Since starting I my travel blog in April, I have followed hundreds of other travel writers, bloggers and websites. Over that time, many spots have jumped out at me and I’ve thought “I must visit there”. I’ve slowly compiled a list (which has reached hundreds, and without radically changing my life/winning the lotto I doubt I’ll get to see them all).

I’ve listed some of the attractions, some facts and justify why I’m eager to visit these places.

Some spots on my list are single cities or locations, whilst others are multi city/country trips spread out over a few weeks.

This list will be a first for me, as everything else I’ve written has highlighted places I’ve visited firsthand – these are locations that I’ve convinced myself I need to see due to other people.

15. Road Trip USA 🇺🇸

Hollywood has romanticised the idea of driving across this vast country and I fallen hook, line and sinker for it. There’s so much of the USA that I would like to see, but it’s all so spaced out. I’d literally have to travel around the mainland in a big U, starting in Boston and ending in Seattle.

Whilst exploring the southern states, I would LOVE to attend a NASCAR event. I love the idea of the high energy crowds, coolers full of food and beer, and cars zipping around the track vying for the top spot.

I have an uncle in North Carolina and a dear friend in New Orleans, both whom I’d love to visit, then there’s Miami, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, LA and countless fast food restaurants to try in between (chimichangas sound especially phenomenal).

There is are many drawing points to entice people to visit the USA, and the fact so much of our media is created by Americans, it is constantly on view. Though I may need rolled home from the states after sampling all the available fast food joints. I imagine the entire trip around the US may take 2 months (and lots of dolla), so I must start saving up…

14. Turkmenistan 🇹🇲

Turkmenistan isn’t a conventional country to want to visit, however I am drawn to it due to the despotic president that currently rules the nation.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow is the dictator leading Turkmenistan who is obsessed with world records. He commissions many monuments seemingly for the sole purpose of claiming an additional world record (such as largest indoor Ferris wheel, or largest building featuring a star). He also spent more money creating the village to host the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games than Brazil spent hosting the 2016 olympics. I think it would be both interesting and surreal to experience a country living in these conditions.

13. Mexico 🇲🇽

My desire to visit Mexico has a few motives. The first was my obsession with Rey Mysterio growing up. I’d love to see live Lucha Libre wrestling featuring high flying acrobatics and masked wrestlers.

Secondly, I would love to spend a night partying in the infamous Tijuana. Tijuana has made the news more recently due to its location on the American border, but it is notorious for its lifestyle, and although I don’t particularly like tequila – when in Rome (or in this case: Tijuana)

Thirdly, the modern wonder of the world Chichen Itza is one of the most famous symbols of Mexico – it would be criminal to visit Mexico without gazing upon this pyramids built by the Maya people.

The tropical paradise of Cancun is located in proximity to Chichen Itza. After sightseeing it’d be bliss to retreat to a beach resort and allow myself to recover (and eat my weight in burritos)

And last but not least; the delicious food! Being a massive fan of Italian food, I was in heaven eating it in Italy. I imagine I’ll experience something similar in Mexico whilst chomping into burritos and tacos.

12. Macau 🇲🇴

Macau is known as the Asian Las Vegas. It featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall, and until that the region was relatively unknown in the Western world. It was leased from China to Portugal (similar to how Hong Kong was leased to the British) and now is an autonomous region within China.

It has overtaken Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world, and like Vegas – it features many extravagant buildings which are home to casinos, which I think would be amazing to see up close.

11. Turkey 🇹🇷

Istanbul has been the bridge between Asia and Europe since medieval times – and now the city is split between both continents. This is the third name the city has had after Constantinople and Byzantium. It was the capital of the East Roman Empire after the split of the Roman Empire and features dozens of historic attractions. It would be amazing to see the architecture of this city as it developed through different empires (from the Roman times, through the Ottoman Empire into modern times).

Post-Istanbul is Cappadocia, famous for its natural chimneys and in modern times, the ability to fly via hot air balloon over these chimneys and through the Cappadocia valleys (I was sold when I heard hot air balloon).

10. Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬

Papua New Guinea was on my list of must visit locations prior to starting my blog, due to its untouched nature. It’s not a popular tourist destination as most tourists in this area tend to opt for Bali in nearby Indonesia, however PNG has unspoilt beauty, volcanos and indigenous tribes who still live a more traditional way of life.

9. Uluru, Australia 🇦🇺

Uluru was unknown to the non-indigenous Australians until 1873, however it is of great cultural significance to the Anangu aboriginal people. It is a great red rock in the middle of the Australian outback, pretty much. It is now part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (a UNESCO world heritage site) which also contains the similar Kata Tjuta rock formation. I think it would be great to witness this naturally occurring rock up close and see why the aboriginal people consider it sacred.

8. Egypt 🇪🇬

As far as I can remember back, I’ve always had an interest in Egyptian mythology and history, and now that the Egyptian government seems to have overcome an extremist insurgency, they seek to entice tourists to this North African country with the new Grand Egyptian Museum expected to open in 2020, and a new airport is being built in Luxor to ease access to the famous valley of the kings where Tutankhamen, Rameses and other famous pharaohs were buried.

