Our Dream Destinations [Future Travel Plans]

I never stop dreaming about my next destination, but it has been so long since we could travel. I know the day will come soon enough when we can climb on a plan with our passports and head out to the great unknown.Where should we go? Where will you go?

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As I start to plan where to go, I asked some travel bloggers to chime in with their thoughts. I’m not sure how much it has helped, because they all make great arguments for the places they have written about. Can I ask you a favor? Can you help me out? Read the posts and look at the amazing photos below. Then in the comments tell me which countries I should go to, and which ones I need to get to first. Please!

Where would you go next?

Albania – Giulia from Blocal Travel Blog

The thing I liked the most about Albania is the genuineness of the place: secluded beaches, unspoiled nature, fresh food and easy-going people. I especially loved the crystal blue sea and the abandoned stone houses scattered throughout the country. It is the perfect place to relax and step outside from our hectic routines.

Guilia has tons on her blog about Albania.  Check it out!

Armenia  – Kach from Two Monkeys Travel

My first ever backpacking experience was a week in Armenia and it will always be a memorable trip for me! During the trip, my 4 travel buddies at that time agreed that we would go to different tourist attractions including Karahunj which is called the Stonehenge of Armenia!

Check out Kach’s site.  They went RTW! Wow!

Azerbaijan – Edna from Expat Edna

Azerbaijan is an intriguing mix of East and West, modern and ancient. Its capital of Baku is a booming city along the Caspian Sea, while a visit to the countryside feels like stepping back in time. The cuisine is delectable, with specialities of the region including tea with jam and piti soup, a hearty mix of chickpeas, bread, and lamb.

Check out Edna’s blog with more on this fascinating country!

Belarus – Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi

As the last dictatorship in Europe, acquiring a Belarus visa is not straightforward making you appreciate your time that little bit more. I really liked how there were no touts asking me anything due to the lack of tourism, though this did make it harder to accomplish basic things from time to time.

Check out what else Jub has to say about this mysterious country!

Belarus from Kamila of Kami and the Rest of the World

Belarus seems like the place we know nothing about and due to difficult visa situation not many travelers visit it. Too bad as it’s one of the most pleasant countries I’ve ever been to! I didn’t know what to expect from Belarus and it took me by surprise! Cities are really clean and villages neat, Grodno is a great example of beautiful Eastern European architecture and Minsk is a mix of Soviet and modern style. But most of all people are super friendly and helpful and are just happy to welcome travelers brave enough to visit their country. Belarus is a true off the path experience, so worth the effort! Do your best to go there before it changes!

You can find out much more about this wonderful place and others at Kamila’s website.

Estonia – Sharon from Where’s Sharon

Estonia This tiny country tucked away in Northern Europe is full of surprises – the main one being just how gorgeous the Old Town of Tallinn is. This medieval Old Town is definitely one of the most beautiful in Europe and worth a visit to Estonia in itself. There’s also Estonia’s Soviet past to explore, lots of natural attractions and an interesting culture.

Sharon has written a really great Tallinn guide here, check it out!

Estonia – Lance and Laura from TravelAddicts

Estonians love nature and Estonia is a natural wonderland.  One of the highlights is the Konnu Suursoo bog, which is part of the Pohja-Korvemaa Nature Reserve.  Many people visit Tallinn or resorts on the coast, but there’s a lot of beauty to explore in Estonia.

Check out Lance and Laura’s post on Estonia: Travel Addicts

Finland – Inma from A World to Travel

After visiting Finland three times, I’d recommend everyone to stop in this Nordic country during Winter for a once in a lifetime experience. Either if you are into ice-skating in a wild lake of a remote Kimiton archipelago island, uncovering traditional little shops in Turku or flying in an helicopter over Helsinki and Suomelinna, the unique light and warm Finnish people will blow your mind. Enjoy!

Check out Inma’s blog!  A World to Travel

Georgia – Kirsty from Kathmandu and Beyond

We were struck by Georgia’s diversity. For a small country, it packs a punch in terms of things to do, from the Black Sea coast to snowy mountains peaks. As well as some great hiking, we loved exploring the ancient Orthodox monasteries we found dotted all over the country. And, last, but not least, the warmth of the people contributed hugely to our happy memories of Georgia.

Check out much more on Kirsty’s site:  Kathmandu and Beyond

Georgia from Jub of Tiki Touring Kiwi

Georgia has a great variety of activities, whether you like the beach, mountains or would rather drink wine in the wine region.

Georgia post link: Tiki Touring Kiwi

Kosovo from Stefania of Every Steph

When I visited Kosovo last summer during a Balkans roadtrip, I didn’t have particular expectations, but it turned out to be my favourite country in the region.

Pristina, the capital, is not the prettiest city, but very interesting from a historical point of view; they say Kosovo is the best country for a macchiato outside of Italy, so just sit down at a cafè for some people watching.
A day-trip to the Mirusha waterfalls is worth it to escape the heat!

It was Prizren though, the second largest city in Kosovo, the place I fell in love with: Prizren retains a delightful village feel, life goes on slowly and the glimpse of the city from the fortress at sunset time is oh so pretty!

Check out much more on Stefania’s blog: Every Steph – Green & Glamourous travel blog

Russia from Stuart of Am I Nearly There Yet?

The Trans-Siberian… Is there a train journey as epic as this?! Other train adventures can’t compare to this mammoth journey that spans several time zones through Russia! It’s not the most luxurious experience, but where it lacks polish and sparkle, it has heaps of Russian charm, character and ruggedness.

The coal fired samovar, the babushka ladies selling home-made snacks – Combined with the beautiful Siberian tundra, steppe grasslands and endless silver birch forests, the Trans-Siberian should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Stuart has much, much more on his site, check it out: Am I Nearly There Yet

Russia from Stefan of Nomadic Boys

We took the Trans Siberian as a way to get into Asia over land. If you like train travel, this is one of the ultimate experiences for you. We love train travel and in Russia, once you reach deep Siberia around Lake Baikal/Irkutsk, the scenery is just stunning! It’s not for everyone though…after 3 days in a carriage in the peak Russian summer, it does start to smell a bit…!

Find out more about Russia on Stefan’s site: Nomadic Boys

Ukraine  from Kirsty of Kathmandu and Beyond

Travellers are avoiding Ukraine right now because of the trouble in the Crimea and the east but two of the country’s most vibrant cities, Kiev and Lviv are perfectly safe to visit and both wonderful in their own right. We loved the cosmopolitan vibe and beautiful architecture in Kiev while Lviv is home to one of the most attractive Old Towns that we have seen. And what’s more, Ukraine is a very cheap destination to travel in!

Check out much more on Kirsty’s site:  Kathmandu and Beyond

Ukraine from Kamila of Kami and the Rest of the World

Many people avoid Ukraine these days, thinking it’s a war zone. Well, it’s true, east of the country deals with a really difficult situation and it should be avoided at all costs, but Ukraine is one of the biggest countries in Europe and the majority of it is safe to visit. And there’s plenty to see and do!

Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and I bet you will fall in love with it too! Kiev, the capital, can show you the best of East: gold-dome churches and impressice Soviet architecture and recent revolution will make you feel history in every step. But there are also smaller towns like Chernivtsi that are just too charming to miss. Ukraine really is one of the most underrated countries in Europe and these days it’s one of the cheapest destinations to go to!

Check out all of Kamila’s travels on her website.

Thanks to all the wonderful bloggers that contributed to this post. I was overwhelmed at how much information is out there!

Weren’t those some great posts, and certainly inspiration for me to get planning!  Tell me in the comments below which stood out to you as must-sees…and soon!

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.