I think it’s always fun to set some travel goals, or at least keep a list of the places that you’d like to visit sooner rather than later. Several months back, I shared some of the points hotels I’m hoping to eventually stay at, and in this post I wanted to share the destinations I’m most hoping to visit.
The travel destinations I most hope to visit
Before I share my list of top travel destinations that I’d like to visit, let me note a few things:
- I’m not in any way suggesting that the below are necessarily the most interesting places I’ve never been to, but rather they’re just places that pique my interest for one reason or another, and a visit is on my mind
- Most of the places on the list are countries I haven’t been to, but in some cases they’ll be regions or territories of countries I’ve already visited in some capacity
- In most cases there’s also an airline or hotel angle here (after all, that’s my business), so there are interesting airlines to try and hotels to stay at
- I’m trying to keep a list of places that’s realistic to visit in the near future based on my current life situation, so I’m leaving off some places that really interest me but will take a lot of effort, like Antarctica, North Korea, the Falkland Islands, Saint Helena, etc.
With that out of the way, below are some of the places that I’d most like to visit, in no particular order.
Kyrgyzstan
In recent years I’ve visited Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and had an incredible time. There’s something so fun about visiting a place where you don’t really come in with any specific expectations. Logically Kyrgyzstan is next on that list for me.
There’s even a Hyatt Regency in Bishkek. It’s just too bad that Turkish Airlines no longer operates a fifth freedom flight from Bishkek to Ulaanbaatar.
Namibia
Ford and I were supposed to visit Namibia in April 2020, though of course that got canceled due to the pandemic. I’m still hoping to make this trip sometime, as Namibia has so much to offer, from amazing safari experiences to beautiful coastline.
Greenland
Greenland has been on my travel bucket list for way too long, and my plan is for 2025 to finally be the year that I visit. There’s also an interesting aviation angle, from Air Greenland now flying an Airbus A330-800neo, to Air Greenland operating a flight to Iqaluit, to Nuuk getting a new airport, to United launching a Newark to Nuuk route.
Faroe Islands
I love nature destinations, and I’ve heard great things about the Faroe Islands. This is pretty accessible from many points in Europe, and there’s now even a points hotel there (a Hilton Garden Inn). Maybe this can even be tied in with a trip to Greenland.
Arctic Canada
The Canadian Arctic is surprisingly accessible by air, and I imagine it has absolutely gorgeous scenery. I’d love to visit in summer, and do a bunch of interesting flights. Perhaps the perfect opportunity is also Air Greenland operating service between Iqaluit and Nuuk.
Peru
I realize I’m way behind the curve on this one, but I’ve never visited Peru (aside from connecting at the airport). I think it’s time to finally visit Lima, Machu Picchu, etc.
Bolivia
I recently had the chance to fly Boliviana de Aviacion, though didn’t have the chance to properly visit Bolivia. I’d love to fly into Uyuni Airport, which is one of the highest elevation commercial airports in the world, at over 12,000 feet above sea level. I’d also love to then visit the nearby salt flats, which are the biggest in the world.
Does anyone have any insights on the most approachable way to do this without being away from home for too long? I’m just trying to be realistic, because I know many people tie in Uyuni and Atacama, and that might be getting too long.
Albania
Of countries in Europe I haven’t been to, Albania is one of the two countries that interests me most. The country is surrounded by other countries that I love (Greece, Montenegro, and Italy just across the sea), and I’ve heard good things from those who visited. I’ve also found Albanians around the world to consistently be friendly. If anyone has tips for what’s a “must-see” beyond Tirana, I’d love to learn.
Georgia
No, I’m not talking about the state that’s home to the world’s most premium airline, but rather I’m talking about the country in Eastern Europe. 😉 I’m fascinated by Georgia, and in particular would love to visit Tbilisi. I’ve heard it’s a great place to visit, and in particular, that the food is excellent.
There’s also an airline and hotel angle, as I’d love to fly Georgian Airways’ mysterious Boeing 767, and stay at Paragraph Freedom Square, a Marriott Luxury Collection property in Tbilisi.
Guatemala
A few years ago Guatemala really got on my radar, simply because it’s easy to get to, beautiful (from what I’ve seen), has some great points hotels I could review, and flights there are typically cheap. I’m still hoping to do this as a weekend trip in the near future, as it’s an easy enough journey.
Greece (new islands)
Greece is one of my favorite countries in the world, and I’ve been there more times than I can count. The more often I visit Greece, the more I want to go back and visit new islands, whether it’s Corfu, Milos, or Antiparos. If there are any other islands that absolutely should be on my list, please let me know (and if there’s a points hotel angle, all the better!).
Bottom line
It’s always fun to keep a list of the places you most want to visit, and the above is a list of the places that are front-of-mind for me when planning travel. I’m probably forgetting quite a few places I’ve been wanting to check out, but I think this list should keep me pretty busy.
If anyone has tips or experiences with any of these destinations, I’d welcome them. And I’d also love to hear what destinations OMAAT readers have on their lists?
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