30. This is the age where we will likely begin to think "oh no, I haven't done what I wanted to do with my life" and likely even "I haven't seen all the places I want to see yet and now I'm expected to do this and to do that" and you'll likely end up quitting the job you've worked so hard for, dying your hair and roaming the world.
Let us prevent that, and let's go travel now, while we (kinda) can. Here's my list of places to visit before I'm 30: a conjunction of places I have been to, and even a few that I haven't (but would love to!).
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston has so much history, it's unbelievable. I was so lucky to live in a Boston suburb for a glimpse of my childhood, and being able to experience the history and the culture and the atmosphere of Boston is one like no other. It is one of my favorite places of all time, and I highly recommend every one goes to at least visit at some point. Go to a Red Sox game, go walk about the South End, the Back Bay, and make sure you visit Mike's Pastries.
2. Pocahontas, Iowa
Or anywhere in Iowa, really. Iowa is a place that I love to go to get out of my head and to just go to take a deep breath. My family is from Iowa, and there's just a lot of peace in my soul whenever I am there. That's what Iowa really is: a breath of fresh air. If I were ever blessed to go on a yoga retreat, I would want that yoga retreat to be in Iowa.
3. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is filled with neat history, some swanky museums, and incredible views. I go here a few times a year to visit friends and family, and it hasn't let me down yet. Be prepared to walk fairly far distances, and try out some Chicago-style pizza (yum!).
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Old and scattered with history, I feel that Prague always gets overlooked in the hype that is Amsterdam, Germany as a whole, and other European cities. Prague should definitely not be overlooked, it's a beautiful city.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Mod-urban, spunky, and eclectic are three words I would use to describe Asheville. I popped in there a few years ago, and cannot wait to return to this unique place filled with the kindest people over Spring Break!
6. Seattle, Washington
The coffee homeland, as I like to call it. I have never been to Seattle, but it is on my list of places to visit! Seattle seems like a dream; sitting in a coffee shop, typing a paper, while the world goes on around you. I want to experience it.
7. Bora Bora
I think we can all agree that our dream honeymoon, regardless of gender, is to go to Bora Bora. This place is absolutely stunning, tropical, and romantic wrapped up all in one. It's definitely on my list of places to go.
8. Canada
It was at the request of my roommate that Canada be added to this list and I completely agree. Canada is beautiful, especially mountainous Canada such as Banff National Park.
9. Newfoundland
I believe that everyone should go to Newfoundland. In the wise words of one of my good friends Matt, "It's pretty, rural, and away from civilization" and like Matt, I agree. Sometimes we need to get away.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
For anyone that knows me knows that I am completely in love with Iceland and the Icelandic culture. I really would do anything to move to Iceland and just live my life in harmony with the Earth. Rumor has it that Iceland is also like a dream: gorgeous, worthwhile, and rapid. I want to go. I want to experience Iceland.
About half of these places are still on my list, but I am so excited to see where I can get to before I am 30. A good quote that I'm going to conclude this with is from Susan Sontag: "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list."
