Travel Wish List in The Time of Coronavirus by Craig Doser
Covid-19 seems to be taking over our lives and society, both literally and figuratively. While it is extremely important that we keep abreast of the pandemic to protect ourselves, our families and our societies, it is also exhausting. All of us have travel plans that have been disrupted this year. But at times like this, I can momentarily escape some of the grim realities affecting us all and take solace in thinking about my travel wish list.
Where are the places that you have always wanted to go? Or how about those places that you know nothing about and want to explore more? How do I get there? What do I want to do? Which ones do I do first?
Most of us have a travel bucket list. The more I travel, the longer my list becomes. This is a great time to ponder where you really want to go, and in what order. The travel industry will take a while to rebound and will have significant shakeups in that process. Without a doubt there will be some real bargains, and some companies that go out of business. For the intrepid traveler, adventures will be available again soon.
Below is my current wish list of travel destinations and a brief explanation for why I like each place. If you like any of these as well, let us know. Perhaps Adventures for Alaskans can form a group for travel there. Please note that the websites are just for background information, and not a promotion of any specific trip or company.
Craig’s Travel Wish List:
Chile and Argentina Lake District: This is beautiful alpine country that in places looks like the Alps or parts of Alaska. Think in terms of big mountains and volcanoes that are snow capped with accompanying majestic lakes. There is great hiking, rafting, cycling and lake kayaking. The towns look like Germany. A person can make a leisurely several day or longer boat and land trip from Chile to Argentina while enjoying outdoor activities, and eating the great beef and drinking the exquisite wines of the region. Since their seasons are opposite ours, it would be a great winter escape for Alaskans. Or….. go downhill skiing in the Lake District during our summer.
https://chile.travel/en/where-to-go/the-south-its-lakes-and-volcanoes
https://www.barilocheturismo.gob.ar/en/about-bariloche
Japan: Traveling to Japan is a terrific experience with a fascinating culture, great technology, pleasant people, and best-in-class technology. However, my wish list item in Japan involves hiking. There are Shinto pilgrimages, historical walks, and nature walks. All of these pass through rural parts of Japan that are off the main tourist track, and where one might stay at historic, traditional inns, and eat local foods. These walks have unique opportunities to interact with the local people, and enjoy the scenery, history, religion, and traditions of the country away from its high tech hubs.
https://shikoku-tourism.com/en/shikoku-henro/shikoku-henro
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2019/04/19/travel/top-day-multiday-hikes-japan-alps/#.Xo0_WMhKiuw
https://www.okujapan.com/trips/winter-nakasendo-trail
Mongolia: Yes, you read that right. These are really wide, wide-open spaces. Think in terms of an Alaska sized Montana. It has spectacular mountain ranges, vast grasslands, huge deserts and lots and lots of wildlife. One can fly fish for huge trout, go to a golden eagle festival, explore the history of Genghis Kahn, hike, camp, wildlife view, ride horses, play paleontologist, etc. And all of that is before you start on most of the cultural experience.
http://fishmongolia.com/fly-fishing-for-taimen-in-mongolia/taimen/
https://www.360degreesmongolia.com/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/fathom/2016/09/03/mongolia-travel-guide/#1987280f3e32
Georgia/Armenia: One of the ancient crossroads of the world. The silk road passed through here. This is one of the oldest wine making regions in the world, dating back seven or eight thousand years. All of this means incredible history, culinary and cultural experiences. The Caucus Mountains are here with great hiking and dramatic scenery. And you can end the day soaking in the hot sulfur springs.
https://www.diariesofmagazine.com/27-reasons-to-visit-georgia-country/
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/reasons-to-visit-georgia/index.html
Slovenia: Slovenia has all the best of Europe, but without the crowds. It has Adriatic beaches for those wanting the blue waters of the Mediterranean at a better price. It has World Cup ski slopes and the Alps, for those who like Switzerland. There is a great tradition of wines and wine making, terrific hiking, and a lot of English speakers because of compulsory language training. And while in the vicinity, perhaps a quick ferry ride to take in Venice!
https://www.livelikeitstheweekend.com/travel-to-slovenia/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/slovenia-travel_n_589240dbe4b00b0542adc3eb
Atacama Desert: I know that I already mentioned Chile above with the Lake District, but the country is sooooo long and diverse that you can’t see it all at once. This is the driest desert in the world with incredible vistas and geology. The mountains are huge, and because of the clear air, telescopes show up on the peaks. There are geysers, hot springs, salt flats, pink flamingos, and terrain that looks like Mars.
https://chile.travel/en/things-to-do-in-san-pedro-de-atacama
https://www.onthegotours.com/blog/2018/10/10-interesting-facts-about-the-atacama-desert/
Northern Territory, Australia: Great birds, funny looking mammals and huge saltwater crocodiles! Pretty desert landscapes (think Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock), oases, rivers and the sea. The options for exploration and recreation are unlimited from camel riding, hiking, bicycling, boats, float planes, fishing, exploring indigenous culture and more. And if you are lucky enough to be there when the mango season is on, you can eat them until your skin starts changing color! All this in a place that makes Alaska seem a bit urban.
https://northernterritory.com/us/en
https://www.australia.com/en/places/northern-territory.html
Colombia: My only time here in the past was in 2000 during the midst of the drug cartels, so I only saw Leticia, a beautiful city on the Amazon. I’ve wanted to return ever since. Now that the war with the FARC is over, Colombia is a tremendous emerging destination for tourism. It has rainforest, mountains, coffee plantations, thundering rivers, fabulous birding, happy citizens, ancient ruins, ocean coastline, the Amazon River, and beautiful colonial cities.
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/colombia-col.htm
Greenland: As an Alaskan, the ice sort of calls me. The scale of the giant tidewater glaciers calving is incredible. The history of exploration and occupation of the various cultures fascinates me, as does more recent history as a stopover for US Air Force planes in WWII and as an epicenter for climate research. However, seeing this area in conjunction with northern most Canada means lots of marine wildlife. Anybody else want to see a Narwhal?
https://visitgreenland.com/things-to-do/#nature
https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/international/info-2019/guide-to-greenland.html
Of course, the list could continue. For instance, I want to see more of Peru, but want to hike into ruins that are not crowded like Machu Picchu. The Galapagos are calling me, but Ecuador offers so much spectacular history and scenery on the mainland. Can you really do it all in one trip? In truth, I’d be happy to go to any of these destinations, and it’s anyone’s guess which places will offer incredible deals that are too good to refuse.
If you like some of these places and would entertain visiting them, please let us know.
Atacama Desert PC Condor Travel
Mongolia Flaming Cliffs
Greenland
Japan during Cherry Blossom Season
Northern Australia
Northern Australia
Wild Mongolian Prezewalski Horse PC: Canneeb
Karahunj Megaliths Armenia
Old Tbilisi Georgia