I was all set to tell you how I’m healing (or not) this dang hamstring today but when I saw the Friday 5 topic was dream vacations or destinations, you know I had to chime in. I’ve had my share of epic vacations and thanks to living in Europe for a few years, I’ve got most of that continent covered. I’ve shared my tips for travel to London and Paris. I gave you the lowdown on last summer’s racecation in Ireland, and I still owe you the details on Italy, Spain, Greece and more.
So let’s dream BIG here for a bit. Let’s say money, time, family, school, work schedules, etc. are no issue and you can pick five (yes 5) pie-in-the-sky travel hotspots. You’re welcome.
Where would you go?
If I were given this opportunity, I’d do one very vigorous happy dance, then pack my bags and set off for five locales that are totally new to me, although rest assured I’ve been eyeing them. Let’s get started:
Mach Picchu, Peru. With the exception of Columbia and Venezuela, I haven’t been to South America. Peru calls to me. Loudly. I probably won’t partake, the old hamstring probably isn’t up for 5,000 ft of elevation gain, but if you’re jonesing for adventure, you can run the Inca Trail Marathon. The finish line is right at Machu Pichu. Perfecto. Mark your calendar for July 9, but hurry, it’s almost sold out.
Iceland. Who wouldn’t want to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal pools after enjoying Iceland’s lava fields, mountains and other natural wonders? I know I sure do. If we go in August we can hit up the Reykjavik Marathon. Just a thought.
Australia. Because come on, it’s a bucket lister. And I have to visit Char in Brisbane. I’ll let her pick the race. Rest assured whatever race we do, she’ll kick my arse.
Bali. Because far-flung beaches and total relaxation. And tiki huts. Since we’re running, we’ll go in December so we can take part in the Bali Beach Run. It’s “only” a 10k but I’m not complaining. More time to kick back in that turquoise water.
Switzerland. I’ve been to most countries in Europe but Switzerland is one of the few that got away. Ugh, big miss. So let’s go now and while we’re there let’s run the Zurich Marathon, which is reported to be very fast. I like fast.
You turn: What 5 destinations would make your list? To which of these places would you most like to travel with me?
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
I’d go for a race through the Holy Land. I’ve heard they hold a 140.6 (Iron-distance triathlon) but I have a hard time imagining the heat on such a long day!
More enjoyable, the Iceland marathon you mentioned or anything in Denmark. Not sure why I picked that!
What a great list. I have been to Swtizerland and its amazing! I would also love to go to Bali someday!
Love this! Macha Piccu is on my travel list along with Greece, Italy and Bali. One day!
Let me know when we are headed to Bali- I am in!
I like your list! I had no idea there was a race in Machu Pichu! Iceland sounds intriguing and I hear the people are so nice there.
Ok Hashtag nailed it. When are we going (to all of them)?
That is quite a list friend! I’ve been to Bali but they told us not to leave the hotel to run. It’s probably one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. Switzerland also amazing but quite hilly I would imagine. Love your list!
Oh yes, please! To pretty much all of them.
I have not seen as much of Europe as you have — never been to Switzerland, and would love to go.
I love that all of your dream races are in different countries. It’s amazing where running can take you! I haven’t been to any of these locations but I would love to visit any of them!
I love your list. I did not know Bali had a 10k and that sounds amazing! Machu Picchu is beautiful and hiking there would be enough. We climbed Huayna Picchu that is on site and gives you a stunning view of the whole Machu Picchu grounds. That would be a great alternative to a very difficult race! Traveling is our passion and I am checking off a few big races this year with Tokyo and Berlin.pam
Great list! All those destination would be fantastic to go to. So many places, so little time and money!
I know Australia would be fun, but I hate to fly, and I’m not sure how I would do during such a long plane ride. Maybe a cruise to Australia?
I’m terrified of heights but I would LOVE to visit Machu Picchu, Peru sometime – especially with a camera!
If time and money were no option? That’s a toughie.I’ve always wanted to run through Ireland and Scotland. And Israel.
I will gladly go to ALL of those places with you. 🙂 I may not run because I’ll be too busy taking in all the scenery and tasting all the food, but I’ll totally go. 😉
I did not know you lived in Europe for awhile! Okay due to that picture I am now go ogling Bali…
I thought I commented on this earlier…but it must have escaped into Cyberland (??). Anyways…I’m with you on all of these, especially Peru….I love that archaeological stuff 😉
You’ve made me think outside my own Country now! These all seem like races I wpuodover to do!
Sure hope your hamstring is healing well. I dealt with a hamstring injury for 10 months, it was horrible.
You’ve made me thing outside my country now! These are all races I would love to do.
Sure hope your hamstring injury isn’t too bad, I dealt with that ,for 10 months.
What a fantastic list – Oh if there were no such thing as money – I’d do EVERY ONE of those!
Iceland is the hot spot these days. I have a ton of friends that went there last year. Machu Pichu sounds pretty awesome to me!
Going back to Iceland has been on my list for a while now. It’s so amazing. I pretty much want to visit all of everywhere (ok, I’m a little intimidated by high crime, war, and various other things), but I want to go so many places. But those darn kids are sucking up all my time and money. ;o)
Five places, if I could go anywhere: Bora Bora, Australia, Nepal, Alaska and Ireland.
It’s so hard – if money was no object and I could pack the pugs, my family would be traveling nonstop. We just love going to new places.
I’ll go to all of them! 🙂
FANTASTIC list…. I have been thinking about making a definitive travel list lately! I love that these places are so specific for you too! My sister-in-law recently went to Iceland and it sounded purely magical. I would say I would love to go to Europe in general, GREECE being a huge destination, Australia or New Zealand (Or BOTH), Africa, and back to India (maybe north this time!). Your Bali pic looked super similar to where we stayed in Bora Bora ! I don’t usually leave links, but if you want the low down on that I recorded our vacation!
https://mackmarie.com/2016/08/12/bora-bora-bora/
Hope you are having a BEAUTIFUL weekend, Marcia! Hope that hamstring recovers so soon<3
Wow, I’d love to travel to all of these destinations, plus so many more. If only I had unlimited time and money!
Wow! Although i went 4 of 5 mentioned destinations above, they still make me interesting when seeing again. Thank for your sharing!!!