 | 10 Sep 10 |
We must be coming out of the recession. I say this because I just read an article telling me that airfares are back up nearly twenty percent since last summer–and that doesn’t even include fees for all those luxury extras, such as checked baggage, or pillows, or the giant cookie they want to sell you to keep your blood sugar from crashing between New York and L.A.
Getting nickle and dimed for all this stuff really takes some of the fun out of planning that next trip. I’ve got a long list of places I’d like to visit, but it looks like–for the time being–I will be visiting them in my imagination. Here are my top five places I’m DYING to go someday, and I refuse to call this a “bucket list” because that’s just too morbid for me… I prefer to think of it as my trips-yet-to-be-taken list.
What places are on yours? Share a comment for a chance to win…. (read to the end to find out). 
1. The Grand Canyon — I know, I know. Howdoes anyone get (ahem) well past their twenties without ever seeing the second most-visited national park in America? (I think Smoky Mountain National Park is no. 1) I have no idea how it happened. Guess we weren’t exactly a load-up-the-station-wagon-type family, although we did have our Grizwald moments. At any rate, I would love to see this natural wonder… actually, my dream is to hike in and camp there. So I’d probably better not wait until I’m too old to go down the thing and climb back out.
2. The David, in Florence, Italy– Can I put a particular square foot of real estate on my list? I’m going to. I love Renaissance art. I love Michelangelo. I have never been to Italy. Basically, I am dying to see this sculpture. And then, of course, head off to some fabulous cafe where I can sip cappuccino and eat something decadent. I know someone who toured Italy for two weeks on the Atkins Diet. No gelato, no pasta. Man, what a waste!
3. Vermont – I have never seen the fall foliage in New England. ‘Nuff said.
4. New Zealand — I know some amazingly nice Kiwi folks, and so I’ve wanted to visit New Zealand for ages– even before Lord of the Ringsshowed everyone how gorgeous it is there. Mountains, beaches, glacial lakes, rainforests. This country has some of everything. It’s not on the way to anywhere, which maybe accounts for why it is still so pristine. I would love to see it.
5. Yosemite – The American west takes my breath away. I’ve been all over Montana, California, Washington, Oregon… yet somehow I’ve missed this national treasure. I want to go there and with my camera and just snap, snap away.
What’s a place you’ve never visited, but always wanted to see? Leave a comment and be eligibe to win a $20 gift card to Starbucks. Chances are, wherever you go next will have one, at least in the airport.
© 2010, Laura Griffin. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including a 2010 RITA (WHISPER OF WARNING) and a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award (UNTRACEABLE). Her debut novel, ONE LAST BREATH, won the Booksellers Best Award for romantic suspense. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on the next novel in her popular Tracers series.
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I’m on travel in SanFran right now, and I always forget how awesome this city is. Been here a bunch of times and it never gets old! I travel alot for work, both domestic and international, so I’ve already been to most of the places I want to go (and quite a few I didn’t, actually), but biggies left on my list are Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) and Australia/New Zealand. I’ve never been down into the Grand Canyon (been around it, tho) and we were actually talking about doing that next year, so maybe I’ll see you there!!
by kris September 10th, 2010 at 7:05 amHi Kris,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 7:45 amI LOVE San Francisco. What an amazing city & one of my very favorite destination. Actually, all of Northern California. Enjoy it!
Well, since I haven’t been in the US before of course I wonna see all the different landscapes there, esp the Black Hills, Yosemite, Bad Lands, San Antonio, San Diego and so much much more… let’s just say the whole USA
by Sabine September 10th, 2010 at 8:02 amFor all of you who wants to fly over to Italy and visit Florence: I just can say it was amazing! Don’t miss it when you’re in Europe anytime.
Sounds like a fabulous itinerary!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:14 pmYellowstone! I’d actually like to go twice, once in the spring and once in the fall because I’d imagine that each has its own special kind of beauty.
by JB Lynn September 10th, 2010 at 8:28 amI’ve been to Yellowstone in the summer and the fall. It’s beautiful then with all the animals out. Last time we got caught in a bear jam in the park. Got to pull over and see a mama grizzly!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:15 pmI’ve got major travel bug.
