22 In Travel/ Wander-Lists/ Wanderlust Wednesday!

27 Travel Goals for My 27th Year

I decided to start something a little different with my travel goals this year. Instead of focusing on a calendar year, or focusing on things to do on my actual birthday I wanted to focus on the 365 days between birthdays! So, to celebrate my 27th birthday I’ve come up with a list of the 27 travel goals I most want to accomplish before March 8th, 2018. Because we’re unsure of our travel dates in Asia, I may miss a few by a month or so. However, this means being spontaneous and I’m so looking forward to that!

Eat at Biscuit Head, Drink Beer + Explore the Mountains in Asheville, NC

 

Asheville is a city that just instantly stole my heart. It’s where Matt + I met and fell in love. Plus, I guess this is as good of a time as ever to announce that we’re planning to move back there after our big trip, some time in 2018! We love getting to make trips back to spend time with our friends. Musts for me are eating at Biscuit Head (my favorite restaurant on earth), drinking IPAs and getting my mountain-lover on!

Celebrate My 1st Wedding Anniversary with a Camping Trip

Matt and I came up with this wild idea to spend our anniversary in a new state every year. So, this year a camping trip in Arkansas sounds like a perfect way to celebrate our first year of wedded bliss.

Visit 100 Temples in Asia

Last time I was in Asia, I was there for 3.5 months and got to almost 50 temples. This time we’ll be there for at least 8 months, so I’m going to squeeze as much spiritual, cultural + meditative goodness into my 27th year as possible!

Celebrate Christmas with Pure Relaxation in Bali

Matt and I found the most magical private villa to spend Christmas in. I’m not always the best at total relaxation, so I’m going to set Christmas and Christmas Eve aside to have a little R+R with Matt.

Attend the Holi Festival in India

Visiting India in general is a dream come true! Luckily for me, the Holi Festival comes just before my birthday! To celebrate, we’re going to don our white clothes and join in the Hindu festival that inspired the color run!

See 27 Waterfalls

 

27 is going to be the number for the year! I want to get to a minimum of 27 of a lot of things. Waterfalls are one of my favorite natural phenomenons on earth, so hopefully I can get around to seeing even more than 27!

Take a Meditation Class (or 2 or 3) in India

This is a huge one for me! I am so obsessed with the fact that I’m going to India that I’m trying to think of everything I’ve ever wanted to do there and just constantly daydreaming. What better place to learn about meditation than in India?! I’m excited to learn even more about this and become a better, more balanced version of myself.

Catch a Sunrise from the Top of a Volcano in Bali

One thing I missed on my last adventure to Bali, but I know this will be an amazing experience to share with Matt right around Christmas-time. Perhaps even for New Years? Watch the first sunrise of the new year arrive from the top of a volcano.

Watch the Hot Air Balloons Rise in Bagan, Myanmar (And Ride One if I Win the Lottery)

I have a massive dream of riding in a hot air balloon here. Dream of all hot-air-balloon-dreams! It’s really expensive, though, and it would take some serious budgeting… I suppose we’ll just see what happens. Seeing them from below is supposed to pretty incredible as well.

Get Mesmerized by Dambulla Rock Temple in Sri Lanka

My favorite professor in college specialized in Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhism. Since taking my first class with him, I’ve wanted to visit Sri Lanka and immerse myself in the Buddhist Culture. This temple is just so stunning and it will be a must-see for sure!

Explore the Angkor Complex with Matt + Catch the Things I Missed Last Time

Stacey and I did the three-day pass when we went in 2015, and I really wanted to do the seven-day pass this time, but they’ve raised the prices, so we’ll see what happens. However, I now know that I want to catch the sunrise every day there so we can explore as much as possible before it gets too crazy hot!

Take A Yoga Class at Utopia in Luang Prabang, Laos

If I could use one word to describe Utopia in Luang Prabang, it would aptly be utopia. This paradise was one of my favorite places to do some blog work while grabbing a yummy snack and drink. We looked at doing a yoga class, but had decided not to because of the price. It’s something I’m sad to have missed out on. So, this time, Matt + I will be catching a sunset yoga class on their stunning balcony.

Learn Even More About Buddhism in Nepal

There are Buddhism classes in Nepal that I would LOVE to take. I studied Buddhism quite a bit in college so I am always desperate to learn even more. In fact, the Buddha was said to have been born in Nepal, so how would this not be a great place to educate myself even more.

