* Spain is a great country to explore. Image above by VideoVik.
Though I have hit the road many times and explored places many have not gone before, I still consider myself lacking when it comes to my travel experiences. I have seen a lot, but I have also seen quite a few. It is because when I look at the map and browse through the pages of travel books and history books, I realize I have only seen the tip of the iceberg.
Why is this so? First was the lack of time. With a few days allotted for leaves in my previous jobs, spending time in places I traveled was quite limited. Now that I have taken out that hindrance, the next main consideration is resources. I have to earn a lot, save more, and be wise in spending my money.
You see, I have certain places in mind where I want to visit and having enough funds is quite imperative. Of course, I would like to visit ALL continents, SEVERAL countries, and DIVERSE sights and cultures. But for this post, let me just share with you my top 10 destinations.
1. Santorini, Greece
Ever since I have seen photos of this beautiful place in the Greek Islands, I fell in love with it instantly. Somehow, there is that gnawing desire to see the ragged cliffs with white and blue architecture. The place looks refreshing and ancient, cool yet warm, relaxing but challenging. Santorini is like an enigma to me. There is something I want to unravel in this place and my curiosity will only be satisfied once I visit the place. I want to see how people seem to be sun gods.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Having Spanish influence in our culture has kept me interested in our nation’s history. What better way to learn more about this than to visit Spain where we inherited our Catholic faith, local food, some words in our own language, and ornate architecture. It is always fascinating to know about our heritage and how we arrive at our present-day culture.
3. Rome, Italy
Speaking of history, I would like to explore Rome where some of the greatest events in history took place. Oh, how I would love to visit the Coliseum, the temples of the Greek gods, the cathedrals and churches, the Roman villages, and even the city-state of the Vatican.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sun, sand, mountains, and the Christ the Redeemer. Brazil is filled with sun-kissed beautiful people. But there are more for me to find out that is not written in the pages of guidebooks and travel sites.
5. Johannesburg, South Africa
It’s going to the wild! A safari would be a good travel experience that I would want to have in this lifetime. I love to visit zoos but I have always wanted to see these animals roam in a Savannah. There is a great fun adventure in there.
6. Bruges, Belgium
One of the tiny nations in Europe, Belgium exudes history, art, and simplicity. My impression of Bruges is a quiet city. It will be a place where I can find a soothing balm to my ever thirsty mind.
7. Helsinki, Finland
I’ve never considered Finland as a destination where I should visit but since I joined this postcard swapping online community called Postcrossing, I have been filled with beautiful photos of Finland. Mind you, I might meet Santa Claus there one day. But whether that happens or not, I’ll be content to lie on a cold night watching the northern lights dance up in the sky.
8. Istanbul, Turkey
The bridge way between Europe and Asia. Turkey is a place where I can be on one continent and at the doorway to the other. They also have wonderful architecture. It would be delightful to have some Turkish delights from where they come from.
9. Thimphu, Bhutan
It is the Shangri-la. I have always been curious about this place which many regards as the paradise. Only a few can be admitted into this small kingdom. I would want to belong that “few” ones.
10. Alaska, USA
Alaska is the last frontier for me. I’m not prepared to go to the Arctic region so I’d be content to be in Alaska. Most of the attractions in the US are urban cities. But not Alaska. It is all about nature. The cold one, that is.
So there, you have my list. As I was on the subject of having enough resources to travel, I found out by browsing the web that I need not have so much money to visit these places.
Well post. I always like Paris. It is a awesome city of France.