My (short-term) travel wishlist
All dreams are attainable, if you believe and then work towards them : )…
It’s rare that a day goes by that I don’t think of travel. I think of travel literally all the time. Well, except for when I am engaging in something else that takes up my thinking space, such as when I am at work or when I’m in school or reading a really engaging academic article, or thinking about how I will execute on my plans to contribute to solving the world’s most pressing socioeconomic ills – but other than those times, I am thinking of travel around the clock. Especially when I may have had a tough day, I get into my quiet zen space and think about all the places I want to go and how I am going to go there someday and it just makes it all better…
In light of that, I decided to compose a short term travel wishlist to share some of the big trips that have been on my mind of late. I have several other trips planned, but these are the “heavy hitters“. This is just a snippet.. I think about a lot of places… but I know I can’t do it all at once – so here goes 6 of them (in no particular order).
And oh – I have the plans in the works to visit 2 (or possibly 3) of these locations before the end of this year.. you’ll have to stay tuned to find out which ones! đ
1. Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand
Why I want to go:Â Honestly, Bangkok sounds like one of the most hectic, yet exciting cities in the world! My kinda town! And if you’ve gone to lunch or dinner with me lately, you know how much I love Thai food as there is a high probability I suggested Thai food as my first choice food option. I am almost scared of overeating and gaining 20lbs on this trip. Thinking of how far my USD$$ would stretch and how much of a massage fanatic I am – I am scared I’d be tempted to just eat and get massages all day! J/k.. I won’t do just that đ Just a lot of it! I will do a lot of exploring too, because underneath the chaos, Bangkok is beautiful and has A LOT to offer me in terms of sights to fall in love with. And then in between trying to avoid being propositioned by a male prostitute, I am also looking forward to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Phuket!
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Why I want to go: The pictures I will take on this trip will be amazing. I can just see them now… beautiful architecture, beautiful cityscapes, beautiful people and beautiful sites.. my camera would be so happy! Ah, I can’t wait. Dubai is so over the top and I can’t wait to bask in the overindulgence – a Ferrari and a Lamborghini as a police car? Why not! (I’m kidding). A mall with a ski slope in it? But of course! I should have thought of it first! đ (kidding again). On a more serious note – I do appreciate the fantastic architecture, the culture and pride of the people and I am intrigued as to how a city went from being relatively unknown to now being one of the most sought out and appealing tourist destinations in the world, in just a few short years. I look forward to visiting, learning a lot, and going surfing on sand dunes 
3. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Why I want to go:Â Having visited all 4 of the main Hawaiian islands, each on a different occasion, I have learned a lot about Tahiti and Tahitian culture, though I am yet to visit. Tahiti gives anyone reason to want to visit. I mean, who could resist the beauty of the culture, the people, the charm, the hypnotic turquoise waters, lush environment and kicking back while enjoying a refreshing and cool drink on your overwater bungalow? I know I can’t ;-)…
4. Agra, and other cities in India
Why I want to go:Â As cliche as it may be for foreigners visiting India, I just must visit the Taj Mahal! I have dreamed about visiting this majestic place for years now and it’s time to make that dream a reality soon. But I have been advised Agra is a day trip, so I expect most of my time will be spent in exploring the rest of the country – Delhi, Jaipur and then Mumbai come to mind! I want to go for many reasons, but most importantly, because I have always loved and appreciated Indian culture. I have always been awed by the richness and wealth of the tradition and culture. Plus the traditional garb is beautiful and fairy tale like. And I love the people. The spirit of India is something that I just can’t wait to experience and a trip I know I would never forget!
5. Lima and Machu Picchu, Peru
Why I want to go:Â Two words – Machu Picchu! Wow, what a beauty!
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Why I want to go: South Africa is undoubtedly the most visited country in Africa, and for due cause. The history of South Africa needs no explanation. I cannot wait to actually experience it all and be immersed in it in person. Cape Town is one of the world’s most stunning locations, with an iconic mountain right in the middle of it all. I have long looked forward to visiting Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain. I also want to be cliche and do the safari. It’d be cool to chill with some giraffes and some wildebeest, lol. The pictures I will take from this trip will be bananas! I am salivating just thinking about it : ))
Disclaimer: As I have not yet been to these places, none of the images on this post were taken by me. I found them all through google images search and do not claim rights to them whatsoever.
Thanks for viewing my list!
Have you been to these places? How was your experience? Got any tips to share?