I love to travel. I've been to several states in America, as well as two other countries. There are still many other places I'd like to go. Here are the top 10 countries I want to visit before I die.

10. Spain

Fine dining, beautiful art galleries, and shopping in Madrid. Museums, cathedrals, and the Plaza Mayor. Spain is one of the many European countries that I would love to visit – especially to see the architecture, taste the food, and take in the history.

9. France

Because who doesn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower? I don’t want to go to France just for that, though. I’d love to see the Luxembourg Gardens and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the famous beaches and medieval architecture in Normandy.

8. Italy

Pasta, pizza, and beautiful people. Gondola rides in Venice, sipping wine in the Piazza Marco, and a wonderful trip to the Colosseum. I’d love to go to Italy someday, especially since many sources claim that it is the best country in the world to visit.

7. England

I’ve always wanted to go to England. I want to ride the London Eye, have my picture taken in front of Big Ben, and try to make the royal guards laugh. I’d also love to see the Tower Bridge, visit the London Zoo, and hear a real British accent.

6. Australia

Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and koala bears (my favorite animal as a kid). The Great Ocean Road, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all sights I’d also love to see.

5. Greece

Ever since I watched Lena from “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” go to Greece, I have wanted to do the same. I’d love to see the Santorini architecture, the beaches, the caves, and of course the Acropolis.

4. Mexico

Bright blue water, soft sandy beaches, and a fruity drink in hand. I’d love to visit Cancun for a tropical week of relaxation. I’d also love to see the ancient ruins.

3. The Netherlands

The main reason I’d like to visit the Netherlands is to attend Redhead Days in Breda. A Dutch summer festival celebrating redheads from around the world, usually attendants come from about 50 different countries. To participate, each person must agree that they have not altered their original hair color in any way.

2. Ireland

Castles, pubs, and the Cliffs of Moher. Rolling hills, coastal drives, and Killarney National Park. Ireland is the #2 place I’d like to visit because it’s an important part of my heritage, and it looks like one of the most beautiful places in the world.

1. South Africa

The place I’d like to go most is Cape Town, South Africa. In fact, I’m hoping to spend a month there in the summer of 2017. I will be volunteer teaching under-resourced primary school children that need extra help in literacy and mathematics. On the weekends, I will explore the area by way of hiking, mountain biking, and strolling the beaches. I’ll also have the opportunity to go on a safari, a wine tasting tour, whale watching, or even shark tank diving (but I will pass on the last one).

I hope you'll agree with me that these 10 places would be wonderful to visit. I know I probably won't make it to all of them, but hopefully I'll see at least a few.