What's on My Bucket List?

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Ted Blank

Woodbury, MN
Tailor-Made Journeys

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What's on Your Bucket List?

According to a recent survey conducted by AARP, travel is the top aspiration of Americans of all ages. Whether Baby Boomers, Millennials, Gen Xers, or folks – like me – who fall somewhere in between, the average person has eight destinations or travel experiences on their bucket list. And, let’s be honest, once we check off all eight items on the bucket list, it’s sure pretty easy to add eight more back on!


What’s on my bucket list for 2018 and beyond? Read on.


Iceland: The land of fire and ice, Iceland is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between North America and Europe. Known for its rugged natural beauty, friendly residents, and Nordic cuisine, Iceland is home to waterfalls, volcanoes, and unbelievable views of the Northern Lights in the winter. Fermented shark is a local delicacy – not sure if I’ll be brave enough to try it!


Antarctica: Keeping with the colder-than-Minnesota theme, Antarctica has been on my bucket list since I was a child. The opportunity to see unique wildlife – penguins, whales, seals, and birds – up close and personal intrigues me. An expedition cruise, from southern Argentina or Chile, is the best way to experience this remote continent.


The Orient Express: One of the world’s quintessential luxury travel experiences, the Orient Express today consists of perfectly restored rail cars from the ‘20s and ‘30s that travel between London and Venice every week or so. The train’s heritage, beautiful alpine scenery and gourmet cuisine make this a must-do bucket list experience for me.


Croatia: Even though I’ve already been there twice, the European nation of Croatia and its neighbors, Slovenia and Montenegro, continue to beckon me. The sea is crystal clear, the welcome warm, and the blend of history, culture, food and drink, and natural beauty are unbeatable. Next time, I plan to spend more time exploring the Istrian Peninsula, which includes the Venetian city of Rovinj, Roman ruins of Pula, and the beautiful Kamenjak National Park.


Queen Mary 2: Another of the world’s must-do travel experiences is a transatlantic crossing on the luxury liner Queen Mary 2. Seven glorious, uninterrupted days at sea to relax, unwind, disconnect, and enjoy the myriad of onboard activities sounds delightful. Plus...no jet lag!


Hawaii: Hawaii is a perennially-popular destination, and many travelers never venture off the beaten bath and discover the real Hawaii. Every fall and winter, UnCruise Adventures operates a week-long cruise on the 36 guest Safari Explorer, visiting smaller islands, unique villages, and offering the chance to view the islands from the sea. Add in snorkeling, sea kayaking, and farm-to-table (or sea-to-table) cuisine, and I’m in!


Japan: When I was young, I had a chance to see the cherry blossom trees blooming in Washington, DC. These trees, which are native to Japan, were given to the United States to celebrate the friendship between the two nations. I’ve always looked forward to visiting Japan itself during spring, when these beautiful trees bloom all across the island. Japan is an island of natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and some very interesting foods to sample.


Quebec City: Much closer to home, Quebec City is a slice of France in the heart of Canada. From historic battlefields to the charming Old Town, Quebec City is full of interesting sights and unique cultural experiences. The nearby Ile d’Orleans, known as the “Garden of Quebec,” is a rural place that is still home to artisan producers of maple syrup, cheese, wine, and more.


What’s on your bucket list? Share it with me and other travelers at facebook.com/ingenioustravels!

My Travel Albums

Croatian Coastal Cruise
Korcula, birthplace of Marco Polo
Rhine River Cruise
The Canals of Amsterdam
September Cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean
Beautiful Korcula in Croatia
Barging in Burgundy
Hotel barge Luciolle on the Canal du Nivernais
Venice and Milan, Italy
La Scala Theater in Milan
Royal Clipper Mediterranean Cruise
What a great place for a glass of wine!
Exploring Southern France by Luxury Barge
Comfortable accommodations on a French hotel barge
China!
A quiet tropical park in Hong Kong
Rollin' on the River with UnCruise Adventures
Deluxe cabin on UnCruise Adventures' SS Legacy
Unmatched Style and Discovery on Queen Elizabeth
The Queen's Room with Nightly Dancing
Escape from It All in Greece
A lovely beach on the Greek Island of Symi.
Views of Portugal
Alcobaca Monastery in Portugal
In Queen Victoria’s Footsteps
Queen Victoria's desk at Osborne House
You'll Feel Special on a Cunard Luxury Cruise
Onboard Queen Mary 2
By Barge Along the Nivernais Canal in France
Canal barging is an authentic French experience
An Introduction to French Canal Barge Cruising
Dining room on a French Canal Barge
Seeking the Harmony of Terroir
Dining with a view
A Day in Strasbourg, France
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Strasbourg
In Search of the Holy Grail
The Cathedral in Valencia, Spain
On the Trail of Michelangelo in Rome, Italy
The Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy
Beautiful Seville, Spain
Fountain in the Parque de Maria Luisa, Seville
Luxury Ranch Resort in the Texas Hill Country
Views of the Texas Hill Country from the Pool
A Day in Venice
The Grand Canal in Venice
Discover Greece by Luxury Cruise
The Temple of Apollo at Delphi
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