Thus far in my life, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling extensively. I was born and raised in one of the most popular cities in the world, good old New York, and rested my head for months in many others. I’ve had the good fortune of traveling to (or through) more than half of the United States, dozens of islands in the Caribbean, countries in Europe, and the Mediterranean. But the world is so big, and there’s so much that I haven’t seen and even more that I want to see. When I thought about writing this post for the Traveling Brown Girls Blog Carnival, I struggled in narrowing my list down to just 5 places that I’ve never been and would like to see. But I did it. Here’s my travel bucket list of those 5 places.
Spain
Every time I think about Spain, I’m baffled at how I missed visiting this country while I lived in Italy. I always wanted to visit. Some of my closest friends in boarding school were from Spain and spoke highly of their country. I took Spanish for years in school, was enamored with the language, loved reading about bull fighters, and even won the coveted Spanish award my senior year of high school. I knew that visiting Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands was in my future but somehow I’ve still managed to miss the boat. Spain is rich with color, history, nightlife, energy, and food – all the ingredients for a well-rounded and must-do trip in my book.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination in Southern Italy and unfortunately, I didn’t learn about it until after I finished my student exchange in Florence. Had I known about this romantic and picturesque coastline, it wouldn’t be on this list. When I think of the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast is one of the visuals that comes to mind. This UNESCO World Heritage site, though madly popular and a proper place to party in the summer time, still maintains its small village feel.
Bora Bora
You might be noticing a pattern as you look at my list of 5 places I’ve never been but want to visit – many of them are close to beautiful warm waters. Bora Bora is the penultimate island paradise in my book. I don’t even know when I became familiar with Bora Bora. I think it was after a boy in my class asked me if I was from Fiji and I looked up the island and all the other islands in French Polynesia. The characteristic huts, propped, what looks to be just inches above the water, lazy hammocks, colorful flora and fauna, cobalt blue and turquoise waters, native peoples, temperate weather, and location, in what appears to be the middle of nowhere, all appeal to my I’d-like-to-be-stranded-on-an-island sensibilities. If I had to choose one, Bora Bora would probably be it.
Santorini
Yes, another coastal area makes my list. I can’t help it. I’m meant to be near water. Santorini is a Greek island, about 120 miles south of Greece. It’s the remains of a volcanic eruption, known for its steep cliffs, and whitewashed colorful homes perched on the sides of hills sloping downward to the Aegean Sea. The weather is warm and because the soil is rich with volcanic ash, produce is supposedly like nothing to be tasted here in the states. A Greek waitress I recently met at a local Greek restaurant intrigued me even more about Santorini as she sang its praises when I told her I wanted to visit. Nightlife, amazing wine, beautiful friendly people, old towns, and well-preserved ruins make this destination a prime must-see on my list.
Switzerland
A stark (and cold) departure from the rest of my list, Switzerland is one of those countries that I’ve always wanted to visit. I think because it is SO different from anything I know, it intrigues me. If I had to think about how Switzerland made it to my mental travel map, I’d have to say it was my friend’s mom. She worked as a diplomat to Switzerland and would always come back with stories and chocolate. I’d love to travel on the train there and walk through a small Swiss village. I’d also like to visit Zurich, Geneva, and the Swiss Alps for fashion, skiing, chocolate, and even more exploration.
Check out my other travelista friends’ bucket list HERE (<-click the Link!) to see how great minds think alike. You’ll enjoy this world tour.
So tell me, what 5 places have you never been to and would like to go? Happy Travels!
Not bad! Not sure about Switzerland though.
I know it’s a contrast but Switzerland is gorgeous!! There’s so much to see there – expensive, but a beautiful country filled with lots of history, safety, architecture, and culture.
Great list, Tawana! I’ll take Bora Bora and Santorini.
They are beautiful, aren’t they? I think it’s the coastal/water thing. You’re probably a water girl like me.
Love the list! I’m salivating over here. #Sigh
I visited Geneva yearssss ago and LOVED it; Barcelona is on my calendar for August.
Sooooo many places to go. So little time, eh?
See you in Toronto!
