My travel wish list lives on my iPhone in my Notes app. It’s a disorganized and chaotic inventory of places I’d like to visit one day. The list has been curated from sources like Condé Nast Traveler, Afar Magazine, and in-flight magazines. Not to mention conversations overheard at cafés and restaurants, as well as chats with my trusted travel advisors, Eric and Esther.
Every so often, I revisit my wish list—curious if I’ve ticked off any destinations. Inevitably, I fall down a rabbit hole of global proportions and start to daydream about travel. Then I add even more places. The list is an unsystematic mess. But it’s my mess, and I love it.
Do you have a travel wish list? It’s never too late to create one. Start dreaming up destinations and catalog them in a way that works best for you. You’ll be thankful for that list when figuring out where to stay on your next visit to London. Or when a friend asks you to brainstorm with her about a fun girls’ trip. Need a few ideas to set your travel gears in motion? I happen to have a few to share.
Near and Far
I live in Washington, DC, which is worth a spot on everyone’s travel wish list, especially if the last time you visited it was on your 4th grade school trip. Living in such a vibrant and historical city makes me realize there’s no need to travel far for a fun-filled holiday. Washington DC’s Georgetown neighborhood is a wish list destination regardless of where one lives. The fact that I live a stone’s throw from it shouldn’t mean I can’t spend a night or two there, right? I’ll happily play the role of a tourist in my hometown.
Yet I also long for far-flung adventures in Norway, Namibia, and Portugal. I like the sound of places that are neither near nor far, like New York’s Hudson Valley or Vancouver Island. Follow along for my latest batch of wish list destinations. Some are near and some are far, depending on where you live. But, all worth the trip.
Are you ready to get your travel wish list started? Feel free to steal a few ideas from mine—like I said, I’m happy to share.
Travel Wish List: Near
Washington, Virginia: Blue Rock
There’s no place like home. That’s certainly the sentiment the proprietors of Blue Rock are cultivating with their intimate inn, just a 90-minute drive from Washington, DC. Each of Blue Rock’s five guest rooms is designed to appeal to our need for creature comforts. Choose from ye-olde-English named rooms like Castleton, Walden, and Thornton. Some rooms have playful, woodland-inspired wallpaper while others display classic damask. All have high-end, homespun touches like Nespresso machines, Parachute linens, and Molton Brown toiletries.
Those familiar with DC’s dining scene will undoubtedly know about Pineapple and Pearl, one of the city’s most coveted restaurant reservations. Executive Chef Bin Lu exhibits his talents with a dazzling nightly four-course menu at Blue Rock. Chef Lu is also responsible for the wine list, which features wines from the area.
Have a seat on the veranda and make yourself at home at Blue Rock—a mountain gem nestled in the countryside of Washington, Virginia that will tempt travelers from the District and beyond.
Other near destination ideas
Baltimore: Sagamore Pendry
The waterfront at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a part of the city that appeals to visitors up and down the eastern seaboard with its array of family-friendly attractions. It’s home to museums, aquariums, 19th-century ships, and restaurants that serve the area’s famous blue crabs. The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is a luxury boutique hotel ideal for taking full advantage of Baltimore’s walkable waterfront. Built in 1914 as a landing point for European immigrants, the Pendry is prominently situated on Rec Pier. The hotel has retained its old-world charm but has infused modern details and high-end service.
Washington, DC: Rosewood
Georgetown is an urban oasis— one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods. I often shop, walk along the C&O canal, and have lunch at one of the many street-side cafés. The Rosewood, Washington DC hotel sits quietly alongside the canal with its warm red brick facade and well-tended gardens. It’s a wish list stay-cation in the heart of the city that not only has sophisticated and elegantly-appointed rooms but a restaurant with acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck at the helm. Whether you book a week or a weeknight, the Rosewood hotel is a wish list must for visitors to our Nation’s Capital.
Travel Wish List: Near-ish
Hudson Valley, New York: Wildflower Farms
What’s in a name? In the case of Auberge Resorts’ latest property, Wildflower Farms—well, everything. Imagine meadows of flora, fauna, and natural woodlands set upon 140 bucolic acres in New York’s stately Hudson Valley. Pack a book and camera, then set off for the mountains.
Wildflower Farms is designed to blend in with its natural surroundings seamlessly. The Shawangunk Ridge is easily viewed from the resort’s 65 freestanding cabins and cottages. The cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows, so guests are never without a wildflower meadow view—even from bed. Each cabin and cottage is created to bring the outdoors in. They combine warm nature-inspired tones with quirky accents, like a moss-green velvet settee, a vividly patterned quilt, or a honey-yellow, sun-soaked window bench.
A glorious tribute to the Hudson Valley, Wildflower Farms’ other highlights include source-origin cuisine that pays homage to the area and a chance for guests to forage the 3-acre farm. Later, use the ingredients for an on-property cooking workshop and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
Other near-ish destination ideas
Utah: ULUM Moab
The Southwest is one of our country’s most beautiful and popular vacation locations. Moab is home to national and state parks like Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, and Arches. Until now, there have been few options of accommodations that get guests so close to the parks. Welcome to the desert, ULUM Moab. ULUM is a new uber-glam glamping property with views across Canyonlands and beyond. The indoor-outdoor life is practically seamless. Guests at ULUM will have no excuse not to see a sunset or sunrise melt across the landscape. Enjoy the natural wonders of the American southwest from one of ULUM Moab’s newest desert hideaways.
