I was firmly in the camp of not making list of the places I really want to see. The problem was I wish to see almost all the places in the world! I have anyway no control over who likes my blog and invites me! South Africa was not even on my radar and yet I traveled there in 2013 as I was invited by the SA Tourism Board. So, the question for me is to make a list or not of must see destinations.
But off late, I have started spending my own money on trips abroad. And how expensive they are! Now belonging to the the camp that did not have any list, I simply go any place which seems feasible a month before a vacation. Visa on arrival countries are my hot favorites as I need not plan much to visit them. Maldives was one such trip. And I am in the midst of planning another such trip for January end.
It was while planning this proposed January trip I realized that in all probability I am going to overshoot my budget. The budget anyway in imaginary as I firmly believe in saving. I spend only a part of my savings on these trips.
However, as I start planning really late, I might end up visiting a country, which is visa on arrival yet again. Now that gave me some food for thought. If I am going to spend my hard earned money on these trips why not to make a list of places I wish to visit first and research them?
So, at the moment I think I am going to research a few destinations which I do wish to visit. And then see what type of budget and visa I really need to visit them. Near the very top of the list is a trek to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Antarctica as a tourist is also there at the very top but the budget is going to remain out of reach for maybe half a decade or more.
This is roughly the plan which I should be able to put in action maybe later this year but certainly next year. After all it is my hard earned money. Now why do I end up having such expensive hobbies? Do you have a list of must see places or not? What has been your experience with such lists?
I am not sure of the list but there are so many places, almost all that I want to be at. But, a list is for the ones in the near future, coming months, I believe π
I haven’t travelled much but nurture the dream of travelling a good part of the world.
The list is a great idea for you, as the destinations are endless.
Nice post. I think its better to have our priorities listed since we are shelling out of our savings for the trips. I have compiled a blog post of list of visa free countries for indians. It might help!List of visa free countries for Indians http://lakshmiarunachalam.blogspot.com/2014/12/list-of-visa-free-countries-for-indians.html
If I will make my wish list it will be tooo long π One life too short to visit India.
I am sure that your case is valid for most of us π . I wonder about the same fact, whenever I open travel books I keep buying from different places π
I have this bucket list of places I want to see since my childhood. This is the fire which drives me and most decisions I have made in my life have revolved around how I can reach those places π
I’ve not been a great one for lists either but this year I decided to decide in advance. I’ve found that many trips are planned as family obligations and that’s time and money gone. Resource that could have gone towards my travel are frittered away on keeping family happy. This year I plan to be ‘selfish’ and go where I want to go, because I want to go. That requires planning, forethought and foresight.
Lots of people I met lately want to go to Mt Kilimanjaro. Interesting π
Wherever you go Mridula, you’ll have some interesting tales for us to read on your blog.
I travel with your posts , so so your list is finally being my list . hahahaaaa
I am more the impulsive kind. Again, it is impossible for me to make a list of places I want to visit βI tend to fall in love with most foreign places. Here is wishing boundless journeys to you to your choicest places in the New Year.
Will look forward for the list. Have a great 2015
Even I am not sure of the list as I want to see every place! But then, a list is needed to prioritise π Nice post !
I have a long list of places. We make it happen one at a time. But then in between all that, we sometimes give in to never thought about places. I find myself looking for those excuses to go someplace. Any place, I’m almost always game.
Here’s hoping 2015 takes you PLACES, Mridula. Have a travel-filled year. Have loads of fun. π
That happens and I firmly believe that it should keep happening. As a traveller, we always love to manage randomness amongst proper planning π
Happy new year Mridula!!! Hope we all travel a lot this year⦠would love to read about places on your list, cause I am sure you will have interesting choices!
+1 – would like to know the list π
Nicely put. Such thoughts keep coming to travellers, especially when they are planning for next trip or things start changing after you plan something π
And it’s not only limited to international trips. It’s just that variables vary :). We recently visited North Kerala and most of our plans changed because of things which were not in our control. But as a traveller, you are used to of ‘change in plans’ π
Make a list, I should say π Though I wish that you may visit more places than that are in your list, so that we can enjoy great posts and photos from you π
Dream and make a list, often dreams come true π
Wonderful post. Seems u love traveling a lot as I do. I am looking forward to travel to Himachal Pradesh within India and out of India definitely Bali. The most two awaited places I have to visit. Looking forward to Himachal this year itself. Happy New Year 2015. Thank u so much for the share.
I absolutely loved reading this post. Thanks for making the article interesting and informative till the end! Keep inspiring us.
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.β
I try to save for my dream journeys but it’s never enough to start and the wait becomes long. So I end up using that money to travel somewhere else. Dream journeys remain dreams.
I have the same problem – I also want to go everywhere! π
I do have a long list of my dream destinations.. some of them I’ve visited already, but there’s still a huge number I’d love to take a good look at and experience, like yes, Antarctica, which I think it’s what everyone’s dreaming of. I’ve been hearing a lot of exciting updates and photos about the Burning Man in Nevada, and I think I’m going to sign up this year. Another greatness unchecked. π