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Places to See on Our Trip Around the World

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March 25, 2009

Obviously, I want to see everywhere and everything that the world has to offer. That’s probably not possible due to the fact that we have been saving no money lately.

Anyways, these are a few places top on my list.

In Chile:

La Carretera Austral
Patagonia
Chiloe
Easter Island

In South America:

Galapagos Islands
Cartagena de las Indias
Angel Falls
Machu Picchu

In Central America:

I just really want to go back to Costa Rica! Ever since we went 3 or 4 years ago that place has been on my mind.

In North America:

I’d really like to spend some time in some of the smaller Mexican beach towns.
NYC. Again, because I love it.
California, because I’m pretty I’d love it but I’ve never been.
S. is dying to go to Canada, and I wouldn’t mind spending some time camping there.

Europe (I’m just going to list countries, not specific destinations within each country, because there are too many).

Ireland
France
Italy
Greece
Turkey
Czechoslavakia
Germany (Ok, here, I really want to go see the concentration camps. I feel like those are just something that every person should see).
Pretty much anywhere in Eastern Europe

Middle East:

Dubai (I have a really good friend who lives there)
Anywhere within cheap flying range.

Asia:

Tibet would be my top priority if I could only go one place, but really, I don’t know enough about this side of the world to pick out specific destinations. I do know that a lot of places are cheap and beautiful and that’s enough to make me want to see it all. :)

I also really want to see New Zeeland, and Australia as long as our money doesn’t run out! You’ll probably also notice that nowhere in Africa is on there. Of course I would love to do a safari, but those are for rich people, or people with a lot more money saved than what we have. And plus, that’s something we can also do when we’re older, even if we have kids…especially if we have kids. What child doesn’t dream of going on a safari?!? I would like to do some sort of service work in Africa, but I need to find a charity that’s not shady, not religious and doesn’t involve teaching English. I’d also love to do Egypt.

Suggestions are more than welcome! We’ll take anyone’s advice on where to go and what to see if we can swing it. Please realize that if I didn’t list a specific country or place it’s not because I don’t want to go there, it’s just that I’m realistic in knowing that while we might have an infinite amount of time we do have a finite amount of money and for now these are the priorities.

I’m also trying to make sure that if we are skipping certain places, they’re places we’ll be able to get back to easily once we’re older and even if we have kids. For example, you CAN vacation in Europe when you’re older, even with children. Since it’s more expensive, it probably makes sense to wait until we’re better established and have enough money to enjoy it. However, we cannot backup through Asia when we’re older and have kids, and it’s cheaper now, making it more of a priority on my list.

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29 Comments »

  1. sweet list. i agree about the things to skip and come back to, thats probably a wise way to plan.
    your south america list seemed good, i wondered about iguacu, and the islas flotantes/isla del sol is pretty close to bolivia and are nice.

    you should connect with some of those other bloggers in asian or middle eastern countries that were on that list of travel blogs, see what advice they can give thats better than a guide book

    Comment by lydia — March 25, 2009 @ 8:35 am

  2. I think it’s a little unfair of you to limit Germany to concentration camps. It’s a huge country at the crossroads of european learning and culture with vibrant modern cities and loads of things to do. Even if for merely logistical reasons, you should spend some time in a few cities there.

    My suggestions would be: Berlin, Cologne, Heidelberg, Munich (including Neuschwanstein).

    Auschwitz is probably the most impressive concentration camp, but it’s in Poland.

    The only one I’ve seen is Dachau (just outside of Munich). A visit there leaves you emotionally drained in a way no warning can prepare you for.

    Comment by Rootless — March 25, 2009 @ 8:44 am

  3. Rootless, that’s why I said, “Please realize that if I didn’t list a specific country or place it’s not because I don’t want to go there, it’s just that I’m realistic in knowing that while we might have an infinite amount of time we do have a finite amount of money and for now these are the priorities.”

    Lydia, S. has been to Iguacu a bunch of times already because his mom is from Paraguay. So we’ll probably pass through there but for that reason it’s not super high on the priority list. I’ve never heard of Isla del Sol, but anything with the words Isla and Sol in the title has my immediate attention. :)

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 25, 2009 @ 8:46 am

  4. PS. Rootless, I would for sure love to see everywhere you mentioned in Germany and more, I just really don’t think it’s going to happen on this trip.

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 25, 2009 @ 8:55 am

  5. Hi Kyle! My sister lives in Thailand and is traveling all around Asia right now, so I’ll get back to you with her favorite places.

    I didn’t see Brazil on the list. One day I’d like to fly into Salvador de Bahia and go north up the coast – that’s supposed to be amazing.

    One of my favorite places I’ve been is Morocco. Very unique, beautiful, mysterious…food is good (although no alcohol served in restaurants) and the people are extremely nice.

    Comment by flojindamesa — March 25, 2009 @ 8:57 am

  6. it makes complete sense you have to kinda pick and chose with a million factors. i mentioned those couple things because they seemed like huge noteworthy places if you think of the continent as a whole. (and when i saw a “falls” i was surprised it was a different one)

    both the isla del sol and the islas flotantes are on lake titicaca on the peru/bolivia boarder, you could see them both if you took a trip for a couple days before or after machu picchu and it wouldnt be horribly far or expensive or anything. possibly well worth the scenery, some of the best i’ve seen. (my header picture is on the boat on the way to the isla del sol. though i’m wearing a jacket in summer so unfortunately the sol isnt enough to mean its tropic or anything)

    shes from paraguay??? (awesome. im slightly obsessed with the country)

    haha my word verification is yellydiz, somehow makes me giggle

    Comment by lydia — March 25, 2009 @ 8:59 am

  7. Good list!! I’m jealous, I wish I made enough money that I could save and go on a trip like this!! I haven’t been anywhere really cool…ever, so I can’t suggest any places for you!

    Comment by Shannon — March 25, 2009 @ 12:51 pm

  8. I would throw in for asia, thailand, cambodia, india, etc… places like Ankor wat are amazing– plus your money will go further, if its near the end of your trip you can get a much needed massage, and I love the food. Tell me if you head over that way (especially cambodia) as I can give you good tips… prolly india too.

    Comment by Clare — March 25, 2009 @ 1:46 pm

  9. I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai, well not always, but ever since it got huge and they built the super hotel in the water. You have a great list! I hope you will be able to blog about it as you go; I’d love to see all of your pictures.

    Comment by Lindsey — March 25, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

  10. Have you thought about Puerto Rico? I loved it. Beautiful beaches and good night life in San Juan. Where do you want to go in the Czech Republic? I went to Prague and thought the architecture was stunning, but the people were crabby and it was gray and dreary.

    Comment by Sara — March 25, 2009 @ 2:09 pm

  11. Oh, and I agree with Rootless about Germany. I’ve been there about 5 times and I’ve never visited a concentration camp because I don’t think I could handle it.

    Berlin is probably my favorite city in the world. I also like Potsdam where you are an easy walk or bus ride to about three castles. I enjoyed Heidelberg as well. If you go there you can take a boat trip on the Rhein and see where they grow the grapes and see tons of old castles.

    Also, no trip to Germany is complete without a trip to Bayern (Bavaria). München is also worth the trip.

    Comment by Sara — March 25, 2009 @ 2:12 pm

  12. Annie, the only reason Brazil isn’t on the list is because we’ve both been there already. Loved it, and want to go back again someday, but at this moment in time with limited funds I think we’d rather spend our time exploring new places. Morocco sounds amazing. And I did a project on it once so I actually know a little tiny bit of the history. I guess i’ll just have to add it to the list. :) And yes, Asia recommendations would be great when we get closer to the date!

    Lydia, yeah she’s from Paraguay, but she hasn’t been back in years. I think she’s a “leave the past in the past” kind of a person and she doesn’t often speak highly of it. I mean, she tells great stories about her childhood there, but she much prefers Chile.

    Shannon, you could save for a trip like this…it’s all about priorities! Find a good job and then don’t spend any money :)

    Clare, you’re the Cambodia expert so we’ll definitely have to get your opinion on what to do and see while there! I don’t think we’ll hit India though. But then again, who knows.

    Lindsey, I know, I can’t wait to go take pics of all the crazy stuff they have in Dubai!

    Sara, the hubby is kind of obsessed with Eastern Europe so that’s why it’s on the list. I don’t really know what his fascination is.

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 25, 2009 @ 2:15 pm

  13. I would suggest Israel and Cuba(although I am not sure if you can go there).

    Israel is full of history, you can see monuments of all three world religions plus Bahai religion (global religion).

    I really liked Cuba especially Havana. There is some special spirit in the city and besides the major part of it is in pretty bad conditions you still can see its architectural beauty. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit Santiago de Cuba, but I think it is also very interesting.

    Is there any special reason why you do not have Spain in your list? I find Spain very beautiful and very diverse in terms of architecture. The places to see there: Barcelona, Basque Country, Toledo, Salamanca, Cordoba, Sevilla and Alhambra (Granada) and I think Galicia is very interesting but I have never been there.

    And if you have some connection flights in London, I think the city worth a visit.

