While my career path has stalled in the way of great travel opportunities, I nevertheless have drafted a list of destinations I hope to travel to in the coming year. I realize this list may well be edited to replace long-haul destinations with drive-to getaways and familiar places, but it's the New Year, and optimism prevails. So here we go...
1. Argentina & Brazil (& possibly Uruguay). This is for my mom, mainly, but for me as well. These are the three gems I've never had sponsorship to in my Amex or cruise days. The currency exchange rate is right, the Olympics have still not impacted availability, and Mom can still muster the energy to embark on a journey that I will fully take charge of. If I can get past the silly questions and needless worries, I can finally make this dream a reality for her.
2. Spain. I've only stepped foot in the airport in Madrid, and have long wanted to explore the many regions and cultural offerings of Spain. Hopefully it will include my husband of 27 years on a rendezvous from his work in Qatar, so he can explain the Gaudi and more contemporary architecture, and I can translate his dry humor to the locals in my best lisp. It's an opportunity to explore the vineyards and learn more about wine, which we've never had the chance to do in Napa or Sonoma. Ideally, I'd love to explore the entire country in three or four weeks, but this will take careful planning and even some alternate travel companions, knowing Marshall's lack of vacation-taking skills.
3. Israel. It's been over 30 years since I traveled to Israel, and Marshall's deployment makes this a trip that's easy to fathom. We'll have to be conscious of the passport stamping issue, but I would love to introduce him and my kids to Israel, where we have family members who will make this logistically easy.
4. Jordan. Why not...it's on the way! Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Jordan: Lying 264-meters below sea level, Ma’In Hot Springs. What a setting! I came across this pearl on jetsetter.com, but I missed the sale!
5. Turkey. Again, it's in the same vicinity, just a hop-skip-and-jump away from my Middle Eastern targets. Maybe a cruise would work? Perhaps I'll entrust the cruise line to stow a gorgeous oriental carpet on my behalf until it can deliver it when it returns from its transatlantic journey?
6. Turks & Caicos. Closer to home, but still exotic. A dive trip is in order, with luxury accommodations on Grace Bay. I'm certain I can hook a group to make this a reality.
7. Colorado. A family ski trip is long overdue. Marshall wants to go to Keystone again, but I'd like to try Breckenridge or Steamboat.
Possible Getaways:
1. Los Angeles & San Francisco, Memorial Weekend, to attend Riley Miller's bar mitzvah and Fanime convention in San Jose.
2. London. British Airways offers a free stop-over to the middle east.
3. New York. Long overdue!
Other bucket list places:
1. Australia and New Zealand. Fares are so low, but so is my bank account! Maybe next year?
2. India. I have no problem with third world countries, so the disparity between wealth and poverty shouldn't concern me, as long as I stay on the right side of the tracks.
3. Africa. South African wineries; game parks; Victoria Falls.
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