Leslie the Wanderlust: my Travel Bucket List

 

One of my absolute favorite things in life is to travel.  For me, traveling creates lasting memories that we can share with our children and reflect on fondly for years to come.  Traveling opens up our hearts and our minds to how others live, allowing us to more easily relate to the rest of the world.  It makes us bigger than we are and shows us the history of the world that God has so wonderfully created for us.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love spontaneity and have always been a dreamer.  If you’d let me, I’d travel somewhere new every single month.  My husband often gets irritated with me because we’ll be on one vacation and I’m already thinking about the next….I’m a wanderlust, what can I say? lol.

One of the most common questions I get asked about is travel advice.  From where to go, what to see, places to stay, and even what to eat.  I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many incredible places and many of these are too good not to repeat or experience a second time.  So for all of you who have that travel itch, below I have compiled a list of some of my most memorable places to visit. In this travel bucket list post, I’ll touch on some of my very favorite places I’ve been lucky enough to see with these hazel-ish eyes. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for ALL my recommendations!

 

Travel Bucket List Outside of the US:

• Greece, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos…….Greece offers the most beautifully white-washed island towns built directly into the rock with pocket sized sandy beaches.  While visiting Rhodes we stayed inside the castle walls, you can still walk the town and see the castles perimeters after all of these years.  The water really is as blue as you imagine and the hospitality from its people will give you plenty of reasons not to want to leave.  Greece has an eclectically booming night life, but you’d better be a night owl because people don’t start to go out until midnight, yes I said start!  We traveled by a high speed ferry to and from the islands to see as much as possible, but be ware if you are a bit sea sick this might not be your cup of tea (it certianly wasn’t Justin’s lol).  Word to the wise: be sure to go during warm summer months like June, July or August.  We visited in April and in my opinion it was too cold and we couldn’t truly appreciate all of Greece’s beauty.
• Barcelona…..Is an enchanting seaside city with beautifully crafted narrow stoned streets and some of the most mouth watering pizza I have ever tasted.  My favorite was the honey and brie with Canadian bacon!!  Be sure to go see the opera which boasts world wide talent, stroll down La Rambla and the stunning Boqueria market, and then take in the innovative marvels of Picasso and Gaudi and witness Gaudi’s masterpiece: The Sagrada Familia.  It truly is a fairytale city for art and architecture enthusiasts.
• Paris…The most romantic city I have ever been too!  The Eiffel Tower is truly stately.  Bring the 4 B’s: a blanket, book, baguette and a bottle of wine and just take in its beauty.  Be sure to visit the Louvre for an art history lesson of a lifetime, take a boat down the Seine River, and marvel in the construction of the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, Luxembourg Gardens, Basilica du Sacre-Cour de Montmartre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.  Stroll down the side streets and eat where the locals eat, you will be glad you did! Shopping in Paris is unlike any other.  After all, this is the city of my beloved fashion icon, Coco Chanel.
• Rome…..The best history lesson I have ever received in or out of class.  To see what these engineering marvels created in person is almost surreal.  A guided tour of the Palatine Hill may be the highlight of your Roman history knowledge…who knew they had heated and cooled floors 2000 years ago?!? It truly makes you have an appreciation for the intelligence of our ancestors.  The food is decadently delicious, try the pasta carbonara, but don’t be in too much of a hurry because its customary for Italians to eat for several hours and late into the evening.  We did not know this and just kept waiting for our check…..for hours…..oops!  Get lost down the cobblestone streets and wander into the pubs, the friends you will make will stick with you for a lifetime.
• Maldives….probably my most visually memorable vacation to date!  We stayed in an overwater bungalow on the water in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  This vacation is for the true adventure seeker.  It took us 3 commercial flights and a sea plane, totaling 26 hours of travel time, but once you get there, you will be taken aback by the sheer beauty and tranquility!  We snorkeled with turtles,  took nightly cruises and met people from all over the world.  I really didn’t think I was going to come back!  Side note, this trip is much like Bora Bora, but you can save quite a bit by visiting here instead! Be sure to research the resorts as the prices fluctuate greatly and some islands offer many more activities than others.
• St. Lucia….One of the top places on my list as far as moderate destination travel time, cost, and unforgettable views.  My recommendation is to stay down on the southern part of the island.  Go zip lining, dip in the sulfer springs, visit Hotel de Chocolate (everything they make on the menu is made with cocoa!!).  Ladera is a fabulous hotel and only has three walls while sitting on a mountain ridge overlooking the two beautiful Pitons (famous mountains in St Lucia).  It’s view is one I will never forget the rest of my life.  We slept under a canopy bed hearing all of the animal sounds and watching the morning rain from bed.  Fun story: I left my iPad outside of the bed one night and had a little critter chew up my iPad cover haha.  If we go back, I would love to try Jade Mountain or Sugar Beach as well.
• Nice, France……The best boulangerie’s in the world and I would know because I live for dessert.  Seriously it’s the first thing I want to eat in the morning and the last thing I want before bed and occasionally in the middle of the night shhhh.  Be sure to visit the local markets, get a pinchet of wine while you sit outside of a cafe and people watch and then walk the board walk along the ocean.  You are just a quick jaunt from my two favorite places on the south of France listed next!
• Eze, France…Just a short, cheap train ride from Nice. Your jaw will drop at the site of this quaint, tiny commune, often referred to as an “Eagles nest” because of its location overlooking a high cliff above the French Mediterranean.  The views are unparalleled, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in Medieval times as you wind up the cobblestone streets, past shops and restaurants carved into rock.  The village was built as fortified stronghold complete with a beautiful garden at its apex.  There are very limited places to stay in Eze, but my favorite is the Cháteau de la Chèvre d’or
• Monaco…..the sheer luxury of this tiny country will astound you. It’s only 0.78 sq miles of area and 38,000 residents, but you surely will not be disappointed. First, visit the Monte Carlo Casino, it’s sure to be the nicest you have ever or will ever see, walk the shops but know you probably can’t afford anything lol.  Plan your trip during Monte Carlo Rolex tennis tournament-we got lucky enough to watch Federer vs. Nadal, with the court overlooking the pristine ocean, its like nothing you’ve ever seen before.  Marvel at the endless amount of amazing cars.  Monaco also hosts a yearly Grand Prix where they travel through the dangerously narrow streets of the city at breakneck speed.
• Cabo San Lucas….One of the best parts of this city is they offer an abundance of beautiful all-inclusive hotels, which really takes away the stress and worry about prices and carrying a wallet.  Visit the town and eat some of the local food.  Try a “michelada” its an experience you won’t forget and please be sure to tell me if you do.

 

 

Travel Bucket List Inside the US:

• Charleston, SC….This is my all time favorite city in the world. Charleston has some of the oldest US history, kindest southerners, and most eclectic and decadent food on the planet.  The ambiance and charm of this town is simply breathtaking and I could move there in a heartbeat.  My favorite places to stay are The Restoration, Belmond Charleston, and the Dewberry.  For restaurant recommendations or what to do while there, just ask!
• Highlands, NC …is a beautiful mountain town tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stay at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa and be sure to use the all-inclusive spa area…you will not be disappointed!  Get dinner at Paoletti’s across the street. Don’t miss Reign boutique for the cutest on-trend clothes! Its slow paced living is most appealing to me, no one is in a hurry and everyone is there to enjoy God’s beautiful landscape.  The food is incredible and there are tons of Bed and Breakfasts and cabins in the mountains with breathtaking views.
• Asheville, NC….This hipster town is known for its incredible mountainous views and frequently visited Biltmore mansion and estate-definitely don’t miss this if you haven’t been, especially at Christmas time.  Asheville is also known as Beer City USA with craft breweries on every corner-if you’d like to know the best, my husband will be happy to share them with you.  If beer isn’t quite your forte, it’s a foodies haven.  Cûrate it will really evolve your palate and open up your mind to trying new foods, while French Broad is the go-to place for after dinner chocolate delectables. Be sure to stop and stay at the Grove Park Inn and Spa.  This is the nicest spa I have ever been too and well worth the price tag!
• Park City, UT… Has the most nostalgic Main Street nestled at the base of the mountains.  From its eclectic eats to its couture shopping, this town is just a short 30 minute drive from Salt Lake City and well worth it!  The skiing is in my opinion second best to Vail, but boasts stunning views and some pretty sick runs for avid ski bunnies.  It also hosts the very acclaimed Sun Dance Film Festival each year which is sure to be great people watching.
• Lake Oconee, GA…..I love this town for its ease and yet remoteness from the demands of everyday life.  The Ritz Carlton Reynolds is the most serene luxury hotel nestled on a lake just outside the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.  Fantastic service and the best pool bar around.  My favorite part was the nightly smores by the fire!
• Vail, CO….Hands down the best US skiing in my opinion.  With fresh daily powder and posh pubs and eatery scenes, this is a true winter lovers dream.  Vail village oozes charm and has hot spots galore.  My top restaurant picks are Mountain Standard, Apres at the Tavern on the Square, Terra Bistro for dinner. For breakfast, put your name in extra early at the Little diner there is minimal seating but well worth the wait.  Get adventurous and book a dog mushing excursion, you won’t regret it, I promise!!!.  Use Montain Mushers a family owned business that truly value and treat the dogs as beloved pets.  Be sure to jump over to Beaver Creek and visit the shops and food scence it’s well worth it.  The Blue Moose and Hooked are two of my favorites.
• San Diego, CA….weather weather weather.  You simply cannot beat San Diego’s perfect climate.  This town has so much to do from the multicultural restaurants to the board walk you will not get bored.  One of the highlights of my trip was hiking Torrey Pines which overlooked staggering cliffs above the ocean with friends.  Be sure to visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado, with its relaxing beauty and seaside charm.  It has hands down the best brunch I have ever eaten!
• Maui, Hawaii ….Hawaii holds a very special place in my heart because we went here on our honeymoon.  We dined with the locals, experienced the Lahaina luau, took a day trip around the island seeing waterfalls and visiting vineyards on the Road to Hana-a must do while here, and failed, I mean mastered, surfing for the first time lol.
