15 on 15 - Top Travel Destinations
D | Thursday, November 16, 2006

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Where in the world would I like to visit? Fun times. Do remember on this one, Alex and Brooke added the qualifier: "If you were given an all-expense paid trip to anywhere you wanted, what would your top 15 choices be? For us, this will naturally lower places that we've already been because we'd rather use the trip to go to places we have not been." I agreed with this idea and made my travel list accordingly.

Derek's Top 15 Travel Destinations

15. Seattle, Washington, USA
I don't exactly know why, but this is just one of those places I've always wanted to visit. I would love to camp and hike up there - maybe climb Mount Constance or Mount Olympus. And visit the traditional landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike's Market (where they throw the fish). Oh, and drink some coffee.

14. Paris, France
Why wouldn't you want to go to Paris? I mean, given how much I love fashion and all.

13. London, England
I've never been to London and would love to visit for a week or two. Ride the subways, visit Piccadilly Circus, Westminster, Downing Street, and others. I would love to see a British theatre show and ride a double decker bus. All the general touristy stuff would be neat to do.

12. US Theme Park Tour, Multiple, USA
So I cheated on my four of my "destinations." They are more "tours" than specific locations, none the less, I would love for someone to coordinate and pay for my expenses while on these "tours." A US Theme Park Tour would be fabulous. Two weeks on the road, driving cross country and stopping at a park a day to ride coasters. How fun would that be? I would try to hit up Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Six Flags in NJ, MA, and DC, Six Flags Magic Mtn in CA, Paramount's King's Dominion, Carowinds, and Great America, Knott's Berry Farm in CA, and of course Cedar Point and Kings Island.

11. College Stadium Tour, Multiple, USA
Same as above visiting college football stadiums: Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Rose Bowl, Alabama, Auburn, USC, FSU, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Oklahoma. Those round out the top of my list.

10. The Moon, In orbit around Earth
Funny you say? Maybe in our life-time we will see passenger recreational trips to the Moon. And I would go. I can't tell you how incredible that would be. I would also like to visit Mars, but that may be less tenable.

9. Hong Kong, China
An impressive city boasting some of the world's tallest buildings. I don't know why, but I've always wanted to go there and just look around.

8. Cairo (Giza), Egypt
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. And a boat ride on the Nile.

7. Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
Home of the tallest peak on North America, Mount McKinley and a vast amount of natural resources. I think a summer trip that involved a lot of backpacking would be great. Also, I would love to summit Mount McKinley. You will see that this is the first of the world's tallest peaks I would like to climb. Guess the second?

6. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the only place on my list where I have already been. I went on a school trip at the end of my senior year in high school. Barcelona was amazing. I would love to go back now that I am a little older and can explore the city a little more. I remember seeing the truly impressive Sagrada Familia church and Gaudi architecture Park. I would love the opportunity to return.

5. Sydney, Australia
Another location that I've always wanted to visit and just don't know why. I've always wanted to go to Australia and have some grand adventure. What? I don't really know, but it would sure be fun.

4. Caribbean Cruise, Multiple
Another one of my "tours". I've always wanted to take a cruise. Nothing too fancy, just the basic Caribbean cruise. Even the Bahamas would be fine. I'm not too picky, I just want to sail around on a really big boat for about 10 days and eat and drink myself into a relaxing stupor. Also I like snorkeling, so that would be cool to see some fish.

3. Yosemite National Park, California
I think Yosemite is probably the most interesting National Park in the United States (followed closely by the Grand Canyon, which I visited this summer). The rock formations are legendary: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. I would love to see some giant sequoias, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views.

2. Mt. Everest, Nepal/China
The highest point in the world. Ever since we did a mock trial case a few years ago I have had a nagging little desire to give this a try. This would be more physical training and mental taxation than I can possibly imagine. And since I know it cost about $90k to mount the summit efforts, someone else will definitely have to pay for it.

1. The Appalachian Trail, Multiple, USA
Everyone knows that a little over a year ago I had grand plans to hike the Appalachian Trail. Make no mistake about it - I would very much like to complete the hike on day. What you make not know is how expensive the trek is. Most books I read suggested around $2k in expenses plus whatever opportunity costs you sacrifice for the 4 months away from work. So if someone wants to pick up those expenses then I will pack my bags tomorrow (after law school, that is).

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Others receiving votes: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Honiara, Solomon Islands; Portland, Oregon, USA; Rome, Italy; Vatican City, Vatican; Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA; Dublin, Ireland; Venice, Italy

D | 11/16/2006 11:36:00 PM |   Post your comment

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Comments:

Nice. I like Brooke's idea of Top 15 songs for 2006 to end the year. For future 15 on 15's, may I suggest Top 15 video games of all time?
Craig | November 17, 2006 10:00 AM | permalink
 

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Good list. I can assure you that while Seattle might seem like an odd choice, it really is a great city. The other places I've visited on your list are #14, #13, #6 and partly #1 (I worked one summer at a stop on the trail). All very good choices!
IrishBrooke | November 17, 2006 11:33 AM | permalink
 

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I know, I'm a schmuck. But hey, we all need an extra couple of days every now and then, especially when some of us don't have set bases of operations. Thanks for keeping tabs on me though.
Ruvym | November 18, 2006 1:04 PM | permalink
 

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