First and foremost, my Bucket list starts with Cuba! For me, Cuba is my ground zero travel destination. So, After Cuba here is my Bucket list in no particular order.
Everyone Needs a Bucket List
Today’s Bucket List:
- San Ignacio Town, Belize
San Ignacio is well-known for its proximity to Belize’s famous Mayan ruins.
What You Should Do: Check out the Mayan ruins. Cahal Pech Maya Site is within walking distance from downtown and is packed full of history and extraordinary landscapes. And if you have the time and money, canoe down Macal River to spot various wildlife during your journey. One of the most peaceful experiences in the world.
Cost: Average. Not necessarily cheap, but also not considered expensive. Low-priced food and conveniently easy to book accommodations.
Ease of Travel: It’s very easy to walk around the town and see surrounding attractions as well. If walking won’t work, taking a taxi is one of the best options.
Potential Safety Concerns: Can be dangerous for travelers. Be aware and take precaution.
Art Nouveau and More Art
- Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium and Europe. Brussels is full of 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets.
What You Should Do: See Brussels’ very own Eiffel Tower, the Atomium. It provides great views, inside and out. Also, needless to say, get some chocolate and waffles. Belgium has some pretty outstanding yummy chocolate and waffles. And do not miss out on the many Art Nouveau buildings. One of the best ways to do this is to spend some time at one of the Art Nouveau cafes where you can enjoy chocolate AND architecture all in one place. Win-win.
Cost: Brussels is pretty pricey. An average lunch can cost about $25.00 while a dozen eggs can be well over $5.00. However, there are many attractions you can enjoy for free. Walking is a great and affordable option for getting around.
Ease of Travel: You can walk everywhere! It’s not suggested to drive, as Brussels is one of the most expensive places for drivers in the world. Brussels has decent public transportation is never far away.
Potential Safety Concerns: No major concerns. Take necessary precautions. Be wise travel safely.
Safari
- Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa
This city is great to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining, nightlife, and outdoor adventures.
What You Should Do: Check out the view of this great city by visiting the top of Carlton Centre. To learn more about Johannesburg, visit The Apartheid Museum for an insightful look at the history of the city. And certainly, don’t miss out on the natural beauty of Johannesburg nature and wildlife. Say hello to a lion! Just don’t get too close. I want to Safari in South Africa. I have to add Cape Town to this recommendation. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Cost: Reasonable. Food and drink can be relatively cheap, and attractions aren’t ridiculous.
Ease of Travel: Johannesburg has often been compared to Los Angeles in that it caters to freeway motor tourists. While public transportation IS possible, it’s not always convenient.
Potential Safety Concerns: Johannesburg has been known to have tension among its residents because of socioeconomic inequality. As a result, Johannesburg has a very high crime rate day and night. There are plenty of safe areas. However, every tourist should take precautions to avoid any problems. It is known for carjackings If they want your rental car, give it to them and hope you get to keep your shoes. Sometimes the criminals take your shoes so you will need to walk back barefoot.
Eat Little Sandwiches
- Stockholm, Sweden
The city that is spread out over 14 islands on the Baltic Sea to the east. Enjoy the landscape, the beautiful buildings and scenery, and rich history of the city .
What You Should: Eat some of the freshest and best-tasting fish in the world at Nystekt Strömmingvagnen. You might see food carts but, never like this again. When the sun sets, be prepare for an incredible experience with Södermalm Nightlife. And make sure to enjoy the nighttime views of the city.
Cost: Quite expensive. If you have a tight budget, Stockholm isn’t an ideal destination. But the rich history, beautiful scenery and ample attractions make it a place to visit if you can afford it.
Ease of Travel: Easy. Walking and biking are heavily encouraged, but public transportation is easy to navigate.
Potential Safety Concerns: With riots in the past, travelers are invited to take precautions, but proceed as you would anywhere else.
Go Fly Fishing in Wales and See the Ghosts
- Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff is a city that has undergone quite the journey over the past 2,000 years but remains proud of its culture, history, and language.
What You Should Do: Hands down, The Llandaff Cardiff Ghost Walk. The ghost walk by Cardiff History and Hauntings offers a professionally guided walk that explores Cardiff’s sad phantoms, strange lights, and mystical rural atmosphere. If you aren’t into this type of thing, there’s plenty of rich history to immerse in by going to the museums and architecture, and the landscape is gorgeous. And of course, there’s no shortage of amazing landscape and structures to take you away from reality for a bit.
Add fly fishing while you are here.
Cost: Several museums have free admission, and you’ll save on transportation too. Overall relatively cheap and won’t stretch your budget.
Ease of Travel: Cardiff is a very compact city and easily explored on foot. The majority of the attractions are all within a few minutes of each other. But there is reliable public transportation if needed.
Potential Safety Concerns: Considered safe overall, but as always take necessary precautions.
