Disclaimer: This list is never the same two days in a row so this is correct as at 3rd May 2017. If you’re reading this on any other date then it’s probably changed! Actually, if you’re reading this post on that date then it’s probably already changed!
My ultimate travelling aim is to visit each country in the world, obviously! I’ve been thinking about trying to write down a list of countries or places that I’d like to visit for a while and the below is my current attempt at it! I’m always open to recommendations so I really want to hear what you guys think. What else should I add to this list? Let me know in the comments or by emailing me here.
5. Iguazu Falls
Picture above taken by Martin St-Amant
This one is me kind of cheating because it’s on the border between three countries: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. So with one fell swoop I’d be able to knock off two countries that I’ve never been to before (I’ve already visited Brazil). There are around 275 smaller waterfalls along the edge of the Parana Plateau with the Devil’s Throat being the tallest at 82m.
I’d couple the visit to Iguazu Falls with a trip to the markets in Ciudad del Este. Apparently the trade here contributes around 30% of Paraguay’s c$9bn GDP. From the stories I’ve read you can literally buy anything at these markets… Anything! It’s the kind of place that would be interesting to see but probably a place you’d want to get away from pretty quickly!
Taedong River, Pyongyang by David Stanley
4. North Korea
This is probably the most surprising entry on my list. For some odd reason, North Korea has always intrigued me. It is probably one of the very few countries in the world where you can experience something truly different. The highly secretive state, controlled by Kim Jong-un, is extremely difficult to get in to for an average tourist and it can be prohibitively expensive.
The only real way to enter the country is to go via a touring company, of which there are a few. The cost of this is roughly £1,000 but you enter from China by plane or by train. If I was to travel to the UK it would probably total around £2,000 which makes it difficult to convince someone to accompany me! You can only see what the North Korean officials want you to see but I have to go one day!
3. Egypt: Pyramids
The Great Pyramid of Giza is only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence today. I carried out a project on Ancient Egypt when I was around ten and I’ve been fascinated ever since. The history behind the massive stone structures and the intrigue behind how they were made makes it a must visit.
The Pyramids are around 30 minutes away from Cairo so a sail along the Nile River could be added to the trip. This is the easiest one on my list to get to so this will be the one I probably get round to first. The average temperature there makes it particularly appealing to someone from Scotland too!
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
2. Australia
I don’t really want to narrow it down anymore because I’d love to visit so much of Australia. (2021 EDIT: I’ve now been!) The tourist areas in Sydney, Kangaroo Island, the Great Barrier Reef, the nature, the wildlife, wine, food. There is so much to see and do in Australia that I’d have to plan the trip really well if it’s only a two week trip. The travel time alone from the United Kingdom is around 24 hours so that puts me off ever so slightly. Does anyone want to buy me business class flights to Sydney?!
Kangaroo Island is one place that just looks so cool. It’s just off the west coast of Australia near Adelaide and it’s exactly what it says on the tin. Imagine playing around with hundreds of kangaroos! I’d probably try and throw in a trip to New Zealand in too, I’ve heard it’s just like Scotland (but with much nicer weather…). Sydney Harbour Bridge selfie coming soon (hopefully!).
1. Thailand
It seems like everyone has been to Thailand but I’ve never been (2018 EDIT: I’ve now been! Read about my trip here). It’s the go to place for travellers embarking on a gap year or extended travel but I’ve never had the chance to visit yet. Again I am kind of cheating by not narrowing it down. Thailand has so much to see and do, from sprawling cities to amazing beaches and modern architecture to 12th century temples.
When I visit Thailand I think I’ll split it up in to two sections. The first part would be doing all of the most touristy things and the last section just enjoying the beaches. I’ve not even started on the Thai food which is also amazing. The country is just so diverse which makes it easy to put in to my number 1!
Machu Picchu usually makes this list but that narrowly misses out this time. Galápagos Islands and Maldives have also just missed out!
I really want to hear from you. Have I missed somewhere you’ve been and you would highly recommend? I can’t wait to read your suggestions in the comments!
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
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