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Hi, my name’s Liz, and I’m a dreamer. I’m also a closet romantic.
I’m completely unrealistic about crucial things in life like money, employment and love. Forget about my massive student loan payments and leave me with my blog and Jane Austen, and I’ll be happy forever.
I’m sure you can imagine this drives my family and close friends insane.
I use this blog as a space to talk about travel and dreams. Never succinct and overly verbose, I spend far too much time rambling away on here about travel stories, advice and goals distinctly; but just the other day I realized I’ve hardly ever talked about destination travel goals. I get asked this a lot, if I could go anywhere in the world, where would I go?
Um, everywhere! Duh.
I don’t do bucket-lists (elaborative post forthcoming) but I have an extensive list of places, activities, and adventures running through my head 24/7. And since I am borderline OCD, I have that list, color-coded and divided into sublists and categories based on probability, distance, cost and time-frame required.
I also have an even bigger list in my heart, places that I dream about, no, yearn for and have such a longing to go to I have shoved them up on a pedestal and built them into unattainable goal. These are places so secret and special to me that I rarely even talk about them, let alone blog about them. This means that I haven’t tried to make them a possibility (yet) because I’m so afraid that reality won’t live up to my expectations, if that makes any sense at all. What the hell does that say about my warped personality? Someone please go all therapist on me, I’d love it.
Step 1: let’s talk about it!
I’m going to share 5 destinations that are at the top of my emotional, girly heart’s travel list. These are my travel dreams, the places I would go if I never had to work again, places I would go on my dream honeymoon with Turquoise Holidays, if I can ever find a guy who will put up with me, places I would go if I had a year of freedom without any time commitments.
Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world? Where would your heart send you?
1. New Zealand
New Zealand has been number 1 in my heart since I was a fawning over the Lord of the Rings and Legolas in high school. Constantly ranked one of the most beautiful places in the world, I have my eyes firmly set on the South Island for the coming year, not announcing anything yet. It’s always been physically and mentally so far from me. From secluded beaches to snow-capped mountains, to comfortable cabins to extreme adventure sports, New Zealand has everything. I’ve yet to meet someone who hasn’t gushed about the beautiful landscape, so I can’t wait to see it myself one day.
Is New Zealand on your radar?
Queenstown, Source Flickr Creative Commons
2. Tanzania
Out of Africa, anyone? I’ve had dreams about Africa since I was a little girl. From staying in tents on the Serengeti to trekking around on a safari to lolling around on a beach in Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, I want to take it all in. Africa has always seemed so remote and unattainable to me, probably because it’s so far, and most of my knowledge comes from National Geographic and the Lion King. This year, South Africa has become popular with bloggers, but I am hoping to dive even further into this diverse continent and check out Tanzania one day.
Do you want to go to Africa one day?
Serengeti, Source Flickr Creative Commons
3. The Seychelles
These islands, I pronounce like a true American, seashells, are so remote I don’t know anyone who has ever been there. Actually, let’s start with where are the Seychelles. According to Google Maps, they are in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar. Sounds frightfully exotic. I don’t plan to many ocean or beach trips, which is strange because I love both the ocean and the beach. Growing up visiting the Outer Banks on the east coast USA, my life was sadly deprived on bright blue clear water until I moved to Spain. Since then, I’m hooked and I love traveling to places with impressive beaches, especially remote places. Visiting the Seychelles would be at the top of my island getaway list.
Have you ever imagined going to these remote islands?
Source, Flickr Creative Commons
4. Vietnam
‘Nam as I’ve come to refer to it in my head, holds a special place for me since my grandfather died there during the Vietnam War. Unpopular on Southeast Asia trips for a while, it’s getting it’s reputation back this year, owing a lot to it’s amazing cuisine. I am a big fan of cultural travel and getting to know the nitty gritty side of a country, and Vietnam is a place I would love to explore more and get to know better. From the beautiful coastline to the green countrysides to the bustling cities full of history, I know I would love Vietnam.
Would you visit Vietnam on a trip to Southeast Asia?
Halong Bay, Source Flickr Creative Commons
5. Tahiti
You know those bungalows hiked up on poles over crystal clear blue waters? I want to go there! The most exotic place I can think of, Tahiti, Bora Bora and French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, has always been an inner girly dream of mine. Beyond romantic, I need a hot guy to go with me, or at least a gaggle of girlfriends to enjoy this paradise. The closes I’ve ever gotten are the Tahiti cocktails and my college bar’s happy hour on a Saturday night, but fear not, a girl can dream, right?
What’s your dream honeymoon? Would you go to Tahiti?
Bora Bora, Source Flickr Creative Commons
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youngadventuress
I don’t do bucket list either, cos what I want to do won’t fit in a bucket, there’s too many!
Though my friends and I got ripped off a bit in Hanoi, I still love Vietnam..!
and oh, I also loved Legolas!
I’ve heard not so great things about Vietnam but I want to see for myself!
HI Liz,
I came across this great site tonight. I have a couple of questions. Where is the warmest place in Spain during Christmas week? Is Montserrat Monastery cold in December? Finally and jokingly………..How do you afford to travel to all these great places? Thanks.
Mike
After my own heart…I am totally OCD, too! You should see my lists for the Camino on my computer. Frightening.
I love making all kinds if lists, just not bucket lists
Great list! I have had Tahiti and Seychelles on my ‘list’ for years…but always seem to end up in Siberia instead LOL
Hoping to change that over the next few years. I’ve never had a huge desire to go to NZ (although I know I’ll make it there someday) because everyone I know has been…so I feel like I already know the place too much. Although down that way I’d love to road trip through Australia. One day, one day!
