I’ve wittily combined the popular term ‘Wanderlust’ and my fervent love of making lists to show you all the places I hope to visit some day.
I’m not actually much of a traveller; I have thought about it, and I imagine travelling the world must be an amazing, fulfilling experience that can help you get to know yourself better. However, I am very much a home-maker, and am currently enjoying our new house, job and time with N and our puppy in a county I love.
So until my mind, life and budget encourage me otherwise, I am happy briefly exploring and enjoying these places on short holidays and weekend breaks.
1. Montenegro
After visiting Croatia a few years ago, and deciding it has the best climate ever, my heart is now set on visiting its neighbour, Montenegro.
Admittedly, I first discovered this country (yes, I do mean ‘discovered’ as in ‘found out it existed’…my geography is just…) while watching an episode of Place in the Sun: Home or Away, and I have to tell you, I was sold there and then.
Just look at those views.
After doing some research, I found it has a largely similar climate to Croatia; the summer is hot, the sea is warm, and the vegetation somehow manages to stay lush and beautiful, making it look almost tropical.
The only downside is that it seems difficult to get there directly from the UK.
2. Canada
Okay so I have actually been to Canada before, but I was about 6 years old, and remember very little about it. What I do remember, however, is that Vancouver seemed like the coolest, most relaxed place ever, and I’d really like to visit again.
Mainly, though, I’d love to experience the mountains, lakes and wilderness of Canada. I want to see those stunning landscapes first-hand.
3. Norway
Evidently I am a sucker for landscapes and good scenery. The TV series, Lilyhammer, has inspired me to go to Norway, not least for their awesome accents and brilliant humour.
I’ve never been to a cold country before, and I’d love to see all those beautiful, snow-covered mountains.
4. China
This is the ultimate trip I must do before I die. I don’t know when, as I’d like to take 3 or 4 weeks to do it properly, and obviously lots of cash, but it will happen.
Why am I obsessed with this plan? Let me say this: food, music, architecture, design, language, scenery, history.
I possibly lived in China in a past life, because most things I love in life seem to originate there.
5. USA
This may never happen, but I’d totally love to do a ‘food tour’ of America. This may need to be soon or never, because I’m talking Man vs. Food challenges, Diners Drive-ins and Drives etc (can you tell the Food Channel is my life?), and it’s probably best to do this while my metabolism is still reasonably fast. Also I don’t want a stroke or a heart attack.
Luckily, N is up for this too, so it could be a thing. But again, we’d probably need at least 2 weeks to do this properly, so I’m not sure we’ll be able to do it any time soon.
Also, because I love making lists so much, here are my Top 3 places I’ve ever visited:
1. Croatia
As previously mentioned, the climate in Croatia was just perfect for me. Hot, warm water, and lush greenery everywhere.
The landscape is pretty awesome, with mountains and rivers at the edge of the sea. We were lucky enough to go on a river rafting tour when we visited, which was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.
2. Paris
I’ve been to Paris twice now, both times just before Christmas, and I have to say that it is truly magical. Obviously the Christmas markets and visits to Disneyland help in the magical-ness, but the whole city is just so surreal.
I’d love to go there in Spring time, or early Autumn, to experience another side of the city. There is nothing like enjoying a croissant and cafe au lait for breakfast in a French bistro on the streets of Paris!
3. Barcelona
My second favourite city to Paris, visiting Barcelona last summer was great fun. Everything feels so laid back there, yet so alive. Sure, the beach was crammed and the architecture (bar the famous works of Gaudi etc.), is very much a mismatch of old and modern, but the markets were incredible, and the atmosphere just makes it a fun place to be.
What’s on your Wanderlist?
I LOVE Barcelona – such a perfect city! Where else can you be in Zara one hour and on the beach with a cocktail planning a visit to an amazing cathedral the next?!
Exactly! So perfectly put :) x
Croatia is one of my all time favourite places we have been twice in the last two years. I love Barelona too! I have been to Montenegro for a day trip and while it was beauitful I didn’t really get a great feel about the place, it definitely didn’t have appeal as Croatia, but then I hate Paris so what do I know haha! x
Haha you can’t just drop a bomb like ‘I hate Paris’ and then leave! Do explain yourself. x
Haha well, it is an odd one because I LOVE cities but I just didn’t warm to Paris at all. I found it to be uninviting, also, a lot had to do with the situation, we went in April and it was SO COLD, we also tried to fit too much into a short space of time which never helps. I am sure I will give it another go one day but I would much rather go back to Barcelona instead! x
Barcelona is amazing! :)
I’m surprised it was so cold in April! I know what you mean though, both times I have gone there in December, and honestly the last time we went I was the coldest I have ever been in my life. Like painful cold. But I probably should have brought some warmer clothes with me…haha. x
Great photo of Notre Dame!! Come to Canada!!
I seriously want to trust me! Haha :) x
I do love being able to visit some of the places that have been on Man vs Food, although I think i’ve only ticked off two so far haha! But a food tour of the US seems like an awesome idea – spoiled with so much great food here it’s unreal! I really need to pop over to Canada, it’s literally 20 minutes down the road from me but I always end up just waving to it from Detroit’s river front lol.
Haha awh, you definitely need to head there for a weekend or something if it’s that close to you! When I lived in Bristol (UK), it was only 20 minutes from Wales, with its beautiful hills and countryside but I never went purely because of the huge bridge and the cost to get over it! It’s a shame really x
Yeah having it on the doorstep, I probably take it for granted. Although there’s a huge bridge and tunnel) with their associated toll fees to get over. I also have issues with the owner of said bridge & tunnel (he owns both) so I tend not to want to give him money lol.
My friends and I were planning on Croatia this year as it looks amazing but I don’t think I will be able to go now :( I’d also love to do a romantic Paris trip and a food tour of the USA! Great Wanderlist! xx
Liv | http://www.maidenincornwall.co.uk
Awh no :( hopefully you’ll be able to get there one day though. I really wanted to do Montenegro this year, but with Pepper and stuff I think we might just head to somewhere in England like the Lake District or something instead :) x
I so agree, Norway will defenitaly be in my top destinations but Iceland comes first! Montenegro is an original pick though, I wonder what it looks like!
Iceland sounds amazing too! I’d love to do the hot springs :) x
Thank you for this post! I got really inspired to write a wanderlist of my own.
simply-mode.com
Now following your blog on Bloglovin’; I love your minimalist design! Looking forward to seeing your wanderlist :) x
Wauw, thank you so much, Anna! You just made my day!
love everything on your list! i want to travel the world too :)))
xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/
Thank you! It would be amazing :) x
I hadn’t thought about going to the Croatia area, but it looks lovely. I’m sold just by your post, no need for Place in the Sun!! I think if I was to make a Wanderlist I’d have to pretty much list the whole world :D
JustaNorwichGirl
Haha fair enough! Croatia is honestly my favourite place EVER – it’s cheap, it’s hot, it’s lush & beautiful, and the people are friendly – what more could you want? x