I am very pleased with myself that after wanting to go to Charleston, South Carolina for so long, I did it in August. It was just as beautiful as I had imagined. Course going with a fun girl friend was an extra bonus!
Next on my list is Scotland. Love the historical aspect. I want to visit the cities of Inverness and Edinburgh but mostly I am craving the scenery for the Highlands. Men is kilts would be bonus scenery too! Once again, I’d love to go with a girlfriend.
Australia to swim with the sea turtles.
I have a husband who hates to travel so I am so happy that he’s okay with me travelling with my friends.
by MichellekCanada September 10th, 2010 at 8:33 amI’d love to go to Australia, too!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:16 pmIt’s Scotland and then Italy for me too. And then Australia/New Zealand. I wish I could just take off for a year and spend a month or so in each place!
by toni mcgee causey September 10th, 2010 at 3:13 pmI’ve been lucky – a lot of ‘collateral’ travel with business, mostly Hubsters. But I did get to Africa, Australia & Alaska, which were on my top 3 must-see. (New Zealand was only an airport layover, but I’d love to go back)
One place I’m dying to go, although it’s being ‘touristized’ is the Galapagos.
And I worked at Yosemite summer of my sophomore year
in college. That’s another place that I fear isn’t the same as it was then, but gorgeous nonetheless.
Fall foliage sounds cool…and speaking of travel, I’ve got pictures from Germany on my blog today.
Terry
by Terry Odell September 10th, 2010 at 8:40 amTerry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Oh I love your photos at your blog!
bec you so much forget about the landscapes and other specials when you’re native.
by Sabine September 10th, 2010 at 9:23 amI know Meiningen, it’s 1.5h away from where I’m living.
It’s amazing for me to see that there are other people who might find the country interesting where I come from
The Galapagos would be amazing. How cool to see all the animals. I have heard it’s very touristy now, like you say
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:17 pmMy friend and I once took a road trip from Alberta to southern Utah, with the intent on making it to the Grand Canyon. Alas, we only had 10 days and no AC. We did, however, end up camping between the red rock caverns in deep Utah – by far the most original place I’ve ever camped.
The Grand Canyon is still on my travel bucket list, but I would LOVE to go to spend a month in Africa. Australia and New Zealand also rank high on the list…
by Dawn September 10th, 2010 at 9:13 amUtah in winter is so pretty. Beautiful country.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:18 pmLaura
Scotland, the Highlands in particular. Maybe I can find me a hot Scottish Laird.
Yosemite is amazing!!! I’m headed back next summer. If you get a chance to go, spring/early summer is best. The waterfalls are and it’s beautiful!! When you come out of that tunnel and see the Valley–it takes your breath away. Stunning!!
by Catherine September 10th, 2010 at 9:25 amHope you get there soon
I would like to see Scottland, too. Haven’t been there, but it sounds like fun.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:19 pmTop of my list is Ireland-to hear traditional Irish music in a pub.
The other would be a week or two in Tuscany to write and paint, ideal.
by Carol Shenold September 10th, 2010 at 9:30 amCarol – If you go to Ireland be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone… I did and… em maybe not.
by Dudley Forster September 10th, 2010 at 10:17 amI’ve been to Ireland in the winter. Dublin was lots of fun and interesting sightseeing. Great pubs.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:20 pmI have been fascinated with New Zealand since I was a kid. I used to have a pen pal from there. I would also love to visit Paris and a friend who lives in the Transylvania region of Romania!
by Janel September 10th, 2010 at 9:34 amNever been to Romania. Been to Hungary, though, and Czech and Slovakia. Would love to spend more time in Paris someday.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:21 pmoh Laura you *must* get to Yosemite. I will never tire of it despite a dozen visits. Same for the grand canyon. The only downside is the crowds, especially in the summer…but Yellowstone is not crowded because it is so vast, and gorgeous – I would love to go back there…
as for places I’ve never been? So many! Junior wants to go to Venice, and I dream of a leisurely trip there, just the two of us someday.
by sophie littlefield September 10th, 2010 at 9:54 amEveryone says this about Yosemite. And I love photography, so it would be so fun to go with a good camera.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:22 pmParis. I’d love to go to Paris.
