My Travel Bucket List Before 30

1. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Jazz music, southern comfort food, and French colonial architecture, what is there not to love? I first realized I needed to visit New Orleans when I watched Kim Kardashian visit just to eat on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. There is no other destination that looks as delicious as New Orleans. I want to stuff myself with beignets, have a cocktail on Bourdon Street, and listen to jazz at a bar. I also want to take one of those airboats to see some alligators.

2. Brazil

Yes I know Brazil is a huge country, but I cannot narrow it down to one city or region. First, I need to visit Rio de Janeiro. I want to swim at Copacabana Beach, go up to Christ the Redeemer, and see the Botanical Garden. Something about a city that is on the beach, next to mountains, and in the jungle has always called my attention. The city of Salvador also looks gorgeous with the colorful houses lining the Pelourinho neighborhood. I know São Paulo would be a great destination for me too. I love the chaos of big cities like New York, Mexico City, and London and I imagine São Paulo would be similar. Overall, I want to be in Brazil to practice my Portuguese, eat some delicious açai, and experience the nightlife.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Ever since I learned about the Hagia Sophia in 8th grade social studies class I have wanted to visit Istanbul. The mix of Christian and Islamic architecture is fascinating and stunning. Istanbul seems to have it all, a beautiful, traditional old city and a new city with modern architecture and nightlife. Not to mention, for geography nerds like me, it is pretty cool to visit a city that is split between two continents.

4. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

I am not going to lie, going to the Dominican Republic to stay at an all-inclusive resort actually would be the worst type of vacation for me. However, Santo Domingo looks so charming. The cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of the colonial city remind me of some of my other favorite places in Latin America like Antigua, Guatemala and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. I love how Santo Domingo seems to blend colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, all while sitting right on the water. Dominican food is also one of my favorite cuisines and I would be happy to just eat my way around.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Beautiful nature, world class museums, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan city life, Cape Town has it all! I want to visit a city where I can go to a beach and see penguins. Not to mention, as a wine lover, it is easy to take a day trip to stunning vineyards. It is also accessible to reserves to see lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and more. I have never met someone who went to Cape Town and thought it was just ok, everyone seems to love it.

Here is a list of some honorable mentions that also might be added to the list in the future:

1. Medellin, Colombia

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

3. Prague, Czech Republic

4. Alaska, USA

5. San Antonio, Texas, USA

6. Hong Kong

7. Panama City, Panama