Dream Destination
May 11, 2010
Courtesy of Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge
Maybe it’s because I’m reading The Wishing Year by Noelle Oxenhandler in which she writes about the notion of “putting it out there.” Or maybe it’s because, before the age of 11, I’d never lived in one place longer than three years. Perhaps it’s because last month I took over as DailyCandy Atlanta Editor, and while I love it, it’s a stressful position, and when I’m feeling overworked I dream up places I’d like to visit. Whatever it is, I’ve got the travel bug bad.
We’re heading to Krakow in August (Budapest and Prague hopefully will make the cut too) for a dear friend’s wedding. In the beginning stages of planning, I realized it would likely have never been on my list of places to see in my lifetime. I mean, I’m thrilled to go, but don’t know if I would’ve made it to Poland otherwise.
So, where would I like to go? Well, since I’m dreaming, here’s my must-see travel list, and my proactive approach to “putting it out there.”
Courtesy of Lemuria Resort of Praslin
Seychelles
Basically I’ve had a fascination with the Indian Ocean for most of my life. The Maldives and all those itty-bitty specks on a map that don’t have names (and if they do they are called Cockatoo or Christmas Island) and take forever and a day to get to. But, the image of the Seychelles is always my go-to happy place.
Courtesy of Patagonia Camp
Patagonia
This one is more for my man than me. But, I think it’d be the perfect combination for both of us … he could hike to his heart’s content surrounded by untouched nature on the edge of the Earth and I could be surrounded in my third glass of Argentinean malbec.
Courtesy of Hotel Albergo Villa Marta
Italia … anywhere
For our 5-year anniversary we started to plan a trip to Italy. And well our budget got the better of us, so we decided to be responsible adults and forgo the trip. But, I dream of riding bikes along roads in Italy, speaking choppy Italian and gorging myself on cheese, smoked meats, and flatbread (and prosecco).
Courtesy of COMO Shambhala Estate
Bali
Not to sound like I’m totally going through 2 out of 3 on Elizabeth Gilbert’s quest in Eat, Pray, Love … Bali. It had me at an episode of E!’s Wild On I saw back when I was in college, it just seems so far off, spiritual, and yes, Gilbert wrote it—balanced—my idea of perfect.
Courtesy of the Viceroy
Palm Springs, California
I’ve traveled a lot throughout the U.S., and even seen the bulk of California, but I’ve never stopped in Palm Springs. Maybe it’s the pictures of Coachella loaded with skinny starlets all coked out in their cute jumpers, gigantic shades, and fedoras … at any rate, I’ve always wanted to go and always wanted to stay at the iconic Viceroy.
Courtesy of Riad AnaYela
Morocco
Last, but not least, Morocco—specifically Marrakesh. The maze of markets alone would likely cause me panic, but that’s the beauty in travel … getting outside your comfort zone. And every now and then we could all use that push into the scary.
To make traveling a bit easier, the first danapop giveaway from my friends at Malcom Fontier. Comment on where you want to go and why and you could win a free Mojito travel wallet. Their travel wallets are fantastic for organizing all your cards (and money too) plus, it’s flat enough to tuck into a pocket or toss into a purse.
May 14th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Nice! I’m a friend of Ann Hazels and heard about this through Facebook. I’m going to Italy this summer, to Venice and the Alps with some friends and relatives for a big huge reunion. My great grandmother and two of her kids were released from the Nazis in a little town in the Italian Alps when the American soldiers arrived, and we’ll be there but it’ll be hard to imagine soldiers and war by a beautiful Italian mountain lake.
May 14th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Don’t miss Prague…it is incredible!!!
My dream destination is Machu Picchu. I wanted to be there on New Year’s Eve 1999…to enter the new century is such a magnificent spiritual place was my dream. Rather, I was home alone with a broken wrist awaiting surgery… I’ve still not had the opportunity to go to Peru to visit this ancient site, but still hold onto the dream.
May 14th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Hi!
I’m also a friend of Ann’s, but I have dana pop as one of my bookmarks.
I was raised in a very proud Armenian family, and I’d love the opportunity to travel through Armenia as a way to deepen my connection with my family and our heritage. I’d love to walk among those who’s families experienced what mine did, who lived through the war, who found strength to build new lives.
May 14th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
My dream destination is where I’m sitting now, home. I’ve been to Asia several times, Europe several times (Sweden, France, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, etc) and other exotic or not so exotic places in the world. I think back to all the places I been to but nothing compares to the where I live with my family. Were these places more stunning then here? Probably yes, but none give me chills I get when I think of all the wonderful and beautiful things that have happened at home. Dorothy had it right after visiting the Emerald City, “There is no place like home”. But you’re young so enjoy all those dream-like destinations.
May 14th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I saw a Czech movie called “Capricious Summer” just recently. It makes me curious about the people and the Czech Republic. I hope to go there soon- maybe even this summer. Thanks for igniting my curiousity.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:20 am
I would love to go to the national forests and explore, do sketches and breathe.
May 15th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I think you have now awakened the travel bug in myself!
I recently spent 2 months traveling through South East Asia and it was a trip of a lifetime. Like you and your upcoming trip, I had never thought about going to Asia. It just never seemed to come up on my places to go list. The opportunity just came up when a few friends decided to take a leave of absence and travel. I found myself in desperate need for a break from my everyday life, so I took a chance, quit my job and went. The trip ended up being the most incredible, and interesting two weeks of my entire life! Bali was one of the stops on the trip, although we were only supposed to stay five to seven days, it ended up that we spent nearly 2 weeks between Bali, Gili Islands, and Komodo Islands. It is a definite must see for all travelers out there!
Thanks for your post! You have reminded me how great it is to go explore new, unthought of places! You have left me wondering, where do I want to go next?
Next stop – Costa Rica (maybe….)
May 18th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Thanks everyone for the fantastic comments – John is the winner of the great travel wallet from Malcolm Fontier!
xoox
dana