Ride the Rails in Sri Lanka

Ethically Spend the Day (at least) with Elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I want to volunteer for a week with elephants in Chiang Mai. Matt isn’t nearly as excited to work with large animals and shovel poo on our big trip, but I want to do this desperately! I’m holding out for the opportunity to get to spend at least a bit of time with them.

Rent Bikes in Every Country We Visit

This was a goal we set on Stacey’s and my trip through SE Asia, but it fell by the wayside after our first country. I don’t want to let that happen on this adventure. I love the freedom of being able to stop anywhere you want and get to watch the passing landscape at a much slower pace.

Soak up the Spirit of the Beach Temples In Bali

Bali has a spirit about it. I love how much you can truly feel the spirituality of the locals. I’ve never seen more devoted worshipers than the Balinese. I love seeing the offerings that devotees left all around them morning, noon and night. I feel like I totally missed out not seeing these when I was there in 2015, but I’m not going to make that mistake twice!

Explore Battambang, Cambodia

We heard about this city a little too late the last time I was in Cambodia, but I’m excited to dive into the history and beauty in Battambang.

Float Through the Village on Inle Lake, Myanmar

Visit 27 Museums

Why not make 27 the number of the year? I really hope to make this one happen because I have a goal to continue a my lifelong journey of education. Plus, it’s a great introduction to learn about things you never knew.

Trek in the Himalayas to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Friends of ours did this trek, and ever since then I’ve been dying to do it. It sounds and looks stunning. Plus, I know that it’s going to be one hell of a challenge, and I like a good challenge. I really like pushing my limits, and I know this will be no exception. 17,769 is the highest peak and that’s almost 4k feet higher than I’ve ever been on foot before.

Visit a Tea Plantation in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the fourth largest producer of tea in the entire world. I am a tea-lover, and have been since I can remember. So, I know that I want to tour a tea plantation! Ceylon tea is good for you, and I’d love to start trying to have tea in a traditional way in every country I visit from now on.

Totally Veg Out in a Cafe with A Mountain View with Matt in Vang Vieng, Laos

I wouldn’t say that Vang Vieng was a favorite city, but I would say that it has one of my favorite views! I love the mountains and the river that create the backdrop. There are a lot of natural things to see and I do love the coffee milkshakes in those open-air cafes.

Get Lost in the Intricate Architecture of India

India has been so high on my list for so long, and for whatever reason, I never seemed to make it there. I have big plans to attend the Holi Festival next year, so I’ll have plenty of time to soak up the gorgeous architecture.

Swim… Maybe Wade… or, Perhaps, Just Step in the Indian Ocean

I’ve already discussed my fear of the ocean on here, but I also want to get into all of the oceans (even if it’s just a toe). I usually try to push myself to at least get in a little bit, so I’m sure I’ll get in the Indian Ocean at least once.

Fill My Passport

I’ve never filled a passport, but I think that I just may do it on this trip. It’s getting there and it’s looking gorgeous!

Celebrate Matt’s 27th Birthday (I Snagged a Younger Man) in the Mountains of Thailand

I’m not the only one turning 27 in 2017. My husband is about six months younger than me and we have plans to celebrate his birthday in the Chiang Mai area doing anything and everything he wants to do! I know exploring nature in the wee small hours of the morning will be part of it.

It seems that I have quite the year ahead of me. I’m excited to try to make all of these 27 goals a reality. Of course, I’ll keep you updated along the way.

Cheers to many more years filled with adventure!

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22 Comments

  • Reply
    chloevsworld
    March 8, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Ahh you so inspire me! I hope you get to see all your goals through 🙂

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 30, 2017 at 8:36 am

      Thanks, Chloe! I hope I get to too. I will be sure to share all the crazy adventures we get ourselves into along the way!

  • Reply
    The Soul of Seoul
    March 8, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    Well it definitely looks like your eight months traveling will be busy but in such awesome ways. Should have NO problem seeing 100 temples in that time either haha. Have a fantastic time!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 30, 2017 at 4:48 pm

      It will be busy, but we’re so excited! We’re not sure if we’ll get to all of this in the 365 days, but our trip is getting closer and closer to a 10 month trip! We’re in the saving process and want to be gone as long as possible!

  • Reply
    Debbie
    March 9, 2017 at 2:10 am

    Happy belated birthday! I love these travel goals!!

