“The world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page.” - St. Augustine of Hippo.
I believe this is true.
There's something special about visiting someplace new that makes my heart happy and opens my eyes to the vastness of the world we live in. I love traveling and also have a bad case of wanderlust - a strong desire to travel, wander, and explore the world around me.
Here's my list of the top 10 places I'd like to travel to in the future.
1. China
I was adopted from China and have always wanted to go back to visit the country where I was born. I'd like to see walk the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City, see the Terracotta Army, and also go back to the orphanage.
Someday, I'll travel there and be reconnected with my birth country.
2. London, England
This is a city I'd love to spend a week exploring.
I'd love to watch a play in one of the theaters, see the changing of the guards at the Buckingham Palace, and explore some of London's best bookstores.
3. Italy
One of my favorite types of food in the world is pasta. I'd love to go to Italy for a week and eat nothing but pasta. Also, I'd like to ride a gondola while being serenaded by lovely music.
4. Switzerland
I'd love to travel all over Switzerland - especially the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, and Interlaken.
5. Seoul, South Korea
My fascination with Korea began with my love for K-pop and K-dramas. Then I became very interested in the language, culture, and food.
I'd like to travel to Seoul, Korea and walk through the busy streets at nighttime, eat delicious food from the street vendors, and also converse with the locals in their own language.
6. Spain
Spain is beautiful. The cities, the culture, the cuisine. I want to walk through the city streets and see the amazing architecture. Also, I'd love to visit the beach and dip my toes in the water.
7. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Anne of Green Gables. Need I say more?
Much of Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" series took place on this island. The lovable story tells of an orphan girl named Anne who was adopted by an elderly woman and her brother. Her adventures take her all over the island - through the woods, along the seashore, and in overgrown fields.
Traveling to Prince Edward Island would satisfy the "fan girl" in me for the book series I loved so much as a child.
8. Germany
Germany is country full of history. When I travel to Germany, I want to walk along the Berlin Wall, visit the Black Forest, and see many of the castles in the countryside.
9. Paris, France
This is the only place on my list that I've visited before, but I would go back in a heartbeat. Paris was absolutely stunning.
I visited all the main touristy destinations last time, but next time I'd like to experience Paris like a local. Go walking along the Seine river, sip coffee from cute coffee shops while reading faded poetry books, and pick up vintage finds from flea markets.
10. Ireland
Ireland is beautiful. Mainly, I want to kiss the Blarney stone at the Blarney Castle.
But I also want to eat some of their most famous foods - like Irish soda bread, Irish stew, and coddle.
"Adventure is worthwhile." - Aesop
"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien
"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost