Find Happiness in Travel

As kids return back to school and the daily grind continues for working adults, we are all seeking something that can be difficult to find among the monotonous drip of the coffeepot and endless stacks of paperwork—happiness. One of the best ways to increase your happiness that I have personally discovered lies in breaking out your passport and getting some stamps! Travel is a fantastic way to get a smile back on your face and remind you of all the wonders the world has to offer.

I love to travel. More than anything else, I enjoy the interesting people I meet along every step of my journey. Below is a list of 10 places I’d like to visit, and the reasons why.

1. Dubai—Dubai is known throughout the world for its opulence, sunshine, and beautiful celebration of Middle Eastern culture. I would love to see what it’s like to walk among the grandest buildings in the world and bask in the sunshine on the white sand beaches.
2. Hong Kong and Beijing—These two major Chinese travel destinations, a major Southeastern city and the capital, are both full of fascinating history and excitement. I’ve heard that Hong Kong has twinkling lights like Manhattan, and those never fail to spark a smile. Beijing is home to the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
3. Honolulu—I have never been to Honolulu, the biggest city on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. I haven’t made it to the place locals call “the big island” either. I long to feel the breeze rustling through the palm trees and maybe sip a refreshing cocktail or two on the beach.
4. Sedona—Far away from the water and cool breezes of Hawaii, the desert climate of Arizona is a peaceful place to be. Sedona is the perfect combination of rugged nature and modern luxuries like spas, art exhibitions, and fine dining.
5. Buenos Aires—Even though Rio has been the recipient of many international guests recently because of the 2016 Summer Olympics, I would love to head to another South American hotspot to eat delicious food and experience the thriving art scene.
6. London—Big Ben and Oxford are two cultural and historical landmarks I am itching to see in person.
7. Paris—The streets of Paris are overflowing with romance and poetry. The Eiffel tower is something that needs to be seen in person to be fully experienced, and I look forward to seeing the glimmering nights after a Parisian sunset.
8. Madrid—Taking a break in the middle of the workday seems like a foreign concept to those of us who live with crumbs from lunch on our keyboards. A siesta seems like a great way to get back some happiness.
9. Jerusalem and Galilee—These two places, both located in Israel, hold special places in my heart. It would be spiritually fulfilling to see the place where Jesus was born and spent his early life in the Old City. Walking the same streets that Jesus walked in Galilee would bring me a deep sense of happiness.
10. Cairo—The great pyramids of Egypt have stood the test of time and serve as a reminder of our past.

Now that you’ve seen my list, what about yours? Let me know in the comment section below which places you’d like to visit and why.