Editors' Picks: Our Bucket List

Working on the Travel Channel digital team is a sure way to constantly have the next dream destination in mind. Here are the places our editors have at the top of their bucket lists.

By: Laura James

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Cinque Terre, Italy

"Cinque Terre is on my bucket list, and I’m so excited I get to go this September. I love hiking, so I can’t wait to hike the several trails I’ve been reading about with the colorful, picturesque villages in the background.“ – Farima Alavi, Assistant Editor

New Zealand

"New Zealand is at the top of my travel bucket list, because I’m a big nerd and want to see where “The Lord of the Rings” movies were filmed. My must-see places would include the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, and Mount Sunday, the breathtaking setting for the city of Edoras." – Shannon Petrie, Managing Editor

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

“I’m determined to get to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite via the cable route. I just haven’t managed to win the permits necessary to get there! When I first laid eyes on Half Dome, I knew I wanted to see the world from its peak. There’s something so majestic about the way it looms over Yosemite Valley. If I lose the permit lottery again this year, my husband and I may hop over to Iceland to see what the fuss is all about!” – Beth Rucker, Managing Editor

Cambodia

“Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia, is on my bucket list this year. I’ve been dreaming of touring the temples at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap for a long time. This is the year I make it happen.” – Deanne Revel, Contributing Writer

Lyon, France

“Lyon, France, has been on my travel bucket list for a few years now. Not only is the city an affordable alternative to Paris, Lyon boasts historic architecture and fine dining options that rival the capital city. A perfect day for me would include biking along the Rhône river, sampling wine from the nearby Beaujolais region and dining at Paul Bocuse’s famous restaurant.” – Ryan Reed, Editor

Turkey

“There are a ton of places on my bucket list, but Turkey is definitely at the top. Throughout history, the country has been a connection between the East and West, and so it’s been the setting for many major geopolitical events: the rise of the Byzantine Empire, the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The country is also home to some of the most incredible architecture in the world, like the Hagia Sophia. I can’t wait to see it for myself someday!” – Katie Friedman, Industry Outreach Coordinator

Scotland

"Scotland is high on my travel bucket list because my ancestors on my mother’s side are from Scotland, so I’d love to trace where our clan lived and bring back something in our tartan pattern as a souvenir. I also want to hike in the gorgeous landscape of the Highlands, visit the many majestic castles and explore the charming streets of Edinburgh." – Laura James, Assistant Editor

Alaska

“I really, really want to go see the Northern Lights. I don’t care where (I’ve been told Alaska and Iceland are both good places), but I want to really do it up, and stay in a big cabin or one of those crazy ice yurts." – Jessica Yonker, Online Editor

Washington

"This year I’m actually completing a bucket list item: I’m going to Seattle! I haven’t been back to Seattle since I moved to the South when I was 13. I’m going to a concert and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.” – Jessica Yonker, Online Editor

China

“Asia has been on my list for as long as I can remember, and I’m finally going to make that dream a reality this March! I’ll be traveling to China and cannot wait to experience the culture, find out what Chinese food really is, and of course, see the incredible sights. I’ll start the trip by checking out the Great Wall in Beijing and finish up by visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. I can’t wait!” – Keri Sanders, Assistant Editor

Argentina

“For the past four years, I’ve said that I’ll visit South America, but I always end up traveling to Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania instead. This year (cue the broken record) I’ll visit South America to camp and explore Patagonia and sip wine in Argentina. Since it’s in the southern hemisphere with opposite seasons visiting in December will be during the summer.” – Arthur Hsu, Producer

Ireland

“I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland. I just have a thing for all things Irish — bright green landscapes, four-leaf clovers, foggy mornings, string instruments, whiskey. Part of that comes from my ancestry, which has deep Irish roots, and also from the connection to my home in the southern Appalachians, a local culture permeated with Irish influence. I don’t have plans on the books right now but I know I’ll get there soon.”– Kelly Smith Trimble, Editorial Director

Ireland and London

“Ireland has been on my bucket list since I was little. My mom’s side of the family has strong roots there, so I’ve always wanted to “go back to the Motherland,” as they say. I’m also fascinated by the culture, in love with the green, rolling hills and rocky cliffs, and dying to chat with locals in a cozy pub. This year, I’m finally going! My husband and I are planning to visit in October. We’re also staying in London for a few nights, too, because we’ve never been there either, and why not?“ – Molly Miller, Apple News Editor

Japan

“My travel bucket list is extensive. I’ll admit, I’m a little greedy. My whole family is obsessed with Japanese food, film and culture in general so at the top of my list is a trip to Japan, hopefully before my son graduates from high school." – Felicia Feaster, Managing Editor

Athens, Greece

But I will check a major destination off of my long bucket list when I return to Athens, Greece this spring. In high school, I lived in Athens for almost three years when my father was an Army officer working with the Greek military. I can’t imagine a better life experience, especially for a teenager; attending the American Community School with kids from around the world, hopping on a bus and shopping and hanging out in cafes in Athens, school field trips to Crete, and traveling with my debate team to a conference in Thessaloniki. My best friend Debbie remembers we called it Thess, “to be cool.” In March I’m taking my travel-obsessed teenage son, who is about the same age I was when I traveled to Greece for the first time. I hope he loves it as much as I did.” – Felicia Feaster, Managing Editor

Easter Island

"Easter Island is on my bucket list because those statues – like 900 of them – have got to the coolest thing ever. Plus, the beaches look really nice." – Jackie McGilvray, Editor

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Editors' Picks: Our Bucket List

Related To:

Shop This Look

Cinque Terre, Italy

New Zealand

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park

Cambodia

Lyon, France

Turkey

Scotland

Alaska

Washington

China

Argentina

Ireland

Ireland and London

Japan

Athens, Greece

Easter Island