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2018 Adventure Resolutions The Next Somewhere

2018 Adventure Resolutions The Next Somewhere

1. HIT FIFTY COUNTRIES

As a country counter—and proud of it!—hitting fifty countries is a huuuuuge milestone for me and one I have been eyeing since 2014. Four years later, tickets acquired, I will be checking off this goal in Lithuania of all places! One thing I’ve read about Lithuanians is that they are aerial enthusiasts and Vilnius is the one capital in the world where you can fly in a hot air balloon over the city, which totally makes sense since Lithuania has the highest capita of hot air balloons per citizen. If you’re curious, this unique sightseeing experience starts at $150 USD for an hourlong ride over the Old Town.

WHERE: Vilnius, Lithuania
WHEN: April 2018

Credit Russian Tour.

A piece of trivia: book smugglers in Lithuania have long been regarded as heroes. Credit Russian Tour.

2. SWING BY THE GOLDEN GATE

Of all the instagrammable spots in the USA, the lone swing looking out onto The Golden Gate Bridge is by far one of the most recognized. This little corner of the world is Kirby Cove, and while it’s not the only swing near the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s definitely the most popular. Getting there involves a lot of climbing up and down rocks so it’s not the easiest place to get to, but that shot makes the hike worthwhile! For a weekend itinerary in San Francisco, click here.

WHERE: San Francisco, California, USA
WHEN: February 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

The Kirby Cove swingset is not the only swing, but it’s the most popular one! Credit Katie St John Blog.

3. SURVIVE A TAPAS CRAWL

Tapas is so popular in Spain that they have an actual verb for the activity, tapaer, meaning “to go to tapas.” Before heading to Spain, I thought tapas simply meant bite-sized servings but to my surprise, tapas is a smorgasbord of various nibbles, from montados (canapes) to revueltos (dishes made with eggs) to raciones (small portions of larger entrees) and conservas (preserved foods in tins,) that come together to form a complete meal. COMPLETED 1/5/18: I hardcore “tapeo-d” all around Barcelona all thanks to my lovely employer, who rented out the Mercat Princesa food hall for my colleagues and I during our work trip so we could try infinite amounts of tapas for free. Needless to say, I’ve left Spain a little softer around the edges but happy to have mastered the art of tapaer.

WHERE: Barcelona, Spain
WHEN: January 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Tapas Crawl Spain

Tapas are bite-sized servings of Spanish favorites. Credit Telegraph UK.

4. MOVE TO THE BEAT OF FLAMENCO

When I think of Spain, I think about flamenco dancing and paella and my two priorities in Madrid were to 1) learn the secrets of making paella and 2) see a flamenco show. Flamenco is actually a four-part production comprised of baile (dancing), toque (guitar playing), cante (singing) and palmas (handclapping). There’s also a whole lot of fingersnapping and cheering going on too. COMPLETED 1/6/18: My Madrileno friends got tickets for me to the Teatro Madrid located in the Malasana neighborhood where if you come early enough, you get to sit in the front table of this small theater and be close to all the action. We were so close that you had to dodge being pelted by the sweat bullets from all the furious dancing occurring on stage but on the plus side, we captured some great dance shots from our seats.

WHERE: Madrid, Spain
WHEN: January 2018

Flamenco Madrid Spain 2018 Adventure Resolutions

A male ‘baile’ performing with castanets. Credit Mark Armstrong.

5. SCOPE OUT A CITY DIFFERENTLY

Fun fact: Stockholm was built over fourteen islands so one of the best ways to get around Stockholm is to soak it in by sea. There are quaint canal tours, tourist-friendly hop-on-and-off boats, and even a 3-hourlong brunch cruise featuring an authentic Swedish smörgåsbord. I’d like to venture beyond the city’s shoreline into the rawness of the Swedish archipelago where 30,000 islands brimming with incredible wildlife await and it seems there’s only one route into the thick: via RIB speedboat, a high-speed thrill ride traveling at 45 knots or 60 miles per hour! For a Top Five Things to Do in Stockholm, Sweden, click here.

WHERE: Stockholm, Sweden
WHEN: April 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

Seeing Stockholm by boat is on every must-do list! Credit CemsClub

2018 Adventure Resolutions The Next Somewhere

6. ZIPLINE THROUGH THE JUNGLES

I got my first taste of ziplining in India soaring across an ancient fort and I’ve been dying to get my next adrenaline rush. I’ve heard that Costa Rica is THE place to go ziplining with cable lines zigzagging across the canopy spread, over waterfalls and thick tangles of tropical vegetation. And the cables apparently span miles and miles, meaning hours of fun. Most zipline tours are over 10 rides long, and usually include rapelling and walking across questionable suspension bridges, so it seems like a worthy, adventure-ridden investment. For a list of the Top Five Things To Do in Jaco, Costa Rica, click here.

WHERE: San Jose, Costa Rica
WHEN: December 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

Zipline over waterfalls and the rainforest canopy. Credit unknown.

