The year has only just begun, but I’ve spent quite a bit of time already thinking of places I want to visit. I have four days away from a traditional office each week, and I plan to make the absolute best of it!
Europe, Australia, and South Africa rank pretty high on my list, but I know I won’t have time for extended trips. Four days is just not enough to explore these places for the first time.
Maybe next year?
Thankfully, it’s a big world with many other great places to see. So here are the five travel destinations I have my eyes set on for 2017.
1. California
I’ve been saying it since early 2015:
I really want to go out west.
California is just one of the West-American destinations I have in mind. Why? Because I want to finally see a good beach on American shores, and feel that salty air combing through my hair.
It also helps that California is known for being liberal. That’s always a welcome change from the conservative south.
And we all know California is the American wine country. You know that old saying of where there is a will there is a way? Well in totally unrelated news, know this:
Where this is wine, there is Alex.
2. Vegas
As a tween, I spent a lot of time in New York City, and often heard residents call it The City that Never Sleeps. This is true to some extent, but when I think of a city truly renowned for its night life, Vegas is the one that comes to mind.
Truth be told, I’m not much of a night life person. I’m more interested in the hiking trails and testing out good food. Since Nevada rubs shoulder with popular big bro California, it’s also another liberal escape.
To boot, one of my best friends live in Nevada and he’s been asking me to take a trip out there for years! It’s about time I take him up on that offer.
3. Canada
Though I really won’t have the time for pleasure-trips to international locations, Canada is close enough to feel like home, but far away enough to be foreign. I’m no friend to the cold, but I would love to test out the hiking trails and see some of the many natural wonders Canada has to offer.
I also want to meet up with blogger-friend Camper Christina when I do. She can out-hike, and out-adventure just about anyone I know, and that’s saying a lot. So many of my guy friends are survivalist junkies. I will never introduce them to her. Their egos would never be the same…
Pitch a tent for me Christina! I hope to see you soon!
4. Hawaii
In Alex Travels to Myrtle Beach, I shared the great news that I would be working with an indie-travel agency later this year. At their request, I may indeed find my way to Europe, Australia, and South Africa after all. But failing all that, Hawaii is definitely on the list.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii. Like Jamaica, it’s just one of those stereotypical travel spots you can’t miss. Last year, I had the pleasure of working with a client to do website copy for dozens of villas in Hawaii, and that only intensified my desire to see this place in person.
As usual, the hiking trails are the sirens of my demise, and of course, the beaches are stunning. My friend, John, wants to tag along for the volcanoes. He’s on his own with that. Potentially going out in a literal blaze is not a part of my 2017 resolutions..
5. Jamaica
It’s been a year and a half since I left home, and I miss the friends who without a doubt helped me get to where I am today.
We’ve kept in touch all this time, and they’ve remained an indispensable part of my life. But our friendships were built on adventures! It’s time we had a few more together.
The awesome part about Jamaica is that travel expenses are minimal for me. I have no end of places to stay from one end of the island to the next, and I already know exactly where to go and what to do.
The tough part will be fitting it all into four days. So here’s to hoping this island girl gets to see home before the year is done!
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What places do you plan to visit this year? Have you already started your travel adventures? Tell me all about them in the comments below.
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UPDATE: I cancelled my 2017 travel plans until further notice. This is due to the executive orders and political and legal uncertainty facing non-citizens in America. You can read about that decision, here.
Of all the places you have in mind, I notice you left out New England. We are going back to Maine in September, up near Bar Harbor. I grew up and spent 50 years in Oregon, so California and Hawaii are places I visited often. For geography, nothing beats Big Sur in Northern California and the Hana Road on Maui. Vegas was too weird for me, but good for a glimpse of fake everything, including fake Italy. We are on a continual love affair with Canada. Quebec City is a great change of pace and a chance to review your French. The Gaspe Peninsula is breathtaking. The dollar exchange rate is for the moment very favorable, though who knows what’s ahead.
Wow. Didn’t realize how long winded I can be(though those close to me aren’t surprised.)
Show off! Haha, I’m kidding! Your advice is always gold.
