Travel Daydreams: The Finale

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As I wrap up this three-part wander through the “40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies” list, I’m still amazed at how many of these adventures I’ve already checked off—or at least dreamed about. This last batch brings back some big memories and sparks a few new ideas too.

Grand Canyon

#27 – The Grand Canyon (Again, and Worth It Every Time)

We’ve talked about the Grand Canyon before, but honestly, it deserves another mention. If I were ranking this list, it would be sitting proudly at #1. I’ve been twice, and the second visit was every bit as jaw-dropping as the first. Even with my adrenaline-junky streak, I still have zero desire to take that mule ride into the canyon. Watching from the rim suits me just fine—plenty of awe without the saddle sores.

#32 – A Weekend in Las Vegas

I’ve spent many weekends in Las Vegas, but not for the reasons most people go. The casinos don’t tempt me at all, but the shows? Absolutely. Still, if I return, I’d rather trade the neon lights for the fiery glow of Valley of Fire State Park. Those red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs are calling my name. And if you’re already in the area, a side trip to Hoover Dam is well worth the time. I’ve done it, and it’s every bit as impressive as the postcards suggest.

#33 – Leaf Peeping in the FallFall leaves

Living in Taunton, MA puts me right in the heart of leaf-peeping country, so this one feels like home. One of my favorite fall memories is riding the Kancamagus Highway on the back of my brother’s motorcycle—no car windows, no distractions, just pure color exploding around every curve. The list also recommends the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and honestly, that would be spectacular in any season.

#34 – A Road Trip on Route 66

Ah, Route 66—the Mother Road. Not all of it survives today, but the stretch I explored in Arizona near the Grand Canyon still carries that nostalgic charm. Vintage neon signs, old-school diners, quirky souvenir shops… it’s a living postcard from America’s road‑tripping heyday. You can almost hear the hum of classic cars cruising by.

The Ones I Skipped

Wine-tasting tours from California to France didn’t make my personal list—I’m not much of a drinker. And the shopping trips to NYC or the Mall of America? Also not my style.

 

I’ve been to New York City, but I went for the history and the sights: Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History… and of course, a Broadway show. And ever since 9/11, no trip to the city feels complete without visiting the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a powerful, solemn place that reminds you how deeply the city—and the world—was changed.

A Final Thought

If I were adding to this list, I’d say any relaxing Hawaii trip should include a stop at Pearl Harbor. It’s a beautiful, solemn memorial and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

So now I’m curious—what do you think.
Which trips did these professional travel writers overlook. Check out the full list here
Do you have a favorite getaway that always calls you back.
And how many of their 40 have you crossed off.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Trip List, Part 2

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Checking Off More Adventures

As I dig deeper into the 40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies list, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how many of these adventures I’ve already experienced — or at least tucked onto my ever‑growing bucket list. It’s turning into a fun little audit of my own wanderlust.

#12: Cruising the California Coast

The list’s twelfth recommendation is a drive down the California Coast, essentially the Coast Starlight railroad trip but on four wheels instead of rails. Whether by train or car, I already know it’s spectacular. The Pacific Coast Highway — Highway 1 — winds roughly 400 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, connecting two iconic cities with jaw‑dropping scenery in between. Big Sur’s cliffs, the endless ocean views, and even the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon make this route a showstopper.

2 Nuns

#13: Sedona’s Red Rock Magic

Next up is Sedona, Arizona — a place I’ve visited a couple of times and would happily return to again. The red rocks, the crisp desert air, the perfect weather… it’s a photographer’s dream. I’m not much for spa days or massages, but if that’s your thing, Sedona has you covered.

#17: The Florida Keys

Ah, the Keys. I am so not done with them. I’ve explored the upper end (Key Largo) and the lower end (Key West), but the middle stretch is still waiting for me. One day I’ll finally drive the Overseas Highway — ideally in a sporty red convertible with the top down.

#20: An Alaskan Cruise

Been there, done that, and would absolutely do it again. An Alaskan cruise is the best way to see glaciers and cover a lot of ground in just a few days. Excursions to places like Skagway and Ketchikan offer glimpses into Native Alaskan culture, wildlife encounters, dance demonstrations, and towering totem poles. And if you want even more adventure, the White Pass and Yukon Railway is right there waiting.