I don’t do bucket lists either…I never have. I just feel that people spend so much time planning and sticking to them that they are missing out on some great places/things in between. It is nice to have a rough list like you have and then let the adventure take you wherever it shall. This is how I’ve come across some of my greatest destinations and trips
I’m hoping to make it into Africa one of these days. My problem is I travel too damn slow and feel like I need months to see each place. And I can hardly take that much time away from my life (ok, my dog…) I have always wanted to see Tanzania. I have my heart set on Mozambique and Rwanda too.
If I was to list my 5 travel dreams I would say: Kazakhstan, Japan, Cook Islands, Uruguay, and the Faroe Islands. Before I planned my April trip I would have said Georgia, but I am most definitely getting there in April so I’m hoping it lives up to everything I ever thought it would be
In you and I are the same person, I’m a slow traveler too, I hate hate hate being rushed!
Seriously lets plan something!
Ugh my best friend and her fiance are going to Bora Bora for their Honeymoon and I am just dying to hear all about it and gush over the fact that I’ll probably never get to go. It looks just out of this world.
My other mega dream places are currently Thailand (I know, I know, so overdone with the bloggers), India, Scandinavia, Morocco, Russia… but these seriously change daily.
Same!! Bora bora has always been so unrealistic for me, but hopefully one day
This is a great list, and I’m glad you put New Zealand up at number one. I think if I had a money-and-time-are-no-object travel dream list, New Zealand would be there alongside Iceland, India, Italy, and (to break the “I” alliteration) Nicaragua. So excited for you to move to NZ in the near future!!
New Zealand has always been hard for me because I want to go there so damn badly! Can’t wait!
New Zealand has been on my list for years, and recently I’ve started thinking about Scandinavia (just so darn expensive!). Bali is pretty high up there, too…
I definitely want to get back to Scandinavia! Way too expensive. I can’t wait to get to New Zealand
I’m sure you will make your dreams become reality. I’m excited that New Zealand is your number one especially the south island as I was born in Christchurch. I now live in Perth, Australia. Keep blogging about your travels as it really inspires me to travel more.
Thanks Shaun! I can’t wait to go to New Zealand! It’s been number 1 for almost a decade. I’m actually moving down there this summer, any tips for me?
You have to go to a rugby game in Christchurch, preferably an All-Blacks one
If you like hot springs head on over to Hanmer Springs as they have some good ones. There are also places where you can swim with wild seals and dolphins. You can visit the Antarctica attraction which is near the airport. For something different try fly fishing for trout, its fun but be warned its not easy lol.
When will you be in Christchurch? Hope these tips help.
I am from Wellington and am another Kiwi reading your blog stoked to hear you have put lil ol’ NZ as number 1! Wellington is amazing for nightlife, eating, drinking, shopping – as well as loads of walks/hikes etc that are literally 5 mins from the CBD.
It is super compact and so easy to get around. The weather can be a bit dodgy around the middle of the year but it’s all part of the capital experience. On a nice day, would recommend coming round the Eastbourne bays – they’re just across the harbour.
I have been traveling all of my life, but for the last eight years, nonstop. Having lived for up to 90 days in many locations, I am a slow traveler, because I enjoy the dallying process. Returning to favorite places is a must. Thus going back to Spain, over and over, is one of those habits that I don’t even think about trying to break. Will be there again in a few short weeks for 7 weeks. I dream of India, China and Ecuador these days……..
Happy trails
Sounds like we are twins! No matter where I go, I always end up back in Spain!
Tanzania is beautiful. I suggest when you go, try to stay off the travel/tourist track. You’ll get so much more out of your experience rather than just Mt. Kili, Zanzibar, and a safari. All beautiful and worthwhile too but off the beaten track is where you can really get to know the country.
And yes, SOuth africa is amazing too, even more so when you travel off the beaten track (if you can manage it without being told by every SOuth African it’s dangerous!). Then again, I’m a bit crazy.
9 months traveling solo from East to South Africa by local transport and when my blog was born!
Your travels are so inspirational! I hope to follow in your steps one day. Africa has been calling to me for a while!
I just got back from Liberia. Extremely eye opening. Frustrating, disappointing, heartbreaking but exhilarating all at the same time. The people was fascinating and very friendly (at least everyone I met). The country is still somewhat in ruins and difficult to get around but very rewarding to interact with people who have lost everything but still retain hope for the future. I recommend Liberia to anyone wanting to experience a unique part of African culture and environment.
Hi Liz and Readers,
I am co-leading a Habitat for Humanity build to Pondicherry, India from May 31- June 11, 2013 and would love to have you and your readers join! HFH builds are an awesome way to immerse yourself in a new culture and enjoy all of the adventure of travel while making a productive contribution to a community (btw we did a side trip to Vietnam before our Cambodia build last year and absolutely love it).
Thanks and hope to build with you!
Carla
Liz, I have been to number one of your top five travel dreams – New Zealand. Fully recommend it! But let’s talk about number two on your list, Tanzania. Next February I have a trip planned to make that shared dream a reality for me. The excitement is building and it is still almost a full year away…I don’t know how I am going to keep still about it.
Our plan is to spend three weeks in the area. First, we would like to spend a week on safari, then we will likely spend a week climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and finally we hope to spend a week on the beaches of Zanzibar or maybe Mozambique.
If you happen to make it out there before we do I hope to read all about your experience!
“Where would your heart send you?”
This is beautiful.
Very inspiring post and blog, Liz:) So glad I found it!