Vancouver Island: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Nestled in the ocean inlet of its namesake, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an escape to tranquility. Watch bald eagles as they soar above and chase the sunset while sipping a hand-crafted cocktail. Put the bustle of real life behind by staying in one of the property’s 25 ultra-luxe, canvas-styled tents. Equipped with modern amenities and panoramic viewing decks, guests can fully immerse themselves in nature at this remote Canadian hideaway.
Travel Wish List: Far-ish
Sedona, Arizona: Mii amo
Sedona’s newly reopened Mii amo wellness resort is known for its peaceful desert setting. Located in Boynton Canyon, this wish list destination spa has opportunities for guests to lose themselves in restorative mind and body treatments and guided meditations, among other offerings.
Mii amo helps guests design their bespoke journeys well in advance as part of their 3-, 4-, 7- or even 10-night all-inclusive experiences. For example, a day may look like this—morning Yin Yoga followed by Reflexology and a Lymphatic Facial. Then, a light lunch of Ora King Salmon or fresh watermelon salad followed by the property’s Labyrinth Walk or a trail run. Top the afternoon off by relaxing on the pool’s jasmine-scented patio with freshly pressed juice from the Juice Bar.
The food at Mii amo defies the often-expected blah spa food with delectable culinary delights. Whichever journey you choose to explore at Mii amo’s reimagined spa and wellness resort, you will be hard-pressed to leave it.
Other far-ish destination ideas
Panama: Isla Secas
If a private island resort doesn’t scream wish list destination, I don’t know what does. Islas Secas Private Island & Reserve is a 14-island, volcanic archipelago in the Gulf of Chiriquí, just off Panama’s Pacific coast. Nature trails, bird watching, scuba diving, and wellness activities are just a tease of what this unique property offers its guests. Isla Secas’ commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting its natural resources make it a wish list destination for any wildlife, adventure, or sun seeker, near or far.
Punta Mita, Mexico: Susurros del Corazón
You don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy the pristine beaches of Punta Mita, but should that be an activity on your wish list, it’s a challenge to find a prettier destination to do it. Another Auberge Resort, Susurros del Corazón, will entice guests with world-class food and service, humpback whales breaching off-shore, and boozy beach bonfires.
Travel Wish List: Far
Portugal: Sublime Comporta
Comporta is known for its tranquil, casual barefoot vibe, wide open beaches, and windblown dunes. The undercurrent in this light and breezy part of Portugal is decidedly understated chic.
A study in minimalism, Sublime Comporta appears to have sprung up from the landscape itself. Within reach of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, Sublime Comporta lives up to its name. The 17-acre property has 23 rooms and suites and a staggering 22 two-to-five-bedroom cabanas from which to choose. The villas are marvels of architecture. They boast private pools, multiple terraces (for maximum nature viewing), and cozy fireplaces.
With cooking workshops, bird and dolphin watching, and numerous wellness experiences, there is almost no reason to leave the umbrella pine-laden property. Guests can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind foodie experience by dining at The Food Circle—the center of Sublime’s organic garden. Sublime Comporta is sublime indeed.
Other far destination ideas
Norway: Manshausen Island
The top spot on my adventure travel wish list is the 14-acre island jewel in northern Norway—Manshausen Island. The history of this remote fishing village near Nordskot dates back to the 1600s. Today, visitors to Manshausen Island can fish, kayak, hike, and rock-climb, among other adventurous activities. Manshausen’s nine modest glass-enclosed sea cabins appear to defy gravity and are as visually stunning as the landscape.
Namibia: Habitas Namibia
My travel wish list is never without an African destination. Namibia, on the southwest coast of the continent, is home to cheetahs and black rhinos, the world’s oldest desert, and the famous Skeleton Coast. Habitas Namibia, a 51,000-hectare nature reserve, has sweeping views of this wild desert landscape. A blend of wellness, wildlife, and culture, the hotel is designed with a desert-inspired palette that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor life.
Where do you want to go next?
Whether you’re looking for destinations near, far, or somewhere in between, keeping an up-to-date travel wish list will ensure that when someone asks that age-old question, “Where do you want to go next?” you’ll be ready to answer.
Travel inspiration can be found almost anywhere. Travel blogs, Instagram, Pinterest, and Tik Tok, are just a few places where you can discover new additions to your list. And, of course, CIRE’s website is chock full of travel inspo. Keep your ears and eyes open and start your list. Who knows where you will end up next?
Watch this space as I’m already cooking up my next batch of wish list travel destinations. I’ll report back soon!
Jamie Edwards is an avid traveler, travel writer, and photographer. She launched I am Lost and Found, her adventure/luxury travel website after 25 years of living and traveling around the globe. Jamie’s goal is simple, to inspire travel.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert team supports clients across the country and around the world.
Where in the World Do You Want to Go?
Inspired to plan your next weekend getaway, vacation or trip of a lifetime? See that form below? That’s all it takes to begin your next epic travel story.