My Travel Bucket List

As a girl growing up in Harlem, NYC I never dreamed or aspired to travel the world. My focus was on school, getting a good job and having a nice house. As I look back on my life now, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to several international destinations that are beyond my wildest dreams as a kid. I mean, let's keep it real, most kids dream of going to Disney World right?!?... I had those dreams too!! But as God determined my path, I actually traveled to Africa, before traveling to Disney world?!?!?! It's SO CRAZY when I think about it and so humbling because I know that I was blessed to be able to do that.

And now, as a working mompreneur, I look back on my life and I have developed such a love for travel. So far, I have traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia, Paris, Italy, Abidjan, and many other places in the Caribbean and Central America. While I have so many amazing memories of all these trips, it's only piqued my interest and desire to travel more.

What I love most about traveling is the opportunity to experience new cultures, taste different foods, see nature and architecture that's unique to that country and to bring that back to my family and friends. I always feel so enlightened and excited once I return from a trip.

So, as we sit in quarantine and our travels are restricted, I figured I'd make a list of the top three places I want to travel once it's safe to do so. Here are my top destinations that I look forward to visiting:

Marrakesh, Morocco~ There are SO many reasons I want to go to Marrakesh (among other places I'd like to visit in Morocco). I am so intrigued by their art, architecture and culture and I am DYING to try their food. It's such a diverse place filled with ancient cities, desserts and mountain ranges! I am also, so enamored by the colors and mosaics as well as the clothing they wear. I want to experience it all!

Bali, Indonesia~ Bali is such a beautiful place. To be honest, were it not for all the viral Instagram photos floating around, I am not sure it would be so high on my list. But at this point, I want to swing above the rain forrest, take a bath in a tub that has the floral decorations, and do yoga on the beach somewhere. I feel like Bali is one of those places that can either be an amazing girlfriends getaway or a romantic destination for couples. Either way, I wanna gooooo 😭.

Santorini, Greece~ I have always wanted to visit Greece and there are many popular destinations that I'd like to explore here. Santorini would be a great place to to start because of it's black sand beaches, cruise tours, wineries and beautiful architecture. This would be a dream; not to mention I love greek food... (notice the theme here - I am such a foodie!)

Ughhhh, there are SO many places I want to visit and explore with my husband, my kids and my girlfriends. Until then, I'll be dreaming and wishing and praying to see all these places with my own two eyes and continue developing my wanderlust for travel.

Where are you itching to travel to?

XO,

Ayanna