As ever, my heart seems to be ruling me (which is why I've had so much heartache already!). I've crunched the numbers and it works out that I have ten countries to visit to get to my target.
Now, that sounds like a lot however I already have three different countries booked. I'm heading to Oslo, Norway soon with my sister so that will be a new country to explore.
I also have a wonderful trip to the Philippines booked for a few weeks time. I literally cannot wait to get my hiking boots on, roam the mountains and cool off in the incredible turquois seas.
Finally I have Turkey booked in June. Again I get to visit here with my sister (her countries list is racking up too!). Turkey will be more a rest and relaxation holiday but we may see a little bit of the country locally (providing it's safe to do so).
I'm excited for these new adventures. I always love the freedom of travel, the ability to meet new and exciting people and visit stunning countries. I've always loved to explore new places. Dean used to tease me and say my life is lead by one holiday to the next. This was true (however I don't think he meant it as a compliment).
I guess in one way it is an opportunity to escape 'life' for a while but the things you discover when you travel enrich your every day life. One of my favourite travel quotes is by J.R.R Tolkien: "Not all those who wander are lost". For some reason I feel a little bittersweet with this quote. Part of me does "wander" to lose myself from every day life however it shows, this is not a bad thing.
So getting back on track, I now have seven more countries to plan for. I have seen an amazing Caribbean cruise that I'd like to go on in September. It starts off in Puerto Rico and visits U.S Virgin Islands, Curacao (never heard of here before), Aruba and St. Kitts. That'll be five amazing countries!
Some may say I won't have that much time to visit the country in full however I still think it totally counts as visiting :-) That then leaves just two more countries.
With my lack of annual leave, these will need to be weekends away. I used to love flying out from work on a Friday and coming back late Sunday night. I'd like to go to Iceland (not the food shop!) and possible Denmark so both of these would be good for a quick weekend break.
If anyone else has any other suggestions for travel ideas then do let me know.
