During my life as a young adult, there have been many times when I imagined what it would be like to just pack a bag, get on a plane and enjoy a nice long vacation away from everyone and everything. I always vary in the level I plan my escapes, sometimes just imagining myself sitting on a beach away from the stress of school, sometimes checking flights to see if I can even afford such vacations, and sometimes actually planning tourist activities on my dream vacation. Right now, I am feeling particularly stir crazy and need a getaway adventure.
I have taken my vacation planning to a new extreme. Not only have I written out a full list of 11 possible dream vacation destinations, but I have ordered them based on how realistic it is that I could be there tomorrow.
1. Outer Banks, N.C.
Hands down the most practical trip on my list. I mean, it's a long drive from Jersey, but you wouldn't even need to get on a plane to make it there. No fuss, easy vacation. I could be on that beach tomorrow.
2. Cannon Beach, Ore.
To be honest, I hadn't heard about this place until I started Googling 'west coast destinations.' I wanted a picturesque west coast vacation spot and Google did not disappoint. There's something about these giant boulders on the beach that make me want to save this image as my desktop background. If I got on a plane today, I could see that sunset on the Pacific Ocean tomorrow.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands.
It's a cheap flight to the U.S. Virgin Islands and you won't need a passport to get there. Not only that, but the views all look like the one below. The combination makes it almost too tempting to get a last minute flight and hurry to the airport.
4. Bermuda.
Bermuda is only lower on the list than the others, because you need a passport to be allowed in. But if you have a passport ready to go, this is probably the quickest way to paradise. Not only is it beautiful and serene, but the sand at the beach is literally pink.
5. Baja California, Mexico.
Although California's in the title, this paradise is on the West Coast of Mexico. It's not too hard to get to -- just a flight across the country and a drive into Mexico, but it's still on this continent at least. Apart from the beautiful beaches, Baja California is full of amazing ocean wildlife, including sea lion sanctuaries and whale watching.
6. Cayman Islands.
Another quick, easy and cheap flight down to the Caribbean. Not sold yet? Ever heard of a place called Stingray City? Stingray City's a real tourist destination in the Cayman Islands, and it's exactly what it sounds like. There aren't many things I'd choose over being in the Caribbean Sea feeding giant, friendly stingrays.
7. Maui, HI.
A little cliché, but visiting Hawaii is on my bucket list, so I had to include it. I took a quiz online and they told me that Maui would be the best island for me to visit. Although it's technically still in the U.S., Hawaii is quite a long trip. Probably the best thing about Maui is that they offer volcano tours, and who doesn't want to tour a volcano?
8. Cinque Terra, Italy.
Once I start mapping out vacations on different continents, my plans become a little unrealistic. Getting to Cinque Terra would be a long and complicated trip, but so worth it the second I walk on the coast line. This is the only place on my list that I've been to before and I can attest to the fact that it's even better than it looks. The city is full of stunning multi-colored buildings, the water is warm enough to be a bath and there are gelato shops around every corner.
9. The Maldives.
Another place that would be a total pain in the ass to get to, but be totally worth it the second you get there is the Maldives. Not only is the ocean pristine and the beaches beautiful, but hundreds of the islands in the Maldives are not even inhabited. You can spend your vacation exploring your own desert island.
10. Antalya, Turkey.
Turkey is my number one dream vacation, but is listed almost last in practicality because of things like distance and international relations. Even so, I'm dying to go. First of all, the ocean is so clear and blue here, that all of the pictures of boats look like they're floating in mid-air instead of on the water. I mean, you can't even tell where the ocean ends and the sky begins in this picture. Not only is the ocean breathtaking, but the town is adjacent to the Taurus Mountains, so you're also looking out at beautiful mountain scenery while relaxing on the beach. The city is a host to things like national film festivals and ancient historic sites as well.
11. Queensland, Australia.
Another cliché, but I have always wanted to go to Australia and see the Great Barrier Reef. Even though it's halfway around the world and would take almost a full day of travel time to get there, there's no doubt that my first view of the coral reefs won't make it all totally worth it.
After writing this, I am more tempted to go on an amazing beach vacation than ever. Please, someone take one of these vacations, so I can live vicariously through you. But you never know, maybe I'll get a little too stir crazy and take an impulse trip to Bermuda or the Cayman Islands.
































