Post COVID Travel Bucket List

Some people Zillow dream homes. Others have oodles of Pinterest boards detailing the perfect kitchen. I prefer editing my bucket list destinations. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed. But this year, I’ve really upped my game. 😉

So which countries made the cut on my Post COVID Travel Bucket List?

India

I have always been fascinated with India: the food, culture, history, religions, etc. This is a big trip that would require a minimum of three weeks. The DH and I would like to visit the major landmarks like the Taj Mahal of course, along with the lesser known coastal Kerala region, Indian Himalayas, and the rainforests in the northeast.

Egypt

“From the heights of these Pyramids, forty centuries look down on us.” ~Napoleon Bonaparte

If you’ve read my blog long enough, then you understand I’m drawn to the history of a destination. As one of the oldest civilizations in history, visiting Egypt has major appeal. That Egypt has Biblical significance is icing on the cake. Must see landmarks include the Pyramids of Giza – one of the last surviving Seven Wonders of the World, the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel – Ramses II’s great temple, and St. Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai.

Greece

There are countless reasons to visit Greece. Among them are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (including Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Medieval City of Rhodes), mountains and turquoise beaches, and an appreciation of Greek mythology.

Pre-COVID, cruising the Greek isles was a popular way to visit multiple islands in one visit, and probably my preference for a first visit. I like the idea of waking up in a new city each day.

Spain

While Barcelona was always a city in the back of my mind, it was Dan Brown’s Origin that cemented it for me. Of particular interest are Sagrada Família – the 138 year old unfinished Roman Catholic basilica, Park Güell – public park system and gardens, and La Pedrera/Casa Milà – unique home fraught with controversy turned cultural center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noticing a trend here? All three were designed by Antoni Gaudí, 19th Century architect know for Catalan Modernism.

Elsewhere in Spain, I’m drawn to the beaches of Majorca, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and Grenada where the Moorish influence is most prevalent with tea cafes and bath houses.

Cuba

I’ve often heard Cuba described as a Caribbean paradise stuck in the 1950s. This is due to Castro usurping power in 1959. His Communist regime seized private businesses for the State. Poverty is widespread, yet education and healthcare are free, which has a profound effect on the arts.

Though there are restrictions, Americans are able to legally visit Cuba. Approved categories include family visits, education, professional conferences, and athletic competitions.

I’m hoping that by next summer, our calendars will overflow with travel plans again. How about you? Which countries are on your Post COVID Travel Bucket List?

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