Hello! (Shelby signing on.) Zach and I love to travel together and we have made it a priority to do at least one big trip each year. Last year we went to Croatia in July for our honeymoon. The year before that we went to Spain and the year before that, Japan. Because I just started a new job, I feel like I need to get settled in before taking a long trip, so our next adventure probably will not be until November (when Zach has a break from teaching and coaching Soccer).
Zach in Montenegro last summer
Kyoto 2012
Planning trips are almost as fun as taking them. Zach and I usually buy travel books and sit down together at a coffee shop or at home with a glass of wine; we take notes on the local cuisine and top things to do, and use a calendar to plan an itinerary.
In Madrid 2014
We have both been wanting to go to Colombia, and also were thinking of the Dominican Republic, but now the Zika Virus has made us rethink those destinations.
In Croatia for our honeymoon last year
Here are some ideas we have been throwing around – please let me know if you have been to these places and what recommendations you have!
Portugal
I went to Portugal with Alyce when we were studying in Spain in 2004, but I have been wanting to go back and Zach has never been. I think we would spend only a couple nights in Lisbon and then rent a car and travel along the coast. I would love to see this cave!
Iceland
There is a direct flight from Denver to Reykjavik, Iceland, and quite a few people have recommended it as a cool vacation spot. I think Zach would love the scenery and outdoorsy things to do. I would be more into exploring the city. I love The New York Times’ “36 Hours in –” series, and I often use it in travel planning to find restaurants and more local things to do. This is the one for Reykjavik.
Pacific Northwest – Vancouver Road Trip
I have still never been to Seattle, and neither of us have been to Portland. We were thinking it would be fun to fly into Portland, spend a couple nights being hipsters, and then rent a car and drive north. We could spend a few days in Seattle, and maybe go to one of those beautiful secluded woodsy islands off the coast. Then we would drive to Vancouver, which is another place many people have recommended visiting. And I’m sure Zach would love to catch a Soccer game!
Peru
Machu Picchu is also on our bucket list. I did not see Peru on the map of areas where the Zika Virus is, perhaps because it is at a higher elevation where mosquitoes are less of a problem. Although hiking is not my favorite pastime, I think we would need to do a trek to really get a feel for Machu Picchu. A couple friends recommended this tour agency.
We will let you know where we decide to go. In the meantime, please share your favorite travel planning resources in the comments!