It’s hard to top a trip to Australia’s Eastern Coast where I spent three amazing weeks in early 2014 volunteering with wallabies, beach hopping, and hiking in National Parks. It was a dream come true. But it was also exhausting, not to mention the jet lag. Yet, that didn’t stop me from going on an unexpected trip to Alaska in the summer on a seven-day cruise where I took in sights of calving glaciers at Glacier Bay, kayaked amidst mist-covered mountains next to sea otters, and fed friendly reindeer. It was magical and the wonderful company of good friends made it all the more special.

The rest of the year, I didn’t fly but went on a few amazing road trips. From spending a weekend hiking and hanging around horses in New Hampshire to listening to Sheryl Crow sing “Soaking Up the Sun” live at a concert in Upstate New York, wine tasting in Hudson Valley, and seeing my friends get married on Martha’s Vineyard, I enjoyed every bit of travel I did this year.

But this restless traveler is eager for more adventures. Life is to be lived now, right? And it has to be lived to the fullest. With that in mind, I sat down to list a few places that my heart is yearning for. There’s Iceland for the beautiful blue-eyed horses, Ireland for the lush scenic beauty, America’s National Parks for towering peeks and wildlife, volunteering with animals in Utah, and eco-luxury lodges in Central America.

Enjoy these pictures and share in comments where you’d like to go next year!

1) Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Dramatic cliffs, soaring winds, and unbelievable views. No wonder Ireland tops my list.

Photo courtesy of www.travelworldnews.com

2) Santorini and Crete, Greece

Another destination on my wishlist for years. It helps that I have friends from Greece who are willing to show me around. That’s what I call luck.

www.visitgreece.gr

3) Morgan’s Rock Eco-lodge, Nicaragua

Where turtles come to their private beach during nesting season. How awesome is that?

Photo courtesy of www.morgansrock.com

4) Costa Rica

Volcanic hot springs, eco-lodges, and adorable sloths. Perhaps another visit to Tabacon, my favorite resort in CR, is in order.

Photo courtesy of www.tabacon.com

5) Yellowstone

Bison, elk, geysers, and unlimited hiking trails. What more could an outdoorsy animal-loving gal want?

Photo courtesy of www.yellowstonepark.com

6) Grand Tetons & Amangani

I’ve been dreaming of staying at Amangani Grand Teton Resort for years now. Time to make that a reality!  

Photo courtesy of www.amanresorts.com/amangani

7) Utah’s National Parks and Best Friends Animal Society in Angel Canyon

Utah’s Parks have some of the most breathtaking vistas in the country, and a trip to the Beehive State wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Angel Canyon’s Best Friends’ Animal Sanctuary where more than 1700 rescued animals call home, including bunnies, pigs, and horses. They even let you borrow a dog to go on hikes. Now, that’s awesome.

Photo courtesy of www.bestfriends.org

8) Iceland

For the horses, of course.

Photo courtesy of www.visiticeland.com