Tuesday 14 January 2014

A 10 Things Tuesday and a Trip List 1/52

As one of my challenges to myself on my '52 Things to do in 52 Weeks' I decided to write down '50 places I would love to visit- The Ultimate Trip List'!.

As I was gathering inspiration from the dayzeroproject I realised that I have been in the lucky position to have visited many places that seem to crop up on other people's lists. Visiting Italy, The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas all make it to the top 101 things to do of all time- and I can gratefully say I have been there already.

So I sat and perused the lists, studied the Atlas and looked at my new calendar of '1000 place to see before you die' and eventually came up with my list.

There are so many fabulous and interesting places that I would love to visit- even if just in my imagination- but I also thought I would share for my 10 Things Tuesday, some of the places I have visited that made it onto other peoples lists and which were always the places I wanted to go to when I was much younger. I remember being at primary school and pouring over an Atlas, deciding where I would go to when I was a 'grown up'. So here are my trip lists- My done, and my wishful thinking!

1. Grand Canyon


There's a reason this makes it to the top 101 things to do / places to see ever- A natural wonder- and one I will never tire of.

2. Galapagos Islands


Charles Darwin certainly has a lot to answer for- The ultimate real live nature documentary- where everyday feels like you are David Attenborough! I think this is probably the most amazing place I have ever been to- and that says something!
3. Borneo



Think of Borneo and think of Orangutans, rainforests and Head Hunters- Luckily the Head Hunters have all gone- but the Oranguatans and Rainforests are still here- But with deforestation, logging and Palm oil plantations- who knows how long for!

4. Halong Bay, Vietnam


An exotic sounding name, that conjures a thousand images. Images that are surpassed when you see it in real life. Despite the grey skies, Halong bay has too many superlatives to describe it!

5. New York City



What can I say- One of my favourite places in the world- and I have no idea why- There is just something about NYC that gets under your skin.

6. Big Sur, USA



I watched a travel programme a few years back that showed Route 1, The Coastal Highway, winding its way down from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then beyond to San Diego. In the summer of 2009 I was lucky enough to take an epic road trip which included this iconic route. Driving around those bends, with sheer drops into the ocean on your side was just amazing- I loved it!

7. Bali


I'd always wanted to visit Bali- it always sounded so exotic-It didn't really look anything like my expectations- Much more touristy and commercialsed- But I still love it- it has a certain feel and a way about it, that makes me want to go back and visit again and again.

8. Machu Pichu


Spring 2008, saw me sitting at the Inca ruins of Machu Pichu, in Peru. I took the easy route, via train and a short trek- as the Inca trail had been booked up for many months prior- But it was still as spectacular- and everything I had imagined it to be. We were there for sunrise- and it was just magical.

9. African Safari


I have been lucky enough to go on Safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Uganda- And I would still love to do it all again!

10. China

 
Now I know this image isn't technically China- For those in the know- It's actually Chinatown in Singapore- However I have travelled to China, twice, way back when - before the digital revolution- and in the absence of having my film camera photos here to scan- This will have to do!
I will at some point try and find, scan and upload- all of my non digital photos- but that may be a long while coming!!

In no order of preference My Wish List would be:
Angkor Wat, Hong Kong, Sydney, The Gold Coast, Myanmar, Jordan, Siem Reap, See the Northern Lights, Malacca, The Great Barrier Reef, Madagascar, Tanzania, Taj Mahal, Sri Lanka, Northern India, Easter Island, Wimbledon, Whale watching, Meking Delta, Sipidan, Paris (Again), New York (Again) Texas, African Safari, The Shetland Isles, The Scottish Islands of Coll, Muck, Eigg and Rhum, Iceland, Seoul, 58th Parallel, Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, Washington and Oregon Coast, Rio, Patagonia, Nashville, Seaham Beach, Brunei and of course the real Graham's Landing,South Carolina.  I would also love to revisit 'my' Graham's Landing- Carolina Beach NC.

But for those eagle eyes among you, you will notice that, as yet, I've only got 40 places on my list- For you see, I'm sure there are many places out there that I should visit, but I have yet to discover them- Any suggestions will be gratefully received:)
Amanda x

17 comments:

  1. You have had so many amazing travel opportunities! I'm jealous, in the nicest way possible. :) I think you should visit New Mexico, I know a cute little house where you can stay. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, now there's a thought:) You might regret saying that:)

      Delete
  2. Oh my goodness, what a list of places you've been to and places still to see! Out of all of them, I've only been to Paris, and haven't been beyond Europe. I would love to do the drive down the coast of California.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And there's a whole more of them, from where they came from- I have been very luck to travel to so many places- 61 countries at the last count.

      Delete
  3. Wow, what an amazing life you've lead! The Grand Canyon would be on my list and I'd love to do Big Sur having only got as far as Monterey Bay/Carmel. Actually anywhere in America would be on my list as I love it. Closer to home I'd love to see Puglia and the trulli houses. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Southern Italy- That sounds interesting, I've been to Northern Italy- but not the south- so there's a thought:). I liked Monterey Bay and Carmel- We managed to go whale watching from there- It was a cool trip:)

      Delete
  4. I would love to go to Big Sur, that would definitely be on my list. I would suggest that you add Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada to your list. It is so beautiful and a wonderful place to visit! Good luck with visiting all of the wonderful places on your list and many more! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Been to Tahoe too- Sorry!- Saw a very cute bear cub and her mother whilst I was there- It is a lovely place. I remember going to visit a very Swiss looking house when I was there too- Although I didn't win anything at the Casino! But yes Big Sur is a real treat- you can pretend to be Jeremy Clarkson and drive with the top down, with the wind in your hair:)

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It was lovely to see all the wonderful places you have the opportunity to visit. I would love to travel more!
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I have been very lucky- My plans for later in the year, is to post about many of these places- So at least you can get to Visit them through my eyes- Until you ever get the chance to go on your own:}

      Delete
  7. Gosh you are so lucky to have visited so many amazing places. I've not been further than Northumberland or Cornwall, haha, but there are so many placed I'd dearly love to visit, if only could afford holidays abroad! If I ever have the money and time to travel, I think I'll just use your blog as a travel guide!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I have been lucky- and constantly in debt!- However there are loads of places I've never been to in England- so I should spend time doing that too:)

      Delete
  8. You are one well traveled lady! Some of those places - wow. I've been to a few - the Grand Canyon is a place I'll never forget. My husband and I started our honeymoon in San Francisco and we'd planned to drive slowly down route 1, taking in Big Sur among other places on our way south. Well, it rained and rained, and there were land slides and road closures, and we did see some nice places, but mainly the motorway, until we arrived at our destination in San Diego. Oh well, it was still a nice honeymoon. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh That was a shame about the rain- as the scenery is stunning- but I'm sure as it was your honeymoon it was still very special:)

      Delete
  9. Wow what a collection of holiday destinations. A few I've been to but the others I shall just have to look at your pictures and dream!
    Patricia x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow - you have certainly been to some fabulous places. New Zealand should be on your list - both islands, lots to see and do.

    ReplyDelete

If you'd like to make a comment I'd love to hear from you. Thanks :)