If you are reading this blog you, like us, probably have a travel bucket list. A physical or intangible list of your dream destinations. And while both of us have a travel list a mile long, we thought today we would talk about our top dream destinations. We’ve split the list into two sections, USA and international. And, unsurprisingly, we had some overlap. So here we go, in no particular order…
USA
Courtney
Denali National Park, Alaska– Giant snow capped mountains. Giant bears. What’s not to love. I would love to go hiking or walking through Denali and hopefully find a wildlife tour so I could see some of the incredible animals I don’t see around home (from the safety of some sort of vehicle). We did a cruise to Alaska, but I want to see more of it.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona– I think the Grand Canyon is on a lot of bucket lists, but it seems almost too big to comprehend. I love places like that. They make you realize how fortunate you are to get to see them and also how small you are in the grand scheme of things.
Redwood National Park, California– Seeing the Redwoods is also something that I think will be awe inspiring. Massive trees, some that cars can even drive through, boggles my mind.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona– The pictures I have seen of Antelope Canyon make it look like Mars on Earth. Seeing the scenery and learning the history of this region is high on my list.
New York, New York– I have actually been to New York, but I have not been to the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium, or to any of the museums or most other touristy things. I had a limited time while I was there before and want to get back to try to find those cheap pizza slices and other delicious foods.
Mallory
New York, New York– I have a very specific bucket list item when it comes to New York City. I have always wanted to attend a rooftop party in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I’m talking get dressed up fancy, sip cocktails and watch the ball drop from the safety of an uncrowded roof. And of course I want to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. I am a tourist after all. Plus, I’ve heard good things about the bagels.
California Coast, USA– I would absolutely love to take a road trip up the coast of California, stopping all along the way. Beaches, national parks, pretty scenery… I know this is a bit broad, but there are several places along the west coast I’d love to visit, from San Diego to the Redwood forest.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona– I feel like the Grand Canyon is a place many people want to visit. It’s vast and beautiful (in photos anyway, since I haven’t actually seen it) and everyone I know who has been loved it. I’m not sure I’d be up for hiking all way to the bottom and back, or riding on a donkey cause that seems frightening on the side of a canyon, but never say never I suppose. I would actually really like to take a Southwest US road trip into other parts of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Nevada. Speaking of Nevada…
Las Vegas, Nevada– I realize and acknowledge that Vegas probably will not become a favorite travel destination. I don’t gamble and have no desire to end up in a Hangover-type situation. However, it is also a place I feel like I need to visit at least once. I want to look upon the vast hotels, see the shows and the bright lights of the main strip. But only for a day or two. As I am told by the wise Coach Beard, “one night is good, two nights is perfect, three nights is too many.”
Acadia National Park, Maine– Out of many national parks I have yet to visit, Acadia is close to the top of the list. The photos do not do it justice I’ve heard. Only recently I was talking travel with a co-worker and he insisted this was one of his favorite places he had ever been. Though there are many places in the US I long to visit, I felt like this one deserved a spot on the list. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
International
Courtney
Peru– My cousin went to Peru and hiked up Machu Picchu. I think that might be quite the challenge, but the pictures were amazing. I think the whole country seems wonderful and I also want to see some cutesy animals like little alpacas :).
Australia– I most want to go to Australia so I can go to Bluey’s house… ok, not really, but also, really. I know most things in Australia can kill you, but I want to see the Zoo that Steve Irwin and his family have maintained, go see the Sydney Opera House, and maybe go see a great white shark… from a distance… in a very large boat.
Scotland– Scotland seems like a land of green rolling hills, drizzling rain, and a simpler life. Some of my familial roots are from Scotland, so I would love to learn about that as well. I also want to see some of the Standing Stones from Outlander and Brave and feel the mysticism around them. Also, the MCtravelers will definitely find that Loch Ness Monster once and for all. If Phineas and Ferb can do it, we can too.
Ireland– I think of Ireland and Scotland as being very similar, but maybe that’s my American education (yes, we are aware they don’t teach us the same things they teach worldwide.) It would be very interesting to visit Winterfell (or as close to it as possible). I know the Irish aren’t just known for drinking, but obviously visiting a local pub is on my list. We also have familial roots in Ireland and people have told us we sound Irish before. Do we? No.
Spain– In theory, I want to go to a Futbol match when we visit Spain. In actuality, I am not sure, but it seems epic. I know Spain has so many various regions that are so different from one another, so I need to certainly do more research. However, eating late, drinking wonderful wine, and taking a siesta seems right up my alley.
Mallory
Cairo/Giza, Egypt– My top international travel destination is, and has been for many years, Egypt. I desperately want to see the pyramids in person (and go inside one). I long to ride a camel across the desert. I want to visit the local markets and try the food. The architecture looks both modern and ancient (in photos) which I find fascinating as someone who lives in the USA. Unfortunately, traveling to this part of the world is not advisable at the current time, but I am holding out hope for someday.
Tokyo, Japan– The bustling city of Tokyo has always appealed to me. I imagine neon lit shops and restaurants with an assortment of things I probably don’t need but would buy anyway. Bedazzled nails? Yes please. Sushi? Of course. Dressing as a Mario character and racing go-karts down the street? Obviously. And I’m sure there is a ton more to see and do than I even know about. Count me in for this adventure.
Oceana– Here’s another copout, but I want to visit Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. And, honestly, it’s so far away that I would probably want to visit them all at once if at all possible. In an ideal world, I could go for a month and explore all three places a little more fully. But I will take what I can get. From the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, from Auckland to Hobbiton, from beach to shining beach.
Athens, Greece and the Greek Islands– Another part of the ancient world I want to visit is Athens. I’ve heard mixed reviews, honestly. But I still want to visit and see for myself. And sunning in the isles seems relaxing and fun. I have a vision of sitting in one of Greece’s coastal cities, with white and blue buildings spattered along the coast. I would be sipping a cocktail and watching the sea, talking with a gorgeous local man who spoke fluent English. Or maybe I’ve just seen The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants too many times.
Ireland– My family is Irish, at least partially… I think, so it only seems right that I visit the home land. Or maybe I just want to see the castles. Either way, Ireland makes the list. Besides the castles, I would love to see the green lush landscapes and cliffs along the coast. I expect there to be a lot of sheep.
Where are your dream travel destinations?
Our McTravels 