In 2017, in my attempt to slow my pace, I’ll focus on spending more time in fewer destinations, so while there may be many “wishes” on this list, the likelihood of me actually visiting them all is slim.
My location independent lifestyle runs smoothest when I have some semblance of a routine from day to day, which becomes near-impossible when I’m moving too frequently.
Building a business also becomes a much greater challenge, and seeing as that’s my primary goal for 2017–to continue growing this site and building my blogging income streams–traveling too often would not be the wisest choice.
Read more: How I Earn Money Online as a Digital Nomad
Nevertheless, it’s always fun to dream, and so dream I shall! The following are the top cities and countries that are tugging on my heartstrings lately, some for obvious reasons and others for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on.
And remember last year’s list? Well, I’m proud (and a little surprised!) to say I actually managed to make it to three of the destinations I was hoping to, including Mexico, Berlin, and London.
But 2016 is almost over and since I have no travel plans for the rest of the year, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead.
Without further ado…
Where to Travel in 2017
Top City Picks
Oaxaca, Mexico
Starting off strong with this one, as it’s more than just a wish! I’ve already made plans to spend the first two months of 2017 in Oaxaca, the capital and largest city of the southern Mexican state by the same name.
Oaxaca is located roughly 300 miles south of Mexico City where it sits nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre range. Colonial structures mingle with indigenous archeological sites in this culturally diverse city, which is also often referred to as Mexico’s culinary capital. I can’t wait to get my hands on all that mole and mezcal.
Read more: Why I Chose to Spend Two Months Living in Oaxaca
Venice, Italy
There’s no place in the world quite like Venice, the city built on more than 100 islands in the Adriatic Sea.
The photographer in me has been aching to visit this enchanting destination for years now, and with sea levels rising globally, time might truly be of the essence before parts of this iconic city become forever submerged.
Montréal, Canada
This is one of those cities whose pull I don’t quite understand. Montréal, the largest city in the province of Québec, intrigues me in a way few other Canadian cities do.
Perhaps it’s the mashup of North American and European cultures. Perhaps it’s Montréal’s reputation as a bustling hub of creativity. Or maybe I just really like French accents, okay?! Ahem. Moving along…
San Francisco, USA
This city will never NOT call to me. I’ve spent my fair share of time in Fog City, but it never seems to be long enough.
I could sit and watch sunsets from San Francisco rooftops every day of my life. I’d be perfectly content hoofing it up and down its hilly streets, hanging out in its sprawling green parks, and sipping wine by the waterfront, surrounded by good friends.
I feel like I can always come back to San Francisco and feel instantly at home.
Related post: Finding Nature in San Francisco
Lisbon, Portugal
Considering my love affair with San Francisco, my desire to explore its sister city, Lisbon, should come as no surprise.
The parallels between the two are numerous–bridges, hills, and cable cars spring to mind–but something tells me I’d discover a side of Lisbon with a flavor all its own.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital city of Estonia is often referred to as one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. And after visiting a city last year that most travelers deemed “missable” and loving it (Warsaw, Poland), I’m interested to see if this one is also being passed up unfairly in favor of its better-known counterparts.
Plus, I just love any city with a walled, cobblestone Old Town, which is guaranteed to be packed with old world charm.
Read more: Why I’ve Got A Major Country Crush on Estonia
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is one of the most colorful cities in the world! Well, the most blue, to be more specific.
Everywhere you look, buildings are painted varying pastel shades of blue. I’d love to spend a few days getting lost in its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and shopping its vibrant markets.
It’s like something straight out of a fairytale, as you can see in this beautiful photo by Rachel of Hippie in Heels.
Top Country Picks
Canada
In case you haven’t heard, entry fees to all of Canada’s national parks have been waived for the ENTIRETY of 2017! That means there’s never been a better time to go and explore the wilderness of the Great White North.
I’ve always thought a Canadian road trip sounded like a dream. Or even a cross-country train trip! Any way I can take in that stunning, rugged landscape. 
Belize
While I’ve hardly seen all there is to see in Central America, I’m not particularly itching to go back to that region, with the sole exception of Belize.
It seems like the ideal place to try for an encounter with the elusive whale shark (which aren’t all that elusive in the Belizean waters, from what I’ve heard) between the months of March and June.
They tend to come around in the days leading up to and immediately following each full moon–plan accordingly!
Italy
Off the top of my head, I can think of at least four–no, five!–great reasons to visit Italy: pizza, pasta, wine, gelato, and espresso!
There’s no doubt that my first trip to Italy will amount to nothing more than a non-stop eating extravaganza, punctuated by naps to recover from the carbohydrate overload.
Iceland
This destination seems to be gaining in popularity by the day. And with cheap flights departing from many major US cities (like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York) it’s easier than ever to make an Icelandic vacation a reality.
Waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs, and the most huggable horses you’ve ever seen? What more could you ask for?
Scotland
If there’s one destination on this list that surprises even me, it’s Scotland. I’m not the biggest fan of rain, and I wouldn’t touch haggis no matter how much you paid me.
However, with Scottish blood in the family, it could potentially be quite interesting to trace our lineage on a genealogy trip of sorts, which is what has suddenly catapulted Scotland toward the top of my list.
And I guess those sweeping sea views aren’t so bad, either.
And with that, I’m already exhausted! Where do YOU want to travel in 2017? Are any of these destinations on your list?
