Do you want to travel? I do too! I have compiled a list of five countries on my bucket list to visit. These countries inspire me, and I hope they inspire you too!
Canada
Because I live on the East side of Michigan, I’m really not that far from the border, and I’m surprised that I have not visited Canada already! Let's be honest, one reason I want to visit there is that the drinking age is 19. I’m 20, so I would definitely be able to order a glass of wine with my meal when I dine there. Windsor is the first place that you arrive in when entering Canada from Detroit. Most people know it by its casino, Caesars Windsor. Another well-known building in Windsor is the Colosseum, a concert venue connected to the casino.
To visit Montreal would be a dream come true. This area mainly speaks French, a fact I learned during three years of French classes. The Notre Dame Basilica, a beautiful church built in 1656, is still standing in Montreal. I would love to tour to see its magnificent stained-glass windows and stand in awe of just how gorgeous the 360-year-old church is. The Grévin Wax Museum is in Montreal as well, holding wax figures from Michael Jackson to Albert Einstein to President Obama, and more! It would be so creepy to walk through it because the figures look so real, but so interesting at the same time. The patience and skill that it must have taken to make those figures is incredible!
Another reason I would love to visit Canada is because of Niagara Falls. I have never seen Niagara Falls, but I know the Canadian side shows tourists a very different view of them versus the American side. From Canada, you can see the “horseshoe falls”, as they are called because, well, they are horseshoe-shaped. I have recently visited the Grand Canyon, so to see another natural wonder like that would be so incredible and such a blessing.
Italy
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is definitely on my bucket list to visit. If you have seen "The Lizzie McGuire Movie", you can understand my longing to visit. I want to toss a coin over my shoulder into the fountain, turn around, and see a Paolo-like figure standing there. The next stop for me would be to the Colosseum. The number of cultural events that were held there is mind-boggling. It was built to hold 50,000 people in it, a fact I can barely wrap my head around. A definite must-see.
Sicily is one of the islands off of the coast of Italy. A good tourist attraction there is Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. There are so many changing environments to see because of the changing altitude. I am very excited to cross this visit off of my bucket list. The Aeolian Islands provide some more gorgeous scenery to immerse yourself in. Since I would already be visiting one island, what’s seven more on top of that? The Aeolian Islands can show you so many different ecosystems, and the steps that a volcano takes to become an island.
England
The main reason I want to go to England, of course, is to walk around London. Big Ben, a classic icon from many films, is there, and nearby is the red phone booth (you all know which one). Another attraction I just have to see is the London Eye (see what I did there?). At almost 443 feet high, it would be a great way to feel on top of the world and take in the views for miles and miles. Another creepy, but cool wax figure museum is in London called Madame Tussauds, this one hosting a figure of Lady Gaga. I have to take my picture with her while I am there!
The Buckingham Palace would be another incredible sight to see. I would feel like royalty standing in front of those gates! Maybe I would even catch a glimpse of the queen and her royal family, and what would be better than taking in the sights of London by a red, double-decker bus? That in and of itself would be so awesome!
Ireland
Just a stone’s throw away from England is Ireland. My grandparents visited Ireland many years ago. Their stories of how beautiful Ireland is and the pictures they took of the gorgeous countryside convinced me that I have to visit! Dublin is the first stop on my itinerary, with the Dublin Castle as my first adventure. The castle is where Dublin gets its name from because of the Black Pool, or Dubh Linn, in the gardens. The Dublin Discovery Trails are another great attraction that would be so great for pictures of my own! The trails take you on a walk through the city to learn about the history of Dublin, which would be an amazing cultural experience.
Another bucket list item of mine is to visit Wicklow Mountains National Park. This is one of the locations in the movie "P.S. I Love You". The flowers and rolling hills in the scenery are breathtaking. If I’m lucky, I might even get to see some sheepherders while I am visiting Ireland.
France
France is the number one country on my bucket list to visit. I fell in love with it during my French classes in high school. I love the sights and culture of this amazing country. I would love to walk through an outdoor market in Marseille and experience the tastes that southern France has to offer. Each region of France is made up of different cuisines, the spice blends that are traditional for each region will make your taste buds go wild!
Paris, the city of love. I think Paris has this nickname because I can’t help but fall in love with it when I see pictures of the attractions and culture within its borders. The Eiffel Tower is the crowning jewel of Paris, and on my bucket list for sure! A short walk away is the Arc de Triomphe, a historical monument in France built to honor the army of Napoleon I. There are two museums that are definitely worth exploring as well: the Musee d’Orsay and the Musee du Louvre. To experience more of the natural side of this beautiful city, I want to take an adventure through the Luxembourg Gardens and stroll next to the River Seine. Of course, while I'm there, I can't forget to eat a crepe at one of France's many outdoor cafes.
I hope after reading this, you are as excited as I am to visit these countries or different countries on your own bucket list! Write a comment below and let me know what’s on your bucket list!
