Although it’s been several months now since the start of 2014 (um, what? is February really almost over?), the two months following this new beginning are often full of “Top” posts. I, personally, love to read every “Top Places To See” article that I can get my hands on. The other day, I read one where I wasn’t to enamored with most of the destinations, partly because it was a little too America-centric. There’s nothing wrong with traveling the United States–in fact, I think we’re pretty spoiled to call this country our backyard–but there are also so many places in the world to visit, too!
So, I thought I’d share my list of the Top Destinations for 2014.
You know, since I know everything, I’ve been everywhere, and I’m clearly your travel expert.
(I know, I’m delightfully witty and hilarious).
I actually haven’t been everywhere (but can I?) nor do I know everything (just ask my Research Methods professor). However, I did compile a list of some of my favorite places–places I can’t wait to go back to–and places I have yet to visit but hope to this year, or at least someday soon.
Enjoy!
(I tried to pick my top 14 but…that was impossible. So, I rounded up!).
This country, while tiny, seems adorable and full of gorgeous views and pretty castles. Apparently, you can also accidentally run into the king at the grocery store! A quaint, unique place to visit in Europe.
I only spent several days in Laos, in Luang Prabang, and was intrigued by the country. I’d like to go back into more rural areas, and maybe stop in Luang Prabang for another crepe or two :).
Well, if I can’t go see these cherry blossoms in the spring, I hope you can!
I’ve heard that Macchu Picchu might be shutting down due to the sheer volume of tourists. While this might not be a terrible thing, as I think it should be preserved, you should still go and see it while you can!
Thailand is kind of the perfect destination: delicious food, historical cities, perfect beaches, smiley people. I would encourage you to go during the Loi Krathong festival, where they send these lanterns into the sky.
Iceland is gaining more recognition as a must-see destination…so go before everyone finds out!! I obviously adore Iceland and am counting down the days until I can go back…and maybe catch a sight of the elusive Northern Lights?
See what I mean with America’s amazing backyard? This place is awe-inspiring.
Especially if you love diving, I’d highly recommend a visit to Cozumel. The island has beautiful visits, endless amounts of island drinks, ruins and some of the best reefs in the world.
Although my feelings about China are complicated, I certainly hope to go back again one day.
I’m not sure I need to explain Bruges…I mean, just look at this picture! It’s a wonderfully preserved medieval city in Europe and it’s the image of Europe you always envisioned. And, wafflesfrieschocolatebeer galore!
I’ve wanted to visit these ever since my father and brother did several years ago. Another diving paradise…and just paradise in general.
I recently read this article about Argentina and now I’m dying to go.
Had to throw in a plug for my home state! It’s beautiful, rural, with many national parks, national forests, and other preserved wilderness.
If I was a celebrity, I would buy a winery in this picturesque valley. I wouldn’t mind retiring there, either, drinking wine and wandering through the vines.
Despite what this picture may lead you to believe, I am not a Lord of the Rings junkie (although I definitely enjoyed the stories!) but I just liked this picture. Like Iceland, I love the ideas of tiny island countries surrounded by ocean.
I feel like Scandinavia is the quintessential winter destination.
You know my love of Scotland (I’m still plotting how to move there). 2014 is also a big year for the country!
Reasons to visit Victoria? It’s a short ferry ride from Seattle, its university is full of bunnies, it has this garden, and it’s just charming. I also saw whales on the way to Victoria from the ferry, and my life was kind of complete.
Last summer, through my program, I would either have ended up in China, India, or Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka (another island…I’m noticing a pattern here) seems like a true vacation spot: beaches, jungles, ruins, and you can’t forget the elephants!
South Africa has also been receiving a lot of attention as a new vacation spot, for good reason.
Slovenia is a recent addition to my must-see list, because, look at this picture!
**All photos are my own, or you can find their source by clicking the image.**
I hope you enjoyed my list. What are you top places to visit? I would LOVE to hear them!
Jenn says
about 90% of these places are on my must see list 🙂
AmyMacWorld says
They’re popular for legit reasons I think 🙂 I’d love to hear if you make it any of these!!!
Kimbree Redburn says
I LOVE this list! Bruges holds a special place in my heart! And the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival is a must see on my list! Three more on my list are Sydney Australia, Rio De Janeiro, and the Galapagos Islands!!
AmyMacWorld says
All good ones as well! Why I’m not that enamored with Australia except for the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos are a must! Thanks for reading dear friend 🙂
Elisa says
What a great list! Scotland, Liechtenstein and Bruges are on my short list, too 🙂
Having lived in Copenhagen and been to Oslo during winter, I would never ever return during the cold season, because it is just too incredibly cold for me and I end up not really enjoying myself; that said, Copenhagen is lovely and I would love to return during, I don’t know, July 🙂
Other destinations on my short list for (hopefully) 2014: North-East Italy, Especially South Tirol and Veneto, and Cape Town, South Africa. I also have a trip to New York coming up in September, and though I have already been there and lived in the NYC suburbs for 3 years, I am very excited nevertheless 🙂
AmyMacWorld says
I love your list!! Cape Town looks amazing! And it’s always fun to visit someplace we’ve been before and that holds a place in our hearts, as corny as that sounds. I’ve never been to NYC but it seems like the place you can go to again and again and always find something new 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and for your comment!!
Thanks for the tip about Scandinavia in the winter…it’s good to remember! I think I might like the idea of cold better than the actual cold…and the idea of snuggling by the fire 😉