Our Travel Bucket List

Traveling has become such a big part of both of our lives, and we can’t help but write about it. We truly feel like our 20’s truly are meant for exploration and adventure. Right now is the best time to book a spontaneous flight, road trip to a city you’ve never been before, and to just lead a life full of curiosity and wonder.




While we’ve checked some major cities off of our travel bucket list, we still have SO many more to discover. In your 20’s you have less responsibilities and ties to keep you from traveling. No mortgage? No children at home? No major life moments happening? Now is your time to pack your suitcase and wander. Take those vacation days, and just go.

Here we both our travel bucket lists of 20 cities to visit in your 20’s. 10 within the U.S., and 10 international trips, fit for all those with the travel bug.

Nic:

         United States

1. Austin, TX 
I’ve been told that this up and coming city is VERY similar to Nashville, and I need to experience it for myself.

2. San Francisco, CA 
The ultimate trifecta...Full House, Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, need I say more? 


 





3. Grand Canyon Nat’l Park, AZ 
I am hoping to check this landmark off VERY soon. It is a modern day wonder of the world that I can’t wait to see with my own two eyes.
4. Seattle, WA
After watching, and quickly become obsessed with all things Meredith Grey I have been wanting to ride a ferry boat with the Space Needle in view. Also just a short drive away is the city of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!!

 


5. Antelope Canyon, AZ
This scenic view has been set as my laptop wallpaper numerous times, its peaks and canyons are breathtaking. It is definitely time for me to get to these Arizona views already!!



 


6. Yellowstone Nat’l Park, WY
THE first National Park!! Of course I need to make the hike over. With geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and waterfalls galore, the landscape is a never ending beauty of wildlife and greenery.


 

7. Anchorage, AZ
I’ve been to Hawaii, so next us is this icy paradise. I’ll grab my parka and scarf to see the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and maybe have my try at ice fishing too.
8. Aspen, CO
I want to experience this city in its peak winter wonderland. With a pair of skis and boots, a tall glass of hot cocoa in hand, sounds like the perfect Christmas vacation!

9. Albuquerque, NM
This great state is home to the largest hot air balloon festival. That west coast view plus the beautiful colors and shapes of the balloons will make for a magical experience.


 

10.Glacier Nat’l Park, MT
That view though. Enough said.




Ash:
United States

1. Chicago, IL
Besides “the Bean” I honestly just want to try a deep dish pizza from a mom and pop’s pizza shop. 

2. Austin, TX
Hear that everything is “Big in Texas,” so Nashville x2? I am so down to experience this city. 

3. Forks, WA
Yes, I’ll admit that I was a HUGE Twilight series fan. I just want to experience the rainy days at a cute coffee shop or diner that Bella had with her dad.


 

4. Kahului, HI
Coconut drink in hand, beautiful beaches, and the island lifestyle??? Take me there now!

5. Fairbanks, AK
Not only do want to cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa and experience nice fluffy snow I NEED to see The Northern Lights. 

6. New Orleans, LA
After watching Princess and the Frog, I’ve always wanted to try a fresh Beignet. Don’t get me started on Fat Tuesday, they look like they are having a BLAST. (Mardi Gras 2020, anyone??)


 

7. Santa Fe, NM
Scrolling through Facebook I saw an event that they have a “Margarita Trail” throughout the city that include 45 restaurants/bars that make the trail. Giving you the finest margaritas!!! 

8. Los Angeles, CA
I just wanna know how California parties ;) *plays California love by 2pac & Dr. Dre* AND go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.


 

 9. Philadelphia, PA
Just want to try a philly cheese steak sandwich from Philadelphia, the rest would be a plus. 
10. Grand Canyon Nat’l Park, AZ 
I can be an outdoorsy girl, I would love to hike (a part of) a trail around this HUGE canyon.




Nic:


Around the World

11. Giza, Egypt
I’ve got to check off all the wonders of the world, and up first is the Great Pyramid of Giza. I also am itching to experience the authentic Egyptian culture and lifestyle.

12. Istanbul, Turkey
This country is full of spectacular views, every time I look more into it, I fall more and more in love. It looks absolutely picture-esque with amazing gardens, fountains, churches, and landscapes.


 

13. Beijing, China
Learning about Chinese history in middle school has set me up with the desire to see these amazing sites from this AMAZING country.



 

14. Reykjavik, Iceland
Just like the infamous vodka, I can’t wait to see these sites in person. They look so dreamy, it is up high on my list! Maybe stay in an igloo while I’m at it!!



 

15. Lima, Peru
Peru is home to some of the most beautiful ruins, mountaintops, and landscapes. I have many friends that have visited and I can’t wait to do the same. 
16. Agra, India
The Indian culture is absolutely fascinating. I love the architecture, art, and food of course. Also, the Taj Mahal will blow my mind no doubt. Ash and I already have a trip planned for 2021!!



