My Travel Wish List for 2015

This is the first time in my life I’ve been free, like really free. In the past there’s always been a restriction; my bank account, someone who was depending on me, or a responsibility at home or elsewhere. After my first trip to Thailand I told myself I needed to figure out a way to travel without restriction and some four years later I find myself in that position. It’s both wonderful and extremely overwhelming.

It’s actually pretty hard to decide where to go when everywhere is an option. In saying that, it’s the best ‘problem’ I could have and I’m extremely grateful for that. At some point next year I have to return home for a month, but aside from that my calendar is completely free. A blank canvas in which I can paint my travel dreams onto.

Places I want to go this year… dun dun dun!

Nicaragua:
I’m currently in Costa Rica at the moment and while there are aspects of it that I love, I’m itching to go somewhere else and get deeper into Central America. Sometime within the next few weeks I’ll make my way to Nicaragua to do some yoga, hang on some beaches and experience somewhere that’s hopefully a little less American. Most people I’ve met who have travelled Nicaragua have cited it as their favourite place so I’m excited to see what it holds.

El Salvador:
As I’m planning to base myself in Antigua, Guatemala, El Salvador seems like an obvious stop on my way by land. I’ve heard mixed things about the safety of El Salvador, but am also acutely aware it’s home to some stunning natural landscapes, including lakes, volcanoes and rainforests. I’m a big believer in not letting fear stop you from doing what you really want to do, so I’ll spend at least a little time here.

Guatemala:
I’m planning to set up a base in Guatemala if I like it, otherwise I’ll be heading back to Panama. There are a few reasons why I chose Guatemala and I’m really excited to see how I like Antigua. One of my favourite things to do is volunteering and I haven’t volunteered in over a year. There are a few projects I’m thinking of becoming involved in, but I want to find something where I wont have to speak so much English. I’m also planning on hiring a Spanish tutor and getting right into the language.

Belize:
While living in Guatemala I really want to do a trip to Belize, I’ll be next door, so why not?! Belize was another contestor of places I might live, so I need to see how I feel about it and what it is like.

Argentina:
Ah, Buenos Aires… to think I was supposed to be there now. A few years ago a friend of mine went there on a trip and took heaps of photos of cool art, graffiti, beautiful buildings and ever since I’ve mentally put it high on my “want to visit and/or live list”. I don’t know when exactly I’ll visit, as it could be a good place to stop over on the way home or back to SA.

Cuba: 
It sounds like things are going to change pretty fast here, so I really need to hurry up and get my butt here. I found some cheap flights a few weeks ago, but it turns out the dates didn’t coincide with when I want to visit; bummer. I would really like to visit Cuba by the end of 2015 as I feel it’s going to lose some of it’s “old charm” pretty quickly.

Croatia:
My roommate at my school told me about a festival, called Awesomefest, which is so up my alley. I really would love to go – there’s only a limited number of spaces – and meet some more like minded people while enjoying beautiful Croatia. So fingers crossed I can get in and get some European sun in this year.

Italy:
Can you believe I’ve never been to Italy? I’ve lived in Europe, made a lot of Italian friends, but I’ve never been so bold to go to Italy. I was supposed to be visiting this year, but plans changed. To be honest, I’ve been scared of visiting Italy because I’m worried I’ll never leave. But that’s no excuse to miss out on some of the world’s greatest cities, including Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Greece:
This is another place I can’t believe I haven’t visited before. I really love Greek mythology and history, so I think I’ll be completely spoiled here. Santanorini is also one of the places I’ve most wanted to visit, so I need to ‘tick it off’ whether it’s at the beginning of the year or towards the end. It’s gotta happen.

The Nordic Countries:
I’ve avoided all of the Nordic countries, because, well I don’t love having my wallet violated, but I feel it’s time to visit. I’m torn as to whether I want to visit in summer or winter, as I’d love to see the Northern Lights, but hate the cold.

Japan:
Ah, Japan. As a small child I was obsessed with everything Japanese; the language, the food (well, more like, plain rice hahah), chopsticks, oragami, Hello Kitty and so on. I want to see the quirky side of Japan, the weird restaurants and cafes, the cherry blossoms, the beautiful art, design and clothing. Of course, I want to try all the delicious food too.

The Philippines 
I love me a good beach. From what I’ve seen, the Philippines have some of the best beaches, for the best value. Also my assistant lives in the Philipphines so I’d love to meet her. Every single Filippino I’ve met has been the nicest, sweetest thing, so I’d love to be surrounded by them! I’m also missing good ‘value’ travel and I think I’ll find an abundance of it here.

San Fran/Chicago/Colorado:
I’d like to see a bit more of the states. Unfortunately these places aren’t really near each other, but I’ll see how many of them I can visit. I want to go to San Fran to see if it’s somewhere I’d like to base myself for a bit longer. Chicago is somewhere one of my best friends LOVES and it sounds like a really cool city, so I want to visit, especially if she’s back there. Colorado I want to visit for the beautiful scenery and to get some serious skiing in.

So that’s my travel wish list for 2015! It will be interesting to see how things pan out, as I have no idea what I’m doing at this stage. I don’t even know where I’ll be in the next two weeks, but I’m sure it will be exactly where I need to be.

Have you been to any of these places? Do you have any tips? What about your plans? Where are you going in 2015!?