Wanderlust at its Best – Travel Wishlist

The Wandering Memories – Top 20 Wanderlust Wish list

Firstly let me say that this is a hugely difficult list to make… I am still struggling thinking about it while writing it!  That’s why I have done 15 instead of 10… The cheats way out! In my defense there is 195 to choose from! Having traveled the world extensively and having some of the best wandering memories of my life, I thought I would concentrate on countries I have yet to see… So no return visits allowed – Sorry French Polynesia – I still love you…

20. Morocco

We recently discussed going to Morocco as it just seemed silly that we haven’t been – it’s so close and relatively cheap. Places like Marrakesh and Casablanca fuel me with intrigue and wonder. However events in nearby Tunisia just put us off… I know I know, they shouldn’t but it’s the truth

19. Lanzerote

Essentially classified as a Spanish Island, I have wanted to visit since I was very young… with my first tales of Volcanoes in primary school. Its part of the Canary islands, and very popular with European holidaymakers, beaches and volcanoes.. what more is there to want?

18. Greenland

After recently visiting Iceland, I simply like the idea of Greenland – I am not sure there is much to do, but just to explore the glaciers and the real wild landscapes – would be very adventurous.

17. Easter Island

Remote, Isolated, Intriguing – I mean that really says it all – plus they have ancient rocks with heads engraved on them!

16. Cuba

Historically very significant, being one of the only communist countries left on earth (not to be confused with Socialism). Now that ties stopping Americans visiting have been severed… I want to experience it before it gets too commercialized.

15. Cape Verde

I have a thing for Africa – I can’t help it I love the people, the nature, the scenery, the beaches, oh and the food! Essentially I love Africa… But currently West Africa is so dangerous with Ebola, Civil War. Political upheaval – places like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and even Ghana are just a tad too dangerous for me at the moment. So although Cape Verde is a bit of a cop out – a friend of mine had his honeymoon there and it’s always resonated with me.

14. Jordan

Having read a lot of blogs and reviews regarding Jordan, it seems sad that this fascinating country is currently struggling to attract tourists. Although the borders with the troubled Syria are a huge consideration to many, the ancient city of Petra, access to the Dead Sea and the renowned friendly welcoming culture is enough for me

13. Peru

I have always wanted to go to Peru – as The Inca Trail fascinates me! We have seen the Aztec and Mayan temples but the images and stories I have seen and read about the Inca trail just seem a huge adventure – Plus the people are supposed to be amazing – Real salt of the earth

12. Galapagos Islands

Now this is a tough one, as much as I really want to go there and see all of the amazing wildlife – especially the swimming iguanas! The trip from the UK to Ecuador and then either boat or another plane journey to them, just puts it down my wish list slightly. It does look incredible though, a real natural wonder.

11. Antarctica

Again a very tough one, as especially it is the only continent I haven’t visited, but the boat ride there would be killer! We do know someone who has experienced it and said it was horrendous… However the pure white snow, the isolation and the colonies of emperor penguins may be worth it… I just can’t decide.

10. Philippines

Just in the top 10, but climbing rapidly is the Philippines. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of South Asian cities, so think Manila would be interesting. Plus all of the island chains off the central island just look incredible. I have been informed of a few tourist dangers but nothing to pout me off entirely.

9. Croatia

I know, I know what a cliché… it seems everyone is heading to Croatia recently – it’s a new holiday hotspot. And I dislike following the crowd, but it does offer some of Europe’s fascinating history – Roman, Geek, Ottoman and most recently its struggles as the republic of Yugoslavia. If you’re not interested in all of that the beaches are sublime, the weather pleasant and the food out of this world… With lively beautiful cities such as Split and Dubrovnik – What’s not to like?

8. Maldives

I think if we were ever to visit these island paradises, we would need to incorporate it with a trip to Sri Lanka or Southern India, as there is no way we could spend a whole 2 weeks on a what is essentially a sand bank! I do however idolize the dreaminess of this place.

