I’ve decided to draw a line in the sand and write my top travel wish list as it stands today, in the midst of all these crazy covid-19 times. I figured that as we haven’t travelled anywhere yet this year that it’s basically day dot for the year anyways. It was a list as long as your arm but I’ve tried to make it as concise as possible and narrowed it down to just 19 locations I’d like to travel to. 

I was inspired by a fascinating blog I recently read by Josh Hewitt on his website ‘My Travel Bucket List‘. I noticed at the start of each year he re-wrote his travel bucket list. It was so interesting to see that as his horizons broadened so did his travel wish list. Off the back of this I was discussing with my husband at the weekend about how your travel wish list can expand the more you travel and how does it change as you grow as a person or have you ever seen enough? Is it people or places which influence your list? I find this kind of stuff riveting, so many questions.

I’m blessed to have already travelled a lot of Europe and parts of America. Our aim for spending some time living in Singapore was to be able to explore as much of Asia and this part of the world as possible with our children. I love exploring with them and seeing the world through their eyes.

We have friends and family who keep asking when we’re moving back to the UK but we have so many more countries we want to visit before we’re ready to head back. Next time they ask maybe I’ll share this list and hopefully that’ll help them understand that we just need to see a bit more of the world first.

Here’s to hoping and wishing that the covid-19 does one swiftly and we can all go off on our adventures again soon.

Safe armchair travels…

Dee x

Sri Lanka

Where do I start with my obsession with Sri Lanka. I want to hang my head out of the blue train whilst it bustles through the jungle, to surf the warm waters and lay on the beaches, to sample tea up in the hills of the tea plantations, to spot animals on safari, to stay in the little guest houses and get to know the locals and so much more. Just not to be stung in the foot by a scorpion like my friend’s husband.

Japan

I actually want to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city life and explore the countryside; to see how miso is made the traditional way, to see the architecture, to stand under the blossom trees as it rains petals, to visit fishing villages and the hills.

Auroville, India

I watched a documentary a few years ago about Auroville, on the east coast of India and whilst I don’t think our kids are ready for the main towns like Dehli, I think a seaside trip here would really be enlightening for all of us.

Byron Bay, Australia

I’m totally obsessed with this seaside town in Australia. From surfing the waves, to the cafes, lighthouse walks, wearing linen, to the people who live there. I really think I was meant to spend some time here, I just need to get over my fear of snakes first.

Luang Prabang, Laos

My daughter did a summer gym camp with a sweet girl from Laos and the more we hear about the beauty of this city the more we want to visit. It’s doable in a weekend from Singapore but I heard it needs a bit more than a few days to do it justice.

Lombok, Indonesia

Imagine a day trip to the Gili islands to snorkel with friendly turtles, walking on soft sandy beaches or hiking through the jungle. We were actually meant to go last month, so I’m hoping it’s just a ‘we’ll see you soon’.

Komodo, Indonesia

I’ve seen so many pictures of the pink beaches, the long grasses on the hillsides, the komodo dragons and the crystal clear waters. I just need to find a boat with a good health and safety record to take me there.

Jogjakarta, Indonesia

It was actually my hair dresser who put me onto this, most people in Singapore are obsessed with travel. I really want to visit Jakarta too, so it’s a two for one. Plus this place looks incredible with all the bell shaped temples.

Sumatra, Indonesia

It’s a dream of mine to see Orang-utans in the wild. And seeing as we have already done Borneo, I’d love to see them in Sumatra and tie it in with a trip to the next place on my list.

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Maybe I watched Point Break too many times as a teenager but I would love to be even just a below-average level surfer. We learnt for a day on our honeymoon in Bali and it was so exhilarating. I hate to be told that 40 is too old to learn to surf (I recently learnt how to wake board) and this looks like the perfect place on earth to surf.

Sumba Island, Indonesia

This island has everything from what I can see; horses which run free on the beach,  authentic local villages, surfing, amazing food, hikes, river trips and more.

Misool island, Indonesia

I only recently added this to my list, see I told you it’s always getting longer. But give me an eco-resort any-day, then add in water and that’s me in heaven. This location is said to have has some of the best diving in the world.

Fiji

Yes I know most Australians treat this similar to how the British do Spain, but we really want to visit the islands where Moana is from and whilst we’re in Singapore it’s so much closer. My lovely friend Dana always tells me what a spiritual magical place Fiji is.

Positano, Italy

As soon as I saw Positano in a picture it was love, the black beach, the beautiful houses dotted on the hillside, the twinkling blue sea, throw in good wine, pizza and friendly Italians and it’s become an obsession to visit.

Marrakesh, Morocco

I’ve seen Marrakesh through so many friend’s photo lenses now that I know I’d have a blast here. Getting lost in the medina’s, staying in a Riad, drinking the local teas, escaping into the desert and maybe with a cooking lesson too.

Safari in Africa, Serengeti

Having grown up watching nature programs on the BBC none captivated my attention more than those of Africa. I’d love to see wild giraffes, elephants, rhino, buffalo, well all the wild animals really. But I’d also like to visit Nairobi to stay in Giraffe Manor.

Chile & Argentina

I know this is strictly two countries but I see it as one trip. We were meant to go for our honeymoon but opted on Bali, Singapore and NZ instead. I’d so love to see the glaciers and gallop horses across the plaines.

Cattle Drive in America

I grew up a little in love with horses and now I’m older I’ve learnt these trips are classed as visiting a dude ranch. But how cool would it be to ride across the wide open grasslands in America, splash through rivers whilst steering some cows back home with the odd campfire thrown in.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Anyone who likes animals even a little bit must also want to visit these islands. I heard you can do a live-aboard on a boat here and get to see a good few of the islands.

Your Bucket Travel List

Hopefully you enjoyed reading my travel bucket list. I’d love to hear what’s on your list, leave me your must-travel-to locations in the comments below please. I love nothing more than being inspired and adding to my ever-growing list.