How do I even begin to describe 2022? I added an astounding 15 countries to my passport and finally was able to step foot in Latin America (México). While an awesome way to pad my totals, it’s not the type of travel that I would recommend to anyone. I barely was able to set up camp in any one location, essentially, I lived out of my suitcase in the three months that I’ve been traveling.
This year, I’m looking to add at least seven more, and I can end 2023 with 40 countries total. Here are the countries (and cities) where my traveling compass is pointing to.
San José, Costa Rica
I’ve been looking for the opportunity to practice my Spanish outside of a classroom (well, Italki) setting. Being able to do it with Spanish-speaking friends is certainly great, but I don’t get to see them as often as I would like.
Last year’s México trip was a great first salvo. This year, time to do it in another country: Costa Rica! But instead of staying at one of the country’s famed resort towns—Tamarindo, Dominical, or Playa Hermosa—I am opting for the capital.
Fez, Morocco
Africa: LFG.
I knew of the ferry south of Spain that crosses to Tangier in Morocco in under two hours. And whether it’s by coincidence or Morocco is the destination du jour, three of my friends who travel often (plus two celebrities who I follow on Instagram) paid this North African country a visit. So, here we are.
I will admit that the biggest motivator for me to visit Fez (or Tangier; I don’t really mind) is because I want to add a fourth continent.
Seoul, South Korea
I’m a fan of YouTube personality Jimmy Kim. His channel is mostly about him going on food trips, which, let’s be honest, is the number one way to get me to visit.
I can’t wait to eat my heart out.
Orlando, Florida
Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Yeah, I’m not going to lie about this one. I miss the Magic Kingdom. Even before it had to close because of the pandemic. While I’ve been to Disney Land parks around the world in the 15 years since I went to Disney World, The Most Magical Place in the World continues to call my name.
This year, my family has agreed to make the 15-hour drive from New Jersey to Florida, with two infants in tow. The kids will most likely not remember a thing from the trip but I think it’s nonetheless going to be a fun time. Especially since I finally will get to ride the Haunted Mansion again, my absolute favorite attraction out of all of Disney.
Bucharest, Romania
There’s something about Romania that continues to intrigue me. There’s the connection to other European countries in the west, that famous fictional character who was inspired by Romania’s national hero, and its healthy collection of heritage sites. It also appears that this would be a good gateway to the Balkan Peninsula (of which it is not part), one of the last remaining regions of Europe that I have not been to.
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