I have a page and a category of posts on this website called “Imagined Adventures.” On the page is a list of destinations I am dreaming about: my bucket list.
I last updated my bucket list three years ago. And I’ve just done it again.
When I looked at the list, I was astonished. Here’s why.
Here’s what I had on the list in May 2022. The crossed-out places were trips I already had planned.
Of the four crossed-out destinations, three of the trips happened as scheduled. I went to Turkey in 2022, Colombia in 2023, and Egypt also in 2023. I was supposed to go to Israel right after the Egypt trip, but that was October, and the Hamas attack on October 7 put the kibosh on that. And since that was the third time I had to cancel a planned trip to Israel (the other two were because of Covid), I’ve given up on trying to go there.
But here’s what really astonished me: Of all the other destinations, I’ve been to every one except the Lofoten Islands, which I’m going to next month, and Yosemite, which I won’t do while US democracy is under siege. And I made all those trips without referring to this list at all. I just planned trips to places I wanted to go. Apparently my bucket list was deeply embedded in my subconscious.
As for the last item on the list, I’m not saying anything specific, but I do have a trip coming up later this year that might get me to a place no one else I know has been to. I’m going to keep it a secret and reveal it only when I am there.
A new bucket list
So it seems I must update my bucket list. But the problem is I’ve already gone to just about all the places that have ever been on my bucket list. Future trips to new destinations aren’t necessarily about going to places I’ve dreamed of. Rather, I’m looking for adventures and experiences that are new and different. I love seeing beautiful scenery and wandering around in interesting cities, but I want to stretch myself culturally. I want to try new foods, meet people whose way of life is completely unfamiliar to me, and learn about various different religions and traditions.
My new bucket list, therefore, isn’t a bucket list at all. It’s really just a set of adventures I’m dreaming about.
Kim Hansma
Hello Lane! You are amazing! I’m so impressed with all the places you’ve been and this list of adventures seems a fabulous segue along your exploration journey!!
It was wonderful to meet you on our OAT trip and I wish you the very best with your next adventures!!!
Lane
Thank you Kim. It’s so great to have made so many friends while traveling. When you come to Mexico, be sure to look me up!
Sandi Shevin
How about Georgia/Armenia? I’m signed up for Oct 2026. Join me!
Lane
I have already been to Georgia and Armenia (https://laneisgoingplaces.com/real-journeys/turkey-and-the-caucasus-2022). You’re going to love both countries. You should try to get to Azerbaijan too while you’re in that region.