5 Magical Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
After spending two years traveling America's most beautiful routes I feel confident in saying I've mastered the art of the road trip — how to pack your bags, stay beautiful, and make it out of sticky situations — and I'm in love with how good it feels to connect with the deeply rooted people all over this big country.
I recently traveled back to the country that spurred my interest in writing my book Wanderful to begin with - Spain - and here's the short version of how all of that came to be:
I spent the summer of 2014 finishing up my first book, New Orleans Style. Here I was, given an opportunity to create something that would become my calling card as an author, and in the spirit of my wanderluster grandmother I studied the constellations, put my luck on a full moon and booked a one-way flight to the Mediterranean coast.
As I took off it occurred to me: every time I’d taken a trip I’d sought out a guide. Usually that came in the form of a book, or a magazine, and lots of google searching for travel blog posts on my intended destination - there were lots of lists of the best restaurants and bars, the museums to visit, and the tours to take - but what I hadn't found was a guide for the fashion-loving-bohemian types like me! Those interested in slow, experiential travel. So, I set out to make just that. Wanderful became the American road trip version of that, and I hope readers get out and see the wonderment that America has to offer.
photo credits below
Dream Destination Bucket List
So now, I'm thinking: where to next.?! I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for next projects and certainly intend to cover more international travel.
I've been poring through the Expedia blog to get ideas for travels and here's 5 destinations I'm adding to my bucket list, and some of my magical girlfriends lending to that inspiration.
p.s. even if you're only planning one adventure per year, let these glorious destinations & ladies inspire the wanderlust in you.
Santorini
My darling friend Keiko (yes the one that's alllll over my book) visited Santorini this year and every photo was a pure dream. I researched a bit and then this article grabbed me - romance? oui, please!
photo via Keiko Lynn
Glamorous seascapes, glittering horizons and white washed hillsides... I don't know what I'd do first: sample the local wines (the vines grow deep into the island’s ancient volcanic soil enhancing the flavors), swim in the Aegean Sea or rent a car to venture out to the blue umbrella-topped Red Beach and Oia.
Florence
Michaela has become a digital friend and every "Wanderess" post on her site inspires new ideas for travel.
photo via Verite Woman
This particular post on Italy has me wanting to spend weeks exploring the country but MIchaela's photos coupled with her the notes on Florence: a quaint apartment within walking distance of all one’s favorite gelato shops, tucked away restaurants with local fare of house-cured meats, and expertly curated cheeses and wonderfully stylish locals have me wanting to make Florence my first Italian destination.
Byron Bay
Krystal is another one of my travel loving friends and my oh my does she ever make traveling look like an ethereal delight. Her blog is one of the most beautiful out there. Between she and Jasmine (my Aussie friend who's currently living life as a New Yorker) these two have given me a serious lust for Australia.
photo via This Time Tomorrow
Krystal spent this holiday season traversing Australia (go take a look at her instagram to get some serious Australian summer inspiration) and in her recent post on Byron Bay she describes it like this: A coastal town, Byron Bay is located in the southeastern corner of New South Wales and offers all the sea-faring charm you’d expect it to — think Santa Cruz meets Montauk, with a dash of Venice Beach — where surfers live to surf [and] where families live in the most adorable beach-facing homes, shopping at the local farmer’s markets every Sunday. I want to go for the views (of course), the seaside, jungle hikes, and the bohemian-inspired shopping throughout the area.
Cuba
photo via Amanda Bjorn
Amanda, who's gorgeousness graced the cover of my book (and who's also seen on lots of pages in the Pacific Coast Highway chapter), makes living the life of a world traveling photographer look incredibly connecting. This winter & spring she's leading Photo & Art tours and I'm fingers crossed, going to make one of these happen by end of Spring. Her Cuba tour includes balcony breakfasts, ocean swims, visits to artists collectives, and convertible rides. Si, si si!
Lisbon
photo via Ana Linares
Ana has been on a world traveling whirlwind this year. Go scroll through her 'gram for just a sec and you'll be hard pressed to actually decide which destination she makes look the best.
She visited Lisbon this year after discovering her grandmother's family originated there, and she shared her experience on "meadering" through Lisbon in this post. I researched a bit more, found this 48 hour guide to Lisbon, and Lisbon climbed (easily) onto this list.
I can't wait to get the planning underway. I've got some good tools I've been using for booking too - so I'll be back to share those soon! In the meantime, any places you think I need to add to the list? Tell me, tell me, tell me!
Wanderfully yours,
Andi