The Whole Continent
- Melbourne, Australia
I have been to Australia – but, since Australia is a continent, I need to go back to Melbourne. Melbourne is on a large natural bay with sprawling landscapes and rich culture. Melbourne is perfect for any solo traveler.
What You Should Do: Melbourne is known for its fantastic street art, so be sure to take a walk or a bike ride to take in some of the scenes. You should also check out Lentil As Anything, a not-for-profit restaurant. The restaurant believes guests should contribute what they about feel their experience is worth, based on their financial ability. And of course, it wouldn’t be Australia without some fantastic beaches, snorkeling and don’t take the shells. Don’t forget your swimsuit.
Cost: A bit on the pricey side, but most of what you will want to see and do won’t cost you much. Keep costs lower by walking or biking.
Ease of Travel: Incredibly easy to walk or bike anywhere with cheap public transportation also available if need be.
Potential Safety Concerns: Australia as a whole is considered extremely safe for international travelers, and Melbourne is no exception.
When We Went to Vietnam We Canceled – Next Time
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
Photos and stories won’t do Siem Reap justice. It’s a place that you want to see firsthand, and then over and over again. I have had many friends go several times.
What You Should Do: Observe the sunrise at Angkor Wat. It’s said to be one of the best in the world. Also be sure to check out the Tomb Raider Temple which was left intact — crumbling walls and all — to show tourists how the others were. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for an ATV tour which allows you to watch the sunset. Just hold on tight. We scheduled this but had to cancel when we found out my daughter was pregnant. You don’t want to go if you are pregnant and risk getting Malaria.
Travel tips: The cover image is from Angkor Wats, you can see the sign that suggests how Tourist are asked to behave.
Cost: Visiting the temples can be pricey, but hotels in Siem Reap are very reasonable. In fact, some of the cheapest hostel beds in the world are in Siem Reap.
Ease of Travel: With the availability of tuk-tuks, transportation is very easy and affordable. Walking is a great option, too.
Potential Safety Concerns: Avoid dimly lit areas at night and make sure you keep an eye on your possessions when using transportation. Otherwise, usual precautions.
For Island Time
- Fiji
Travelers of all ages love to travel to Fiji for its remarkable beaches and welcoming demeanor. Now is the time to go – after all, it’s your time, and your turn and the value is fabulous.
What You Should Do: Buy some fresh mangoes and coconuts at the Nadi Municipal Market. Then, find access to Pacific Harbour Beach. Behind a collection of coconut trees, you’ll find a pristine beach with waters as warm as a bath. Bring a picnic, a Kindle, and read all day long, relax.
Cost: As it is an island, some things can be considered pricey. But overall, you will find that exploring Fiji won’t break the bank.
Ease of Travel: Local buses, carriers, and ferries make getting around Fiji a breeze.
Potential Safety Concerns: Avoid hitchhiking or walking alone at night in dimly lit areas. Otherwise, Fiji is welcoming and open for travelers. Take usual precautions.
All of Ireland is on My List
- Dublin, Ireland
The town that was settled by Vikings has become one of the most amazing destinations in Europe. Dublin is in the province of Leinster near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and the center of the Dublin Region. Why not start at the top of Ireland and work you way back to the airport.
What You Should Do: Expand your mind in one of the several museums that Dublin has to offer. The surplus of rich culture and history may surprise you. You, of course, have to check out the Guinness Storehouse. Think, it’s Disneyland for beer lovers. And the FOOD. Make sure you visit Dublin on an empty stomach.
Cost: Fairly pricey. Hotel bargains are abundant, and there’s plenty of hostels to choose from with good locations, but your place might cost you. Some of the more famous attractions are on, the more expensive side, but there’s plenty to see in Dublin that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and Dublin public transport isn’t too pricey. Food won’t be as cheap as some cities, but it is worth it.
Ease of Travel: Easy. You can jump on the coastal train (DART) to explore just outside of Dublin or use the extensive public buses to get all around the city. If you prefer, you can bike or walk as everything is relatively close.
Potential Safety Concerns: Just as safe as any European city. Take the usual necessary precautions.
Must See This Soon
- Bangkok, Thailand
This city referred to as the Venice of the East possesses so much noise, energy, chaos, and beauty. Bangkok is a must-see for solo female travelers, men, and all traveler.
What You Should Do: Immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture. Spend time in one of the many temples and take the time to appreciate the culture and everything it has to offer. Explore the waterways by boat, and eat locally. The cuisine offered in Bangkok is superb. If nothing else, relax. Bangkok is a perfect place to slow down and remember who you are. It is also known for medical tourism.
Cost: Cheap. There are many bargains to be found in Bangkok. Decent hotels are inexpensive, and the food is famously cheap and beautiful. Spending a week or so in Bangkok will be a nice change for your budget.
