10 Places to Add to Your Bucket list
2021 and Beyond Bucketlist
It’s hard to believe that I sat down to write this on my 26th day of quarantine and here we are almost a year later. As someone who tries to skip town at least 2x a month this past year has been quite different but with vaccines showing promising results, I see travel in our futures! I was recently vaccinated and began dreaming of all the magical places I can go!
Below are 10 places I’m putting on my bucket list for 2021 and beyond.
1. Belize
Blue skies, sand beaches, and tropical rainforest, what more could you ask for! I had a wonderful long weekend trip planned with one of my good friends before this all happened and CANNOT wait to reschedule. One of the major attractions in Belize is the Great Blue Hole which attracts many divers to the country. Not only is there great scuba and diving you can visit islands like Caye Caulker and rent a bike for less than $15 a day. Also be sure to stop by the jungle and go ATVing to the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins. Your dollar will go extremely far here and what’s not to love about that! With a variety of landscapes to explore, I’m super excited to visit Belize.
Via Google
Via Google
2. Mexico City
Another trip I’ve had to reschedule but can’t wait to visit! I’ve only heard AMAZING things about Mexico City. Delicious food, lively nightlife, and tons of museums and culture! While a little bit longer of a flight from LAX you should plan on spending between 5-7 days there! Be sure to snag reservations to restaurants like Contramar and Pujol. The weather in Mexico City is great most of the year which makes this a prime destination to visit. Also so excited to check out Lucha Libre and take a colorful boat down the river in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco. Be sure to grab a coffee or drink at the Sears building on its 8th floor with a picture-perfect view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (pictured here)
3. Chile
I had a trip to Chile planned in August for my 27th birthday when we thought this pandemic would be short-lived. Through Scott’s Cheap Flights I was able to score flights for $350 round trip. If you haven’t signed up for Scott’s I HIGHLY recommend it. Currently, I have plans to visit Chile in August (TBD if that happens), but if you look closely you may be able to find cheap flights like I did ($350 round trip). Based on my research there’s something for everyone in Chile. Hiking in Patagonia, wine tasting in Valparaíso, and exploring a red-sand desert (San Pedro de Atacama). The best time to visit Patagonia is from November - March so fingers crossed I can make this happen (safely) this year! I’m dying to stay at this hotel. The views from the swimming pool are simply incredible. Also, I can’t wait to check out the beachside town of Valparaíso where you can wander through the colorful streets and stay in a container hotel.
Via Google
Via Google
4. Portland, Oregon
Domestic travel will be huge for me *and everyone else* in 2021 and I want to take a trip up to Portland. A hop, skip and a jump from Los Angeles, I’m actually shocked I haven’t made the trip up there yet. I want to check out the Pine Street Market a food hall with multiple vendors. Portland/Oregon is also the perfect place to explore some nature and keep your distance from people ;). Looking forward to trying out the Portland classic Voodoo donuts before heading to Mount Tabor Park for terrific views of the Portland skyline. I also heard you should rent a car and hike Multnomah Falls.
5. Miami, Florida
I’ve been to Miami as a kid before getting on a cruise, so I want to go back as an adult and check out the Wynwood Walls and have a delicious Cuban sandwich. I think I might even schedule a food tour through Little Havana! With so many colorful buildings this will for sure be an Instagrammers dream! And who doesn’t love a good beach? Miami has some of the best beaches in the US! Snap some photos at the colorful lifeguard stands at South Beach before strolling down Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. This is where the Art Deco buildings are located. Looking for more of a European vibe? Visit Espanola way which was designed to mimic a Spanish village.
Via Google
Via Google
6. Napa, California
Another place that is so close to LA that I am embarrassed that I haven’t visited yet is Napa. Close enough to drive or a short 45-minute flight! I love wine tasting and am a huge foodie and I’ve heard the food there is impeccable! Gavin Newsom even broke COVID protocol to eat at French Laundry. With tons of tasting rooms and wineries, there looks to be something for everyone! I’m also hoping to do a Hot Air Balloon Tour and see Napa from above. Afraid of heights? There’s also a Wine Train you can take! You can also rent a bike and explore Napa on two wheels. Want to hit the water? There is also a Napa river which you can explore via kayak. Not into wine tasting check out this site for other activities in Napa Check out Love and Loathing’s article on Napa, here, She has all the best info on Napa including wineries you must visit!
7. Charleston, South Carolina
While I would love to spend all of 2021 taking big international trips. Like most of you, I have a 9-5 job and am trying not to drain my bank account. When looking at destinations around the USA I found Charleston intriguing. Being named the Top City in the World by Conde Nast Traveler nine years in a row, I thought this would be a good place to add to your bucket list. Things to do include Rainbow Row where you can snag the perfect Instagram shot, Waterfront Park where you can overlook the Cooper River and the Charleston harbor, as well as a historic City Market. I can’t wait to cross this city off of my bucket list! Charleston has the best weather between early April - late May and late September - late October. So hopefully COVID will allow for a quick weekend trip either this spring or fall!
Via Google
Via Google
8. Tulum, Mexico
Yes, I am putting Mexico on here twice but two completely different places. Despite being the "most basic” and “influencer” type of place I’ve heard amazing things about Tulum. Beautiful Cenotes, beaches, and delicious food…sounds like the perfect trip to me. Close by they also have the Mayan Ruins at the Tulum National Park that overlook the ocean for some great photos. For a little bit of culture, you can also visit Pablo Escobar’s mansion which has been turned into a hotel. For budget travelers, I heard it’s best to stay in Tulum Town and rent a bike to get to the beach. For a more luxurious stay check out Papaya Playa Project and Azulik. Besides checking out the Cenotes I’m looking forward to eating delicious street tacos at Taqueria Honorio and having a burrito at the famous Burrito Amor.
9. Maui, Hawaii
I’ve heard the best way to rent a car and work your way around the island, starting in west Maui known for its reliable surf, snorkeling, and delicious food. I’ve heard that snorkeling in Molokini is unforgettable make sure any tour you book stops at Turtle Town for the opportunity to see Hawaiian Sea Turtles! One of the more unique experiences in Maui is goat yoga! Located in Kula, the goats roam while you complete your yoga, sometimes they even climb on your back! A must is the road to Hana start as early as you can. Spend the day driving through windy roads (not for the faint of heart) and exploring secret beaches, waterfalls, and forests. Once you have experienced this head to the south side of Maui and enjoy world-class beaches and luxury spa treatments! Count me in! Maui is also known for having some of the best sunrises. While a pain to wake up at 2:30 am, I’ve heard you must check out the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Looking to see Maui from a different point of view? Consider a helicopter tour over the island. With incredible views, I can imagine this will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Via Google
Via Google
10. Morocco
Morocco has been on my list for YEARS and I’m hoping this is the year I can make it happen. My mom went right before the lockdown and said it was incredible. I plan on spending at least 10 days here visiting Marrakech, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and spending a few days “glamping” in the desert. I can’t wait to stay in a riad like this Insta-famous one and check out the markets in Marrakech. A popular attraction in Marrakech is the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful botanical garden spanning over two and a half acres which were taken over by famous designer Yves Saint Laurent. This town is known to have plenty of shops, restaurants and little cafes. Casablanca is another popular destination in Morocco. Visit the Old Quarters, and enjoy the beach! 5 hours from Casablanca is Chefchaouenis the famous “blue city” you see all over Instagram and pictured on the left.
