Dream Big! Go hard or go home! That’s what I was yelling in my head as I came up with my travel wish list for 2013. I may be stretching a bit, but why the hell not?? Here’s my list of places I really hope to make it to this year (organized by brand new countries and Do-Overs). Check back throughout the year to see how well I end up doing.
New Horizons:
Sri Lanka
I’m sure it seems a bit strange that I’d want to visit Sri Lanka before I hit up its big next door neighbor, India, but I’m not much for convention when it comes to travel plans. I read an article on Sri Lanka in a travel magazine that had some beautiful photos and it quickly went on the must see list.
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| Sri Lanka (Photo Credit: www.photography-match.com) |
Iceland
Though I usually prefer my destinations to have temperatures above freezing, I’ll make an exception if I can see the Northern Lights.
Though I usually prefer my destinations to have temperatures above freezing, I’ll make an exception if I can see the Northern Lights.
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| The Northern Lights as seen from Iceland (Photo Credit: http://www.northernlights-scott.blogspot.com/) |
Morocco
Morocco has been on my must visit list for years – is this finally the year? I can’t wait to explore everything from the souqs to the beaches to the deserts, all the while seeking out amazing fabrics and classical architecture found throughout the country. Not to mention I’m dying to stay at the famous Hotel La Mamounia in Marrakech.
Morocco has been on my must visit list for years – is this finally the year? I can’t wait to explore everything from the souqs to the beaches to the deserts, all the while seeking out amazing fabrics and classical architecture found throughout the country. Not to mention I’m dying to stay at the famous Hotel La Mamounia in Marrakech.
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| Beautiful architecture in Fez, Morocco (Photo Credit: http://www.magicmorocco.com/) |
Aruba
Many of my friends from the Netherlands have family and friends in Aruba, which kind of put this location on the radar for me. I’ve done very little travel in the Caribbean, so figured this was a great place to start.
Many of my friends from the Netherlands have family and friends in Aruba, which kind of put this location on the radar for me. I’ve done very little travel in the Caribbean, so figured this was a great place to start.
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| Beautiful sunset in Aruba (Photo Credit: Aruba.com) |
Dominican Republic
Another Caribbean location I’d love to check out. I have a few friends living here that which means I’ll get some good local advice…and maybe a place to rest my head.
Another Caribbean location I’d love to check out. I have a few friends living here that which means I’ll get some good local advice…and maybe a place to rest my head.
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| Colorful Beach Huts in the D.R. (Photo Credit: http://www.concierge.com/) |
Belize
Two Words: Whale Sharks. I dived with whale sharks in Mozambique back in 2002 and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. When I learned I could also find them off the coast of Belize, this destination became even more appealing.
Two Words: Whale Sharks. I dived with whale sharks in Mozambique back in 2002 and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. When I learned I could also find them off the coast of Belize, this destination became even more appealing.
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| Looking forward to swimming with the whale sharks again. |
Switzerland
One of the countries I had hoped to visit while I was in Europe in 2012, but unfortunately I was unable to get the dates to work. After hearing a friend talk about his great multi-day summer hikes in the Swiss Alps, I thought this would be a great place to take in beautiful scenery up close and personal.
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| Up in the clouds in Switzerland (Photo Credit: http://www.internationaleducationmedia.com/) |
Can’t Stay Away:
The Netherlands
I really fell in love with the Netherlands on my trip there last year. I must go back and continue the love affair.
I really fell in love with the Netherlands on my trip there last year. I must go back and continue the love affair.
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| Along the canals, Utrecht – The Netherlands |
Lebanon
From the moment I stepped off the plane in Beirut in 2010 I felt there was something special beyond words in this country.
From the moment I stepped off the plane in Beirut in 2010 I felt there was something special beyond words in this country.
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| Along the Mediterranean in Beirut |
England
I’ve managed at least 1 UK trip almost every year since 2001. Hate to break the trend now. And truly London is like a second home for me.
I’ve managed at least 1 UK trip almost every year since 2001. Hate to break the trend now. And truly London is like a second home for me.
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| Along the Thames River – London |
Mexico
Between capoeira events, Dia de los Muertos and hopefully launching a new margarita blog, I think Mexico is a must for 2013.
Between capoeira events, Dia de los Muertos and hopefully launching a new margarita blog, I think Mexico is a must for 2013.
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| Hoping for a trip to Oaxaca for Dia de los Muertos (Photo Credit: Sadarrab) |
Brasil
Wait! I haven’t been to Brasil in over a year? Yep – its time to go back.
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| Street scene in Salvador, Bahia – Brasil |
So here’s to a year full of more wonderful travels. Have you been to any of the places on my list? Any tips for my travels? Please leave me a comment below.
Great post and some fascinating destinations there, I especially like Belize – who knew about the Whale Sharks? I hope that you make it to all of the places on your list, maybe we’ll cross paths 🙂
Thank you and Happy New Year to you! Here’s to a year full of great travel and yes!…I hope we will cross paths this year. You just never know, right?
Some of your “must see” are also on my “must see” list. Hopefully our paths will cross!
I would love to meet up in some far off place. Let’s definitely keep in touch on our travel plans, Angela!