I’ve been listening to a lot of travel podcasts lately, which is naturally making my feet itch. To scratch them between travels, I bring to you the countdown of my 7 travel dreams and my 3 travel no thank yous. It’s July 3rd, why not?

7 Travel Dreams

7. Ausangate Trek – Peru

Some of my absolute favorite photographs on Instagram are of the colorful hills on the Ausangate Trek in Peru. I would love to feel the beautiful silk sand, have the breeze turn my cheeks pink, and take a photo amongst the incredible colors of the mountains.

6. Tango Lessons – Buenos Aires, Argentina

I think it is more that I just so desperately want to go to Buenos Aires in general. But more than that, Tango is one of my most favorite dances – I always watch in absolute awe. Even though I know I will be terrible at it, I would love to take a week of Tango classes in Buenos Aires and willingly make a fool out of myself.

5. Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan

Who wouldn’t want to see something as spectacular as this? Someone told me a story about teaching English in Japan. He woke up one morning and little pods of pink started to peak out of the trees right outside his window. The next morning, he woke up and the entire scenery outside of the window was full of perfect pink flowers, flooded, everywhere. This, to me, is a dream!

4. Fête des Lumières – Lyon, France

If you have never heard of this, I guarantee if you researched it, this will also be on the top of your list. The Fête des Lumières is a big light festival in Lyon around Christmas time. Grab a mulled wine, listen to some Christmas music, and watch as Christmas lights flood the streets and paint the buildings all around you. Not to mention, Lyon is absolutely an incredible city without the Christmas spirit. I can only imagine how perfect it is to add the Fête des Lumières on top of the existing beauty.

3. Tropical Tree House – Costa Rica

I’ve always dreamed of a good book, laying in a hammock, birds chirping, howler monkeys reading over my shoulder, outside of a tree house hotel in Costa Rica. Now doesn’t that sound pretty fantastic? Considering my luck with mosquitos, I’ll need to lather up with repellent and probably still get covered. I don’t care though, it would be totally worth it – the life of a traveler!

2. Olympics – anywhere

I almost had an opportunity to go to the Olympics in London, but just missed it and always was sad about it. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve watched competitive women’s gymnastic. It is an absolute dream of mine to see the All Around events for women’s gymnastics at the Olympics. Someday, I’ll make it there!

1.  Gorilla Trek – Rwanda

When people used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to say a Gorilla trainer. Gorillas have been my favorite animals since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to walk amongst the gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda since I was about 5 years old. It is very expensive and you have to be in great shape, but I will prepare and someday do this! When that day comes, it will be an absolute dream come true.

*************************************************************************************************

3 Travel No Thank Yous.

3. Eat Balut – Southeast Asia

I’m very adventurous and willing to eat almost anything. I really enjoy going to a restaurant and pointing at something on the menu, having no idea what it is. I absolutely love trying cuisines from countries around the world – it is one of my favorite past times. EXCEPT. Key word. Except for Balut in Southeast Asia. This is the one food that I learned about during my travels in Southeast Asia and decided right then and there, that I wasn’t ever going to eat it. Balut, in short, is a half developed egg, and is a delicacy in Southeast Asia. If you are brave enough, be my guest and let me know how it is.

2. Drive in a city – Bangkok, New York City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, etc.

Even if someone paid me a million dollars, I would absolutely NOT drive in any major city, especially in Bangkok. I’m not the best driver and get way to anxious in general, then put me in a hectic city…not a pretty picture. I know people say that driving is the best way to see the countryside, and I agree. It is the best way to explore and really get to know a country. I just won’t be the one to drive.

1. Cave Diving – Mexico, Bahamas, USA

I’ve heard the best things about Cave Diving. Many adventure travelers love cave diving because it takes you to nooks and crannies of the world that many people don’t get the opportunity to see. That is great and I will enjoy their photos so much. The idea of cave diving makes my skin crawl and heart race faster. I already really can’t stand small spaces, so the idea of being immersed in a cave, often requiring diving to get to, is just terrifying.

What your top 7 travel dreams? Anything you absolutely would not do?