At worst, a bucket list is just a bunch of promises people makes to themselves that they never intend to keep. A list like this is supposed to actually urge people to action, and that's what the TravelPulse staff is asking from you in 2017.
Here are some of the destinations we'd love to head to in the coming year. Let us know your dream spots in the comments below!
JANEEN CHRISTOFF, SENIOR WRITER, DESTINATIONS:I think that we are going to see a lot of Arctic destinations top people's bucket lists. Crystal Cruises got a lot of media attention with their cruise through the Northwest Passage, and Iceland is everywhere on Facebook and Instagram. As these destinations continue to be front-of-mind, more and more regions such as Norway, Greenland, Finland and Alaska will begin to show up more and more.
BRIAND MAJOR, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, THE CARIBBEAN AND LATAM:Ecuador's multiple attractions include the capital city of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 130 historic buildings including ornate and art-filled 16th and 17th-century basilicas, churches and palaces-all connected by winding cobblestone streets leading to broad open plazas.
Being 9,350 feet above sea level also places the city within range of spectacular natural attractions including Cotopaxi National Park, which offers both an up-close view of the region's volcanoes and hiking, horseback riding and mountain bike excursions.
Ecuador is also the home of the Galapagos Islands archipelago, which holds a significant place in history as the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. The 14 islands and numerous islets that make up the Galapagos feature distinctive endemic species that cannot be found elsewhere including sea lions, giant tortoises, cormorants and blue-footed boobies.
GABE ZALDIVAR, SENIOR WRITER, TRAVEL TECH & ENTERTAINMENT: I've been told by people more fortunate than I that there's nothing like meandering about Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, as you sample the world's freshest collection of fish. I also have it on good authority that there is hardly a more energetic experience than witnessing a baseball game play out in Japan. When it comes to the country's collective of serene gardens… well, I seriously have a hankering for Japan.
PATRICK CLARKE, SENIOR WRITER, BREAKING NEWS: Now that Sweden's Icehotel is officially open year-round, visiting the one-of-a-kind accommodation in Jukkasjarvi is easier than ever before. Its location may not be all that attractive given its proximity to the Arctic Circle, but those hoping to see the Northern Lights will want to add Jukkasjarvi and the Icehotel to their bucket list.
DONALD WOOD, SENIOR WRITER, BREAKING NEWS:In 2017, I will be traveling to Orlando to attend my first WrestleMania. As a lifelong wrestling fan, this is an experience that has sadly eluded me for years but is finally coming to fruition in one of the best cities for tourism in the world. In between wrestling events, I will be able to enjoy the best theme parks and attractions Orlando has to offer. Whether it's classic roller coasters or newly opened rides, Orlando is the perfect destination to witness WrestleMania 33.
BARRY KAUFMAN, MANAGING EDITOR:I've been trying for years to get down to the Amazon rainforest- I was voted down on a family vacation a few years back, and then a recent press trip fell apart at the last minute. Still, it's always been one of my must-see destinations…assuming the dangers of quicksand I learned about in old movies don't pan out.
MICHAEL SCHOTTEY, SENIOR EDITOR:I studied classical culture and literature all through high school and college. So, while there are plenty of places in Africa, Asia and Europe I want to end up eventually, there's no place I have a burning desire to go quite like Greece and Rome. Maybe it could be time in Athens followed by a trip through Rome, but really there is so much natural beauty married with intense historical significance that I could probably spend months traveling through the area and never get bored. Plus, as a foodie…I mean, come on!
RICH THOMASELLI, SENIOR EDITOR, CSP CONTENT FULFILLMENT: Rome. Egypt. Places where magnificent structures such as the Coliseum and the Pyramids draw closer to erosion and disappearance every day.
CLAUDETTE COVEY, MANAGING EDITOR, AGENT@HOME AND VACATION AGENT: No one ever said bucket-list travel comes cheap. In 2016, Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity transited the Northwest Passage on a 32-day voyage covering 7,297 nautical miles from Alaska TO New York City with upwards of 1,000 well-heeled guests onboard. The route, which travels from northern Canada between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, enabled upwards of 1,000 lucky guests and 600 crew emembers to experience isolated regions of the Arctic that, just a little more than a century ago, would have would have been impossible to access. This, of course, was not your typical ultra-luxury Crystal cuise. Rather than donning black tie, guests instead wore expedition clothing, participating in "wet," frigid zodiac landings and hikes. Next year, Crystal plans to do it all over again - with fares starting at a mere $21,855!
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