Dear Santa,
I have a confession to make:
This year, I’ve been a lousy traveler.
I didn’t browse any colourful indigenous markets, nor did I experiment with crazy foods.
I didn’t trek through jaw-dropping valleys or immerse myself in ssophisticated Persian culture.
I didn’t embark on any wild, dangerous motorcycle journeys, and I definitely didn’t relax on a extremely remote island.
Compared to recent years, this one was downright meek.
I openly enjoyed staying within my comfort zone and kept the level of adventure to an absolute minimum.
Sure, traveling with a baby had something to do with that — but it wasn’t the only reason.
I wanted a break from traveling.
I wanted to settle down, build something more sustainable, focus on my business, and invest in a different kind of personal growth.
(And living in gorgeous Bali certainly helped tame the travel bug.)
That said, considering the circumstances, the little travel I did in 2016 still aligned beautifully with my travel principles.
I explored my own (Balinese) back yard.
Breathing in the cool mountain air around Munduk
Exploring the rugged island of Nusa Penida
Snorkeling in Amed’s crystal-clear waters
Chilling in swanky Seminyak
Bathing in lush waterfalls across central Bali
Hiking the dazzling rice terraces around Ubud and Jatiluwih
I even squeezed in short trip to three countries:
FRANCE
SINGAPORE
AUSTRALIA
And, perhaps most meaningful, I expanded my language skills — forging deeper connections with locals and gaining a richer understanding of their culture.
All things considered… maybe I wasn’t such a lousy traveler after all?
Who’s to say what good or bad travel even is?
It’s all subjective, isn’t it?
So screw it
Santa, I’m sending you my travel wishlist for 2017 anyway. And I expect some of these to come true.
Since I’m a parent now, doesn’t that technically make me Santa?
Here’s are the 7 destinations that I’m wishing for :
Any African country – preferably one I haven’t visited yet
I miss the continent and I long to get to know other parts of it. I’m thinking Senegal/Gambia or Ethiopia. (image)
 Norway
This one has been sitting on my list for years.
It’s time. I can already picture myself trekking through the Norwegian fjords, heart bursting.
Sri Lanka
Spices, tea, rich culture — need I say more?
I’d love to spend an extended amount of time here, balancing work and slow travel.
Malta & Gozo
Not necessarily for sightseeing, but for prospecting.
Could Malta or Gozo be our next temporary home base? Time to find out.(image)
Any country in Eastern Europe – preferably one I haven’t visited to yet
Every Eastern European country I’ve visited so far, has blown me away.
I fell madly in love with Albania. Warsaw pleasantly surprised me. I had a delightful introduction to Montenegro.
More, please! (image)
Lebanon
The Middle East is still my favorite region to travel to.
Ancient cultures, exquisite food, an enchanting language — and Lebanon seems to have it all plus a very distinct edge.
Sounds like something that needs first-hand investigation, don’t you think? (image)
Flores, Indonesia
Despite almost two years living in Indonesia, I’ve barely scratched the surface of the islands.
Before leaving, I must explore at least one more.
Plus, it’s been three years since my last scuba dive — time to reunite with the underwater world. (image)
I’ve always loved my travel style — wandering on my own terms, regardless of trends or expectations.
Now that my travel batteries are recharged, I’m excited to continue exploring the world — maybe slower, maybe differently — but always with the same wide-eyed wonder.
Here’s to new adventures, Santa. Bring it on.
Which destinations are on your 2017 travel wish list?
The post “Dear Santa, I have been a lousy traveller” first appeared on Travel Cake.
English (United States) 
Dutch