Five Places on My List, and Why They’re There

Everyone has a list. Mine lives in a note on my phone, and I open it whenever my inbox gets too loud and I need to mentally leave the building.

This isn’t a ranking or a definitive guide. It’s just the places I keep coming back to in my daydreams, and why.

Lisbon, Portugal

Hills, tiled buildings, trams rattling up streets that look too steep for anything with wheels. Lisbon looks like it was designed for long, aimless walks followed by a long, unhurried lunch. That’s my kind of city.

Cape Town, South Africa

Mountains and ocean in the same view. Table Mountain looming over the city, beaches, vineyards a short drive away. Cape Town seems to have been built for people who can’t decide between a city break and nature, which describes me perfectly.

Kyoto, Japan

Temples, gardens and quiet streets that feel like stepping into another century. I want to visit in autumn, when the leaves change, and walk slowly enough to actually notice things.

Marrakech, Morocco

Colour, noise, spices, patterns everywhere you look. The markets look overwhelming in the best way. I’d also like to escape into one of the riads, those courtyard houses that are calm the moment you step inside.

Mexico City, Mexico

Huge, energetic and full of art, food and history. Museums, markets, murals, and I’ve heard enough about the food to know I’d return a few kilograms heavier and completely unrepentant.

Why keep a list at all

Some of these places I’ll get to soon. Some may take years. A few I may never see. That’s fine.

The list isn’t really a plan. It’s a reminder that the world is big and interesting, and that there’s more to life than the four walls I’m sitting in right now.

Tell me yours

Where’s at the top of your list? Leave it in the comments. If you’ve been to one of mine, tell me what I absolutely shouldn’t miss.

My note keeps growing. My savings account is doing its best to keep up.

Keep reading: How to Plan a 48-Hour City Break Without Wasting Half of It on Your Phone · Solo Travel as a Woman: Brave, Not Reckless