Having more time to experience the world through travel is the main reason I’m looking forward to retiring in a few years. I’m making the most of vacation time now but am keeping track of future destinations with a travel bucket list.
Here’s the first half of my top ten travel bucket list. Five countries make the list (although more countries will be hit with the cruise destinations).
Thailand
I never gave Thailand much thought until my youngest son spent three weeks there a couple of years ago. His photos and stories had me itching to visit.
For now, I’m planning to make this a reality late next year. It’ll be a gift to myself for a birthday ending with zero! Entering a new decade of deserves something big. Also, I want to take the long flight to Asia now while I’m physically able to tolerate.
Australia
Like the United States, Australia is a huge country with a lot of interesting sights. Highlights I want to see include Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayer’s Rock and more. Just Sydney alone would keep a traveler very busy.
This one will have to wait until retirement when I have enough time to do it justice. I’m also thinking it would be a good place to travel to or from via cruise ship.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a collection of 100 islands representing an overseas country attached to France (not sure what that means in terms of independence). The remoteness, beauty and culture are three reasons I want to spend time there.
Specific places I plan to visit are Bora Bora and Papeete.
France
I visited a very small slice of France during our Western Mediterranean cruise when we tendered to Cannes and toured Nice, Eze and St. Paul de Vence in a day. Seeing photos from my grandson and his mom’s visit to Paris last year put France back on my bucket list.
I knew I wanted to see the sights they did. In Paris area alone there’s the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-dame, Arc de Triomphe, nearby Versailles Palace and more. A repeat visit to the French Riviera is a must where I especially want to visit Provence and spend more time in Nice.
Then there’s Burgundy, Normandy and Champagne to see. So many places!
Japan
Today’s last spot is taken up by a country close to my heart, not because of anything historic or cultural, but because my granddaughter lives there. I hope someday to be able to see her again and visit her along with the country.
Next week, I’ll share the second half of my travel bucket list. Are any of these five on your list?
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