7. Brazil

Again very cliché, but a few days on the beach and exploring the wonders of Rio would suit me perfectly. That coupled with a week exploring the Amazon jungle hunting for Anaconda’s and Jaguars would be amazing!

6. Myanmar

A bit controversial in my mind, as although I liked Thailand it wasn’t my favorite location in the world – I actually preferred Vietnam. Saying that I have a lot of very good memories of South East Asia, and Myanmar (formally known as Burma to many of us) interests me. I would have liked to have seen what Vietnam and Thailand were like before their boom in tourism, and I think the mysterious Myanmar may provide some insight.

5. Argentina

Patagonia and Iguassu Falls really resonate with my desire to be in the wilderness! Plus I could get a real Bear Grylls experience looking for the illusive Pumas and Mountain Lions.

4, Nepal and Bhutan

Very up and coming in the traveling circuit – I see many blogs about trekking in Nepal and it just looks incredible. I could quite happily lose a day or maybe even a month hiking these scenic routes, plus one of my bucket list goals is to make it to Base Camp and attempt to see a rare Snow Leopard one day. Its semi-Neighbour (separated by an Indian province) offers very similar experiences, but seems less frequented. It’s just that temple shot, that I just have to see one day!

3. Vanuatu / Soloman Islands

I have a bit of a love for the Southern Pacific Islands, and having visited Fiji and French Polynesia, I like the idea of the lesser touristy options. I am sure they would be very similar to the French Polynesian neighbours but who cares – Island hoping in this paradise would be a dream…

2. Turks and Caicos / Virgin Islands

I like the Caribbean way of living, relaxed and chilled out. These islands all meet the criteria, warm, beautiful, great food, memorable experiences! It’s all just good…

1. Central Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Ruanda and Uganda

I know total cop out – how can 4 countries all be placed at number 1? Well the reason behind this is the fact that on our tour of Southern Africa, there was another option to head north to Kenya.  We didn’t know at the time and left the group in Zambia, but this kind of feels like unfinished business! I mean the Masai Mara and Serengeti just appeal to all parts of me… And the Rwanda/Uganda part is simply about the Gorillas and the wilderness.

Part 2 of the Wonderlust wishlist is available here

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Morocco- photo credit: 31538-Ait_Ben_Haddou via photopin (license), Lanzerote – photo credit: Lanzerote via photopin (license), Greenland – photo credit: Qaqortoq, Greenland via photopin (license), Easter Island – photo credit: Ahu Tongariki via photopin (license), Cuba – photo credit: Trip From La Havana to Trinidad , Cuba via photopin (license), Cape Verde – photo credit: DSC_1659 via photopin (license), Jordan – photo credit: IMG_6901 via photopin (license), Peru – photo credit: Machu Picchu 6 via photopin (license), Galapagos Islands -photo credit: sealions_beachsnooze_boat via photopin (license), Antartica – photo credit: Mount Herschel – Cape Hallet, Antarctica via photopin (license), Philippines – photo credit: Fishing Boat via photopin (license), Croatia – photo credit: Beach Slatina in town Opatija at sea, Croatia 3 via photopin (license), Maldives – photo credit: Islands in the Maldives via photopin (license), Brazil – photo credit: IMG_1688 via photopin (license), Myanmar – photo credit: Recogiendo el ganado via photopin (license), Argentina – photo credit: Lago Argentino via photopin (license), Bhutan – photo credit: Paro, Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest) via photopin (license), Vanuatu – photo credit: Round Efate (Vanuatu) trip, 26 Nov. 2006 – Nguna from Paonangisi Beach via photopin (license), T & C – photo credit: Sunsets With Mraz. via photopin (license), Central Africa – photo credit: The Great Migration – Masai Mara, Kenya via photopin (license), Central Africa – photo credit: n’gayla and her twins via photopin(license)