• Rosemary Beach, FL……the most charming and laid back community for families with children of all ages, not to mention the softest white sandy beaches you will ever walk on.  This majestic place feels like it’s halted in time in the 1960’s.  From the candy shops to movies on the lawn, families ride their bikes all over 30A to and from the beach.  Go on a date outside under the stars at Caliza, shop at my favorite Willow boutique and take the kids to the Sugar Shak for waaaay too much sugar lol.   Visit my favorite ultra luxury boutique hotel the Pearl, it’s old world European architecture and distinctive black and white awnings will lure you in so that you never want to leave.  At Rosemary, you will be sure to create memorable moments captured by every generation.
• Seattle, WA…..This city holds a special place in my heart because our dearest friends live here and I adore its brisk mornings and misty rain.  It makes me want to visit every single coffee shop there and curl up and read my favorite Jane Austin novel.  Our favorite coffee there is Caffe Ladro, though you really can’t go wrong! To our surprise, there are fantastic wineries here, including Chateau St Michelle. Grab dinner at Westward. Eat fresh oysters. Experience salmon chowder for the first time-it’s fantastic! I could go on and on. From its scenic beauty on the water to its endless hiking trails, Seattle truly has something for everyone.   Our last visit here, we took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island, took in the charming shops while sipping on delicious coffee.

 

Travel Bucket List: Places I’m Dying to See:

• Iceland…..Curl up in a warm blanket with the one I love most to see the Northern Lights and sleep in a glass igloo.
• Yellowstone National Park…..Take a long road trip across the country like one of my best friends did with her kids and  stay in a giant TeePee surrounded by the mountains.  We all need to unplug from todays overly dependent technology and this is the perfect way to do it!
• Ireland…Dig deeper into our heritage, both Justin and I are Irish and can’t wait to learn more about our ancestry.  Visit the castles and local pubs and drink all the beer we can imagine.  Look for a leprechaun, Rivleigh is adamant they still live here lol and play a round of golf overlooking the cliffs.
• Almafi Coast…..Dying to tour the coastlines of southern Italy and take a catamaran onto the ocean.  From the century old streets to the piercing towns built into the cliffs the views are something I dream to see.
• Blackberry Farms, TN…..This often secretive, not overly promoted, hidden gem is in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Walland, TN.  It’s family owned and is one of America’s most intimate luxury hotels.  As they say, it’s guests want to escape the modern day frenzy and get into a Blackberry Farms state of mind.  I’ve certainly been waiting to get in that state of mind!
• London….I’ll be honest my two favorite movies are Love Actually and Notting Hill very girly I know, but the charm and the accents just get me every….single….time.  I love the hustle bustle of the city, the craze over the British Monarchy, and the pandemonium over futbol.  It really makes me just want to be a local and eat some fish and chips in a pub!
• Bali…..This is a new place I’ve recently been coveting because the terrain is similar to that of the Maldives with beautiful beaches and coral reefs.  It’s true Indonesian paradise.
• The Greenbrier…..Head to the stunning mountains of West Virginia and immerse in a new era of elegance at this historic luxury resort full of leisurely pursuits to entertain the entire family.

There it is, my exuberant travel bucket list.  I hope you enjoyed it and it gave you some new ideas of places that you might want to see.

What about you? What’s on your travel list? Let me know in a comment below! 

Cheers to a lifetime of memorable vacations!

“To those who can dream, there is no such place as far away!”