Where to Travel in 2017: My Top Picks & Wishlist

Where to Travel in 2017: Venice, Italy

In 2017, in my attempt to slow my pace, I’ll focus on spending more time in fewer destinations, so while there may be many “wishes” on this list, the likelihood of me actually visiting them all is slim.

My location independent lifestyle runs smoothest when I have some semblance of a routine from day to day, which becomes near-impossible when I’m moving too frequently.

Building a business also becomes a much greater challenge, and seeing as that’s my primary goal for 2017–to continue growing this site and building my blogging income streams–traveling too often would not be the wisest choice.

Read more: How I Earn Money Online as a Digital Nomad

Nevertheless, it’s always fun to dream, and so dream I shall!  The following are the top cities and countries that are tugging on my heartstrings lately, some for obvious reasons and others for reasons I can’t quite put my finger on.

And remember last year’s list?  Well, I’m proud (and a little surprised!) to say I actually managed to make it to three of the destinations I was hoping to, including Mexico, Berlin, and London.

But 2016 is almost over and since I have no travel plans for the rest of the year, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead.

Without further ado…

Where to Travel in 2017Not sure where to travel in 2017? Here are 12 amazing destination ideas!

Top City Picks

Oaxaca, Mexico

Starting off strong with this one, as it’s more than just a wish!  I’ve already made plans to spend the first two months of 2017 in Oaxaca, the capital and largest city of the southern Mexican state by the same name.

Oaxaca is located roughly 300 miles south of Mexico City where it sits nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre range.  Colonial structures mingle with indigenous archeological sites in this culturally diverse city, which is also often referred to as Mexico’s culinary capital.  I can’t wait to get my hands on all that mole and mezcal.

Read more: Why I Chose to Spend Two Months Living in OaxacaWhere to Travel in 2017: Oaxaca, Mexico

Venice, Italy

There’s no place in the world quite like Venice, the city built on more than 100 islands in the Adriatic Sea.

The photographer in me has been aching to visit this enchanting destination for years now, and with sea levels rising globally, time might truly be of the essence before parts of this iconic city become forever submerged.Where to Travel in 2017: Venice, Italy

Montréal, Canada

This is one of those cities whose pull I don’t quite understand.  Montréal, the largest city in the province of Québec, intrigues me in a way few other Canadian cities do.

Perhaps it’s the mashup of North American and European cultures. Perhaps it’s Montréal’s reputation as a bustling hub of creativity.  Or maybe I just really like French accents, okay?!  Ahem.  Moving along…Where to Travel in 2017: Montreal, Quebec

San Francisco, USA

This city will never NOT call to me.  I’ve spent my fair share of time in Fog City, but it never seems to be long enough.

I could sit and watch sunsets from San Francisco rooftops every day of my life.  I’d be perfectly content hoofing it up and down its hilly streets, hanging out in its sprawling green parks, and sipping wine by the waterfront, surrounded by good friends.

I feel like I can always come back to San Francisco and feel instantly at home.

Related post: Finding Nature in San FranciscoWhere to Travel in 2017: San Francisco, California

Lisbon, Portugal

Considering my love affair with San Francisco, my desire to explore its sister city, Lisbon, should come as no surprise.

The parallels between the two are numerous–bridges, hills, and cable cars spring to mind–but something tells me I’d discover a side of Lisbon with a flavor all its own.Where to Travel in 2017: Lisbon, Portugal

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital city of Estonia is often referred to as one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.  And after visiting a city last year that most travelers deemed “missable” and loving it (Warsaw, Poland), I’m interested to see if this one is also being passed up unfairly in favor of its better-known counterparts.

Plus, I just love any city with a walled, cobblestone Old Town, which is guaranteed to be packed with old world charm.

Read more: Why I’ve Got A Major Country Crush on EstoniaWhere to Travel in 2017: Tallinn, Estonia

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is one of the most colorful cities in the world!  Well, the most blue, to be more specific.

Everywhere you look, buildings are painted varying pastel shades of blue.  I’d love to spend a few days getting lost in its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and shopping its vibrant markets.

It’s like something straight out of a fairytale, as you can see in this beautiful photo by Rachel of Hippie in Heels.Where to Travel in 2017: Chefchaouen, Morocco


Top Country Picks

Canada

In case you haven’t heard, entry fees to all of Canada’s national parks have been waived for the ENTIRETY of 2017!  That means there’s never been a better time to go and explore the wilderness of the Great White North.

I’ve always thought a Canadian road trip sounded like a dream. Or even a cross-country train trip!  Any way I can take in that stunning, rugged landscape. canada-1751464_1280

Belize

While I’ve hardly seen all there is to see in Central America, I’m not particularly itching to go back to that region, with the sole exception of Belize.

It seems like the ideal place to try for an encounter with the elusive whale shark (which aren’t all that elusive in the Belizean waters, from what I’ve heard) between the months of March and June.

They tend to come around in the days leading up to and immediately following each full moon–plan accordingly!Where to Travel in 2017: Belize

Italy

Off the top of my head, I can think of at least four–no, five!–great reasons to visit Italy: pizza, pasta, wine, gelato, and espresso!

