My dream travel destinations: Places I long to see

If I had all the money in the world and all the time, I would travel. I’d make films, write, and see every breathtaking corner of this earth. Travelling has always been my dream. Capturing the world on film and gathering stories for my books would be my greatest joy.

So far, I’ve now been to New York City and Orlando (U.S.A), Montreal (Canada), and Riviera Maya (Mexico). But there’s so much more on my dream travel destinations list that I want to see.

Author's note: Although I'm publishing this now, I wrote this back in 2022, so some things have been updated!

Japan: Tokyo and Osaka

When I was in high school, Harajuku street style was my world. At 13, I discovered Japanese rock and pop. Bands like An Cafe and pop artists like PERFUME made me fall in love with the Japanese language. I even spent a year learning it in high school.

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Japanese fashion inspired me. My high school style was a mix of gothic and soft aesthetics, a clash of patterns and chains. Sometimes, I envy that version of myself—the way I dressed without fear, unbothered and free.

Now, I dream of visiting Japan to see more than just pop culture. I want to explore its rich history, walk through rural villages like those in Miyazaki’s films, and enjoy all my favourite foods—onigiri, matcha everything, vegetarian sushi, salmon dishes, taiyaki, and ramen. And if One OK Rock is touring while I’m there? You’ll find me at their concert, screaming every lyric. Update: Got to do that in Toronto in 2022.

China: Shanghai, Chengdu, Hengdian, Beijing

My love for China began with old Hong Kong wuxia films. The cheesy fight scenes, the gravity-defying stunts—I was hooked. Fifty films later, I fell deeper into the world of xianxia and modern Chinese dramas.

Wouldn’t it be incredible to see these landscapes in real life? I’d visit Shanghai for its futuristic skyline, Chengdu for its street fashion and spicy food, and Beijing for the Great Wall. Hengdian, the heart of Chinese period dramas, would be a dream, though I hear it’s unbearably hot.

And before I go to one of my most anticipated dream travel destinations, I’d love to reach an intermediate level in Mandarin. I might mispronounce words, but at least I’ll be trying, right?

France: Paris and Nice

Paris calls to me and that’s why it’s made it on my dream travel destinations list. Is the Eiffel Tower as stunning as they say? Do the croissants really taste better there? I need to know.

Nice is another dream destination. I once watched a travel vlog where Joan walked the city all day, soaking in its beauty. I’d love to do the same, wandering the streets in the warmth of a French summer.

Canada: Quebec City, Whistler, and Banff

Canada has its own hidden gems. Quebec City is high on my list—it’s stunning, and I need to eat poutine in its birthplace (with ketchup, of course). 2025 update: I did that in Montreal. Whistler has some of the best slopes in the world, and though I’ve never snowboarded (2025: I have done it twice now), I’d love to try. Banff, with its ethereal landscapes, would be breathtaking in any season.

USA: Los Angeles and San Diego

The US isn’t my top destination, but LA intrigues me. Disneyland (2025 update: Went to Disney in Florida), The Grove, and some influencer-loved cafés would be fun stops. San Diego, with its underrated beaches and San Diego Comic-Con, is another reason why this is on my dream travel destinations bucket list. And let’s be real—if I have the chance to meet the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, I won’t pass it up.

Iceland: Volcanic landscapes and solo adventures

Iceland is a dream for travellers. Its volcanic landscapes inspired the Fire Nation in A:TLA, and I’d love to see them with my own eyes. It’s rugged, wild, and beautiful—exactly the kind of place that calls to my adventurous side.

Germany: Berlin and Hanover

Tokio Hotel introduced me to Germany. I was that fangirl—the one who memorized every song, watched every tour video, and dreamed of meeting Bill and Tom Kaulitz. I even had German pen pals back in the early days of blogging.

Now, I’d love to visit Berlin and Hanover, not just for nostalgia, but to fulfil a childhood dream. And who knows? Maybe I’ll finally become fluent in German.

Jamaica: Montego Bay, Kingston, and hidden waterfalls

Jamaica is more than a resort vacation for me—it’s family. My maternal grandmother is from Clarendon, my father is from Montego Bay, and I have relatives in Kingston and Gran Valley Way (2025 Update: I got married to someone of a Jamaican background and they have relatives in Ocho Rios and Saint Ann).

I want to explore the island, dodge lizards, eat mangos straight from the tree (OK maybe not if there are buggos and lizards), and consume so many Jamaican patties that I become one.

Bahamas: Nassau and its marine wonders

I could see dolphins anywhere, but I want to see them in Nassau. It’s where my mom was born and my grandparents started their life together. I’d love to walk the same streets and swim in the same waters they once did.

South Korea: Seoul

Seoul is on my list, but I need to plan more before I go. From the cafes to the skin care products to the bustling city streets, I know it’ll be an unforgettable experience.