7. PAY HOMAGE TO FRIDA KAHLO

I not only idolize the late Frida Kahlo as a feminist icon, but also for her promotion of color theory. As an anthropology student and graphic designer, I adore her intentional choice of colors inspired by indigenous Mexico. When I visit Mexico City later on this year, I would love to make a pilgrimage to the Caza Azul (The Blue House) to dive into the private world of Frida Kahlo. Her old residence has been turned into a museum, providing a rare look into the life of one of the most popular artists in history.

WHERE: Mexico City, Mexico
WHEN: May 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

The once home of Frida Kahlo is now a museum of her dearest treasures. Credit Estigo Tours.

8.GREET THE SUN IN CHICHEN ITZA

I’m on a quest to see all seven new wonders of the world and Chichen Itza will be world wonder number four (I’ve visited Peru’s Machu Picchu, Rome’s Colosseum, and Agra’s Taj Mahal.) The centerpiece of Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city, is the 75-foot-tall Temple of Kukulkan. The Mayans were masters of astrology and this monument is actually a three-dimensional calendar marking the occurrence of spring and autumn each year. During equinox, the sun’s rays cascade down the pyramid’s main stairwell, linking with the serpent heads at the base of the steps, to create an illusion that celestial serpents are slithering down from the heavens.

WHERE: Mexico City, Mexico
WHEN: December 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

You cannot climb the stairs of the pyramid anymore after a death in 2006. Credit International Traveller.

9. GO BUNGEE JUMPING

The thought of bungee jumping is terrifying in and of itself. Now imagine adding an extra layer of terror when your launchpad is a tiny cable car that’s suspended in midair! The unique springboard (ie. the cable car) is not the only novel thing about the Sigulda bungee jumping experience. You jump out towards a massive lake surrounded by lush forest, giving you a spectacular view of Latvia’s natural offerings. If the view below doesn’t inspire you to jump out of the cable car, I don’t know what will.

WHERE: Sigulda, Latvia
WHEN: April 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Bungee Jumping Latvia

This is a year for conquering fears! Credit unknown.

10. SPEND A NIGHT WITH GHOSTS

When the sun goes down, that’s when Tallinn’s Old Town truly gets interesting. Almost every property within Old Town is allegedly haunted. The most pervasive of hauntings is the story of the Devil’s Wedding. Down Rataskaevu Street, near the so-called Cat’s Well, you’ll see that building number 16 has a bricked-up window. Legend has it that the Devil himself hosted a wedding in that very room, now a guestroom I’m attempting to spend a night in. Centuries ago, a cloaked stranger walked into this former inn offering a king’s ransom to rent this room under the condition he be given total privacy. But the overly curious innkeeper was prompted to peep through the keyhole when he heard thunderous noise coming from the room. The next day, the innkeeper fell deathly ill and shared on his deathbed that he had witnessed the Devil’s unholy matrimony. For a photo essay of Tallinn, Estonia, click here.

WHERE: Tallin, Estonia
WHEN: April 2018

2018 Adventure Resolutions Frida Kahlo Museum

Almost every household in Old Town is rumored to be haunted. Credit unknown.

bridesmaid dresses

👉 Do you have a list of travel-related adventure resolutions you want to share? Let me know in the comments below!

Filipina-American Millette Stambaugh is a thirty-something former expat who has traded her nomadic ways for Philadelphia living. Corporate worker by day, content creator by night, Millette specializes in visual storytelling and joyful journeys and wants to help others find their "next somewheres." Follow her escapades on Instagram, Youtube, and Tiktok @thenextsomewhere.

Comments:

  • January 13, 2018

    Ahh your going to be having so much fun on your travels this year! I can’t wait to see them unfold!!

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  • Marian unite

    January 13, 2018

    How bout chasing the northern lights ? I would love to go with u!

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  • January 13, 2018

    Hope you will be able to make all that happen. As for me, I don’t make any resolution, just a plan to go here and there without any reservations yet.

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  • January 14, 2018

    Good luck with your awesome plannes for 2018 and that you are hitting soon your 50th country! We’ve been to 42 so far but we are hoping to add some more this year too. Great bucket list! I think Golden Gate is great!!! Do it for sure! And wow bungee jumping… that’s not for me! Although we went to New Zealand where I could do it on the highest bridge. But nope… not for me;)

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  • January 14, 2018

    this is super inspirational! I love this post! you have such a positive and happy vibe! you’ve inspired me to start my own goals!

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  • Jim

    January 14, 2018

    Wow!!! What a great resolutions list!! You’re so close to 50! Your blog inspires me so much to travel! Thanks and keep it up!

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  • January 14, 2018

    Love your enthusiasm and the way you target your travel goals. Truly awesome. Might we suggest rather than counting countries, you instead focus on quality travel experiences? Just a thought. You have already had so many amazing experiences that honestly have little to do with checking off a country, and more to do with connecting with a cultural experience. You will have many more. And you are so natural at it. We cannot wait for your next photo, and experience.

