A millennial’s travel bucket list

Every 20-something knows the wish to see the world but not having enough resources and time to go through with it. While this may be my case for now, I still keep a short travel bucket list to refer to when I can finally travel. Here is the list of the countries I would like visit someday, inspired by the books I’ve read and the films I’ve seen.

FRANCE

France, particularly Paris, looks like something straight out of a fairy tale and has been the subject of many works of romantic literature. The Eiffel Tower, Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre, and Paris Point Zero have all been popular tourist attractions for many years.

GREECE

Whether you heard of this country from ancient mythology or through a fun Abba-musical starring Meryl Streep, it’s true that everyone dreams of travelling to Greece. The historic sites in Athens, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, and numerous temples dedicated to gods and goddesses are sights to behold.

ITALY

There’s just something about Italy that gives off a romantic summery vibe. Although travelers frequent the charming Grand Canal in Venice, sunny Tuscany, and “The Eternal City,” Rome the most, there is so much left to explore.

JAPAN

Natural and historical sites, bustling cities, and quirky finds, you name it, Japan has something for everyone. The country has numerous tourist attractions like the world-famous cherry blossoms, Hachiko’s Memorial Statue in Shibuya, and Kyoto, an ancient city that used to be the country’s capital.

NETHERLANDS

This country is among some of the most picturesque places in the world. Netherlands houses important museums, such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum both in Amsterdam, and old buildings reminiscent of Baroque and Renaissance style architecture.

SINGAPORE

Singapore is a country where you can start touring right after stepping out of the plane–the country’s airport is considered the best in the world. The Changi Airport has kinetic art installations, several gardens, a 12-meter-tall slide, and much more. Albeit a small country, Singapore offers a wide range of tourist attractions like the Merlion Park at Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay, and Universal Studios.

THAILAND

Many young travelers go on vacations in Thailand and it’s easy to see why: It’s affordable, has friendly locals, and boasts of a long list of tourist attractions –the many temples in the country, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, and the Temple of Emerald Buddha.

UNITED STATES

While there are lots of places to explore in the US, one city stands out: New York. A lot of iconic US landmarks can be found here, like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.

VIETNAM

What can tourists get a taste of in Vietnam? Rich culture, renowned local fare, and a dash of French architecture as seen in the Central Post Office–which was designed by the architect Gustave Eiffel, known for building the Eiffel tower. Travelers can also experience what it felt like during the Vietnam War by squeezing through the Cu Chi Tunnels.