Lets be honest, if I could I would be constantly traveling 364 days of the year. I’ve been lucky enough to spend two weeks in Thailand, a few days in Dubai and a week in New Orleans in 2016. My bucket list of dream destinations for 2017 is long but for brevity’s sake I’ll narrow it down to my top five destinations for next year.
The Maldives
Every time I see those perfect beaches and wooden bungalows pop up on Instagram I want to throw my phone in jealousy. Just kidding, sorta. But honestly, the Maldives has been on my list for a long time now. It seems like one the most relaxing and beautiful places in the world. It’s my ideal location to sip a fruity cocktail in my overwater bungalow loving life in 2017. If you’ve ever been I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Iceland
An extended road trip around the Iceland ring was on my list for 2016 but I never made it there. So for 2017 I’m making it a priority. Before it gets overrun with tourists, I want to experience the beauty of the Northern Lights without someone else’s flash going off next to me. The colorful houses and authentic hot dog stands are another big part of the appeal of this desolate destination. Not to mention, some of the best landscapes in the world, rivaled only by New Zealand or so I hear.
Cape Town
A coastal metropolis with stunning vistas, penguin-filled beaches and trendy restaurants, what more could I ask for in a place to travel? I’ve had a few friends travel to South Africa and seeing their pictures at the top of Table Mountain gave me serious travel envy. Instead of a typical safari, which I’m saving for Tanzania, I want to focus on the city and visiting nearby gritty Joburg.
Tuscany
As weird as it sounds a book about Tuscany’s infamous serial killer, The Monster Of Florence, made me really want to travel there. Not to mention all the delicious pasta and pizza I can get my hands on. Visiting the Duomo, eating gelato and strolling through the city sounds ideal right now. Then, I want to pretend I’m in “Under The Tuscan Sun” and rent a villa during the summer. Swimming against rolling hills of olive groves and wineries is my dream
Bali
I’m a firm believer is never visiting the same place twice. There are way too many incredible places on this planet to see. I’ve already been to Bali but I want to visit again to maybe plan out a very extended stay. The beach clubs in Seminyak and the spas in Ubud are among the best in the world. The restaurants are a foodies dream. Anywhere you can get an incredible burger then walk down to the beach is a place I want to be. Bali is perfect mix of East meets West.
Check out more on my resolutions for 2017!
One of my best friends was in Iceland last Summer and she got to see the whole thing without the stinging cold you’d get in Winter! Unless you are prepared for pretty low temperatures, which need also a special equipment, for yourself and your camera, Summer or Spring are the best periods for going to Iceland, provided that there it’s never really “warm”. As for Tuscany, it’s awesome, but the best pizza comes from Napoli, where we invented it, so it’s Campania, in the South! 🙂
Yeah haha but I’m all about the Northern Lights, so if it’s cold I’ll put up with it! Yes, been to the south of Italy, amazing pizza!
Iceland is on my list for this year too after not making it last year! I just keep hearing so many good things and seeing so many amazing pics.
I know right?! Worth the short trip from NYC for me!
The Maldives should be on every list! Great list here.
Thank you so much Nicole!
We’ve been to only two of these destinations, but would love to see them all ❣️?
We’ve been to only two of these destinations, but would love to see them all ❣️? Hopefully 2017 will take us to the rest ✈️
Yes, same! Two is pretty good though, I’m jealous!
As an Italian, Tuscany is a great choice but I’ll take the liberty of recommending Umbria! You will not be disappointed! ? Just very personal opinion! Look forward to reading about all your travels!
Oh, thanks for the tip. I’d love to check out both on the same triP!
All of this looks so very exciting! I want to come with you, Katie!!
Wow so many amazing places!
Iceland (for a second time) and Indonesia are on my list, too! I’d also love to do Thailand in 2017, as I’ve still never been.
Awesome! I’ve got a whole Thailand guide from my trip, if you end up going let me know and I’ll send it to you!