Goals Not Resolutions

With the start of a new year many people have been making and sharing their new year resolutions, usually having to do with health, wealth, or both. I don't necessarily believe in making resolutions, but I do believe in setting goals for yourself throughout the year. Being the planner and constant thinker that I am, I'm always looking forward to or planning something. Most of my planning has to do with travel of some sort, hence the name of this blog. And since I believe that words have power I felt it would behoove me to put my travel goals for the year out into the universe as a positive affirmation (if you say it it will happen), and a way for me to hold myself accountable throughout the year.

So, in no particular order here are my travel goals for the year:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

After reading a blog post from The Abu Dhabi Experience about their day trip to Amsterdam, I knew I had to visit. Museums, 165 canals that you can take boat rides in, cycling, and good food? Put me down for one of each! And since it's the only place on my list likely to see snow, I think it would be perfect for a fall/winter trip.




2. Casablanca and Marrakech, Morocco

Having visited two African countries in 2015 it only fueled my thirst to see more. I'm also a very big fan of visiting places of historical significance and Morocco definitely fits the bill. 

Casablanca

Marrakech

3. Lagos, Portugal

If there's one thing I love it's beaches and Portugal has plenty to choose from. My friend Lisa visited over Christmas break and her pictures were breathtaking. That's enough to put Portugal on my list.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For a while there, planes having to do with Malaysia were either falling or being shot out of the sky and that really did not encourage my desire to go there. But since there haven't been any major issues with flights there in the past year or so, and I know a few people who have visited recently without any trouble, I think it might be safe to go for a visit. I've had a few Malaysian students who make some pretty persuasive arguments for visiting (food, culture, beaches, oh my!), and their dads are both pilots who say it is a must see. I won't be flying Malaysia Airlines though!

5. The Dead Sea, Jordan

It's got major religious implications, is the lowest point in the world, and according to the Smithsonian it's shrinking and may disappear by 2050. In addition to that, the minerals in the dead sea are said to be great for your skin, which totally piques my beauty junkie interest.

So that's it for now. It's a working list so things may change over the next...361 days, but at least I've got an idea of where to focus my planning. My first trip this year will be to a place not on the list, Greece. All my travel last year earned me enough frequent flier miles for a free flight for spring break, go me! Only 82 more days to go :)