I think most of us we can honestly say, 2020 has been a complete load of **** and as I write, there are still 2 long months of it to go. It may not be the best of times and I wonder how long we can continue to punch ourselves in the face but I still retain a glimmer of hope for the future.
The current restrictions have really made me appreciate travel, even the things we used to moan about. I’d now jump at the chance to have some airline food and a warm glass of wine from a little plastic cup. I even miss that ‘bing bong‘ sound which the flight attendants use to signal for more coffee but we think it a secret signal that the plane’s going to crash.
One thing which has kept myself and Mellissa relatively sane over the last few months has been planning our future trips. With the help of YouTube, we have been making a list of destinations and road trips we want to visit or revisit. So, when the restrictions are finally lifted, we will be off as fast as a granny at a buffet.
Drive Route 66 Again
The classic 2448 mile road trip running from Chicago to LA was the best drive we’ve done. As you drive across the 8 states you get a real slice of historic Americana culture as well as the ever-changing landscapes. There is so much to see and do on the route, one trip only scratches the surface of the ‘Mother Road.’
We drove it over 21 days from Chicago to LA but next time we may try it the other way, LA back to Chicago.
Return To Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a place we should hate but the more we visit the more we love the place. From loud and incredibly tacky to historic and even stylish Vegas has so much more to offer than the strip and the Bellagio fountains. Take a 30-minute drive from the city and you’ll find yourself in some incredible desert landscapes.
We were in Las Vegas in March 2020 and had to leave early to get back to the UK before the flights stopped so hopefully we can pick up where we left off very soon.
The Viking Trail, Newfoundland, Canada
In complete contrast to Las Vegas, the Viking Trail takes you through the wild, rugged landscape of Newfoundland, Canada. The Vikings settled here five centuries before Christopher Columbus discovered the ‘new world‘. One of the most spectacular stops is the ancient landscape of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We actually had this road trip booked for the disastrous summer of 2020, hopefully we’ll be able to do it soon.
Experience The Amalfi Coast
Although we have visited Italy many times we still haven’t visited the picturesque Amalfi coast, the region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. After re-watching Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan’s ‘Trip to Italy’ during the lockdown, we are really hoping to visit in the spring before the heat of the summer and the busy tourist season.
We Seem To Say It Every Year – Japan
Japan, a country, language and culture which seems so different from ours, a bizarre mix of bustling ultra-modern cities, rituals and ancient traditions. When we think of Japan it’s a mix of ‘Bladerunner’ and ‘Lost In Translation‘.
We were hoping to visit next year but it really depends on the delayed Olympics and what impact they will have on the prices and availability.
These are just 5 trips from our wish list for next year but as winter approaches and we enter another lockdown here in Wales we would jump at any opportunity for a trip away. From Blackpool to Barbados, Cornwall to California its fingers crossed for next year.
