What's on My Bucket List for Post-COVID Travel

“I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.”

~ anon.

After being in quarantine and still having to practice social distancing, I’ve never wanted to travel more than now. I’m constantly looking at travel videos and apps still selling resort packages—and I know I’m not the only one. There’s something about not being able to do it that inevitably makes me want to do it more. Even more so, it’s a building urgency to escape and explore because this new reality has served as a reminder of how time is limited and it's best to do things while you're able.

My spirit is pressed with the conviction that I cannot put off exploration and creating adventure in my life. Photography captures moments and travel presents the opportunity to create more moments and most importantly more memories. The reasons to travel are endless from becoming more well-rounded to learning a new culture.

I particularly love being able to share stories. I want to be that grandparent gathering my grandchildren around and telling them how I hiked through Tianmen mountain and got my food stolen by monkeys or got saved by good Samaritans after getting stranded in some unknown city. This is what I’m yearning for when COVID-19 passes.

Sure, there will be a new normal, but that doesn’t have to inhibit my love for travel or going to the places my heart longs to venture to. Here are some places, I’m dying to go when the coast to travel is clear...

Photo by Braden Jarvis

Hawaii, USA

Anywhere in Hawaii really, as long as I can get on a beach. Also, I know I’ll probably be uncoordinated, but I want to try hula dancing.

Photo by Robynne Hu

Shanghai, China

Yes, I lived here for a couple of years, but I didn’t get to do everything. I didn’t even go in the Pearl Tower! There are still quite a few things I want to do here.

Photo by Saad Chaudhry

Ireland

I would really love to go by the Cliffs of Moher and rest in the countryside.

Photo by Jennieramida

The Principality of Monaco

Where some of the wealthiest people in the world live and vacation. While I’m a sucker for luxury stays, I really want to see what makes the “Princely Rock” so captivating and, of course, try the food.

Photo by Dan Grinwis

Cape Town, South Africa

I’ve seen many images of that twisting continent end. The top activity to do on my list is diving with great white sharks.

Photo by Charles Deluvio

Tokyo, Japan

Japanese culture is intriguing to me. From the language to the food, there’s no reason not to go. I especially want to tour the Japanese gardens.

Photo by Ugur Arpaci

San Paulo, Brazil

I want to experience Carnival in true form and fashion!

Photo by Dimitry Anikin

Venice, Italy

The last time I visited Italy, Venice, unfortunately, was not on my itinerary. The next time it certainly will be! I can’t wait to ride in a gondola with someone singing Santa Lucia.

Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis

Mykonos, Greece

Greece has a special place in my heart as a classist, so of course, island adventures are a must.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin

Bali, Indonesia

I’ve been putting this off for a long time because of the extended traveling to get to those beautiful resorts, but not anymore. Hello, private pool villas, jungle swings, and snorkeling.

Photo by Leonard Cotte

Paris, France

I could honestly live in the city of lights, although I would have to learn French. I’m obsessed with the quaint cafes, architecture, and building. Seriously, just leave me in Versailles.

Photo by Nicolas J. Leclercq

Reykjavik, Iceland

Let me brace the harsh cold for some fantastic images. From the northern lights, the natural wildlife, and hot springs in the ice, the only thing to do is get on the plane.

Photo by Patrick Baum

Barcelona, Spain

While my Spanish is nowhere near perfect, I feel I would have an easier time traveling here. Plus, the food is absolutely delish... so, I’ve heard.

Photo by Austin Neill

Panama

My mother’s home. I would really like to see the place my mom calls home and get my official taste of Latin America. It’s one thing to hear about it, know tales, and identify ethnically, but It’s entirely different to geographically experience it.