So, as usual, I have been daydreaming of traveling the world instead of studying the past few days. I was looking at list upon list of places to see before you die, and it got me thinking the actual countries I want to (personally) visit before I am 50. After a long time of deep thought, and of crossing out places I have already visited. I came up with the following list. I also looked up how much it costs to go to each place for a week (via airplane) during the first week of June 2017. So without further ado, here are the 11 places I want to visit (in alphabetical order):
1. China
Going to the PRC is probably on my bucket list since it is such a different culture and has such rich history that I could probably spend there a whole month and feel I hadn't even scratched the surface. The food varies so much per region. The quick development means that almost everything is new, yet their culture has deep respect for their past.
Cost: $1,107
2. Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. If you don't believe me, think that Cleopatra was closer to the invention of Pizza Hut than she was to the building of the pyramids. A country that has been so privileged in terms of location, at a crossroads of worlds, it offers a metropolitan culture with its own distinct Egyptian flavor. Fun fact: the Pyramids at Giza are literally less than 5 miles away from a major city.
Cost: $987
3. India
India is the world most populous democracy. It is a country of contrasts. It gave rise to some of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen, and is the cradle of most languages in the West. Not to mention, the food palate is extensive, and (as far as I have had here in the US) a-ma-zing. There is so much to see and do, so many different stories there that, just like China, a month would probably not even be enough.
Cost: $1,084
4. Israel
Israel, specifically Jerusalem, is one of the holiest sites in the three major Western monotheistic religions. For me, this trip would be more of a pilgrimage, in order to better understand my own religion and those of the other two groups who also share Jerusalem's importance.
Cost: $1,066
5. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Nonetheless, it is one of the richest countries in the world based on GDP per capita. A mix of modern banking and quaint old-style architecture, Luxembourg looks like it came out of a fairytale. The melting pot of Germans and the French, Luxembourg is probably my top place to visit in Europe.
Cost: $1,060
6. Maldives
New Zealand is world renown because of their Rugby, their scenic beauty (it was the site of many movie films) and their Maori ancestry. The astounding beauty that its landscapes offer are unparalleled. I would love to camp out in the South Island and see the Aurora Australis and hopefully see a kiwi bird or two.
Cost: $1,165
8. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country that I want to visit primarily for cultural education. I would love to learn more about the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and be able to see (as a non-Muslim) the pilgrimage to the Mecca. I think it would be a growing experience and allow me to better understand the Muslim faith.
Cost: $878
9. South Africa
I don't know much about the culture of South Africa. It would be a great chance for me to learn more about their history, and probably see great white sharks hunting and look at the cool tabletop mountain.
Cost: $928
10. Thailand
Probably the only other tropical destination would be Thailand. There is so much to do, backpack, relax on a beach, enjoy the food in Bangkok. I to me this would be an amazing adventure vacation. Probably one of those you do before you are too old.
Cost: $858
11. United Arab Emirates
The new city of lights, Dubai is probably the coolest place to visit on this list. The city's opulence is probably unmatched in the world, except for its close neighbor Abu Dhabi. These two cities demonstrate what can be done with good revenues from resources, albeit they are both plagued with other social issues. Still, fun place to visit.
Cost: $985
So, here we are. Stuck at a library study room dreaming of traveling the world. I have a midterm in two days. I have a project due in three. Yes, mom and dad, this is how I am spending my time at the Library at 11pm, and this forces me to start studying at 1am and go to bet at 4am. #rip If anything, though, these little flights of fancy fuel me to do my best, in order to one day be able to afford to travel to all these places.
