I keep a note on my phone with a Travel List of the top places I want to visit and also use Pinterest to keep track of places I want to visit and places I’ve already visited. Recently, I was gifted a wonderful scratch off world map that is now on display in our guest bedroom. One night, I started erasing places off that I’ve been (way harder than I thought it would be, by the way) and quickly became distraught that “I haven’t been anywhere!” I bemoaned this fact to my husband who firmly brought me back to reality with a “you’re lucky to have gone as many places as you’ve been!” Alas, my wanderlusting heart won’t ever quite be satisfied, but I’m alright with that. It just means I’ll always be dreaming, listing and planning where to see next in this great big world we’re blessed to call home. Here’s my current Top Five Destinations I’m Dreaming About in no particular order:

New Zealand

I must confess that I’ve wanted to visit New Zealand ever since the Lord of the Rings movies came out. So of course Hobbiton is on my list, but also national parks for hiking, glaciers, and hanging out with Kiwis. As I research NZ, the more convinced I am that we’ll need at least two weeks if not more so we can experience both the North and South Islands. [Photos: Real Journeys for Featured Image and Flickr]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fotravel/3360535294/in/photostream

Myanmar

I want to see Bagan before it becomes overrun with tourists, which is bound to happen because it’s fascinating and gorgeous. Sunrise at the pagodas with hot air balloons as backdrops, biking among the temple ruins, a sunset boat ride, and seeing this country also called Burma that’s only recently opened to the outside world. [Photo: Flickr]

Jordan

Petra! I long to see this New Wonder of the World and pretend that I’m Indiana Jones. Petra at night looks so dreamy! Also, I keep seeing the Dead Sea [update: I got to go as part of a work trip and float] pop up on lists of places to see before they vanish, so I’d definitely check it out and float in it. In Amman, I’d explore the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater. [Photo: National Geographic]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gareth_weeks/4431758286/

South Africa

I’m really intrigued by Cape Town since it seems to have it all: beaches, Table Mountain, and a nearby day trip to visit penguins. Of course, a safari would be on the itinerary for a South Africa trip, but I’d also love to explore wine country and drive along the Garden Route. [Photo: Flickr]

Nepal

I love Asia in general after studying abroad in Thailand, so a second country on the continent makes my list. After the devastation of the recent earthquakes, Nepal continues to rebuild, and tourism is one way to support and help the country in its recovery efforts. I hear the scenery is breathtaking, and I’m intrigued by stupas, the culture, and whether trekking is for me. Plus the possibility to go on a safari to see rhinos and maybe elephants? Yes please! [Photo: Guidora]

I’m going to cheat a little by letting you in on a few close contenders for No. 5: Switzerland, Norway, Guatemala, Bhutan (again my love affair with Asia pops up), and a new country in South America since I loved Peru so much. It was so difficult to choose! What’s in your Top Five currently?

Stephanie at A Friend Afar

Stephanie grew up road-tripping across the U.S., but her first flight was to Australia, and she’s been hooked ever since. She lived abroad in Thailand, where she met Meagan, and in Ghana with Peace Corps and has been to over 30 countries on 6 continents. She travels for the adventure, the stories, and nature.