17. Kyiv, Ukraine
My dad had the opportunity to travel to Ukraine several years ago, and he still talks about it to this day. Bragging about the city life, the culture, and the atmosphere. I must see it for myself and see what all the fuss is about.


 

 18. Queenstown, New Zealand
Supposedly New Zealand is a hub for two of my favorite things--adrenaline and nightlife. For those two reasons alone I know that I will have a blast here.




 

19. Phuket, Thailand
Thai Phuket was one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville before their kitchen fire that has left them out of commission for the past few months. I would love to swim through these magically clear oceans and eat a bowl of true drunken noodles.


 

20. Satorinni, Greece
Greeeeeeeece. I had the best time of my life in Athens & Paros last year, and next up on my Greece list is Santorini. This is the picturesque villages and skylines that you see in ALL the movies. Big Fat Greek Wedding anyone??




Ash:
Around the World

11. New Delhi, India
Besides the endless choices of vegetarian options I want to visit the BEAUTIFUL Lotus temple.



 

12.  Melbourne, Australia 
I now have THREE friends that live in Australia meaning I NEED to go. So Melbourne (and Sydney) here I come!

13. Tokyo, Japan 
Traveling to Taiwan I as able to see Tokyo from above and from their airport for THREE HOURS, since then I have always wanted to walk the streets.  
14. Casablanca, Morocco
One of my best friends actually lived here, she would always reminisce about how great her time was living here. Just look at this view!




 

15. Florence, Italy 
Italy has always been on my bucket list BUT a family friend is from there, she hypes up Florence as the best city in Italy. I have to see this for me own eyes. 
16. Santorini, Greece 
Trying to have my own version of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” mostly just finding the love of my life!! Or… just finding a cute pair of jeans.




17. Santiago de Chile, Chile 
The width of Chile is around 271 miles, that means if you are in the east side it will only take you about three hours to drive to the coast. Chile is so long that its the length of the connected States.





18. London, England
The London Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, but I just want to be able to be there when London’s Fashion week is held. To see the stars all glammed up with security and everyone on top of their game.





19. Jerusalem, Israel 
Going to a Christian school for the longest time, one of my professors would talk so fondly about this place and now manages “
Bless Israel Tours” around Israel! She is having a blast and I am dying to go on a tour with her.

20. Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Okay, so I also know someone from here, but come on the architecture and colorful tulips there is no way I am passing up a trip to this beautiful country.



Why do we travel?

Nic: I travel to discover more about myself, and my surroundings. Each time I go on a trip or an adventure, I feel as if I find more about my passions, interests, and goals. Finding out the history and culture of a new place often comes hand-in-hand with my own self reflection and betterment.

Ash: I’ve always loved the thought of packing a bag and going to a new location that is filled with a new lifestyle, food, and amazing people. Whether it be in a new state or a new country, everything is totally different and I get to explore it! Wandering around and finding new art, music and sometimes language/dialect it’s fun to learn (plus, I love people watching)!


What are our best travel tricks?

Nic: Always search for the best deal. Traveling can be expensive at this age, so take advantage and do your research beforehand. When booking flights, hotels, and excursions check sites like Priceline, Groupon, and AirBNB. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s all about the experience. Also don’t forget to turn off your phone and tune into your surroundings!

Ash: Although I am awful at this, make sure you pack accordingly and don’t over pack. Purchase simple clothes that could be used with a skirt, shorts, or jeans; helps get multiple outfits. When shopping always get those small pouches or travel size items. These become very useful when packing and makes you look super organized. Travel size lotions, soaps and shampoos come in handy when going on a weekend trip and you won’t go over the TSA liquid rule.

What is the best place we’ve ever traveled to?


Nic: This time last year I was headed to Athens and Paros, Greece. I absolutely fell in love with the culture, the scenery, the people--everything. Seeing the Parthenon, eating an authentic Greek meal as we heard a man playing a Baglamas tableside, riding ATV’s across an island, jumping into the turquoise water...all of this made for one of the most amazing trips I have ever been to.

Ash: Just earlier this year I was LIVING in Spain and let me tell you I had a blast. Besides the fact that I had great friends to experience it with, I was amazed by the lifestyle they had on their daily routine. Everyday walking to and from work I would be amazed by the architecture of every building and how walkable they made this city. Madrid is a beautiful city, and Spain is amazing; will definitely be back.

We still have so many more places we are dying to go to and hopefully we will be there soon. Thanks for reading, comment below and let us know where your next adventure is to. Wait and see what we’ll do next!

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