With the start of the new year, my family is already in talk about our next family vacation. Not only is it a nice getaway, but we'd also get to visit these amazing places that you would only see in pictures or online. As I'm about to finish my college career, the one thing that has been on my mind is traveling. I missed the opportunity to go the the one country I wanted to visit since I was the sixth grade — Japan. I finally had the opportunity to actually go to the country where I adore the culture, language, and entertainment that came out of it. I have thought of many ways of getting over there. I have a U.S. Passport, so what's stopping me from going? Being on my own? Being in a totally different country and getting a huge culture shock? There are a ton of reasons that could keep me from going. But if I never travel now, I'm only going to regret it when I get older. To inspire the wanderlust in us all, here are five places I would love to visit.
1. Japan.
As I had stated above, I have always wanted to visit Japan. From the culture, the language, and yes even the entertainment, I always had a deep love for this country. I even took a class on Modern Japan from the end of World War II until now! If I had to pick one thing I'd do as soon as I flew over there, would be to go to Kyoto by bullet train and stay in an inn and enjoy the hot springs.
2. China.
There is just something about China that I can really put my finger on that makes me want to go there. I think because the Japanese language has カンジ (Kanji) symbols in some of their alphabet, it made me more curious about the language. Plus, I'd love to see the Great Wall, Beijing, and make a stop at the new Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
3. New Zealand.
I was having my conversation with my mom about New Zealand, because we both would like to go there, but besides that, I guess it'll be cool seeing the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit locations that were filmed there.
4. Samoa.
Seeing "Moana" may have something to do with this location. Besides the fact that it is a beautiful island, there's so much culture that I'd love to learn about. Not only that, trying new cuisine and really indulging in the culture with the native people would make it all the more enjoyable.
5. South Korea.
I saved the best for last. For the past couple years, I had gotten into K-Pop, but the more I listened to K-Pop, I wanted to know more about the culture and the language. I have a small connection with the country since my parents had lived there for a year, but besides that, it would be nice to be in a city where wherever you go has Wi-Fi, McDonalds is delivered to you, and you could see your favorite K-Pop band at a music station performing. Plus, the Korean cuisine is just up my alley.
There are a few other places, I'd love to visit, but these countries especially are the ones I would like to see and really explore. We shall see what happens in the next few years!
