Write it down. Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants; cant’s into cans; dreams into plans; and plans into reality. Don’t just think it — ink it!” –Unknown Source.

The new year has begun and I have been dreaming about my 2013 travel adventures. Last year I went on a quick break to Vegas in April and continued my love/hate relationship with the place. In the summer and fall, I went on a couple of road trips to Seattle where I discovered new neighbourhoods and experienced my first NFL game and of course my epic trip to Turkey, Paris and Amsterdam was nothing short of amazing.

Over the last 8 years I have been blessed to have travelled to numerous places around the globe and part of that is because I have chosen to make travel one of my priorities each year. More so than shopping. More so than buying a brand new car. More so than buying a home. But that is only half of the equation for me. As the quote above says, writing down a goal, any goal, is a sure way of making it a reality.

I know this list may be far too ambitious to cover over the next couple of years as I also want to experiment with the idea of slower travel. But I believe in the above quote so I’m writing down my dreams and I know in my heart I WILL be travelling to a few of these destinations. Some of these places I have travelled to before and have a desire to see a second time. Other places I have not yet travelled to, but feel I have a connection. Here’s my bucket list, in no particular order, for 2013-14:

1. Sri Lanka

This country came on my radar after watching two amazing episodes on two of my favorite travel shows last year – Word Travels and Departures. The landscapes, temples, festivals and value for money draws me to Sri Lanka. And according to Lonely Planet, it is one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2013. The country has started to stabilize after the 2004 tsunami and years of civil war and tourist numbers have been increasing steadily.

2. Revisit India

I will always feel a connection to India and there’s so much to see that I know I’ll be making multiple trips throughout my life time. I visited India 5 years ago, travelling to Mumbai, Goa and Rajasthan. Over the last few months I’ve been really missing India so I know it’s time for me to head back soon. This time I would like to visit Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley in the Northwest, Assam and West Bengal in the Northeast and heading down south back to Mumbai, Goa and further south this time to Kerala.

3. Hawaii & Cuba

As much as I like exploring, learning and travelling around the world – it can be exhausting. Every year I try to add a sun/sand destination to the list where my husband and I can relax and zen-ify. I’ve only visited a couple of all-inclusives such as in Mexico and Dominican Republic. This year I intend to go to Hawaii for the lush landscapes, beaches and the amazing reviews from travellers. And next year to Cuba – for white sand beaches and Cuban culture in Havana.

4. South Africa

I feel like visiting South Africa would be a once in a life time opportunity for me. I can’t say that about visiting places in Asia or Europe as I’ve travelled there multiple times and know I’ll be back. South Africa on the other hand is far and it’s usually fairly expensive to fly from Vancouver. I have always had a desire to visit Cape Town, go on an African safari (who doesn’t?) and visit a friend who lives there. I’ll have to keep checking those flight prices!

5. South America: Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Colombia

I have had a strong desire to visit Buenos Aires in Argentina, known as the Paris of South America. Tango, food and street art draws me to that city. Peru for nature, culture and adventure. Brazil for the world cup would be awesome in 2014 as it marks our 5^th wedding anniversary year (hint, hint to my husband!) and Colombia, for being the up and coming destination in South America. Like South Africa, I feel going to South America will also be a once in a life time opportunity for me.

6. Japan, China and Revisit South East Asia

Asia is a continent I know I will travel to multiple times in my life time. A couple of months ago I received some exciting news that my friend in Japan just recently got engaged. Spring 2014 might be the year for me to travel to Japan and have the honour of attending my friend’s wedding. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the cherry blossom season in full effect! Shanghai in China, often compared to New York City, is a metropolis I want to visit for its nightlife, culture, arts and city life. And along the way visit friends in Taiwan and Singapore before continuing my love affair with Southeast Asia. I’ve been to Thailand for my honeymoon and have a desire to go back to Bangkok and along the way visit Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.

7. Road Trips in the US: West Coast & East Coast

Travelling across the US has never really excited me so I usually put it low on my priority list or dedicate only 2-4 days for a short trip to Las Vegas or San Francisco, preciously holding on to my vacation days for my favoured far flung destinations. Considering the short plane ride, I can’t believe I have never visited Los Angeles or the Californian coast on the west and on the east, I’ve been to New York when I was 16, but that was different. A Philly, Boston, New York road trip might be in order.

8.  Jordan

Jordan has been on my travel wish list for 2 years, but circumstances usually had me travel elsewhere. I want to visit Amman for its arts, culture and cafe scene, float in the Dead Sea, camp in the Wadi Rum desert and visit the ancient rock-cut city of Petra. 

Are any of these destinations on your bucket list?

*Update Jan 2016 – Although I haven’t checked off everything on this list, I am happy to say I have now travelled to Hawaii, Cuba, LA, Japan, Argentina!

Photo Credit: Creative Commons