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon twice and it is breath-takingly beautiful. The photos you view later will seem flat and lifeless compared to your memories.
Hope everyone gets their dream trips!
by GSM September 10th, 2010 at 10:09 amyes, Paris! So much to do there!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 12:22 pmI would love to visit Hawaii. I hope in the next couple years to make it there.
by runner10 September 10th, 2010 at 10:11 amI haven’t been there, either! Hear it’s beautiful and expensive.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:04 pmFlorence, Italy is simply gorgeous and the food, oh my…you have to go visit David for sure.
I’d love to go to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, too. The National Parks are such gems and it’s a shame not to see them up close & personal.
by Scorpio M. September 10th, 2010 at 10:14 amI know a family who has a goal of visiting every one of the national parks. Sounds like an adventure!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:05 pmI would love to see England, Ireland and Scotland; we have family and we’ve never met them.
by Diane Sadler September 10th, 2010 at 10:21 amGreat excuse to go there!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:12 pmI lived in England for three years so I’ve seen a lot of Europe.
I want to take my wife to Vermont for our 35th anniversary in two years, just had the 33rd.
Australia and New Zealand
Go to Churchill to see the polar bears.
I’d like to go back to the Grand Canyon and take the mule trip down to Phantom Ranch or better take a rafting trip through the Canyon to the Ranch.
by Dudley Forster September 10th, 2010 at 10:31 amI’ve heard great things about the rafting trip. Very scenic.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:13 pmMy parents always loaded themselves, 4 kids, the pets and the tent and off we went every summer vacation to another state to see important places/museums. We also lived in NJ, close to many historical sites, so long weekends were common. Having no kids and being able to spend my money on myself and being frugal, I have traveled to many, many places internationally. I’ve hit every place mentioned on your list.
There’s no new place I’m burning to visit. I would like to go back and visit more of the inland areas of New Zealand and/or Australia. Perhaps visit Tuscany.
by Anne September 10th, 2010 at 11:00 amThat sounds like fun, Anne! I did a lot of backpacking in college, and it was very unencumbered. Not so much now. How cool that you’ve seen so many destinations.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:14 pmThe Statue of Liberty
by HollyD September 10th, 2010 at 12:06 pmThe Grand Canyon
Irland
France
Italy
Australia
The Statue of Liberty is another American highlight I haven’t hit yet. Been to NYC a bunch, but never taken the time to do it.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:15 pmI went to Ireland two years ago and I would love to go back to see more. I would also like to go to England and Greec. I loved my art history class and would love to see some of the architecture in person.
by Stephanie McCarthy September 10th, 2010 at 12:09 pmWouldn’t Greece be spectacular? I’ve seen so many beautiful films and photographs… That should go on my list, too!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:16 pmLove your post since travel is so wonderful and changes your perspective on life. I would love to visit France, Italy and Hawaii.
by ruth September 10th, 2010 at 12:35 pmHi Ruth,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:17 pmThat really is the wonderful thing about travel… new perspectives. I feel so lucky to have seen / lived in different places. Now I’m getting itchy feet just talking about it.
There’s a King Tut Exhibition here and Egypt is definitely on the top of my list. I want to visit the Cairo Museum and see all the amazing artifacts and mummies. I also want to take a Mediterranean cruise with stops in Turkey, Greece and Italy.
by Jane September 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pmHi Jane,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:18 pmI’ve seen the exhibit, but never been to Egypt. I used to have family living in Cairo, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t get over there while it would have been so easy.
I just got back from New Orleans, one of my favorite places in the world! I want to go to Edinburgh and see the Edniburgh Military Tattoo (pipes and drums, not INK! LOL). Ireland. The entire country. And New Zealand.
I have a Top 100 list of things to see and do, rather than a bucket list. I’m slowly marking through some of them. Hopefully, I get to make another list of 100!
by Silver James September 10th, 2010 at 12:55 pmHi Silver,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:19 pmI like your Top 100 idea. Will have to sit down and do that sometime.
