Ever since reading Kathie's 5 places on my travel list post, I've been hit by that Wonderlust thing people are talking about. Truth be told: I don't travel well. A car trip makes me all kinds of sick, being on a train scares me, getting on a plane? Forget about it. I'm terrified of planes but that doesn't mean I don't dream of exploring a place I've never been before, experiencing a whole new way of living. I think we all have those places in mind; dream destinations that may or may not ever become a reality. So, for the sake of daydreaming:
(in no particular order)
Italy
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I remember Italian was my favourite subject throughout my junior primary school years. The teachers were horrible, my belly would always rumble because it was right before lunch, but for as long as I can remember, learning about the Italian culture was my favourite and Italy has always been somewhere I want to visit. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Capri - you name it - I've lusted over it. The food, the romance, the history, the architecture. Say no more.
I remember Italian was my favourite subject throughout my junior primary school years. The teachers were horrible, my belly would always rumble because it was right before lunch, but for as long as I can remember, learning about the Italian culture was my favourite and Italy has always been somewhere I want to visit. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Capri - you name it - I've lusted over it. The food, the romance, the history, the architecture. Say no more.
Paris
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I'm embarrassed to admit: It wasn't An Affair to Remember that first got me interested in Paris rather, an episode of The Hills. I watched as Lauren and Whitney introduced me to the high-end fashion and the romance the city has to offer. Fast forward a few years, I enviously watch all the glamorous going's on as Gossip Girl sees Blair and Serena prancing all around Paris to forget their boy troubles (as you do). I don't speak a drop of French, but since that faithful day my 14 year-old self watched on as Lauren popped a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel Tower with a scruffy Frenchman, I've been in love with, inspired by, obsessed over Paris.
I'm embarrassed to admit: It wasn't An Affair to Remember that first got me interested in Paris rather, an episode of The Hills. I watched as Lauren and Whitney introduced me to the high-end fashion and the romance the city has to offer. Fast forward a few years, I enviously watch all the glamorous going's on as Gossip Girl sees Blair and Serena prancing all around Paris to forget their boy troubles (as you do). I don't speak a drop of French, but since that faithful day my 14 year-old self watched on as Lauren popped a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel Tower with a scruffy Frenchman, I've been in love with, inspired by, obsessed over Paris.
The Maldives
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I'm a beach bum at heart - The Maldives' crystalline blue waters contrasted against pure white sand makes this destination more than okay by me. It's a damn shame these islands are often overlooked - Although it has quickly become one of my most lusted over destinations, if it had not been for the beautiful images on Pinterest, a Maldivian holiday wouldn't have even crossed my mind a year ago. It's beautiful, it's tropical, it's tranquil and there's a freaking glowing ocean.
This is the meaning of life.
I'm a beach bum at heart - The Maldives' crystalline blue waters contrasted against pure white sand makes this destination more than okay by me. It's a damn shame these islands are often overlooked - Although it has quickly become one of my most lusted over destinations, if it had not been for the beautiful images on Pinterest, a Maldivian holiday wouldn't have even crossed my mind a year ago. It's beautiful, it's tropical, it's tranquil and there's a freaking glowing ocean.
This is the meaning of life.
This really is two places, but.. 'MERICA. Case and point.
I've always thought of America as a place of wonder and opportunity - a supersized version of the world I've been living in. There’s something new around every corner, the food is bigger, the shopping is better, the cities are larger. When I think of America, I think of fast-paced city living. That's why I've always been excited by the prospect of Visiting New York. Sex in the City was what first got me hooked on the glamour of the Big Apple. That iconic skyline, the clubs and the bars, the galleries, Times Square. New York can change in a minute, and that excites me.
Then there's Los Angeles because, famous people. That's why. I'm a walking cliché: I want to stroll the walk of fame, I want to shop Rodeo Drive, I want to go crazy in Disneyland, I want to take a ride along Sunset Boulevard. I want to L.A.
I've always thought of America as a place of wonder and opportunity - a supersized version of the world I've been living in. There’s something new around every corner, the food is bigger, the shopping is better, the cities are larger. When I think of America, I think of fast-paced city living. That's why I've always been excited by the prospect of Visiting New York. Sex in the City was what first got me hooked on the glamour of the Big Apple. That iconic skyline, the clubs and the bars, the galleries, Times Square. New York can change in a minute, and that excites me.
Then there's Los Angeles because, famous people. That's why. I'm a walking cliché: I want to stroll the walk of fame, I want to shop Rodeo Drive, I want to go crazy in Disneyland, I want to take a ride along Sunset Boulevard. I want to L.A.
Anywhere. I don't care. Just get me to Greece. Ever since The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, the beautiful villages of Santorini have been a must-see. In my opinion, it is one of the most diverse places - a combination of landscapes that can rarely be found together anywhere else. You can be in the midst of Santorini's structured hills one moment, and inside one of the many picturesque nooks, caves crannies scattered over the Greek Islands the next; It's remarkable.
If for nothing else, I want to visit Tokyo for the gadgets. The Japanese are of the forefront of technology, and I could spend hours shopping completely unnecessary, but totally awesome knick-knacks along the neon-lit streets. Can we talk about those neon-lit streets for a sec? What I wouldn't give to see Tokyo at night. It's so bright, so vibrant, so alive! Upscale bars, packed dance clubs, karaoke lounges - the nightlife seems irresistible. Yet, for such a highly urbanized city, I've heard Tokyo has many beautiful, tranquil gardens, shrines and temples (seriously, Google The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden). Escaping the bright, busy city for an hour and two and taking a stroll through a serene park would be pure bliss.
Just looking at these pictures all morning has given the an incurable case of the travel bug. What is your number one must-go destination?
