So, it turns out choosing my current top 5 bucket list destinations was a task about as hard as deciding to run my first 5k hungover… so narrowing this list down from the hundreds of countries and places around the world I would love to travel to or live in was a difficult task to say the least. However, I have successfully managed to elect my top 5 current visits around the world (albeit with some bias opinions), and here’s to hoping I manage to tick a couple off from my list this year!
*PSA: these are not in any specific order because I’ll emphasise once again that would be a task even harder to manage*
Norway
So, first up we have Norway and like every other person in the world I am desperate to see the northern lights (aurora borealis for those wanting the fancier term). I can just imagine the most Pinterest perfect trip in a cabin, snow outside with the northern lights in the sky… dreamy right? As Tromsø is the popular tourist hotspot to see the northern lights, I think I look at booking flights about 5 times a week!
Norway isn’t just for those seeking the northern lights, it is also filled with some of the most amazing ski and hiking destinations in the world (in my personal opinion). Hardanger is home to some of the most incredible turquoise lakes providing the opportunity to swim in the ice-cold fjords and would make for the perfect place to trail the Scandinavian tradition of a cold plunge. And perhaps my bias is because of the chance to visit my Norwegian friends from my year abroad, as I miss them so much <3
Puerto Rico
Now in some of my noted countries you may begin to see a common theme because next up we have Puerto Rico and honestly the main reason that I am desperate to make a trip here is to see “mis puertorriqueñas”, three of my incredible friends from Puerto Rico. They have been selling me the absolute dream of road tripping around the island, showing me where they grew up. Most importantly for me, it would provide me with the opportunity to spend time with people that have such a special place in my heart. Having done my intense research, I don’t think much persuading is needed for me to get on a flight out because Fajardo’s blue waters, the Culebra Islands, and the opportunity to see the Bioluminescent Bay is enough for me to book my flights right here right now! A trip after graduation maybe …
Thailand
Next up we have Thailand, and like every single person planning their gap year after Uni, for me Thailand is top of the list. With the idyllic beaches at Koh Samui, the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi, I think I would have no issues spending the rest of my life laying on these beaches. In Thailand there is also the opportunity to go snorkelling, visit elephant sanctuaries, indulge in the Thai foods (and having worked in a Thai restaurant for 2 months I can guarantee some amazing dishes) and most importantly you will most likely meet half of the demographic of people currently on their gap year’s here. So, the chance to meet new people and experience Thailand with (current) strangers is just such an exciting prospect to me.
New Zealand
Next up we have New Zealand and much like Norway for me, New Zealand’s landscapes, nature, and lakes (specifically Lake Tekapo) are just out of this world. Now I have firmly entered my hiking and nature era exploring all around New Zealand on the Milford Track, which is one of New Zealand’s great walks taking around 4 days to complete, is something that has been on my bucket list for years. Lake Tekapo offers the opportunity to see some of the beautiful Lupins of New Zealand (a type of flower), you can kayak around Cathedral Cove, visit the Waiheke Island for an iconic wine tour, and walk-up Auckland’s highest volcanic cone. I think New Zealand is just the perfect place to road trip around and see all its scenic locations.
The Netherlands
Now, last but not least we have the Netherlands and unlike most people’s motivations to visit Amsterdam, mine is to see the tulips. Between the end of March to the middle of May, the Netherlands fills with fields of tulips, and with tulips being my favourite flower, I don’t think I’ve ever been so desperate to visit. With Keukenhof being an hour’s train from Amsterdam, Lisse, or Bollenstreek (directly translating to bulb region) are the perfect places to see the tulips in all their glory.
As much as the tulips have significantly motivated my decision to visit the Netherlands, I also love the idea of wandering around the canals whether that be in Amsterdam, Utrecht or Maastricht. In Amsterdam, I’d love to visit some of the iconic locations such as: the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank house, and other tourist hotspots. Personally, I think it would make for the perfect spring weekend trip. This might just motivate me to get my dissertation done so I can visit in April! :)