Gosh anywhere. We can’t afford vacation really. If have the money we go visit my inlaws a few states away. Not a vacation lol. I’d like to see NYC i guess and California. Hopefully when my kids are all out of the house i’ll get to see some cool places. My husband is a truck driver so he gets to see some pretty neat places and things. At this point i don’t think about it overly much. lol
Lisa B
by Lisa Boggs September 10th, 2010 at 1:26 pmHi Lisa,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:20 pmIt will probably be easier when the kids are gone! And certainly less expensive. I have always wanted to do a roadtrip to California, but never had the time for all that driving. Would be fun, though.
I’ve always wanted to travel to both Ireland and Scotland. Also would love to travel more in the US. I’ve mostly only seen East of the Mississippi River, so anything in the West is on my places to see list.
by Liza September 10th, 2010 at 1:35 pmWest is best!!! Just kidding. But some of the prettiest places in the country are out west of the Rockies. Montana… wow.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:21 pmLaura, I so would love to see New England in the fall. Here in California we have two seasons – hot and dry, wet and cold. No autumns, no falling leaves, no crisp mornings and warm afternoons.
I will add Ireland. I will see the land of my ancestors.
by Jill James September 10th, 2010 at 2:06 pmHi Jill,
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:22 pmNew England fall is supposed to be so beautiful. I’ve seen it during other seasons, but never all the color. Someday!
My bucket list for travel starts off like this…
1. New Orleans ~ the city of Marti Gras, the haunted houses and experience the city where authors find so much material for my favorite books.
2. Alaska ~ I want to see eagles fly and whales breech. I want to feel the chill of the air while standing close to an iceberg.
3. Hawaii ~ I want to see a volcano and hop from island to island. I want to set on the beach; I want to be able watch the sun rise and set just by crossing from one side of the island to the other.
4. I want to backpack around Europe, to ride the Orient Express, see the Meditterranean Sea, eat Italian and Greek food, to hop over the sea and visit Egypt, the land of Pyramids and Pharoahs.
5. Bali ~ I want to find my MoJo!
6. I want to travel around the world ~ I want to travel by all ways and means; boat, plane, hot air balloon, harley and every other way possible!!!
by Lisa G. September 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pmoooh Alaska! Haven’t been there but I’ve heard the cruises up the coast are stunning.
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:23 pmLaura, right now I’d visit anywhere to escape this manuscript and deadline
by Jen Lyon September 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pmRoger that, Jen. I’ve got a deadline looming, too. Eek!
by Laura Griffin September 10th, 2010 at 4:24 pmI’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii! Maybe I’ll get there yet!
by chey September 10th, 2010 at 4:59 pmI have always wanted to go to Japan. I hope I’ll get to go someday.
by Jeanette Juan September 10th, 2010 at 8:23 pmI would love to go to Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland and Italy. I probably won’t ever get to go to any of them but it’s nice to dream about.
by Sherry S. September 10th, 2010 at 9:33 pmIreland and England. Ever since I was really
by Ladytink_534 September 10th, 2010 at 10:56 pmlittle I’ve always said I wanted to visit those places. I wouldn’t mind seeing Scotland and California either.
Laura, i want to visit all of the above!
by Karin Tabke aka Harlow September 11th, 2010 at 1:21 amI would love to visit the Grand Canyon too but since we are on the east coast it just never happened. On the top of my list are Alaska and Australia. All the pictures I’ve seen of them have looked gorgeous. With two kids in college and the price of travel so high I think I will be visiting in my imagination for a while.
by Maureen September 11th, 2010 at 5:37 amIt’s a toss-up between Ireland and Scotland, because I love to hear their accents. I know the countries are beautiful and have good peasant food. So those are 2 places I’ve always wanted to check out.
by Sunnymay September 11th, 2010 at 12:47 pmI’ve always wanted to visit Oahu and would love to one day
by Chrissy September 12th, 2010 at 12:51 amI’ve always wanted to go to Scotland and see those lovely kilted men!
by Anna Green September 13th, 2010 at 2:28 pm