#21: Disneyland (But I’m a Disney World Girl)

The list suggests Disneyland, but once you’ve been to Disney World in Florida, the California park feels like its smaller cousin. I’ve visited both — Disneyland once, Disney World more times than I can count. It helps when your best friend works there and hands you free passes and discounts.

Kali River Rapids

#23: Solo in Seattle

Seattle 2013 photo credit Deb Neumann

Seattle shows up as a recommended solo trip, and I suppose that’s exactly what mine was. I spent a week there for work orientation, which left plenty of time to explore. I photographed Mount Rainier from the Space Needle, wandered Chihuly Garden and Glass, and watched the famous fish‑throwers at Pike Place Market.

#25: Horseback Riding (and a Bonus Helicopter Ride)

Halfway through the list, and I’m still checking boxes. #25 is horseback riding — something I did on one of my Sedona trips. That same visit also gave me my first helicopter ride, though the list writers seem to have overlooked that thrill.

Pausing the Journey (For Now)

I’ll stop here for today, but I’m genuinely amazed at how many of these trips I’ve already experienced. This list is turning into a delightful walk down memory lane, and I’m looking forward to picking it back up again soon.

 

Travel Daydreams and the Trips That Still Inspire Me

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Stumbling Onto a New Wanderlust List

Lately I’ve been indulging my imaginary wanderlust, letting my mind drift to places I’ve been and places I still hope to see. So when I tripped over an article in Country Living titled “40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies,” I couldn’t resist diving in. It reminded me of an abbreviated version of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die — a sampler platter of adventures meant to spark curiosity.

I’m not tackling all forty today, just the ones that jumped out at me and stirred a few memories.

#3: The “Last‑Minute Adventure”

I love the idea of a spontaneous getaway, but let’s be honest — even last‑minute adventures need a little prep. The article suggests Kansas City, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C.

Kansas City is still on my “someday” list, but I have been to New Orleans. Sorry, Mardi Gras fans, but it wasn’t my favorite stop. I spent three days there and never quite shook an uneasy feeling. Maybe someday I’ll give it another try, but it’s not at the top of my list.

Washington, D.C., on the other hand, was a spur‑of‑the‑moment trip. I went chasing cherry blossoms… and arrived in a pounding rainstorm that turned to sleet and froze every last bloom. Wandering the monuments was still fun, but the trip wasn’t the floral fantasy I’d hoped for. Poor little blossoms never stood a chance.

#6: A Voyage by Train

Now this one speaks to me. The list highlights some spectacular rail journeys — Rockies to Red Rocks, Vancouver to Banff, and one I’ve had my eye on for ages: the Coast Starlight. It traces California’s iconic coastline, letting you sit back, relax, and soak in the scenery without worrying about traffic or distracted drivers. That’s my kind of travel.

#4 and #7: Solo Adventures and Hawaiian Bliss

Trip #4 recommends a solo journey to Iceland. I haven’t made it there yet, but I’ve traveled solo many times. There’s a freedom in not coordinating with anyone else, though you do miss the shared moments and bonding that come with traveling together.

Then there’s #7 — a relaxing stay in Hawaii. This one is my heart. Hawaii was the first big trip I ever took, and I’ve returned more times than I can count. It’s my favorite place on earth, the destination that always feels like coming home.

 

#10: Natural Wonders at Niagara Falls

The last one I’ll touch on today is #10: a natural‑wonders trip to Niagara Falls. I’ve been twice — once with a friend and once with my mother for a bowling tournament. I was so young then.

 

The falls were breathtaking, and at the time the Canadian side was much nicer than the American side. I’d love to return someday just to see what’s changed.

Still Exploring, Still Dreaming

I’m only partway through the list, but it’s already sending me on a lovely trip down memory lane. I’ll keep exploring the suggestions, and I’m sure more stories — and more daydreams — will follow.

 

A Southwest Wish‑List Adventure: If I Hit the Road Today

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Setting Out With a Sense of Possibility

Every now and then, I feel that familiar tug — the one that whispers it might be time to wander again. Not in a rushed, suitcase‑bursting, itinerary‑packed way, but in the soft, dreamy style of a wish‑list adventure. The kind where you point the car toward the horizon and let the landscape decide the pace.

