One of the best parts of summer is the ability to travel without having to think of schoolwork, meetings and deadlines. Yes, most of us have internships or jobs, but there’s a certain flexibility that is only there during the long four month summer break.

My family usually takes one big vacation each summer, partly to relax and partly to get away from the monotony of the Texas suburbs and accompanying heat. The past two summers I’ve planned my own vacations with family and friends, going to places such as Yellowstone, the Virgin Islands, Seattle, Austin and New York City.

By the time the summer comes to a close, all my friends and I have stories to tell of the places we’ve been and what we did while there. Not only are the stories entertaining knowing how crazy we can be, but they also motivate me to go to some of those same places one day. Hearing about adventures in Thailand and England and Italy and Australia only make me want to travel the world more (if only I had the funds now!).

I’ve compiled a list of the top vacation destinations I want to go to. Most are not the typical either, but beautiful nonetheless!

Japan

Between one of my friends being part Japanese and another going to Japan this summer, I have to say this is a place very high on my travel list. Of course I love sushi too!

Iceland/Norway

I think the whole Scandinavian area is worth exploring. However, I'm particularly for Iceland because it has fjords, volcanic regions and the northern lights anyone! Recently, I've also heard of this village of igloos in Norway (see below). The cold doesn't bother me so I'm all for going here!

Thailand

Honestly Thailand seems like it has it all- temples and ruins, beaches, palaces and an urban space.

Peru

Machu Picchu! My family has been trying to plan a trip here, especially after seeing some of the Mayan ruins in Mexico. One day!

Glacier National Park

Who wouldn't want to stand on top of a glacier? Even better this is still in the US.

South Africa

This was actually a place I was considering studying abroad in next spring. It seems vastly different than any other place I've been to and boasts of a safari culture while also being home to the famous Cape Town.