It’s nearing the end of 2019 and nearing the end of the school year here in South Korea. Unlike last year, I really didn’t know what my travel plans were going to be with different holidays and days when there was no school. The majority of the time I spend traveling to Seoul and Busan, trying to see as much as I could. I took my long summer vacation to Japan and spend 4 wonderful days in Tokyo. Now I’m looking at the calendar for next year and trying to be a bit more organized about my travel plans.

I do know that I have a couple of long holiday weekends and possible summer vacation plans with my BFF if she can fund her flight. So here are my plans for the next year!

1. Seattle & The Pacific Northwest // Not really a new place to visit, but it has almost a year since I’ve seen my family and friends. So I’m planning on spending a week of vacation time in the Seattle area. It’s not much like traveling to a new place, but I’m pretty sure there are lots of new things to see and do there. I find Pacific Northwest it’s own special weirdness that I love. Yes, the people are “icy-nice” and drink far too much coffee, but there is a sense of belonging here.

My top places to visit if you never been to Seattle: Seattle Center

This area has tons of places to visit and see including the formally known and still often called by locals as EMP, the Museum of Pop Culture. I highly recommend the museum as it often has interesting and exciting visiting exhibits while keeps loads of local culture on display. Also located in the area are the Pacific Science Center and Key Arena. I also recommend visiting Pike Place Market, The Waterfront and the Seattle Art Museum: all which are downtown

2. Japan // Specifically Osaka. Yes, I know at the moment there is tension between Korea and Japan but I’ve been told by my co-teacher not to let it affect me. Apparently, it’s okay if I go, but not them, which I totally understand. I already saw a good portion of Tokyo and despite the fact that I want to go again and visit all the places that I didn’t this year, I think I’ll be going to Osaka. The big fall holiday happens in October next year so I’m thinking I’ll be going there for that long holiday weekend. What I love the most about Japan is definitely the culture. There is so much history to see and do no matter where in Japan you go.

Places I Want Visit: Osaka Castle, Universal Studio Japan, Dotonbori District, Hozenji Temple, Amerikamura (American Shopping District), Nambayasaka Shrine, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park,  and Umeda Sky Building

3. Australia or New Zealand // Each has some completely different to offer. So, I, at the moment, have no idea which to choose. New Zealand is where I can totally geek out of LOTR places and channel my inner dare-devil with bungee jumps and skydives. While Australia I can see wonderful (and some dangerous) animals while eating some of the best food the country can offer. I know I can only see part of each country so I’m limiting the areas I want to go first: Sydney in Australia and the North Island of New Zealand.

Places I Want to Visit in Sydney, Australia: Sydney Opera House, Rocks Discovery Museum, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Royal Botanic Garden, Taronga Zoo, and of course the beaches!

Places I Want To Visit (and do) In New Zealand (North Island): Lord OF The Rings Tour, Auckland, Bay Of Islands Tour, one of the natural outdoor spas (Polynesian Spa or Hell’s Gate), Sky Dive or Bungee Jump, Lake Taupo and Whangarei Falls.

4. Italy // This year I definitely would like to tackle one country in Europe. I choose Italy since it was one of the first European countries I’ve been wanting to visit since I was a kid. Back in college I had a chance to go over for study aboard but was unable to do so due to financial issues. With that in mind, I basically want to do what I had planned since college. Wander and draw as much as Italy as possible.

Places I want to visit in Rome Italy: Every Historic Roman Structure possible including, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon; Trevi Fountain, Get gelato and have traditional Italian pizza, Shop Via Del Corso and Via Condotti, Vatican City; Villa Borghese Park and one of its museums

So those are the four places I would love to go to this upcoming new year. There are a couple of other places I wanted to visit, but recent news like Frodo’s Travel’s recent “Not To Visit List” is a little discouraging.

So what travel plans are you making for the new decade?

Until next time…안녕히 가세요, jane*