Dream Destinations: Exploring My 5-Year Travel Bucket List
- Emma Hamrick
- Feb 10, 2024
- 3 min read
On my fridge, there’s a handwritten note on a random piece of scrap paper titled “My 5-Year Travel Bucket List.” So I figured I’d make it a digital list so we can cross it off together.
Why five years? Well, a lot can happen in that time. Five years ago, I was new to LA, had my very first job in the entertainment industry, lived alone, and had never considered the prospect of a global pandemic. Needless to say, a lot has changed, and a lot will change in the five years ahead.
Do I think I’ll go to all of these places in the next five years? No, but I wish! In a twist of fate, two of the biggest trips I’ll go on since writing the list weren’t even destinations on my radar (Egypt and soon, Peru!). But that won’t stop me from daydreaming. So here it is…
My Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Italy
Ever since I saw Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and the Lizzie McGuire Movie, Lake Como and Rome have been my dream travel destinations (Ah, the power of cinema). Factor in the food, history, art, and natural wonders and I truly can’t think of a more appealing destination. Basic? Yes. But this is what dreams are made of!
Banff
Glacial lakes and a castle hotel? Sign me up! As far back as I can remember, the images of Lake Louise captivated me. Factor in the great hiking trails and quaint town surrounding the National Park and you have the perfect location for a long weekend trip (one day)!
Mesa Verde
In fourth grade, I learned about the Pueblo Native Americans living in cave dwellings. I put a sticky note on the picture in my textbook so that I could look back at it. The idea of people living on the cliffs mesmerized me and still does to this day. Mesa Verde is located out of the way in Southwest Colorado, making it a challenging place to visit. But mark my words, I will see it one day!
Greece
In the same vein as Italy, Greece perfectly encapsulates the blend of food, history, art, and nature. I’m especially drawn to the Greek Isles and hope to see the sunset in Santorini one day.
Sun Valley, Idaho
This one is a little more personal than the rest. My partner was born and raised in this charming ski town and I’ve yet to visit. The photos of the valley in winter look like a snow globe come to life. I like my odds of crossing this one off sooner rather than later!
Kauai
It’s no secret that Hawaii is my happy place. But I’ve yet to visit the island of Kauai. With the dense jungle, stunning cliffs, and, from what I hear, more relaxed vibes, I have a feeling Kauai could be my favorite of the islands.
Iceland
Seeing the Northern Lights has been on my bucket list forever. Add in volcanoes and the Blue Lagoon and Iceland is moving up quickly on my priority list of travels!
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Another (admittedly embarrassing) personal addition to the list. Despite having grown up in the suburbs of Detroit, I’ve only ever gone to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (or the U.P. as the Michiganders say) to hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island. Now that my brother attends college up north, I have a good excuse to explore the Keweenaw Peninsula, visit Tahquamenon Falls, and adventure through the wilderness of Michigan’s north.
The African Savannah
My dad and brother visited Africa back in the early 2010s, and at the time, the idea of seeing the circle of life play out IRL repulsed me. While I do think I might be a bit squeamish with some of the sights, going to Egypt helped me gain confidence for “adventurous travel.” So maybe someday you’ll catch me on the African Savannah (or, you’ll catch me in the resort pool overlooking the watering hole in between safaris!).
England
Despite studying abroad in Ireland, I never got to puddle jump across the Isle of Man to London. In my mind, London and New York City are sisters with London being the posh, architecturally interesting one. I’d also love to visit the picturesque Cotswolds and Cornwall (where my great-grandmother was born).
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