by for a long time. The contrast between cosmopolitan, modern cities and national park reserves with lions, elephants and other wildlife- South Africa seems like a remarkable place.
Adding to that the rich legacy of Nelson Mandela and the country’s struggle for liberation and South Africa becomes an easy choice for my travel bucket list.
Belize
My travel bucket list will inevitably have multiple beaches on it. I live for clear waters, white sands and sea salt in the air. Wild hair, bare feet, warm water- there’s nothing better. Belize seems like a place where I can chill on a beach, in a hammock and just… be.
When I make it out of the hammock, there are Mayan ruins to explore and gloriously fresh seafood to eat.
Portugal
The first time I saw Lisbon on television, with its steep hills, streetcars and bridge- I thought, “that looks like San Francisco!?”
Since that time, I’ve started collecting itineraries for Portugal. From the beautiful coastline, beaches and mystical caves, to the food tours and wine tasting in Porto (the original home of port wine), I’m ready to start planning my trip!
So fam, what’s on your travel bucket list??