My Travel Bucket List
I'm coming for you, world. It's a big, big planet, and I want to explore and experience every square inch of it that I can. (Note: This list contains cash back and affiliate links)
Rail Trip Across Canada aboard a Luxury Train
Toot-toot! All aboard for beauty
Cross-country Canadian beauty by the nostalgic luxury of a train? Yes, please.
The rail line allows you to customize your trip, lengthen the time you stay at different stops if you want, and take time to explore the stops along the journey. Banff and Lake Louise are high on my to-visit list.
You depart from Toronto, and I'd love to see majestic Niagra Falls!
Aww-inspiring views from this gondola tour in Vancouver.
It might be a while before I can climb aboard a Canadian train, so this candle is a substitute for the time being.
Touring Jane Austen's Haunts
Whether where the author lived in her real life or the places where her fictional characters called home, I'd love to take a big Jane Austen-focused trip to the UK.
Jane Austen called Bath home from 1801 to 1806, and Persuasion, a novel which heavily features the town as a fashionable spa city is one of my favorite of her books. I love that it shows a more mature, time-tested love in the main characters' relatio...
Love the thoroughness of this tour option of Jane Austen sites.
Would love to spend some hours poking around the London as Jane Austen knew it.
Classic and welcoming, this hotel seems to be as close as you can get to staying as a guest with one of Jane Austen's characters.
One can never have too many copies of Jane's books.
I got this world of Jane Austen puzzle a few years ago. It's so much fun to put together and find all the characters and settings I love.
Trekking Through Middle Earth, err, New Zealand
I'm a huge Lord of the Rings fan, only heightened by the beauty of the natural landscape of New Zealand, where Peter Jackson's masterpiece movies were filmed.
Try to tell me you're not humming the Hobbit's theme right now. lol
The beauty of New Zealand is so breathtaking, even on film or pictures. I can't wait to see it in real life.
Until I can make it to New Zealand and Middle Earth, this LEGO set might need to make do.
Early in our marriage, my husband bought me a deluxe hardcover set of LoTR as a gift. To this day, it's one of my most treasured possessions. The illustrations and maps are absolutely beautiful.
Relaxing on a train to take in the beautiful sights? Yes, please.
Just because I want to go to New Zealand doesn't mean I want to stay in a Hobbit hole. This hotel has amazing reviews.
Exploring PEI With My Kids
This one might be cheating just a smidge because I've been to (and love) Prince Edward Island, but I haven't been with my children. I want to explore Anne's land with them.
It's hard to pick a single beach, or even a single area, in Prince Edward Island as my fav. I was actually watching the movie Anne of Green Gables one time when my husband walked through the room and said, “Where IS that?” I told him about PEI (altho...
If you only have a short time in PEI (like if it's a port of call on your cruise), this tour crams a lot of iconic Prince Edward Island spots into a fun-filled, jam-packed day.
It's not a trip to PEI without a lobster supper (or three). My hubby and I went to this one and had a blast (and a LOT of food).
Great link to places to stay with reviews.
I love a good lobster roll, and Richard's has a delicious one, along with a non-fussy menu and atmosphere that's perfect for a quick meal.
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. It keeps things simple, easy, and fun, and you can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences of your destination. Some cruise lines have multi-day stops at Prince Edward Island, which is definitely en...
PEI is one of those places that if you've been there, you *know.* Both my husband and I love it and all the special landmarks of the island that make it unique so much.
I love this postmodern Charlottetown, PEI print.
It's not a trip to Prince Edward Island without a visit to Green Gables and a celebration of all things Anne with an E.
Green Gables is a must visit in Cavendish, PEI.
Yummy seafood dinner out on the water? Table for two, please!
Maui Wowie
I had the honor of visiting Oah'u in Hawaii a few years back, and it was amazing. I fell in love with the beautiful island. At some point, I'd love to visit all of the different islands of Hawaii, but next one on my wish list is Maui.
Everything in Hawaii is so lush and green. Such a welcoming place!
Maui is known for some of the best snorkeling in the world.
The art of luau is such a beautiful cultural treasure.
The road to Hana is one of the most famous (and breathtaking) drives in the world.
Love this cute sticker that captures the colors of Maui.
I'm not the biggest fan of heights, but my husband would love this zipline adventure.
If you need a bit more space, these condos are very highly rated but book out at least a year in advance and have lots of repeat guests.
River Cruising Through Europe
I've been in love with the concept of river cruising since I first heard of it over 20 years ago. It seems like such a cool and efficient way to see multiple places in one trip.
Viking is probably the most famous of river cruiselines thanks to its ads on Downton Abbey.
Such a unique way to explore Europe!
Castles and cruising? Yes, please.
A Nordic Romp
Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden…I'd love to visit some or all of these Nordic countries.
Sleeping in a glass lodge under the Northern Lights is a definite bucket list item.
Waterfalls and breathtaking views in Norway. I fell in love with Norway after watching the Lillehammer Olympics and have wanted to visit ever since. It's probably at the top of my “Nordic bucket list.”
Traveling to a Nordic country isn't a surefire way to see the Northern Lights, but these aurora chasing tours sure would help your chances.
Sometimes, the natural beauty of Norway seems almost unreal.
See it all! and dip into a geothermal pool at the end.
When visiting a new place, knowing where to eat can be a challenge. I love this idea of a foodie tour with a local to guide you to the best spots.
I love the subtle colors and wink to Nordic culture in this sweater.