8 Dream Destinations for 2010
I am always a dreamer. Couldn’t get through life without that ability. One of the things I dream about frequently is travel. It’s true that I am in love with France and Italy, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a deep desire to explore and experience other places the world over. I really, really do.
So, I thought it might be fun to share a list of those top places, not in any particular order. And surprise, surprise - not one is located in France OR Italy. Although, I will discuss dream destinations for EACH of those countries in another post.
So many places, too little time (and money!).
Keep in mind these are dream destinations. Some I have talked about before, some are new to the list. Some might be more attainable for me than others. I am not one to volunteer to fly half way around the world on 20 hour flights. I have a hard enough time surviving 8 hours.
1. Kyoto
From the time I read Memoirs of a Geisha, to the time the ending credits rolled by at the end of the movie, I have always been fascinated with Kyoto. The Geishas with their wooden shoes and gorgeous silk kimonos, Japanese tea houses, graceful landscaping, cobbled streets and unique architecture – it all lures me in.
2. India
I have always been intrigued by India, and I must admit that a certain favorite movie of mine {Slumdog Millionaire} pushed me even further into wanting to visit. Drooling over photos of chat and other Indian delicacies for an article I wrote didn’t exactly put a stop to the dreaming. I could smell the flavors just jumping off those pages. I know India is a big country, and I am not quite sure exactly where I like to go, but a visit to the Taj Mahal and areas with reportedly good street food would be at the top of the list.
3. Marrakesh
I think Morocco is a feast for all the senses. I am mesmerized by the architecture – the gracefully round shaped arches, the miniscule bright inlaid tiles and brightly colored doors. I could wander the small narrow streets and the souks searching for deals on handmade crafts, tangines and spices. A visit to the Majorelle gardens, several mosques and palaces would also be in order. A photographer’s Candyland!
4. Barbados
My dreams of the Caribbean are generally of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ variety. You know, out in the middle of nowhere, washed up on a deserted island. Barbados fits the bill. Pristine white sandy beaches on an unspoiled lush island in the middle of the crystal clear aquamarine Caribbean sea. And lovely warm locals who are ready to please. Tiny houses the colors of sherbert shaded in palms bursting with clusters of coconuts. Need I say more?
5. Fiji
Every picture of Fiji I have ever seen has been downright jaw-dropping and drool-inducing. I’ve dreamed of staying in a private thatched hut that seems to float atop the South Pacific complete with a glass bottom. Just imagine what you could see beneath you. A cocktail or two would most certainly make an appearance. I could lose my very soul in a place like that.
6. Istanbul
This one is definitely a food-motivated pick. Last year, while researching an article on street food, I came across so many mouth-watering photos of Istanbul’s cuisine, I couldn’t help but dream of visiting. Definitely a city I’d like to eat my way through! I’d especially enjoy a Turkish breakfast. Aside from eating, I’d imagine visits to the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque. I’d ferry around the Bosphorus and run to the nearest authentic Turkish Hamam. Maybe even smoke a little hookah. When in Rome…
7. Santorini
Let’s be honest here. I’d pick pretty much ANY Grecian Island, but I suppose there has been so much buzz about this one – it’s my first pick. I’d love to be staring at the stunning white cubed architecture with blue domes that just drip from the rock faces high above the Aegean Sea. I’m in love with the chalky white steps that twist and turn to reveal balconies dripping with dark fuchsia Bougainvillea. And how ’bout that Greek cuisine? Fresh fish and local grown fruits and veggies like figs, tomatoes and cucumbers. I’m also a sucker for a good sunset, and Santorini boasts some of the world’s finest.
8. Prague
I am not a fan of wintery cold weather. Not really into snow either. But if there is one place I’d consider making my Winter wonderland, it would be Prague. It just looks so damned romantic in snow! It has that European look and feel that I have grown to love – a river with many bridges, domed architecture and loads of charm and history. Days might be spent just strolling the streets. A visit to Prague Castle and at least one brewery would be in order. At night I’d curl up in front of a toasty fire in my hotel.
Where would you like your travels to take you this year?
And just wanted to mention, I have created a new Facebook fan page for My Melange. I will be having some special recipes and promotions for just fans, so if you are interested in becoming a fan, just scroll down on the blog to the Facebook fan box in the right sidebar and click Become a Fan. Voila! Easy, right?