So jealous! I really want to go to Geneva and it’s another one of those places where I’m baffled I didn’t buy a ticket to when I was fresh out of college. I’m folding myself in your bag for Barcelona – just so ya know. And yes, Toronto in June, God willing. So little time!
Nice list, I’m totally with you on Santorini and the Almafi Coast! Both coastal areas look so serene and beautiful.
Yes, the serenity is what draws me to any of the coastal and island destinations. I envision myself with a wide-brimmed straw hat, sunglasses, a coral bikini under a flowing white linen dress, a tropical drink, and a good book in my hand. Can you see it?
Hmm, we have Greater Swiss Mtn Dogs, so Switzerland should be on my list too. I’ve often wanted to visit their homeland and get cool souvenirs. Stopping by from carnival to say hi.
Hi Lisa, those sound like beautiful dogs! I have no idea what they look like but they sound pretty. It was really hard narrowing it down to 5, right? Thanks for stopping by.
I love the little bit I’ve seen of Spain, and am itching to more, including Madrid later this month. Take me with you to Santorini and Bora Bora, please.
AH!!! I want to go to Madrid too! You and Tracey are killing me. I’m going to make it happen for myself. I’m putting that intention out there to the universe and I’m gonna get there sooner than later. When I do, you can meet me there and we’ll hop on over to Santorini. Bora Bora is a whole other adventure!
You have an awesome list!
Spain is one of my favorite countries but I’ve never made it to any of the islands like the Canaries. Seeing that picture makes me realize I don’t even think I’ve seen any urban/nature landscape shots of the Canary Islands. Thanks for the inspiration to go research! 🙂
Though Bora Bora is the only one we officially match on, I’d pretty much go to any of these places with you. So let’s start planning asap! lol.
Yes, I loved your list as well! And we both liked several tropical paradisos…must be the roots. 😉 And I’d go to any of them with you as well. The hard part is figuring out which one.
Haaaa….Bora Bora and Santorini. Two places I’d love to explore as well. Cool list!
To be honest with you Lola, there aren’t THAT many places that I’d say no to. Adventurous like that!
Ok, joining the list of people ready to hit Santorini. What a gorgeous shot. Great list all around.
Even though I grew up in Australia, I’ve never traveled in Asia. Vietnam is high on my list. Japan also. I’ve spent a lot of time in southern Africa but would dearly love to visit the rest of the continent. East Africa especially. And switching gears, Brazil and Argetina. Sigh.
I am not sure what it is called, but the beaches have black sand. I would like to see that in person. I would love to see Bora Bora, Hawaii, Paris and some really lush tropical place. Not sure where, though.
I could squeeze Santorini onto my list….And, it was cool discussing our travel wish lists in person!
I keep telling myself that I’m going to give Europe a break for a bit, but it’s impossible. I’m with you on Spain, Italy and Greece completely!
Nice list! Going to Spain this summer…and Switzerland is totally on my list too. I’m with you on the challenge to keep the list short!
Thanks Carol. I REALLY REALLY have to get to Spain! Everyone is going except me. Is there a conference I don’t know about? LOL!
I’m still a new international traveler having only been to Pisa/Rome/Florence/Tuscany region, Italy; Beijing/Shanghai/Xi’an/Chengdu, China; and Nice/Cannes/Monaco, France within the last 4 yrs; so your list was so inspiring for my thirst for more destinations to see and experience. My top 5- Madrid, Spain; Dubai; Paris; London; and Maldives (top 5). And bc I travel with my twin sister, speaking on her behalf, I’ll have to say the next 5 will be-Rio de Janiro, Brazil; Amalfi Coast, Italy; Buenos Aires; Santorini/Athens, Greece; and Thailand.
I love your past travel destinations! I see that you and your sister share similar travel interests as I do. I’ve done Italy but I haven’t done China yet and those parts of France. Hopefully I’ll get to them before I’m too old and grey.
Great list. Spain is a beautiful country, my father lives there so I am quite lucky to be able to visit him there! I find my travel bucket list is forever growing…so many beautiful places!
What a blessing to be able to visit Spain like that. You should share some of your own bucket list destinations as well. Thanks for stopping by!
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