There’s no doubt that my first trip to Italy will amount to nothing more than a non-stop eating extravaganza, punctuated by naps to recover from the carbohydrate overload.Where to Travel in 2017: Italy

Iceland

This destination seems to be gaining in popularity by the day.  And with cheap flights departing from many major US cities (like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York) it’s easier than ever to make an Icelandic vacation a reality.

Waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs, and the most huggable horses you’ve ever seen? What more could you ask for?Where to Travel in 2017: Iceland

Scotland

If there’s one destination on this list that surprises even me, it’s Scotland.  I’m not the biggest fan of rain, and I wouldn’t touch haggis no matter how much you paid me.

However, with Scottish blood in the family, it could potentially be quite interesting to trace our lineage on a genealogy trip of sorts, which is what has suddenly catapulted Scotland toward the top of my list.

And I guess those sweeping sea views aren’t so bad, either.Where to Travel in 2017: Italy

And with that, I’m already exhausted!  Where do YOU want to travel in 2017?  Are any of these destinations on your list?

25 comments

  • Stephanie

    I know some of your picks (San Francisco, Scotland, Lisbon…) and I totally agree with you! And the other ones, I’ve never been there but it’s on my “list”, I’d like to discover those countries (Iceland, Canada…)
    Stephanie recently posted…Two markets I loved in New DelhiMy Profile

    • Leah Davis (author)

      I’ve “been” to Canada but only briefly, so I’m excited about the prospect of exploring for real. I’ve never wanted to go to so many cold countries! 😉

  • Evan Kristine

    Ah, love that Tallinn is getting the recognition it needs from travelers! It is one of the best cities I’ve been (well, I’m there at least 3x a year hehe). Other places here looks great as well! Good luck!!!

    • Leah Davis (author)

      I’d love to spend some time there, and in the Baltics in general! It’s one of the few regions of Europe I have never stepped foot in. Maybe this will be the year!

    • Leah Davis (author)

      I’m not entirely sure how much traveling I’ll do in 2017, either. Partly because I’m sort of digging being in one place though 😉

  • Ashley

    Lisbon and Italy are high on my 2017 wish list as well! And I’m glad to see Scotland on your list 😉 I hate the rain and cold as well, but fell in love with Edinburgh and willingly decided to move here in spite of the weather!
    Ashley recently posted…Edinburgh Eats: My Favourite Sushi RestaurantsMy Profile

    • Leah Davis (author)

      I hear so many good things about Edinburgh! I’m glad I’m not the only one who hates the rain, and also glad to hear that didn’t stop you from moving there 🙂 If I make it there soon I’ll let you know!

  • Emma Stoker

    Everything sounds pretty cool ! So hard to pick just a fiew places 🙂

    In 2017 I’m planning to start an open-end trip, spending July to December in Canada, I can’t wait !! And I’ve been really enjoying all your post about earning online recently and keeping everything I can in mind 🙂

    • Leah Davis (author)

      You’re doing my dream Canada trip!! Ahh so jealous! You will have an amazing time 🙂 Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the posts on earning online, I have plenty more in the pipeline!

  • Caroline

    What a great list! Portugal, Scotland, and Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) are all high on my list as well. I’m hoping to go to Oaxaca next fall to witness Dia de los Muertos.

    Montreal has definitely been my favorite Canadian city I’ve been to, I think you will love it. I live right on the border of Canada, in Buffalo. If you need any recommendations if you find yourself in Southern Ontario (or maybe Buffalo!), let me know, I’d be glad to help.

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Yes watching the Dia de los Muertos activities from afar this year has me experiencing major FOMO! It would be so amazing to be there for it next year. Would love any Montreal or Ontario tips if I make it over that way! 🙂

  • Ella

    You have a great list here! 🙂 I’ve been eyeing up Canada recently and especially Montreal. I’m all over any city that speaks French and has a great cultural scene, and Canada seems like an incredible country to explore. Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy it in 2017. Me & my sister want to take a trip together before we both start school next year and Canada is one of our desired destinations, so hopefully we’ll be able to make it work.
    Ella recently posted…What To Do If You’re Visiting Eilat, IsraelMy Profile

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Nice, I hope you do go in 2017! I really want to check out some of those national parks myself, in addition to the amazing cities 🙂

  • Élizabeth Trudel

    The capital city of the province of Québec is actually Québec city and not Montréal.

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Woops, not sure how I made that error. Thanks for catching it!

  • Beverly Schwenning

    Great list! Belize and Canada are on my 2017 list. I didn’t know that about the whale sharks, so I’ll definitely have to plan around the moon.

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Nice! It will be fun to see how my 2017 shakes out, but I also hope to make it to those two!

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Awesome! Have so much fun!!

  • SpaceCenter Systems

    It’s really nice writing, very impressed.. Continue work…

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Thanks very much!

  • John

    Hey, it’s well written and good informative post. This year, Italy is on my list. Excited to visit Italy. Thanks for sharing this post.

    • Leah Davis (author)

      Italy is at the top of my list!

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