I have a fear of flying, and yet if I could travel by plane every weekend, I probably would. That's how important and significant it is for me to see the world. I look that fear of flying straight in the face and board the plane anyway.

There are still plenty of places in this country, let alone the rest of the world that I haven't been. I know exactly where I want to visit, and where I have no desire to go. Even though there are areas that I have no interest whatsoever in visiting, if I won a free trip or someone else paid for me to go, I wouldn't turn them down. That is, unless it's Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Russia, Turkey, Israel, and other parts of the world where there's a lot of unrest or where the U.S. isn't exactly on the best of terms with the countries.

Those just aren't and never were places I ever wanted to visit. It may not be the best way to determine where to travel, but I'll admit that I prefer dream-like countries that are pretty to look at, whose portion of nature and architecture far exceeds others. Further, I like countries that keep me in a euphoric state. Certainly, that's not to say the places above don't fit this description in some way, but they don't for me.

So, here we go ... my bucket list travel destinations.

Italy

I've got to get my hands on this country as soon as possible. I need to leave lots of footprints all over this magnificent, magical place. I've been fascinated by Italy for a really long time. I don't even know how or when this love affair began. Maybe it began when I first saw the Italian-themed Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. I instantly fell in love with it and consider it my favorite hotel in Vegas even though I've never stayed there. Additionally, I've always loved the movies Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat Pray Love. Every time I see these movies, the daydreams begin.

I'm sure HGTV has had some sort of influence on me as well. In particular, House Hunters International. Whenever an episode features any part of Italy, it is must-see TV for me. I don't even necessarily have to go to Rome or Venice, as I have a feeling that the unbeaten paths of Italy are probably the most stunning parts of the country.

Then there's the jaw-dropping Almafi Coast. How glorious! It is incredibly picturesque, mesmerizing. In fact, I imagine Italy in general to be one of the most visually-stimulating places on earth.

Do we really need to discuss the food and wine and cheese and bread and olive oil? My mouth is officially watering. I might just faint thinking about all of the amazing things to experience in Italy.

Caribbean

There isn't a Caribbean island that I don't want to visit, and so far I've only been to Jamaica and the Bahamas. The people are wonderful and kind. Everything just feels good there. It's an automatic mood enhancer. I walk around in a state of euphoria because the beauty of the island consumes me.

The ocean in all of its turquoise and royal blue glory, the powdery sand that feels like heaven between your toes. It's an automatic stress-reliever for me as I soak up some rays--more than the average American can handle--and chill on the beach, jumping in and out of the ocean at my leisure, reading a book, writing in my journal. It's a special kind of relaxation that I personally don't think I'll find anywhere else. I don't know if it's the Pisces in me or what, but whenever I'm in the Caribbean, or even other parts of the U.S. with an ocean, I feel like I'm at home and often try to think of scenarios that would allow me to stay. I just want to hop into a palm tree and stay there with the coconuts.

Latin America /South America

I have an enormous adoration for Latin culture, so I can honestly say that I'd love to visit nearly every country in Latin America. I've already been to Mexico four times (Cancun, Playa del Carmen), and I will always want to travel there.

I recently went to the Dominican Republic, and that was incredibly lovely, eye-opening. Next up, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Cuba, Columbia, Ecuador, Honduras.

Latin food is also my favorite with Italian and Greek both battling it out for the second position.

Greece

I used to work with a couple of ladies who were from Greece, and one of them really piqued my interest in the country after she'd visited recently.

Greece is another country where I think the visual stimulation is off the charts. The architecture of this country looks incredible. Additionally, I would love to taste authentic Greek food and to learn more about their culture.

Paris

Who doesn't want to go to Paris at least once? The capital city of France has it all ... art, culture, fashion, romance, architecture, food. When I think about Paris, I think about the cafes, coffee, wine. It seems like a lovely place to walk around without any plans and an open mind to make new discoveries.

Spain

I want to go to Spain for some of the same reasons I want to visit all of Latin America: culture and food. And one thing I didn't mention about Latin America, and Italy for that matter, is the colorfulness of the countries when it comes to almost everything ... homes, restaurants, office buildings. Something about color brings out a lot of happy thoughts in me.

Africa

I don't even know which part of Africa I want to visit, but I know I have to go. I'm a little afraid though ... certainly of the unrest in various parts of the continent, but mostly of the overwhelming feelings I'm sure to have given our history. I think you have to be a grown-up, real grown, before traveling to Africa. I'm not sure I'm either of those yet.

What are some of your bucket list travel destinations?

Thanks for reading!

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