On the note of King Tut, the Egyptian government plan to keep him permanently on display in the new museum once he returns from his last ever world tour (this makes him sound like a rock star taking up a permanent residency in Las Vegas).

I think it’s a really exciting time to visit Egypt and am desperate to get in before the country gets oversaturated with tourists (again).

7. Norway 🇳🇴, Faroe Islands 🇫🇴, & Iceland 🇮🇸

This trip may be a little time consuming (and expensive), but I like visit a few locations in proximity rather than just stopping off at one, and would love to do that when I visit these 3 Scandinavian countries. Beginning in Oslo, I’d spend 2 days in the capital, taking in the Edvard Munch art museum, the Viking Ship Museum, Nobel Peace Centre and the Akershus fortress before travelling to Bergen on the scenic 7 hour train.

After disembarking in Bergen, I’d take in my surroundings and check out the waterfront and settle in. I’d ideally like to spend a few days in Bergen due to the nearby fjords and scenery in the hills behind the picturesque city. The Eidsvåg area is about an hours walk from the city centre and offers magnificent views of some of the fjords, whilst there are one day cruises from Bergen that take you around them. Bergen also offers some unique wooden stave churches which were targeted by arsonists associated with the ‘black metal’ scene.

If the trip was timed perfectly, I may also be able to catch the Aurora Borealis phenomenon also.

After Bergen, the Faroe Islands beckon – with a ferry crossing from Bergen costing between €200-€500.

The Faroe Islands is often in the news due to their whaling practises, or because their national football team have been embarrassed with another ridiculous result, but it is the unspoilt landscape and low population that intrigues me. The islands are home to 50,000 people, and almost half of them live in the capital Tórshavn (named after the Norse god Thor).

Being coastal, seafood encompasses a lot of the local delicacies, and from what I’ve read – the seafood in the Faroes is among the nicest in the world. Being a lover of trying new food and of seafood, this is a major drawing point for me.

A flight onwards to Iceland would be the last stop on my Scandinavian voyage. Iceland has become a popular tourist destination in the past few years due to the famous blue lagoon, the opportunity to see the northern lights, and for its hospitality.

Whilst in Iceland, I’d rent a vehicle as it’s supposed to be fairly easy to navigate. There are various parks and waterfalls I’d have to check out, but what appeals to me most, is the the ability to view the tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park. Literally seeing both the Eurasian and North American plates simultaneously would be amazing.

And lastly, I would like to end my trip around this cold part of Europe in a nice hot thermal spring, relaxing. The whole trip would take about 2 weeks, and may need tweaked a little to suit ferry/flight times.

6. Havana, Cuba 🇨🇺

Havana is a city that stands out to me for a few reasons – firstly, its history. Coming from a sociological background, I’m intrigued about the Castro regime from its inception overthrowing the dictator Batista, through its status as an isolationist state – to present where it is just beginning to open up to the world.

Cuba’s isolationist status has lead to new trains only being brought into the country now – the last trains have been in service from the 50s, and many of the cars there are as old as well, yet it looks like a colourful paradise. A trip to this Caribbean island would almost be like stepping back in time, and I’d love to witness that firsthand.

5. Peru 🇵🇪

Embarrassingly I’ve wanted to visit Peru since watching the Emperor’s New Groove – and recently have read deeply into Machu Picchu and became interested in Lima as a city to visit due to the ‘Inquisition museum’. The museum showcases the horrors and fortunes experienced by the indigenous Peruvians who did not follow the religious teachings of the Spanish colonial forces.

Peru has also become a hub for food, with Lima being known as the gastro-centre of South America hosting many Michelin star restaurants.

To travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, you must make your way to Cusco (another Peruvian City), and then travel onwards through the mountains to the ancient Incan citadel.

4. Montevideo, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Uruguay as a nation intrigues me. It suffered heavy losses in a civil war and opened the doors of their country to migrants – and thus have a huge European influence on their culture. And whilst the USA has been influenced by Europe too – I’m more intrigued to see the effect of massive non-English speaking influence. Montevideo has been ranked as the South American city with the highest quality of life every year since 2005, and is a booming city with numerous features highlighting Italian, German and Portuguese influences.

Whilst Montevideo is the capital (and home to most of Uruguay’s population) – it also is located perfectly on the coast to allow day trips to dozens of nearby beaches and coastal resorts. Similarly, it is also runs a ferry service to the Argentinian capital: Buenos Aires (the quickest ferry takes 2 hours 15 mins), allowing you to take day trip to another major city too if you desire.

3. Medieval Bavaria, Germany 🇩🇪

If Bavaria was an independent nation, it would be the 23rd largest in Europe, larger than the Republic of Ireland, and the 11th most populous. It’s a rather large state in its own right. It’s perhaps most well known for Bayern Munich, Oktoberfest and the Nuremberg trials. However it is the medieval towns and castles that intrigue me – some of which feature in Chitty Bang Bang (which is partly why I’ve included it in my in movies that will make you want to travel piece). PSA that the trek does occasionally intertwine, and end in the neighbouring German state of Baden-Württemberg, but most of it is in Bavaria.

