Amy and the Great World

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!