The COVID-19 pandemic has officially grounded us—in more ways than one. I know travel bloggers around the world are particularly impacted by the travel bans, especially since our day-to-day work relies on being able to plan trips, hop on a plane and generate inspiring content about the locations we visit, none of which is possible at this time.
But just because traveling isn’t a possibility at the moment doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming. I don’t know about you but my level of wanderlust is an all-time high. I’m constantly scrolling through my favorite travel Instagrams to find the destinations I truly want to dedicate my travel time to once we’re passed this.
All this time inside has made me realize how much I miss being outdoors—not outdoors in a city, but on a mountain, a forest, a jungle, a remote island. I’m craving an adventure. A wild escape. An unfamiliar landscape. Something that brings back the thrill I felt when backpacking around the world.
I’ve found that the best way to keep these feelings fresh in my mind is to write them down. I’ve made this list of 10 unique places to travel to whenever we’re free to do so again, a list to keep myself accountable. These are the places that will make me feel the most alive. These are the places that I’ve chosen with a purpose, the places that will fill my heart with gratitude once we’ve made it through these difficult times.
10 Unique Places To Put On Your Bucket List
I hope the following list fills you with a newfound sense of adventure. Our world is too damn beautiful to quit exploring—give in to the wanderlust and see where it takes you. I certainly will.
Iceland
If you know me, you know that winter is my favorite season. The threat of bone-chilling cold doesn’t really scare me off. I’ve dreamt of visiting Iceland for quite a while now, mostly for its dramatic landscape made up of frozen breaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and hot springs.
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Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Instagram definitely put Banff on my bucket list. I’ve long saved photos of the turquoise blue waters of Moraine Lake, with snow-covered peaks serving as a stunning backdrop. I can’t imagine what it might be like to experience this park’s beauty in person. And it’s about time I put my long-dormant hiking shoes to good use.
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The Dolomites, Italy
Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit, and my heart breaks knowing that coronavirus is tearing the nation apart. For this reason, I want to visit Italy as soon as it’s safe to do so, as I know their economy will be needing it. Again, it’s the wildly beautiful landscape of jagged mountains and turquoise lakes that has me dreaming of the Dolomites mountain range—plus I wouldn’t mind a plate of Italian food and wine after a long day of exploring.
Read: How to spend two glorious weeks in Italy
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Bali, Indonesia
I’ve been aching to get back to Bali since the moment I left. Whenever anyone asks me about my favorite destination, Bali is always the first to come to mind. I was actually traveling with two friends there this spring, a dream trip that we had been planning for months. But it seems unlikely that it’ll happen now. I just hope to find my way back eventually.
Read: Why I fell in Bali (and why you will too)
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South Africa
Guil and I are planning to travel for a month in the fall. Assuming (hoping) life will return to normalcy by then, we’ve decided to spend the month traveling through the African continent. One of our top reasons to do so is our desire to visit South Africa. From hiking up Cape Town’s mountainous coastline to going on a safari, this would be a huge bucket list trip that I can’t stop dreaming about, especially now.
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Oregon
My closest blogger friends and I had planned a three-day adventure to Portland, Oregon for April. Obviously that trip won’t be happening anymore—but I would still love to make it out to the Pacific Northwest at some point this year. Road tripping to Oregon’s lush green forests, massive waterfalls and moody coastline is exactly the kind of outdoor adventure I seek.
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Costa Rica
Something about wandering through a living, breathing rainforest fills me with wonder. Costa Rica not only offers a rainforest, but the Central American country is also home to volcanoes, beaches and waterfalls. It’s basically everything I love in one destination (kind of like Bali).
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Upstate New York
Truth is, I’m not sure how long I’ll live in New York. I want to make sure to visit its many natural attractions upstate while I’m still here. I hope to hike the Adirondack Mountains and visit New York’s many beautiful waterfalls as soon as it’s safe to drive around. I’d love to start with Rainbow Falls Bridge at Watkins Glen State Park, pictured below.
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
Rowing across one of the most beautiful lakes in the world? Sign me up, please. Lake Bled looks like it was pulled out of a fairytale. I’ve never visited Slovenia, and I’d love to learn more about its history, culture and natural wonders, especially because it seems less crowded than other European destinations.
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Hawaii
Hawaii has been on my bucket list for about three years now. It just seems like the kind of place that’ll set my soul on fire. Adventures like hiking and scuba diving await, in some of the most stunning tropical landscapes in the world.
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such an awesome list! take me with you hahaha! You should add the Pacific Northwest in addition to Oregon because Washington State has some gorgeous mountains, landscapes, and really good Thai food hahaha!
I can’t wait until I am able to start traveling again!
Maybe I’ll make a whole road trip out of it: start in California and drive up to Oregon and Washington!!!
Seems you’ve got genuine love for waterfalls and ocean views. Great list. I like it!
I really do! Glad you like it!