You’re right, I haven’t been to any of the New England states. Guess I never really had a big reason to head out there though NH looks like a cool place to go hiking too.
I need to start hiding out in your suitcase. You got room for me in there? Don’t forget the breathing holes for me and Shadow.
I mostly just want to hike in Vegas. I’m not really into the night scene.
I drive a grandmother minivan so my daughter can look cool in her own sporty car and I can lug everything around. So no suitcase, but you are welcome in one of the 8 seats and to use one of the 213 cup holders( usually filled with grandchildren’s empty cans and bottles.)
Whaaaaaat! Me and Shadow are on our way! And your daughter is hilarious. Why doesn’t she just ride with you?
Canada ❤ I got chills at the moment, only thinking about it. Anyway, wish you luck for a superb story once you return and visit all of them~!
Haha! Oh you know I’ll be sharing the whole journey with you guys for sure.
What do you love about Canada? And any travel plans for 2017?
The exquisite scenery of nature and cities ❤ Unfortunately, no travel plans at all.. I think I will have to concentrate on my studies further..
Aw, well I hope you at least get some hiking in. You don’t need to travel far, to take a memorable trip! 🙂
Been to Vegas more times than I want to admit but really want to go to Hawaii! Hope you enjoy your trip back home 🙂
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas so I won’t ask, curious as I am! Haha.
So Hawaii for 2017 then? My client gives pretty good rates. I can let you know what their official numbers are when they launch.
Sweet! And yeah, about that Vegas thing…hehehe. Not sure if we’ll make Hawaii for 2017 cause right now we are contemplating a road trip across the country to Utah and hike our buns off. (Have I lost my mind???? lol )
Utah always looked amazing to me, but the people seem scary lol. Great hiking trails though. You should go for it!
Scary people are everywhere but there is so much to photograph in those parks I’ve got to kick it off my bucket list 🙂
Indeed, but lots of folks out there that wouldn’t be happy to see me in particular. Or so, I’ve heard.
Kick it off your list! Make it happen!
It all sounds very exciting. Good luck with it all.
Thank Fatima!
If you end up coming to Australia, make sure you visit the Blue Mountains! It’s beautiful and I am sure you would thoroughly enjoy it 🙂
We have Blue Mountains in Jamaica too so I’d visit to see the namesake haha. Does it have great hiking trails?
Yes, it definitely does! I would suggest the ‘National Pass’ walk in Wentworth Falls, or the ‘Grand Canyon’ walk in Blackheath
Got it, thanks! 🙂
You guys have really given some excellent advice. I’ll be checking the comments all year before my trips haha.
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Great choices, Canada and Jamaica are my favourites on your list, I’d love to visit them too, hope you get there
What’s stopping you? You should totally go for it! And thank you 🙂
An expensive mortgage is my main problem, but I know what you mean, never say never. Have fun ✌🏻
Yeah… that can do that. Time to downsize? I keep a small home just for that reason haha
I hope you get to all your destinations this year. Vegas is fun…and California – sunny.
I hope so too. Any plans for you?
yes already booked for a 14 day cruise in France. We arrive in Nice then head down to Arlse for a cruise up the Rhone then head to Paris for another cruise up the Seine. Im already looking for 2018 🙂
That sounds amazing! One of my clients are about to launch their travel agency. They might be able to help you get better rates on your 2018 trip!
sounds great Alexis 🙂
Wow this is an amazing list of places to visit especially Canada! My Dad lives in California and I love it! I wish you the best visiting these places 🙂
Thank you! What has you so excited about Canada?
Any travel plans for you?
I would love to go on a ski holiday and got told Canada is amazing apparently…I would love to go travelling but need to save first (I always think I need to buy something…when I maybe don’t you see.) I like countryside in the summer so somewhere with amazing views would b great!
Try to prefer the big numbers in your bank account instead. I live on half of my pay check each month. Saving for renovations, travel, and a car!
I want also visit california and canada so bad 🙁 May all your wishes come true <3 <3
I hope you make it as well. Turn them into goals and work at it!