    Maybe it is a Chilean thing to be obsessed with Eastern Europe :)

    Comment by Irini_ta — March 25, 2009 @ 3:11 pm

  14. Easter Island is totally on my list of things to see. And oh a trip around the world is something I dream of doing someday. Hope it all works out for you!

    Comment by Christy — March 25, 2009 @ 4:30 pm

  15. Irini_ta, Spain isn’t on the list because my husband doesn’t have any interest. And while I’d really like to go, I don’t have quite enough interest to put it up there in the priority list with Italy and Greece. however, if we find a cheap flight or something, we’ll be all over that!

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 25, 2009 @ 6:54 pm

  16. Greek Islands are FANTASTIC.

    Guatemala is quite a gem and friggin cheap. We personally love Lago de Atitlan… enough to move there next year. And if you want to get your diving certification, Utila is very popular for that in Honduras. I haven’t been there but hubby has and my friends too. I loved Belize also. Gotta be VERY careful with the camera equipment down there though. Well I guess that’s anywhere though.

    I really want to go to Galapagos but it’s very expensive and I live here!! The flight is $400 and I think a cruise is the only worthwhile way to see the islands and a decent one is at least 3000 per person I hear. Plus I have motion sickness problems so I’d be miserable the entire time.

    And no Japan? You gotta see it! Hehe, very biased opinion though.

    Oh yeah and Cuba!! That is a once in a lifetime experience and a photographer’s paradise I’d imagine.

    Comment by kumichan83 — March 25, 2009 @ 7:48 pm

  17. I recommend Mumbai as a life experience. It’s not the place to go to vacation/relax but if you really want to see/experience the world then I suggest it. I traveled there with a lady who has been all over the world and she said that she has never experienced anything like Mumbai. I can’t imagine thinking I have even the slightest grasp of this world without being there- it’s definitely a place that keeps your wheels spinning.

    Comment by Cincinnati Chile — March 25, 2009 @ 8:10 pm

  18. Kyle, may I ask what airlines you are planning on using? Maybe I can help or give a few suggestions. Thanks!

    Comment by Mei — March 25, 2009 @ 9:17 pm

  19. Trains are sometimes a better option within Europe than planes. You can save bundle by using overnight trains and saving on hotels. Some stations have top notch showering facilities (look for the McCleans).
    Something I did to squeeze my budget while backpacking was spend nights in trains while in the West as much as possible, and sleep in real beds and eat at better places while in the East.

    Comment by Rootless — March 26, 2009 @ 6:52 am

  20. I know it’s based on opinion, but I don’t completely agree that you should skip seeing at least one concentration camp in Germany. I think, because it is so far away, too much of that part of world history is lost on us Western Hempisherers and that is sad. That history should be explored and remembered. Too many people sacrificed their lives and freedom for us to simply bypass it because it’s sad (sorry I’m a history and WWII buff, so I had to rant). But back to topic…definitely go to Munich and there is also a salt mine on the Austria/Germany border that is out of this world fun. If I can find the name of it, I will let you know, but you should definitely go there. You ride a train down into the Earth like 2000 feet and then there is a slide you can ride and boat ride on a lake…it’s awesome. Also, I would suggest at least maybe seeing Berchtesgarden. That is where Hitler’s Eagle’s nest is (history thing again, sorry :) ). Europe is a whole lot of fun, but I definitely see why you left it a generic list. There is so much to see that it usually does take two or three times to see everything you want to see. I think you have a pretty good list going so far. Plus, there is always time with the kiddos to take them back and see so much more. I truly envy your guys’ dedication. That is going to be one awesome trip you guys will be taking.

    Comment by ShawnaHanna — March 26, 2009 @ 6:54 am

  21. Oh and you should definitely go to a Haufbrau Haus (a beer house). There is nothing that compares to a German beer and a bratwurst. Yum!!!

    Comment by ShawnaHanna — March 26, 2009 @ 7:00 am

  22. Slovenia is probably the most beautiful looking country in Eastern Europe, HOWEVER, it has every single bad point about Chile that you mention with non of the good ones (besides fantastic scenery and a mix of italian-german-slavic).

    Comment by Anonymous — March 26, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

  23. Kyle;
    I can’t believe that Denmark/Scandinavia isn’t on your list (and then again I am just a Dane!) – Midsummer night’s are amazing, so is the seaside and tons of sights, Vikings, the oldest Monarchy in the world history and some very good music festival during June-august. Another advantage is the size of the country; small and accessible with good connections to the rest of Europe. Also, every single foreigner that has been to Copenhagen falls in love with the city….
    Needing ideas and suggestions just ask!