If I were heading out today, I know exactly where I’d go: southwest toward Colorado and Utah, where steam trains still echo through mountain canyons, ancient cliff dwellings cling to stone walls, and red‑rock cathedrals glow under endless skies.

This isn’t a trip I’ve booked. It’s one I’m savoring in my imagination — and sometimes those are the sweetest journeys of all.

Durango: Where the Journey Begins

Two nights

I’d start in Durango, settling into one of its historic hotels — the kind with wooden staircases polished by a century of footsteps and a lobby that feels like a warm handshake. From here, I’d wander out for dinner, camera in hand, letting the town’s old‑west charm set the tone.

 

 

The next morning, I’d board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a living piece of history that still breathes steam and nostalgia. As the train chugs along the Animas River, the canyon walls rise like guardians on either side. It’s a ride made for photography and quiet awe — no hiking boots required, just open eyes and a willingness to be carried through time.

 

 

 

 

Mesa Verde: Echoes of an Ancient World

One night in Cortez or Mancos

After the train, I’d drift west to Mesa Verde National Park, spending the night in Cortez or Mancos — simple, comfortable towns where the mesas glow gold at sunset.

Mesa Verde is a place that humbles you. Even without climbing ladders or squeezing through cliff dwellings, the overlooks alone tell a powerful story. Standing at Cliff Palace Overlook, I’d imagine fires flickering in the alcoves, families moving through the stone rooms, voices echoing across the canyon. The air feels ancient here, as if it remembers everything.

Moab: Gateway to Red‑Rock Wonder

Three nights

From Mesa Verde, the road would pull me into Utah and into Moab, a town that feels like the doorstep to another planet. I’d choose a place with a balcony or a big window — somewhere I could watch the cliffs catch the morning light.

Arches National Park

Arches is a photographer’s playground, even for those of us who prefer minimal walking. Balanced Rock, the Windows, Double Arch — each one a masterpiece carved by wind and time. You can see so much right from the overlooks.

Canyonlands: Island in the Sky

Canyonlands is all about vastness. I’d drive the rim, stopping at overlooks that make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of creation. Mesa Arch at sunrise would be the dream shot — that golden glow lighting up the canyon like a stage.

Torrey & Capitol Reef: A Quiet Pause

One night

From Moab, I’d follow Scenic Byway 24 — one of Utah’s most photogenic roads — into Torrey, a tiny town tucked against red cliffs. It’s the kind of place where the sky feels bigger and the evenings quieter.

Capitol Reef is gentle and generous. The orchards of Fruita, the historic barns, the petroglyphs, the sweeping overlooks — all easy to reach, all deeply photogenic. I’d savor a slice of pie from the Gifford House and let the day unfold slowly.

Bryce Canyon: A Forest of Stone

Two nights

Next, I’d move on to Bryce Canyon, where the hoodoos rise like a frozen forest of flame. Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point — each overlook offers a different angle on the amphitheater below, and none require more than a gentle stroll.

In the soft light of morning or evening, the stone spires glow pink, orange, and gold. It’s impossible not to take too many photos.

 

 

Springdale & Zion: A Canyon of Giants

Two nights

My final stop would be Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park, where the canyon walls rise like cathedral pillars right behind the buildings. Even from the shuttle or the roadside pullouts, Zion overwhelms in the best way.

I’d stroll the flat Pa’rus Trail, sit by the river, and watch the cliffs shift color as the sun moves across the sky. No strenuous trails needed — the beauty comes to you.

Returning Home With a Full Heart

And then, as all journeys do — even the imaginary ones — the road would lead me home again. My camera would be full, my mind even fuller. That’s the magic of a wish‑list trip: it reminds me that adventure doesn’t always require a packed suitcase. Sometimes it just needs a spark of curiosity and the willingness to follow where the road might lead.

If I ever do take this trip, I already know it will feel familiar — because I’ve traveled it once already, right here in my imagination.

