Back at the beginning of the year, I created a super detailed spreadsheet of all of the trips I wanted to take in 2020. Some of them were already booked. Some of them were just plans. At the time, the two trips I had booked would take me to three different countries in Europe, and I was excited to explore. I even had all of the blog posts I wanted to write planned out and scheduled. After a rough 2019, I finally felt organized, accomplished, and that things were looking up.
And then Covid-19 hit.
It was a weird few months. Sometimes I was hopeful that my big France/Austria trip in May would still happen, and when it was clear that wasn’t the case it was a big disappointment. Of course, it was hard to feel sad about canceled travel plans when there were far more serious and devastating things going on in the world. However, with all of the time and money I had already put into these trips, I would still find myself feeling discouraged.
With some distance and perspective, I know full well that my original 2020 bucket list is just not going to be possible this year. And that’s okay! I’ll have plenty of time to cross those items off of my list. This year is about small, local, and safe travels.
Let’s take a look at my very updated (and reduced) 2020 Travel Bucket List!
Visit a New State
One of my all-time Bucket List items is to explore all 50 states in the U.S. So far, I’ve got almost all of the East Coast checked off, but the center and (most of) the west coast remain a mystery to me.
With the way things are going, I’m sure I’ll be stuck in the U.S. until at least the Spring of 2021. So why not take the opportunity to explore some lesser-known places in my own backyard?
Take a Road Trip
Almost all of my travel this year will be by car. Not only is it one of my favorite ways to see new places, but it’s also the safest option during a pandemic. It will help to limit contact with other people while still getting out of the house to travel.
What better time to take that road trip I’ve always wanted? Whether coast to coast or a quick drive across New England, there’s always a lot to stumble across on those scenic drives.
Visit a National Park
Another major item on my all-time bucket list is to visit all of the National Parks in the United States. Truth be told, I had no idea how many parks there actually were. After making the decision to visit all of them, I realized it was a much bigger feat than I originally expected.
Embarrassingly enough, I thought that there were maybe a dozen. When I found out there were 62? Well, let’s just say I started getting an actual plan in place. While I may not be the best hiker, I still hope to visit at least one new National Park in 2020. I won’t be able to keep that slow pace for long, but hey, it’s a start.
Visit a Ghost Town
The United States is filled with Ghost Towns. With the quick rise and fall of different mining industries, there are literally dozens to choose from. As a lover of abandoned places, visiting a real-life Ghost Town would be a dream come true.
With around 4,000 abandoned towns in the United States alone, there are so many to choose from. Whether it involves a long road trip or a quick drive down the interstate, you’re sure to find something nearby.
Get Out of the U.S.
It’s wishful thinking, but I do hope that I can at least get over to Canada at some point this year. While my other international travels may be postponed until further notice, I’ve wanted to visit the west coast of Canada for a while now. Prince Edward Island will probably always be my favorite province, but I should probably give the other ones a chance, right?
During a road trip from coast to coast, I’m hoping that it will be safe enough to visit the Vancouver area for a bit to get a taste of the beautiful scenery I’ve seen scrolling through my Instagram feed.
Spot a New Animal
Is this a really small and random wish? It sure is. But I’ve lived in New England for my entire life, and I have never seen a moose!
During quarantine I found myself getting more into bird watching, and in doing so got to know how different the wildlife really is from state to state (like the grand moose of northern New England). It sparked an interest in the idea of seeing the unique wildlife that different areas of the same country have to offer. From seals to puffins, wild horses to buffalo, I want to add to my list of North American animal sightings.
Hit a Silly Tourist Trap
Mystery Spots? The biggest ball of twine? Future birthplace of Captain Kirk? I want to see them all! Road trips are synonymous with goofy, road-side attractions. And I’m about it.
These tourist traps have a history to them that transcends the decades. While interests may change, wacky local history stays the same, and I want to see as much of a country’s wacky history as its regular history. Something about these unique spots makes me feel a connection to all of the road-trippers that came before me.
Try Something New
This item should be on every bucket list I make. No matter the year, I tend to be the type of person who sticks to a routine. But when I travel, I’m all about trying whatever new thing I can to get out of my day-to-day comfort zones. Whether it’s food, drink, or cultural activities, I love getting a taste of what new locations have to offer.
What’s on your 2020 Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!
