Since I’ve been talking about goals and bucket lists over the last several days, much of which is centered around travel, I figured I’d talk a little more about my travel goals in general, and share my travel plans for this year.

One of my bucket list goals is to hit all 50 states, and so far I’ve only visited 7 of them as an adult (not counting layovers in Colorado & Texas where I never left the airport). I did visit 2 other states when I was about 5, but I honestly don’t remember anything about them, so they don’t count. So I’ve got a lot of states left to visit, let alone all of the other countries I’d like to see!

I put together a plan for the next 20 years with 3 destinations planned for each year. The first few years are all US destinations, though I do have international trips planned starting with the most important (to me) destinations or Ireland, then Paris. If I can follow this plan, I will have hit everything except Antarctica the year I turn 70. That’s a lot of traveling to get in, but if I prioritize it, I can make it happen (I think).

This year I have 2 trips planned, since I am just now shifting to make travel a priority and am adjusting budgets and other commitments first. And, since I am also still shifting into a more global outlook, they are local trips here in Oregon. First, because though I have lived in Oregon twice (both times in the same place), I have never explored it! Aside from traveling through, I haven’t visited any place outside of the immediate area where I live. I did take a work trip to Central Oregon, but aside from the gorgeous drive there, was working the entire time so didn’t explore much.

My first trip this year is my personal retreat, which will take place in July. I’ll be heading to Jacksonville in Southern Oregon for a week to spend some time on introspection and personal growth.

Later in the year, I’ll be taking a shorter trip to the Oregon Coast to visit Otter Rock for a personal reading retreat. My hotel is right off the beach with an amazing ocean view. I plan to spend most of this trip on my balcony reading, but am also planning some walks along the beach as well. This one takes place in October, so I’m hoping for decent weather while I’m there.

Both of these trips are booked and I’ll be driving as they are each only a couple hours away. There are considerable more activities to do on the summer trip, including an opportunity to zipline. But I was looking for a quieter trip in October, especially since I planned it to coincide with one of my favorite readathons.

Next year I am working on crossing the cruise and 3 more states off my list… Idaho, Colorado & Alaska.