Ease of Travel: Bangkok’s excellent and modern public transport systems make it surprisingly easy to navigate your way around. Taxis are cheap and never too far off, and tuk-tuks are worth the experience at least once.
Potential Safety Concerns: Bangkok is not inherently dangerous. Crimes most prevalent against tourists are “stealth” crimes such as pickpocketing, scams with credit cards, or confidence tricks with fake goods or gemstones. Recent protests have raised some concerns this year, but it was recently deemed safe again.
More Research Needed and Suggestions Wanted
- Portugal – learning about this country
- Krakow, Poland – learning about this country
Want to Go with My Friend
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A city is known for housing monkeys and a myriad of cultures. Kuala Lumpur is a photographer’s paradise.
What You Should Do: Explore Bucket Bintang, the insane shopping center in Kuala Lumpur. Once you’re done exploring there, check out some of the local markets for fantastic arts and crafts. And of course, you can’t leave without experiencing a meal on a banana leaf.
Cost: Bargain! You can find great hotel pricing, affordable cuisine, and no shortage of free activities.
Ease of Travel: Most visitors stick to taxis as they are convenient, reliable, and affordable.
Potential Safety Concerns: Relatively safe, take standard precautions.
Cheaper than Japan
- Taipei, Taiwan
Located at the northern tip of Taiwan, Taipei is on the Tamsui River. Taipei lies in the Taipei Basin.
What You Should Do: Check out the fantastic night markets. Just imagine hundreds of street-food carts and pop-up stores all in a 10-block stretch. Experience the food, the fashion, the culture — all for a pretty decent price. If you’re looking to escape the city buzz, Taipei has several fantastic day hike destinations right in the city, ask your hotel or check it out online before you go to learn more.
Cost: Average. There is no shortage of cash machines that accept foreign cards. Beyond that, Taipei is an enormous city with things in nearly every price range. Some tourists might find it to be on the expensive side compared with mainland China. Still cheaper than Japan, it’s entirely possible to get by on very little once you arrive in Taipei.
Ease of Travel: Buses are an excellent intercity travel option. There are also several companies that run bus travel with more luxury and higher pricing to get from point A to point B.
Potential Safety Concerns: Petty theft. While the general crime rate in the rest of Taiwan is said to be increasing or staying the same. Now, 2016, the crime rate in Taipei is decreasing. Taipei has a reputation for being very friendly and helpful to tourists of all kinds.
One of My Top Favorites
- Auckland, New Zealand is a country known for its epic landscapes has an impressive city right near the water.
What You Should Do: If at all possible, catch a show at the Civic Theatre. The lights will go down, the ceiling will start to twinkle, and you’ll love the experience. Of course, you can’t miss checking out the view from the Sky Tower, and rugby fans, you can see where the All Blacks play! I love Rugby.
Cost: Variable. Prices vary dependent on the strength of the New Zealand dollar to your currency. Budget meals are easy to find. There is a lot to see that doesn’t cost a thing. Stay in a Hostel to save money, you can even get your own room and eat at the communal tables to make new friends.
Ease of Travel: Many travelers in New Zealand end up renting a car so that they can explore the fantastic roads, hikes, and sights within the country. Hike the rails is a favorite of lots of active people, the hikes vary in difficulty. However, if you’re looking to stay in the city, public transportation and walking are both great options.
Potential Safety Concerns: Regarded as safe. But always take the same precautions with your safety and possessions that you usually would at home or traveling elsewhere
Too Dangerous Now
16. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is a city that offers urban and safari adventure. It’s the best of both worlds for travelers. You will see it all in Nairobi.
What You Should Do While There: Take a safari! You don’t even have to leave the city to do so. From there, experience some of the locally grown coffee in one of the several coffee shops found in the city. I love Expresso and I am a fan of Starbucks, so I can’t wait to go and compare coffee brands. Also take the time to check out the Rift Valley, where on a clear day you can see for hundreds of miles, right down to Tanzania. ( I have been to Tanzania, Africa)
Cost: Affordable! You can find decent, clean hotels for around $10 a night and some meals for around $2.
Ease of Travel: Taxis are relatively cheap. The city’s minibuses () are more inexpensive.
Potential Safety Concerns: Be very cautious. Avoid walking around alone at night.
Still Too Dangerous
- Valparaiso, Chile
A colorful seaside village with a magnitude of cultural influences, Valparaiso has so much to offer visitors.
What You Should Do: Explore some of the 16 sub – burbs in the city. You don’t even have to walk up the famous hills that give Valparaiso the nickname “Little San Francisco.” Check out the famous museum of the famed poet Pablo Neruda. And naturally, enjoy the native cuisine and music. Yummy Yummy!
Cost: Cheap! Everything is affordable within the city.
Ease of Travel: Walking and taxis will suffice and for little cost.
Potential Safety Concerns: Can be unsafe in areas. Avoid walking alone at night. Be safe. But again, take precautions.