Monday, August 14, 2017

My Travel Bucket List

It's hard to believe, but when Aaron and I got married a little over four years ago, neither one of us had ever been out of the country. Now we've explored not only the vast majority of the US, but we've also been to Cancun, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Ireland, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. It's safe to say that seeing the world outside of our small piece of it has opened our eyes to so much, but we aren't done yet! Here are some places that are still on my travel bucket list, both in the U.S. and beyond.


Germany

With a last name like Kleinmeyer, it's really a shame we haven't explored our German roots yet. When we went on our 16-day adventure throughout Europe, we just didn't have the time to add Germany on to our seven-city itinerary. We are hoping to make a tour of Germany within the next five years.

Spain

On that same note, we didn't have time to fit Spain into our whirlwind European adventure either. The friends that we met up with in Italy were heading on to Spain afterwards, and I remember being so jealous. I'm especially hoping to visit Barcelona and Madrid, and maybe take the train in between.

Cinque Terre

Ever since I first saw the gorgeous photos of it, I have been dying to go to Cinque Terre. Is there anything better than Italian fishing villages on the sea? I'd say no. We are considering doing this next summer with Eli, and just keeping it a pretty calm trip to Europe. I'm still not sure, though. Either way, I've got to make it here someday!

French Riviera

As a part of our future visit to Cinque Terre, I would really like to hit the French Riviera as well. Nice isn't too far away from Italy. My dream would be to hit both in one trip, simply enjoying the slower-paced life of these cities for multiple days instead of hustling from place to place and checking in and out of hotels every night.

Australia

If I had to choose one place in the entire world to be at the top of my ultimate bucket list, it would be Australia. I'm not sure why, but the beautiful water, awesome accents, and incredible sights just draw me to visit this country. I know it's a crazy long flight and really expensive, and I wouldn't want to go unless we had at least a couple of weeks to spend there. But Australia is seriously my dream destination.


Asia

Speaking of long flights, I would really like to visit Asia at some point. I don't know exactly where in Asia I'd most like to go, but I've heard awesome things about Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Taiwan. I've also heard that it's really reasonable to eat and stay there once you arrive, but that it's super crowded. Regardless, I would really love to make it there once in my life.

Maui

When it comes to the U.S, I'm still hoping to visit Hawaii. It's at the top of my list as a possible travel destination for next summer. I think Eli would have a blast on the beach, and it would be a relaxing trip without sightseeing in places where I'd have to try to keep him quiet. Hawaii is obviously a longer flight and a bit more expensive, but I'm thinking that if we are going to take Eli, we need to do it before he 2 and we have to pay for him. We could go without, but I'd want to be able to stay for a while!

Phoenix

Another place I've always wanted to visit, but haven't quite made it to yet is Phoenix, Arizona. Aaron and I have been to Arizona before to see the Grand Canyon, but we did it as a part of a Southwest trip. We didn't have time to add in a drive to Phoenix. I'm thinking a great time to visit would be in the middle of the winter when it's freezing cold here in KC. In December, sunshine, sitting poolside, and hitting some other highlights from this guide to the Valley of the Sun sounds pretty nice!

Oregon

We just hit Seattle this July, but we were only there for a few days, so we didn't have time to drive south and visit Oregon at all. I was blown away by how perfect the temperature and weather were in the Pacific Northwest during July, so I know that Oregon would probably be just as awesome. The outdoors are also breathtaking in this area.

Montana

In that same vein, Montana is another gorgeous, slow-moving destination that I've only admired in pictures so far. The mountain views are breathtaking, and I can see myself relaxing outdoors with the cooler temperatures in the middle of summer. Although I've been to nearly every other state in the continental U.S. at some point in my life, I haven't made it to Montana yet. It sounds like an awesome place to visit.

Alaska

At some point, I think it would be awesome to do an Alaskan cruise and explore the highlights of the state. This is also a little farther out and harder to get to, even from the Midwest. It may be something that we do in 10 years or so for an anniversary trip where we leave our kids behind.

The Bahamas 

We've been to a few awesome all-inclusive resorts in various tropical destinations, but one place that we haven't made it yet is the Bahamas. I've seen lots of amazing photos from gorgeous beaches in the area, and I just have to make it here at some point. I think the best way for us to visit would be going on a cruise and hitting multiple islands within one trip.

I look at this list and I get so excited about all of the adventures to come for us. Traveling is one of my favorite activities, and I would much rather go on trips and make memories than spend money on things that fill our home. Are any of these destinations on your travel bucket list? Do you have any other destinations that I've missed? Have fun exploring!

Currently,
Kelsie


16 comments:

  1. I love this! I want so badly to hit all 50 states (only about 6 to go). Outside the country, Greece and Italy are at the top of the list. Y'all definitely need to plan a trip to Oregon! I'll tell you all the best places to hit, and my super-hospitable family would love to take you on some lesser known, but gorgeous, hikes. Oh, and I spent two weeks in Tokyo when I was in high school; it's such a fun city!

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    1. Yes, yes, yes! I want to go to Oregon and you NEED to get to Italy and Greece!!

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  2. There are so so many places I want to go! Australia is right at the top of my list too. I was really glad we got to visit Germany last year, it was great though I'd love to go back. And we are hoping for an Alaskan cruise in 2019 :)

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  3. Australia has been on my bucket list too, for far too long! If only I could get an extra week of vacation from work and the plane tickets didn't cost an arm and a leg :)

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  4. I'm from Australia, and as much as I love living here, I don't get why anyone would want to visit honestly. We have great healthcare and living conditions, but for a holiday I feel like there's not much to offer. Sure, we have pretty beaches, but so do many other countries!

    I haven't seen much of Australia though, so maybe I'm missing out on all the great things to see. Now, the French Riveria and Asia I can understand! I would love to visit them one day.

    Indya || http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Thanks for this input! I definitely need to do some research!

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  5. I'd also really like to go to Germany! You've already traveled to so many cool places!

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    1. Thanks, Anna! I agree. I'm excited for all that is to come.

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  6. This is awesome! I've done quite a bit of traveling with my husband as well, and it truly is the best!

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  7. The only place I've been to on this list is the Bahamas but I'm so with you on wanting to go everywhere else!

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  8. I think having a travel bucket list is so important! I have a huge mural of a map and I mark places off with colorful pins as I travel to them. It's awesome seeing the world!

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