Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is always going to be one of my favorite places in the world. I can still remember when five-year-old me went through the gates of the Magic Kingdom, looked up and saw the train, walked down Main Street and was utterly enamored by Cinderella’s Castle. Four decades later, it still leaves me breathless and giddy. Add to that the innovations of Epcot, the movie magic of Hollywood Studios, and the amazing animals of Animal Kingdom, and despite a countless number of trips there, I always find so many new and wonderful things to see and do. And the resorts and restaurants there almost feel like a park themselves. I can easily stay at a resort for a week and still not experience all of the wonderful activities offered. (Also, Mickey waffles & Dole Whip!)

Paris, France

I was fortunate in college to take an immersion class on Francophone North African Literature in Paris. It was exciting to travel internationally—without my family for the first time—and to walk the streets, browse the museums, and marvel at the architecture, while spending part of my days reading works and exploring where they happened in the city. Seeing the sun rise and illuminate the city while at Sacre-Coeur Basilica, lighting a candle at Notre Dame, and staring wordlessly at Rodin’s “Gates of Hell” are memories that feel as vibrant now as they were 20 years ago. (Also, crepes & the jambon-beurre!)

Kyoto, Japan

I loved visiting Kyoto as I felt like this city offered such an amazing blend of the history and culture of the past and still had a foot in the present. We stayed at a small inn where we slept on mats and were served a traditional Japanese breakfast each morning. Walking between the “love stones” with my husband at Jishu Shrine, walking through the grounds of the Imperial Palace, and exploring the fortifications and buildings at Nijo Castle were highlights of our time there. Though there were many parts of Japan I loved, my time in Kyoto is still my favorite. (Also, sushi and ramen shops—all the udon most especially!)

Glacier Bay, Alaska

There is something amazing about seeing a glacier to understand exactly how small our role in this world truly is—both in space and in time. Being able to see ice calving, as a portion of the glacier breaks away, is also an important reminder of exactly how precious our world is and the responsibility we all have to take care of it.

Hawaii

I could visit Hawaii every year and still never feel like I’ve gone enough. There is no place I’ve ever been which offers the array of climates you find there. Going from one side of an island to the other can mean the difference between a rainforest and a desert. Whether it’s the beaches or the mountains, seeing a volcano or trying to surf, Hawaii is an unparalleled destination. (Also, shave ice & malasadas!)

The Caribbean

I know this is cheating a bit as it describes an entire area with multiple countries, but there are so many beautiful places that I can’t choose just one. Whether it’s exploring Castillo San Cristobal in San Juan, marveling at the Beaches National Park on Virgin Gorda, splashing down the slides at Atlantis’ water park, exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, or relaxing on the countless white-sand beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear waters, I have loved so many different experiences throughout the Caribbean. It’s also a wonderful area to be able to tour in lots of different ways. I love experiencing a few different locations by taking a cruise or to relax at an all-inclusive resort. Wherever I go, I feel like I’m seeing a postcard.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios

I loved the Harry Potter books (as did a huge amount of people), and to walk into The Wizarding World was an experience I could not believe felt as real as it did. Watching people waving their wands to make “magic” happen, riding the Hogswart Express, and taking in the stores of Diagon Alley felt as if some magic must have happened to make me a part of this world. An amazing benefit to visiting the Wizarding World in Orlando is that it is part of the larger Universal Studios parks, so there are many more fun rides, shows and experiences to have in the same location. (Also, butterbeer and chocolate frogs!)

Zion & Bryce Canyon Natl Parks

If you haven’t visited Southern Utah, you are missing one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world. Zion offers a variety of hikes, including The Narrows and the Canyon Overlook Trail, horseback riding, camping, and views with stunning colors and sheer cliff walls. Similar activities are found at Bryce, which is most famous for its hoodoos—rock pillars of vastly different heights and widths that appear as if they were almost dropped piece by piece to create a wobbly tower.

Disneyland

As much as I love Walt Disney World in Florida, I feel an equal but totally different love for the original, Disneyland Park, in California. While walking there, you can feel the sincerity, magic, and creative spark that began in Walt’s mind and evolved into the parks we see today. Both at Disneyland Park and at California Adventure, you can find more joy, happiness and excitement than in many places of the world. That Disney Magic is a real thing to feel. (Also, the Monte Cristo and beignets!)

Grand Tetons National Park & Yellowstone National Park

In addition to the unique town of Jackson Hole adjacent to the Grand Tetons National Park as well as the array of wildlife you can enjoy viewing while there, it is always the hike around Jenny Lake and the view of the deep-blue lake with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains that is my lasting image of this park. At Yellowstone, I’m continually astounded by the landscapes which exist there that I’ve never seen anywhere else. From the “mudpots,” which seem as if the ground was liquefied and boiled, to the vibrant colors of the Morning Glory Pool to the majesty of Old Faithful Geyser to the power of the Upper and Lower Falls, Yellowstone’s natural beauty is inspiring.

Dublin, Ireland

In my previous life, I was an English teacher, and one of my favorite classes was Irish Literature. Being able to see the Yeats Memorial at St. Stephens Green, to walk across the Ha’penny Bridge, to touch the bullet holes still in the post office walls from the Easter Rising, to walk some of same paths as Joyce, to marvel over the (approximately) 800 AD Book of Kells at Trinity College, to say a prayer at St. Patrick’s, to toast a pint of Guinness at St. James Gate, and to enjoy all of the history, culture, and hospitality of the Irish people makes Dublin one of my favorite places in the world. (Also, Irish stew, Irish breakfast & Boxty!)