Photo Credits : Flickr Kyoto/India/Marrakesh/Barbados/Fiji/Istanbul/Santorini/Prague
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January 4th, 2010
4/8 are on my list as well. India (back from it yesterday but still on the list
, Marrakech (been a couple of times but love to go back),Istanbul also been but still, Santorini love to go out of season though… Would add Burma, Bali, Laos, Argentina and that is if we limit to 8.. 
January 4th, 2010
What a coincidence that Prague is on the Dream Destination ..I received a postcard today…from Prague , sent to me by my Friend Dawn who lives in Paris
January 4th, 2010
Very juicy list. I’m ready for Morocco. Let me know when you are going;-)
January 4th, 2010
@Adelina: I envy you
If my list were longer, I’d put Bali on there in a heartbeat!
@Anne: Small world, for sure.
@Evelyn: Girl, you’d be the first to know. Love to go with YOU
January 4th, 2010
Nice list. I would like to go to Santorini too, heard so many lovely things about it. I`ve been luckily enough to have explored Barbados, only for one day. It was a cruise stop on one of my previous cruises. And yes, Fiji IS that amazing. It was on my list for a loooong time and in 2008 I combined it with a trip to New Zealand. Beautiful! The people are friendly and the islands are gorgeous. Wouldn`t mind going back again
January 4th, 2010
We definitely have the same wanderlust/taste. I’ve been to a few of your wishlist items, Marrakesh, Prague, Santorini and Istanbul (all to die for), and Kyoto and Fiji are way up high on mine too, and for the same reasons. How do you feel about Sydney and Buenos Aires? And I can’t leave out Bahia… or Moscow. And Vanuatu? Namibia… Madagascar…. I could go on and on.
Ah, dreaming is gratis…
Eleonora´s last blog ..A prayer for us
January 4th, 2010
What a wonderful list! I hope that you’ll be able to cross off some of the destinations in the coming year.
Fiji is also on my wish list, my husband spent two months there a few years ago. His descriptions of the island and people always make me want to hop on the next plane to this wonderful island. I now have visions of thatched huts and cocktails dancing in my head:)
January 4th, 2010
Wonderful choices – I agree with many on the list. Prague is really beautiful in autumn as well, with the coloured leaves. And it’s not quite as cold!
January 4th, 2010
@ Isabelle : Lucky girl you are to get to Fiji! I’ll join you in Santorini
@ Eleonora: Great minds think alike! And yes, that is the best part of dreaming. Wallet stays intact
@ Dian: I think Fiji makes everyone’s wish list at some point
And as long as have implanted a seed, my work here is done!
January 4th, 2010
I could fall right into each and every one of these photos…if only travel actually worked that way! Santorini is a dream, even if you’re actually there…from way up high in outdoor cafes, the water and sky together form a soft blue glow.
As for me, I’ve got Jamaica, Maui and Costa Rica already planned, but would love to explore Croatia’s tiniest town, trek across Patagonia, immerse myself in the Afro-Latin culture of the Dominican Republic, go on safari in Botswana, sleep out under the desert stars in Oman, marvel at the Turkish rock spires of Cappodocia, stuff my face with chocolate in Zurich, and take a day trip from Luxembourg to taste real Champagne. And should London’s Chelsea Flower Show fall in my way, well…that would be ok, too.
I’ll be 40 this year…why not dream?
Melanie@TravelsWithTwo´s last blog ..TWT Named One of the Ottawa Citizen’s 5 Best Travel Blogs
January 4th, 2010
Yep, I don’t think I’d turn down a trip to any of the locales you list. (Husband, are you listening?!)
Thanks for letting me daydream for a few minutes!
Kara Williams´s last blog ..Travel Giant Arthur Frommer Disdainful of Caribbean Family Cruising
January 4th, 2010
@ Melanie: Wow, you have got quiet the travel schedule this year! We did Paris for our 40th’s – and yes, it’s GOOD to dream
@ Kara: I’ll help you daydream anytime. And I sure hope hubby saw your cute note!
January 4th, 2010
Oh my gosh! I love, love, love your blog…. SO pretty!! Yes, I am an Italophile and Francophile myself…
Love to see your 2010 dreamlist… keep up the great work on the blog!
Jessica ´s last blog ..FREE Gold Membership at Starwood
January 4th, 2010
Gorgeous photos! Many of these sites are on my list too – especially Marrakesh and Fiji! Mali and its center of Islamic learning, Timbuktu, is also on the top of my list. Dreaming….
Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2010
ALL on my list, except Prague where I have been and was sad to see it bursting at the seams with too many americans
a bit like what happened to Italy’s cinque terre since Rick Steves had his way with it 
regina´s last blog ..10 Places not to miss on a 2nd visit to Rome
January 5th, 2010
Here are some from my list of dreamy vacations…I may actually post them on my blog (hmmm, good idea!). I’m dreaming of Antigua & Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Also…South Africa, Botswana, and/or Namibia is tops on my list in the African continent. Syria is a place I’ve always wanted to go. As for the beach…North Island, Seychelles is a dream destination, although in terms of practicality and affordability, it’s never gonna happen for me. Maybe the Maldives would be a better alternative or Anguilla. So many places, so little time and money (!). No harm dreaming, right, sister?!
Jen Laceda´s last blog ..New Year, New Hopes, New Wishes, New Travels (Hopefully)…
January 5th, 2010
@ Jessica Well, thank you so much for the blog love
Always great to meet another Franco-Italophile!
@ Jennifer Happy New Year to you as well. Isn’t nice to dream about travel….
@ Regina Well, if I need a travel companion…I know who to ask. I’ll just remember to leave Prague for the end
@ Jen Equally nice list. I’d take the Maldives too. Perhaps I’ll run into you there one day! Keep travel dreaming….
January 5th, 2010
Great list Robin! Like you, I have the bug and if I have not visited the place then it is definitely on the list. I hope you get to cross a few destinations off this year.
January 6th, 2010
Hi Robin,
LOVE your list…I would add Israel. But, alas, I can’t seem to tear myself away from Italy, especially with the great friends we’ve made there over the years.
Our next trip will be the first domestic vacation we’ve taken in a couple of years…the contest that I won from Carrabba’s to Napa. We’re going in May and extending the trip to visit relatives in Sacramento and spend a few days in one of our very favorite cities…San Francisco. In Napa, we are staying at the Rubicon Estates (at the Rubicon Winery). It is a chateau-style place that’s absolutely gorgeous! We are so blessed to have this given to us!
Happy New Year my friend!!!
January 6th, 2010
Enticing list, any set plans yet?
January 6th, 2010
I can vouch for Prague as a winter wonderland. My better half and I spent New Year’s there last year and it was entirely magical. The place is the only place on earth that you can describe as being “fairy-tale” like.
For other destinations in Europe, I would recommend:
- Strasbourg (German and French at the same time)
- Malta (French, Italian and British influences abound. Check out a few photos on this blog post: http://unexpectedtraveller.wor.....h-a-view/)
- Berlin is very modern and very old simultaneously. Well worth a trip.
The Unexpected Traveller
The Unexpected Traveller´s last blog ..Twenty Ten – And We’re Off!
January 6th, 2010
@ Melissa Hard to not be bitten with so many great destinations out there
@ Vicki We lived near San Fran and made frequent trips to Napa. You will love it. Enjou your travels in 2010!
@ Anil No. The reason they are dream destinations is because I am unlikely to visit any of them this year. Just armchair traveling
@ Unexpected Traveler You have solidified Prague for me! And thanks for the other suggestions. Happy Travels!
January 6th, 2010
The onge good thing about being errr… middle-aged – is I can see how many of dreams came true – but never in the way I imagined. From travel to work to love – always different than you think and welcome. As I sit in fifteen below 0 degrees F – the Grecian isle may be my next big dream.
Claudia´s last blog ..Tortoni from my Childhood
January 7th, 2010
Claudia, I couldn’t agree more. And I can’t imagine a better place to dream of than a Grecian island, well, except maybe Fiji. Whatever we need to do to get us through those bone-chilling Winters, right?
January 7th, 2010
I LOVE chat and really miss Indian street food..*drool*..I would love to go to Ladakh and to parts of North East India where I have never been. Came back from a short trip to Italy (Venice, Florence and Rome) and already want to go back! Istanbul, Marrakesh and Prague are definitely on my list too! And I need to add Paris (have never been there but am dying to go).
Lavanya´s last blog ..We lingered and we walked
January 9th, 2010
What a gorgeous blog! Many of your dream destinations are also mine – especially Kyoto and Marakkesh. I have been to Istanbul (this city is so exciting, and yes the food is amazing!) and Santorini (every photo I took looked like a postcard!) Tokyo, Bali, and Paris are on my list as well
Erika from The Pastry Chef At Home´s last blog ..Last Minute Gift Guide For The Food Lover in Your Life
January 21st, 2010
I could write the same list, I know some of these cities but I would die to go back there . And Kyoto is on my top list !! I want to go to Japan this year
le petit cabinet de curiosites´s last blog ..Paris
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