Looking back on 2019, I traveled a lot and really wanted to continue going on adventures in 2020! I'm a pretty cautious person and decided to cancel my SF trip this month due to the coronavirus cases in the Bay Area and have been weary of booking trips this year with the uncertainty surrounding the disease. I decided to write this post to make a list of places (in alphabetical order) I've been wanting to go for when I actually book the trips!
Amalfi Coast
The coastline in Southern Italy is a popular destination because of its dramatic setting between the sea and the hills and stunning views of grand villas, terraced vineyard, and cliffside lemon groves. The area is a big cultivator of lemons and known for its production of limoncello liqueur. One of Italy's most beautiful hiking trails, called the Path of the Gods, is a 5-hour hike located in the hills above the Amalfi Coast
Bali
I have always wanted to go to Bali! I'm always seeing Instagram posts in my Explore feed of the Indonesian island's beautiful forested mountains and breathtaking beaches.
Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, an area in the western Pacific Ocean, known for having the highest biodiversity of marine species and more coral reef species than anywhere else on Earth. Also, the weather is supposed to be amazing year round given that it's just a bit south of the equator. I really want to go see the swings, one of the hottest Instagram spots in the world, that overlook the jungle!
Bora Bora
I would love to stay in one of the overwater bungalows overlooking the white sand beaches of Bora Bora so definitely had to include it in the list. Tahiti, which also belongs to the same group of islands, is the most urbanized island and since Bora Bora is known for being very expensive and a pretty intimate location, I'll probably hit up Tahiti first.
Dubai
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is known for being a city of opulence with plenty of luxury shopping and modern architecture with its skyscraper-filled skyline. Its most iconic landmark is Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), and as someone who appreciates fine architecture and engineering, the "Living Wonder" is a must-see for me. I'm also a sucker for a cool hotel or club lounge, and the Burj Khalifa is home to the world's highest lounge located on the 152nd floor. It's cool that the city is still in touch with its heritage and roots. You can walk through the traditional souks, or bazaars, like the Gold Souk, which has more than 300 retailers and is one of the most renowned gold jewelry trading centers in the world.
Paris
The City of Lights is high on my list because I took French from junior high to high school and really want to see the iconic attractions we studied in class including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe. Paris is also one of the fashion capitals of the world with major influence on international fashion trends. It would be so cool to be able to go to a fashion show in Paris!
Phuket
My parents brought us to Thailand when we were like 5 years old so I don't remember much about the country and have been wanting to visit again. In addition to the awesome limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and white sand beaches of the Phi Phi Islands close-by, the low price tag also makes this destination very attractive.
Santorini
Santorini, Greece is actually a group of islands: Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni. I really want to visit because it seems so peaceful! Apparently wine is a big industry there since the hot, dry climate is perfect for growing grapes so definitely stop by some wineries. I also want to visit Oia, a popular sunset destination—the blue dome churches against the whitewashed buildings is supposed to be breathtaking.
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the French Polynesia and very similar to Bora Bora but a little less of a romantic getaway destination. I'm looking to visit sometime in April or November since the most popular period (which will mean more expensive!) is between May and October. Low season is December to March but for good reason since the more humid weather during this time will attract lots of mosquitoes.
Tokyo
I've been talking about going to Japan's capital with my sister since last year, and it seems like Tokyo will probably be a really popular destination given the upcoming Summer Olympics, but the event may actually be facing cancellation due to coronavirus. We've been wanting to visit because the culture just seems so interesting! Japan maintains a strong sense of traditional and cultural history while rocking its reputation for being a world leader in innovative technology and fashion (two of my favorite things!!). I also love Japanese food, and where else would be better to go for it than the source of the cuisine?
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