The Wanderlust List

Craving adventure? You’ve definitely come to the right place. Especially on a dreary, bone-chilling, Canadian winter’s day, my mind wanders to all the tropical places I wish I could find myself in, in that very second. Mexico. Bora Bora. The list is endless. I’m constantly suffering from wanderlust syndrome; I’ve officially diagnosed it myself. That’s why I created this list- my very own Wanderlust List- so I can share with all of you the places where my mind wanders to in the coldest of days and in the worst of days. These are all the places which I hope to eventually travel to in the not-too-distant future; these are all the places I have day-dreamed about so often. Hopefully, this list will help you escape from whatever you are doing for a little bit. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the view. Let the wanderlust consume you. Your plane will be landing shortly.

1. Bali, Indonesia

One good reason to dream about Bali: the crystal clear, blue waters. It’s probably a thousand times more appealing than your office desk or the stack of papers on your desk that need to be looked at. You can take a swim, l0unge in one of the huts pictured above, or grab your backpack and tour the temples, volcanoes and museums. The possibilities seem endless. It looks like a dream come true.

2. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand is another one of those rainforested islands similar to Bali, what with the clear blue waters and the lush green vegetation. Take a dip in the pool, go for a ride in one of those long canoe-like boats, enjoy a ride on an elephant through the tropical rainforests or lounge by the pool, enjoying a five-course meal. Indonesia, pretty similar to Bali, is all about enjoying the heat and the view. There are no cares in the world while you’re there.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Are you noticing a common theme or colour in the landscape in these 3 destinations so far? Lots and lots of blue. Lots and lots of green. Lots and lots of huts, as well. The reason I dream of travelling to Bora Bora so much- apart from how fun it is to just say the name- is simply because of all the promises it holds. While you’re there, there’s so much you can do. Relax in the huts for the day, staring out at the calm, blue waters. Go scuba diving, paddle boarding, snorkelling or jet skiing. Go up in a helicopter to see the island as a whole. Enjoy a meal, literally sitting in the water. This is definitely somewhere I want to go to in the next few years with a group of friends. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being in love with Bora Bora.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

I think I have Iceland on the “wanderlust” list I made last year. I don’t know what fascinates me about Iceland; I can’t seem to put my finger on it. It’s certainly very different from all the other places on this list. I think the fact that it IS different is what attracts me to it. It’s not something you can see every day. I find the volcanoes, the chilly climate, the mountains, and the simplicity of it all extremely enticing. My number one destination in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon- google some pictures of it and I guarantee you’ll put it at the top of your list too. If you do go, be sure to go during the right season so you can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights! To me, Iceland can be described in one word: magical.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Another coastal region, of course. After all, life down by the beach is always better. Cape Town has been on my list for a while now, especially after I heard that they have some of the best beaches in the world. Take a hike to the top of Table Mountain, which is the big, flat mountain. Visit the botanical gardens, the aquariums and the various national parks. Relax by the beach and even go surfing, if that’s what you’re into. Cape Town seems like a place definitely worth exploring for a week or two.

6. Tokyo, Japan

I like to see Tokyo as the land of the future. It’s incredibly high-tech and the culture is so worth admiring. I’ve always viewed Japan as very unique because of how different the cities are. The clothes, the buildings, the food- everything is so different and everything seems so much more advanced than here in North America. My dream, if I ever do get to go to Tokyo, is to visit one of the famous cat cafes, where you can sip on a cup of coffee while cuddling 3 or 4 cats. (I swear I’m not a crazy cat lady) The  various Japanese delicacies are also a must-try and most importantly, I really want to see those crazy talking toilets in person haha.

7. Santorini, Greece

More blue. What’s a wanderlust list without Santorini? After all, it’s always at the top of everybody’s travel list. In 2014, I visited Mykonos, Greece which is not too different from Santorini. They still have the windmills, the scattered white-washed buildings and the clear waters. However, in my mind, it’s not the same as Santorini. I want to be able to see THE blue topped building. The nightclubs and slower-paced life in Greece are also very attractive. Santorini seems like the perfect place to put your feet up and let out a sigh of absolute content.

8. Cancun, Mexico

Of course, Cancun has to be on the list. Cancun is perhaps one of the most talked about vacation getaways. I don’t know if you can tell, but there is quite a bit of blue in the pictures haha. One of my dreams has always been to just buy a one-way ticket to Cancun, find a nice all-inclusive resort, and just stay there for a bit. No stress, no worries, nothing. It’s the ideal trip of a lifetime. My friends and I always talk about vacationing here when we can and we dream about swimming in caves, going skydiving and doing all that fun stuff. Cancun truly seems like a dream and if I end up going, I hope I never have to wake up.

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil has always been on my travel list, but the economic and political instability is what’s hindering me. Perhaps the most popular attraction- the Christ the Redeemer Statue- is the thing that’s drawing me in. The fact that a huge statue overlooks the entire city fascinates me. With his arms outstretched like that, it’s as if he’s saying a big welcome to all the newcomers. I would love to be in Rio in time for the big Carnival they have. If not, there are plenty of other things to do such as hiking, museums, surfing, etc. Brazil just seems to be calling my name.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Last but certainly not least is Dubai, a city in the UAE. Being a very modern city by the water, it offers a change of scenery from the ordinary buildings and roads I’m so used to in Toronto. It seems like loads of fun to simply travel to Dubai, walk around and witness a culture and lifestyle that is so different from mine, go for a swim, try some of their local food and just sight-see. If I do ever go, I hope that I can muster up the courage to go skydiving as well, as Dubai is one of the best places to do it.

Hopefully, this post put some ideas in your head about where you want to travel next. What other destinations are on YOUR wanderlust list? Feel free to share them with me- I’m constantly updating my own personal list! Stay tuned for my next post on the Panama Canal! Hang in there everybody, sunny days are ahead.

*All photos are courtesy of Google and are not taken by me. 

~Julia