    In LA you should definitely add Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Also make sure to maintain; Macchu Pichu, Galapagos Island and Iguaçu.
    Costa Rica is and also WELL KNOWN great for its eco-tourism, but as an American Panama may perhaps be a lot more interesting to you; lots of US – related history due to the Canal, the bases and the American invasion in 1989, some beautiful Caribbean coastal areas such as Bocas del Toro and the Cuna Island, rainforest and most importantly; it is less crowed by tourist than Costa Rica (but then again Panama is as my second home country so I am biased)

    You are going to have a great trip no matter where you go!
    Caroline

    Comment by Anonymous — March 26, 2009 @ 2:35 pm

  24. It’s a very quirky list – especially the concentration camp!

    How about Pisagua in Chile, or some of the native sites there as more relevant reminders of inhumanity.

    Also, Cuba should definitely be there if you’re travelling in the next year or two.

    And if you speak Spanish, Spain wins over Italy and Greece easy – Granada and Cordoba really are unmissable, and you could spend a very long time exploring Madrid before you got bored.

    No Britain??

    – Wembley

    Comment by Anonymous — March 26, 2009 @ 2:38 pm

  25. On more comment;

    1) What happened to Africa? Kenya, South Africa, Uganda etc. – There are some amazing locations that you will find nowhere and cultures so far from ours! I went to Kenya in 2006 and loved it – It is rough but an experience that opens up your eyes and the people capture your heart!

    2) The children argument is in my view point note valid; Children are so adaptable if the feel loved and secure and in Asia they are always the center of attention. It is cheap to travel, eat in places like Thailand and many people decide to take part of their maternal leave renting a cottage on the beach – For danes it is cheaper than staying home! Europe with kids is EXPENSIVE and many times they are not even welcome – Not to be misunderstood, but it is just more complicated in the Western societies where is it the concept of the Individual that rules in contrast to Asia and Africa where it is the Family/collectivity…
    Just thinking our loud!
    Caroline

    Comment by Anonymous — March 26, 2009 @ 2:46 pm

  26. Kathleen, neither of us have ever done any sort of diving, but I’d be up for trying it! I would like to go to Guatamala. Actually most of Central America is what I’m looking for in traveling…cheap and beautiful. :)

    Japan is definitely on my someday list, but again, I feel like I COULD do Japan with kids and it might be a little out of our budget right now.

    Aimee, my mom has friends there so we definitely might end up in that region too.

    Mei, I’m not sure about airlines. I don’t think we’re going to buy one of those round the world flights because we want more flexibility with scheduling.

    Rootless, YES! Spending the night sleeping in trains is a great idea and something we will definitely be taking full advantage of when we can. In Europe we are going to have to pinch every penny so that seems like a great way of doing so.

    Shawna, I also studied a lot of WWII history (well, I shouldn’t say a lot, but whenever I got a choice on history project I would also choose to study WWII/Holocaust stuff) and have run a bunch of books on it. I really want to go a concentration camp so that’s staying top priority on the list no matter what people say. I know it will be heavy. But I think that’s kind of the idea. I wouldn’t want to go to a place like that and NOT be left completely marked by the experience. What kind of person would that make me? And hopefully we’ll get to see everyone else’s suggestions in Germany, but as I’ve said it will all depend on time and $$$.

    Anonymous, haha, as long as I don’t have to live there I think I could handle a visit just for the beautiful scenery. :)

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 26, 2009 @ 4:10 pm

  27. Ok fine Caroline and Wembley, you’ve convinced me. :) Denmark and Britain are being added to the list.

    There are SO many places we want to go, it’s going to be nearly impossible to fit it all in.

    Comment by Mamacita Chilena — March 26, 2009 @ 4:15 pm

  28. Hola!!! I have been reading your blog for ages and it hit me the other day that I should probably comment one of these days. :)

    Traveling is my life. So, this entry really spoke to me. I’ve been to about 40 countries and would be more than happy to give you travel advice.

    My #1 pick is Australia. It is a must! I have been 3 times and will go again this summer for the 4th time. It’s such a great place to rent a camper van and just drive everywhere. It would be difficult to find a more diverse country.

    Anyway, safe travels wherever you go. I have a lot of travel advice on my blogs if you are interested:
    http://www.mybeautifuladventures.com and http://www.travbuddy.com/andiperullo.

    Besitos!!!

    Comment by Global Butterfly — March 28, 2009 @ 4:40 pm

  29. Check out Nova Scotia. I grew up there. Now living in Korea. If you decide to stop here, let me know if you have any questions about Nova Scotia, or Korea.

    Comment by Ladyexpat — March 28, 2009 @ 10:12 pm

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