In case you were wondering, this post was written before the Coronavirus lockdown. There are days when it feels very silly to be writing a travel blog during the midst of an international crisis - particularly when that crisis means nobody is allowed to travel in the first place - but as I've said before, just because we can't travel right now doesn't mean we're never going to travel again.
It's a wonderfully human thing to dream about the future and all the things we want to see and do. From Yosemite to the ultimate van life road trip, I've heard lots of people planning their next dream trip. I would argue Mono Lake deserves to be on their lists, too. We can't travel now but it's okay to distract yourself for a brief time with daydreaming. If you're a daydreamer like me, then read on: Mono Lake (and the world) awaits.
0 Comments
We're all stuck inside during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, but that doesn't mean we'll never be able to travel again. Now is actually the perfect time to daydream about all the wonderful places you'd like to visit once we're allowed to travel!
I've compiled a list of one thousand different places across the globe to see before I die. From cities and cultures to all of the most beautiful natural wonders, this list is designed to inspire you - you can use it as your own, or add or subtract to it. The world is an amazing place. Take a moment (or longer) to appreciate all the incredible places around the globe: As I’ve mentioned about a thousand times before on this blog, I used to live in the Pacific Northwest, and am firmly convinced that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you had any doubts about that, I’m pretty sure I’m about to change your mind.
Searching #vanlife on Instagram or Pinterest brings up swoon-worthy images of gorgeous, impeccably-renovated vans parked in front of the dreamiest sorts of locations, ranging from beaches to waterfalls to mountain majesties.
It’s a new form of living, modeled somewhat after hippie culture in the 60s, dedicated to freedom and adventure over routine.
Northern California up through Washington state marks one of the most beautiful areas in the country: the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve ever searched through the #PNWonderland tag on Insta, you’ll know what I’m talking about. (Listen, some people thirst follow models… I thirst scroll through geotags -- no judgement either way! ;) )
This area is full of stunning parks, and while they’re spread out, this list is designed so that you can hit up as many as you like! Stay in one the whole time, jump around to see your favorites, or go all in and visit each park on the list! I love hiking, and northern California has some of the best hikes in the world (okay, so I’m totally biased, as I lived there for two years, but just trust me on this).
That being said, I don’t always want to go on a full-day excursion through the woods. I prefer scattering a bunch of shorter hikes throughout the day, so I can see a wide variety of sights and experience all that a place has to offer. These are some of my favorite hikes in California, and one of them even holds the spot of one of my favorite hikes in the world. You can break them up between different days, or go for it and cram them all into one. They each have something really unique to offer, from gorgeous old-growth redwoods to stunning ocean views. This land is absolutely magic, and whether you’re in town for a couple days or just rolling through, you have to check out at least a few of these trails: The most famous place to visit in California’s Sierra Nevada is undoubtedly Yosemite, but did you know there’s equally beautiful places to visit just on the other side of the range? Just over the mountain pass, you’ll find a world of steep peaks, ghost towns and jaw-dropping lakes to explore.
Monterey is a small city nestled into the coastline at the edge of central California, two hours south of San Francisco. It's been getting a lot of attention in recent years as the perfect beachside destination, and it definitely deserves the hype!
There’s so many things to do in this charming seaside town, from walking along Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, popping down to Big Sur to admire the coastline, window shopping in Carmel, viewing the sights along 17 Mile Drive, or going out onto the bay. Whatever you end up doing, you’re practically guaranteed to fall in love with this place, just as I and so many other people have.
Miles on miles of coastline equals the perfect way to see some of the best views that California has to offer. From waterfalls and beaches to theme parks and giant trees, there’s something for absolutely everyone! Whether you stretch it out anywhere from a weekend to a few weeks, and head north to south or vice-versa, there’s no bad way to explore California’s coastline.
"Good Bye, God; I'm going to Bodie."
The ghost town of Bodie’s unofficial slogan pretty much sums up what the town was like in its heyday: a boomtown “known as the most lawless, wild, and tough mining camp in the West.” Today, Bodie State Historic Park contains the few surviving buildings of this once-thriving town, preserved as they were left in a state of “arrested decay.” |
Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
searchLooking for somewhere in particular? Search here:
shopsocial mediapopular postsThis website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |