My Exotic Getaway Bucket List

Summer is here, everyone around me is taking vacations overseas, and I’m… stuck in freakin’ New York, spending my fifth summer in a row working 24/7. And the fact that I haven’t renewed my passport yet only adds to my feeling even more claustrophobic. Fortunately, I can look at pictures of faraway places and piece together a future bucket list of exotic getaways, so I’ll know where to go when I finally have the time and money to escape the country again.

As you can see, I’m partial to tropical places. (You can take the girl out of the islands, but…)

The Galapagos Islands

As the site of Charles Darwin’s studies, the Galapagos Islands is a treasure trove for marine biology junkies like myself. I’m determined to get my PADI license just so I can spend a week diving in the Galapagos, observing the wildlife, and helping with some sort of green sea turtle conservation project.

Photo Credit: Treasure of Galapagos

The Maldives

The Maldives have always been tied with Mauritius on my travel bucket list. But since the Maldives are apparently “sinking” (thanks to global warming and rising sea levels) and probably won’t be around by the time I reach retirement age, I’d like to make a trip over there sooner than later. Even though I’ve pretty much dubbed this place as a stereotypical destination for the rich and famous – i.e. “with little cultural depth” – staying in a bungalow over the water sounds like heaven.

Photo Credit: Travel Talk

Bali

There’s something incredibly mystical about Bali that has always intrigued me. Of course, I want to explore the beaches and coral reefs; but it’s the forests, rice paddies and temples I really wanna see.

Photo Credit: Travel Noire

Kenya

Ah, the home of The Lion King. I’ve always had this strange fascination with Africa, and going on a Kenyan safari is probably at the top of my travel bucket list. Waking up on the Serengeti and seeing lions, elephants and giraffes in their natural habitat would be amazing. I’d also need to swing by Mombasa for some surfing.

Photo Credit: Kenya Travel Tips

Tonga

Last, but certainly not least, is the Kingdom of Tonga (the last Polynesian monarchy in existence). My daddy is from there and most of the Malamala family tree is still on the island – so a South Pacific pilgrimage absolutely needs to happen.

Photo Credit: Dronestagram/darrennina