Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Two years ago, I talked about where I would want to go first if my travel budget suddenly inflated up to infinity. Some of those locations are still on the list, some have been checked off, and some have fallen off. 

1. Portugal

I have a hard time narrowing down what I would even want to do there…walking through Quinta de Regaleira, eating my way across Porto, touring the Castle of the Moors…there are an unlimited number of things to see and do. I’ve had several friends visit Portugal over the last two years, and I think it’s my turn. At the very least, I can get over my terrible Instagram envy. This is a big one for me, and I'm hoping to check it off this Christmas or early next year.

2. Argentina

This one snuck up on me last year. South America never called to me like Europe and Africa did, and then it jetted to the top of my list. Argentina is supposedly the France of the south, with gorgeous landscapes and wineries, beautiful architecture and amazing food. It's also fairly developed, and getting around is easy, while still having access to crazy spiky mountains. 

3. Japan

My mom and dad have both been to Japan separately and I feel left out. There is something about a place that has a civilization so old that is mysterious and interesting. I want to stay in a 1,300-year-old hotel and eat the best fish. I want to experience Tokyo and how different it is from here. I am a fan of going places that are a huge culture shock, and I think that Japan has more of that than almost anywhere else I've been.

4. Slovakia

My partner, Charles, and I are staring down a life together at the moment. His family is from rural Slovakia, and I think that it's important to see those places. He's not far removed, with his grandmother being an immigrant, so there is still a reasonable connection to this place. Also, Slovakia is beautiful and cheap. Great reasons to visit.

5. Scotland

Another abundance of natural wonder. Swimming the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye and exploring the soft pink sand beaches of the Angus Coast have been on my list for a long time. Perhaps after, wandering through Edinburgh, maybe even sampling some real haggis if I’m feeling particularly brave. Scotland has such an interesting history and I'd like to spend some time getting to know it better.

If you could pick anywhere, where would you go next?