10 Places We Are Adding To Our 2019 Travel Bucket List (+ Why)

OutdoorsTravelWork

Jan 19

WHERE ARE YOU INSPIRED TO TRAVEL IN 2019?

IT’S A NEW YEAR!

For some of us, that means taking the time to reflect on what we want to aspire to this year, whether that’s through setting an intention, writing down plans, or being open to what 2019 will bring.

For Stranded on Land, we thought of places we want to explore. Below, our community shared one place they want to visit this year and why they’re inspired to go!

DAN

Current location:

Encinitas, California

Exploring in 2019:

Guadalupe Island, Mexico

Inspiration:

Since my first scuba diving trip in 2009, I’ve had a huge desire to dive with sharks. Particularly, great white sharks. Nearly ten years have gone by since then, but in the past 2 years I have been diving more than ever around southern California and am anxious to finally meet some great white sharks up close and personal. When I used to think of cage diving with white sharks, I would think of South Africa or maybe western Australia. But it turns out, the biggest great whites in the world gather in our own backyard, right off the coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. The spot is Guadalupe Island, and the time to see them is in the summer/fall months when they start to congregate and the conditions are prime. It’s a 5 day boat trip out of San Diego, and you don’t even have to be a certified diver to jump in the cage, so all are welcome to join me!

ALLISON

Current location:

Encinitas, California

Exploring in 2019:

India

Inspiration:

India is a country with much depth and truth. It’s a place, from what I’ve heard, that you hate it while you’re there but can’t stop going back for more. With my yoga and spiritual practice, my roots have always taken me back to India.

TANAGER

Current location:

in Robin, the 86 Toyota Pickup covered in oil

Exploring in 2019:

Labske Udoli, Czech Republic

Inspiration:

Rather than somewhere new, though I’m filled with unlimited excitement for the unknown, I’m most looking forward to returning to the northern border of the Czech Republic. I spent a mere 12 days there in the spring of 2018. Returning this spring, I am fibril to explore this gorgeous landscape littered with trees, sandstone towers, and sliced open by a river, in more detail.

KELLY

Current location:

West Covina, California

Exploring in 2019:

The Amalfi Coast

Inspiration:

I’m naturally drawn to coastlines and oceans and the landscape caught my eye. I’ve seen pictures and it absolutely looks beautiful. The way the colors clash and combine through both nature and the architecture there is amazing.

EUNIQUE

Current location:

Encinitas, California

Exploring in 2019:

The outdoors of Southern States + SE Asia

Inspiration:

I have always had an emotional connection + curiosity of the culture of the South in the states. I grew up in Texas so some of this is from exposure, but the swamp lands, the county roads verses highways and the towns + people that are hidden here interest me. To understand + empathize, connect, grow or shift perspectives with something, you have to actually experience it. I have this same heart strings pull for SE Asia, for a lot of different details, but still, the same longing remains.

TED

Current location:

San Diego, California

Exploring in 2019:

Mexico City, Mexico

Inspiration:

Coffee culture and photography have become a large part of my life in the past couple years and Mexico City is a hub of beautiful colors infused with immense culture. I hope that this year I will be able to expand my understanding of coffee culture and develop my skills in film photography – seeking to capture moments and memories that bring me true joy.

NOELLE

Current location:

Encinitas, California

Exploring in 2019:

The south of France

Inspiration:

I want to see where my grandmother is from and explore a part of the country I haven’t been yet!! I also can’t wait to be on unknown roads, practicing the little bits of the French language I know and adding to it. The food, wine, language, countryside, family ties… I could list a million other reasons too!

GABACCIA

Current location:

Joshua Tree, California

Exploring in 2019:

Utah!

Inspiration:

I had planned on traveling around Utah this past summer. But, I had to raincheck. Or better said, heat-check as why would I attempt to spend the summer in the desert? (I know better). Although I did get to see a little corner of this mystic state, I must return to see the rest of its grandeur. Just from visiting Dinosaur National Monument (I mean, come on, there’s a place called Dinosaur where you can SEE DINOSAURS!) and the Flaming Gorge, I became immediately fascinated and inspired by the landscape, the prehistoric tales of the land, and the friendliness of the people. I also can’t escape the fact that recently, every single photo that pops up on my social media feeds to enchant me turns out to be from a place somewhere in Utah. Are these signs from the Universe? I think so.

LAUREN

Current location:

Truckee, California

Exploring in 2019:

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Inspiration:

I have always wanted to explore the arctic circle’s dramatic landscape of mountains cascading directly down into the oceans. Where small villages are nestled into coastal nooks and crannies to protect them from the harsh seasonal shifts. I would be overjoyed to take my hiking boots and my camera to combine being immersed in the present moments of awe, while also being able to capture the colors and shapes of a land so far North. My abroad travels thus far, have consisted of more urban and cultural learning experiences, and it would be unique for me to combine my adoration of nature with traveling someplace less explored.

STEPFANIE

Current location:

Lancaster, California

Exploring in 2019:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Inspiration:

I want to explore the art scene there and document artists and their processes. I’m also curious about the landscape nearby, the food, and overall vibe of the place. I’ve crossed paths with quite a few people in my life who’ve told me that it’s a place I will most likely find inspiration and joy.