  • Reply
    AuthenticTravels
    March 9, 2017 at 4:36 am

    You’re so young and have so many plans. Congratulations. That camping trip seems great, I’ve been camping for over 15 years and wherever I go I always have camping as my first option. Unfortunately, not all the time is possible (in the towns), but if there’s a camping nearby I’m there !

    I’ll publish soon on my blog the travel diary for the Ghorepani Trek, in Nepal. This one stretches between the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 30, 2017 at 4:54 pm

      I do have a lot of plans… I’m a huge planner! Camping is always a spectacular option, but you’re right it’s not ALWAYS possible. I’ll have to head over and check out that post. I cannot wait to get to Nepal and do some treks in the Himalayas.

  • Reply
    Cori Carl
    March 9, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Sounds like a busy year! Eight months is a huge trip, I’ve been gone for two and I’m feeling ready to enjoy my home again — but of course two months is just when travel gets tiring and I just moved to a new city and renovated my place.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 30, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      Travel does start to get exhausting around the 2-month mark. It’s usually when I start to get cranky over little things because I want to be home, but then it gets good again. You just have to know when to slow down and take care of yourself. Luckily for us, we’re now looking at closer to a 9 or 10-month trip, so we’ll have a lot more down time.

  • Reply
    nycgingeronthego
    March 9, 2017 at 9:45 am

    This is a tall order. I love the goal of chasing 27 waterfalls, but that alone is a goal I would struggle to complete. I wish you well in all of your travels and I hope you accomplish everything on your list. I’m heading to Asia soon, so I will be taking note of a few of the things on your list.

  • Reply
    openroadahead
    March 9, 2017 at 10:01 am

    I love this idea! And it really does seem like you know exactly what you want to do, so I bet you’ll accomplish those 27 goals, if not more! I’m bad with crowds, but the Holi Festival in India looks amazing. I’m a huge fan of waterfalls, so I could see that being on my list, too. I would also need to win lotto in order to go up in a hot air balloon (though I’d also need to get over my fear of heights). And, of course, Bali remains on my bucket list. Good luck and happy birthday!

  • Reply
    Mimi & Mitch
    March 9, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I keep to myself to always visit more countries than my age! I have quite some time buffer now haha 😉 Hope you do the same!

  • Reply
    colbyholiday
    March 9, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    Ok, you’ve totally sparked the, already insatiable, wanderlust in me! I so want to do and re-do so many things on your list. I’ve been having the itch to get back to Asia (specifically SEA), lately, and this just makes me want to go even more. I loved hanging out and caring for the ellies at Elephant Nature Park (even though it was only for half a day), and I so want to take a ride in a hot air balloon in Myanmar! Also, I couldn’t agree more about the spirit of Bali. I hope you’re able to check everything off your list and then some! Happy travels.

  • Reply
    equinoxio21
    March 9, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    Quite a programme, Paige. Better get started tonight. 😉

  • Reply
    TalesOfABackpacker🌍 (@clairesturz)
    March 9, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    This sounds like a great list! I love how you have so many spiritual items on your list, although going to Asia & exploring the temples is hard to resist anyway! The Holi Festival in India is also on my bucketlist, I have no clue when I’ll get there but hopefully one day!

  • Reply
    Sandy N Vyjay
    March 9, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    I hope that you achieve all the travel goals, because I would love to read all about them. I specially loved the beach temple in Bali and the waterfalls goal! And if you do end up celebrating Holi in India make sure that the colours you play with are not adulterated, it can cause skin problems.

  • Reply
    Nano @ Travel With Nano B.
    March 10, 2017 at 2:02 am

    What a wonderful list, Paige! Will be looking forward to your adventures. Eight months in Asia sounds like a dream come true!

  • Reply
    Ami Bhat
    March 10, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    Now that is a very inspiring list. 100 temples would be lovely and not too difficult if you are in Asia. 🙂 You seem to have already done quite a few. All the best for all of these. And a Happy birthday to you.

  • Reply
    Jhunelle J
    March 24, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Wow! What a list. Hopefully 1 day soon my aspirations can take me so far 🙂

  • Reply
    Stella the Travelerette
    March 31, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    This sounds like a great list. I love the idea that you are committed to continuing your education, so the 27 Museums sounds excellent. And there’s nothing to hate about 27 waterfalls or seeing elephants ethically. Good luck accomplishing your goals!

  • Reply
    Joanna Maguire
    April 4, 2017 at 7:15 am

    Looking forward to seeing all your adventures as you follow your birthday goals! Even if you don’t meet them all in the year, you are going to have so much fun trying 😊

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