If You Go: Gentle Tips for a Southwest Dream Trip

Even though this journey lives mostly in the realm of imagination, it’s always nice to tuck a few practical notes into your back pocket — just in case the road starts calling a little louder.

Best Time to Travel

  • Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.
  • Summer can be hot, but mornings and evenings are still beautiful for photography.

Pacing for Minimal Walking

  • All the parks mentioned have drive‑up viewpoints perfect for travelers who prefer gentle movement.
  • Shuttle systems in Zion and Bryce make sightseeing easy.
  • The Durango & Silverton train and Mesa Verde’s overlooks offer rich experiences without strenuous activity.

Lodging Overview

  • Durango: Stay downtown for easy access to the train.
  • Cortez or Mancos: Quiet bases for Mesa Verde.
  • Moab: Ideal for Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point.
  • Torrey: A peaceful overnight stop for Capitol Reef.
  • Bryce Canyon area: Close to sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
  • Springdale: Perfect for Zion, with canyon walls rising behind the hotels.

Driving Notes

  • Roads are well‑maintained and incredibly scenic.
  • Distances are long but relaxing — perfect for a slow, photography‑friendly pace.
  • Gas stations can be far apart in Utah, so topping off the tank is wise.

Photography Tips

  • Golden hour is your best friend in the Southwest.
  • Bring extra memory cards — the landscapes are irresistible.
  • Many overlooks have railings or flat paths, making them easy to access.

Accessibility

  • National parks offer accessible viewpoints, shuttles, and level paths.
  • Each park’s accessibility page provides helpful details.

Mindset to Pack

  • Curiosity
  • Flexibility
  • A sense of wonder
  • And a camera ready for magic

 

Marvels of the Ancients and Wonders Closer to Home

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The Treasury, Petra, Jordan

Dreaming of Distant Civilizations

Every now and then, I find myself drifting into another trip down memory lane—this time not to places I’ve been, but to the astonishing achievements of ancient civilizations. I watch those TV specials all the time, the ones that showcase the impossible feats of early engineers and builders. It’s hard not to marvel at Egypt’s colossal monuments, from the timeless pyramids to the Avenue of Sphinxes stretching toward Karnak.

Then there’s Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a temple complex so vast and intricate it feels like something out of a dream. And China’s Great Wall—recent discoveries reveal it spans an incredible 13,171 miles, far more than we once believed. These are the kinds of wonders that make you stop and shake your head in disbelief.

Chances of me ever visiting any of these sites are slim to none, at least in this lifetime. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t found marvels of my own, closer to home.

A Surprise in the Arizona Desert

One such wonder was Montezuma’s Castle in Arizona. I hadn’t planned the visit; it was simply something to do on vacation. But sometimes the unplanned moments become the most memorable.

Montezuma’s Castle

Walking along the curving path, I had no idea what awaited me. Then I rounded a bend—and there it was. A five‑story cliff dwelling tucked into a limestone alcove, impossibly high and impossibly well‑preserved. It may not have the heart‑stopping grandeur of the Grand Canyon, but as a man‑made marvel, it holds its own.

Built by the ancient Sinagua people, the structure’s rooms, balconies, and stonework speak to a level of ingenuity that still inspires awe. Visitors can no longer climb the ladders to explore the interior, but standing at the base was enough for me. It was a moment of quiet appreciation for the people who carved out a home in the cliffs long before our modern world existed.

 

A Glimpse of Ancient Mexico

Leaving the Southwest behind, I think back to one of my rare trips outside the U.S.—a short cruise to Mexico with my friend and fellow explorer, JR. We docked in Cozumel and were quickly herded onto a tour bus bound for Tulum.

We weren’t in Mexico long enough to soak in the full flavor of the country, but Tulum made every minute count. Ancient structures perched above the turquoise sea, their weathered stones whispering stories of the Aztec world. The combination of age, beauty, and mystery was almost too much to take in at once.

The Joy of Remembering

I may never stand beneath the pyramids or wander the halls of Angkor Wat, but revisiting these memories—both near and far—reminds me that wonder doesn’t always require a passport. Sometimes it’s waiting around a corner on a desert trail. Sometimes it’s a day trip from a cruise ship. And sometimes it’s simply found in remembering where we’ve been and imagining where we might go next.