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  • Mar

    January 14, 2018

    Amazing list and the pictures/drawings, did you make them? They are stunning, you have a beautiful blog and…congrats on hitting 50 countries this year(and on mastering the art of Tapear (I am from Barcelona, amazing your company booked el mercat de la pricessa!)

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  • Followingtherivera

    January 14, 2018

    This is a fantastic and adventurous list for 2018! I’ve done a few of these things, like Chichen Itza and tapas eating, but I’ll leave the bungee to you! Happy travels!

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  • January 14, 2018

    That is a very well-thought out list, down to the specifics! You do your research well 🙂 All of it sounds amazing, and the variety of experiences is very interesting. Have a fabulous 2018!

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  • January 14, 2018

    Those are some amazing goals! I don’t know what I’d be scared of more…the bungee jumping or sleeping in the haunted place? I’m happy you’ve already completed some of your goals, too. Beautiful blog post with the beautiful painted imagery, too.

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  • January 15, 2018

    I am weary of resolutions. But yours looks more like an itinerary than wishful thinking. The design aesthetic of your blog is very appealing. Have a blast this year. I would be with you in spirit at Frida Kahlo’s place – look forward to that blog

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  • Archana

    January 15, 2018

    What an adventurous and fun 2018 resolutions to have. I have done few of these and totally loved it. One country that you can add to your list is Romania. Probably attend a traditional Romanian wedding.

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  • January 15, 2018

    I absolutely love how you’ve presented your travel goals and achievements 🙂 I’d really love to ‘spend the night with the ghosts’ in Tallinn too 😉 Wish you all the best for achieving all your goals this year!

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  • January 15, 2018

    These are incredible resolutions and I seriously wish you all the luck!

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  • January 15, 2018

    I didn’t realize the Spanish have a word for eating tapas. I love it! I loved Flamenco in Spain too but I went in Granada, in southern Spain. 🙂 And you’re going to LOVE Costa Rica. And Stockholm is fabulous! I studied abroad there and miss it! Looks like you have an incredible year ahead.

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  • January 15, 2018

    so cool! i was happy to see Vilnius in the list. it’s my hometown and i love it so much. hope you enjoyed your time there at your fullest 🙂

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  • Bee

    January 15, 2018

    hmm…gives me an idea to make a travel goals list too. i’m def keen to do Mexico, it is my dream destinations and hope to do it next year! good luck with fulfilling these. i look forward to their posts!

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  • January 16, 2018

    I loooooved these resolutions! You sound like a no fears type of girl – someone I’d love to be but my fear gets a hold of me hahah. I’m jealous about the swing in SF as I went there earlier this year but didn’t know there was a swing 🙁 and 50 countries is such a feat! Can’t wait to see how you go on this in 2018 🙂

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  • January 16, 2018

    Whah, such a great and fantastic list for 2018! I would love to go to Chichen Itza, but I’m afraid this year won’t be the time to go, since I have a lot of travels to do myself (:

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  • January 16, 2018

    I love that you already have so many adventures planned out for 2018! And you’re already knocking down the list with your tapas eating and Flamenco watching. The chasing ghosts in Tallin sounds pretty spooky and cruising through Stockholm at 60 MPH on a RIB speed boat will be a blast! We’re off to Morocco shortly and then hopefully headed down to Namibia – beyond that I am not sure what 2018 will hold for us, but I hope it is half as awesome as yours looks like it will be!

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  • January 16, 2018

    Amazing, as always, Izzy. I’m so excited to follow this year as well as the wedding planning!!!! I’m super jealous of Mexico City! Everyone seems to be going there and I want to go too! Haha! I’m also dying to see your journeys through Eastern Europe and huge CONGRATS that this will be the year you hit 50! I’m lagging way behind you! This country-counter is hoping to hit 30 this year! 😉

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  • January 18, 2018

    Love the energy of your writing style! And I really dig your checklist. I’ve done a few on your list like Chichen Itza, which is an amazing place. I think you’ll really enjoy it. When I was in Mexico City I skipped out on the Casa Azul but I hope to go back. One recommendation when you are in Mexico City is to also stop at the Jardin del Arte (Garden of Art). It’s a small park where all the local artist go to sell their artwork and it’s really an amazing place. It would be the perfect way to top off a visit to the Kahlo Museum.

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  • January 19, 2018

    You have a very interesting list of travel resolutions for 2018. It is inspirational to see you completed so many of your resolutions for 2017. I am pretty sure you will be able to achieve the 2018 ones as well. Flamenco, Pyramids, Zipline and the rest are all so different from each other. Which means end of the year you will have a very rich experience.

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  • January 21, 2018

    Wow!! You are really going to be traveling 2018!! Good for you! It looks like you have a lot of goals and plans- I wish you luck with all!

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