My dream trek through Bavaria would start in Bamberg, a beautiful medieval town a bit north of Nuremberg.

From Bamberg, I would travel to Würzburg, the traditional start of the ‘romantic road’ to the south of Bavaria passing through dozens of medieval towns. Though I could write a full article about the many, many stops along the way (and hopefully one day soon I will be able to)!

From the old romantic road, I would travel west into Baden-Württemberg until I reached Friedrichshafen, on the shore of Lake Constance. This town isn’t as medieval as the previous, but is in the perfect location for a rest post-Schwangau. Afterwards the university town of Konstanz beckons, Konstanz is located on the border with Switzerland.

Last but not least, I would travel northward to my last destination, Bisingen – home to the remarkable Hohenzollern castle.

All in all this trip would take about a month to complete, but the fairytale memories would last a lifetime. The schnitzels and beer would be great company between the scenic towns too!

2. Bhutan 🇧🇹, Sikkim (India 🇮🇳) & Nepal 🇳🇵

Mountains. Mountains. Mountains. These Himalayan nations (and former nation) seem beautiful, and I’m in awe of their way of life.

I’d start my trip off in Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, where their king is known as the Dragon King. The landlocked nation only shares borders with India and China, and is home to many temples and fascinating sights.

The main attractions in Bhutan are the capital Thimphu, which is home to a giant gold Buddha statue – and the birds nest monastery above, and while Bhutan is a country which is just establishing itself on the world scene, I feel something from it drawing me towards it, and a NEED to visit it.

Next up is Sikkim in India, which was an independent country until 1975 when it became an Indian state. The capital Gangtok is nestled in the mountains offering great views of the Himalayas. In an era where so many people are vying for their own nations independence, I’d be intrigued to speak to locals who have voted to become assimilated into neighbouring India and give up their own countries independence.

Within the capital Gangtok, there is the busy Mahatma Gandhi Marg filled with numerous shops and restaurants. I’d like a few days in Gangtok to relax and explore before venturing onwards to Nepal – with the Rumtek monastery being of particular interest in visiting, before venturing on.

Lastly, on to Nepal, where I’d arrive in Kathmandu. I’d explore the city before venturing to Durbar Square.

After some time in Kathmandu, I’d travel to the main drawing point of my Himalayan Trip: the Everest region to catch a glimpse of our planet’s biggest mountain and the breathtaking neighbouring Himalayan mountains.

1. Vietnam 🇻🇳 & Cambodia 🇰🇭

Vietnam’s history is the main drawing point for me visiting Vietnam. I am obsessed with the Vietnamese War. I am fascinated with how Ho Chi Minh was able to mastermind a victory over the indomitable US military with essentially rice farmers using guerrilla warfare .

I would love to check out the tunnels the Viet Cong forces used during the war against the occupying US army.

The first city to hit would be Hanoi, home to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum where his body is on display.

Though there is more to do in Hanoi than just pay respects to their former leader, there is Hoan Kiem lake, the beautiful old district to explore, and various temples to be amazed by.

After Hanoi, the ‘other capital’ must be hit up! The former South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, has been renamed in honour of Ho Chi Minh, and is home to a war museum highlighting many of the war crimes committed during the decades long Vietnamese struggle (firstly against France, and later the USA).

Ho Chi Minh City is also home to their own ”Notre Dam” made from imported French materials and the Ben Thanh market selling all types of trinkets and oddities.

My dream trip to South East Asia would not stop with Vietnam, after the land of the blue dragon, I’d travel westwards to Cambodia, land of the Khmers.

Phnom Penh, the Khmer capital is accessible from Ho Chi Minh City. My main inspiration to visit Cambodia is related to the Genocide carried out by their dictator Pol Pot’s forces in the 70s. The capital city is home to Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, where there is an infamous killing field located. There are more than 20,000 mass graves are scattered through Cambodia, whilst estimations of total victim numbers under Pol Pot’s regime are as high as 3 million, and the Choeung Ek memorial has some of the victims skulls on display.

Whilst Choeung Ek acts as a memorial, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is informative, going into detail about the atrocities committed by Pol Pot’s regime. (I have previously written about Dark Tourism here)

After the Dark tourism, I’d like to just see the city, and many Tuk Tuk drivers offer tours of Phnom Penh, giving an authentic local feel to my exploring, where I’m sure I’d be recommended restaurants/bars to visit.

After the sombre history lessons in Phnom Penh, I’d like to experience something that would inspire pleasant memories before leaving the country, and this is where the domineering Ankor Wat complex steps in. It was initially built as a Hindu temple honouring Vishnu, but as Cambodia’s religious dynamics have changed, so has the temple’s purpose. It is now a Buddhist temple, and the largest religious monument in the world. It would inspire awe to see this structure (which features on the Cambodian flag) before leaving this fantastic corner of the world.

So there you have my 15 dream trips!

Be sure to tell me if you’ve visited any of these, and tell me what’s #1 on your travel bucket list in the comments.