Not really. Sure, I’ve been to quite a few places, but certainly not enough to say “I can show you the world”. Plus, If I’m brutally honest, I still don’t enjoy the entirety of the travel experience. I’m a homebody by nature; I like structure and I kind of don’t enjoy airplanes.
HOWEVER…getting out of my comfort zone is my life right now, so, I figure I better learn to celebrate it.
That’s why I’m trading in my lamenting voice for one of celebration. This is a bit of personal growth for me. Since my husband has kindled in me an interest in travel, I honestly believe it has made me a better person. When you take time to get away from your safety zone, soak in and soak up different cultures, and learn to be thrilled by how broken routines can bring comfort, you’ll benefit.
I suppose that’s why I’m pondering which place to visit next. But, there are so many new places to see and I still want to revisit some of the places I’ve already been. What to do?
This is a tough decision, so in the meantime, I made an unusual list. Rather than listing all the places that are obvious tourist destinations (Paris, London, Hawaii), I compiled a list of spots I don’t know if I’ll ever reach. They are either off-limits to me, or I just don’t think they are safe enough to try. You tell me.
It’s a No-Go
Persia
This ancient land has been calling my name since I was a teenager. Probably it mostly has to do with growing up reading the stories of Esther and Daniel; however, Tom Holland’s books and David Adams’s travels make a trip here seem even more appealing. Plus, I’ve been able to meet a lot of people of Persian descent recently, and their stories of and love for their homeland have caused this “No-Go” destination to jump back on my “Need to See” list.
Maybe someday it will be safe and sensible to visit, but until then, I will be satisfied with a walk through Room #52 of the British Museum.
Harran
Also known as Carrhae, this city is older than Abraham and is replete with history and drama. This is where Jacob met Rachel, where Nabonidus restored a temple to the god Sin, and where Parthian forces defeated Marcus Licinius Crassus. These are just a sampling of the imposing characters and events that left an imprint on the landscape of Harran, so just imagine the history you’d be walking alongside upon a visit here.
Okay, I know this site is in Türkiye, and Türkiye is a common tourist destination, I’ve even been there, but there’s something about being a thirty-minute drive from the border of Syria that makes my stomach queasy. You can correct me, but for now, I’ll be visiting Harran in history books.
Nan Madol
This tiny islet in the South Pacific is exceptionally alluring. First off, it is a hidden gem of natural beauty. Secondly, a mysterious fog of long-lost civilization has enveloped its landscape. It screams for daring and romantic adventurers. And who wouldn’t want to venture into the set of an Indiana Jones experience?
Me, that’s who.
Just looking at a map of Nan Madol gives this landlubber more excuses to stay home. I have no desire to boat across the ocean or island hop in one of those teeny tiny planes. While living in PNG as a teenager, I flew in a teeny tiny plane headed to Lihir island for all of fifteen minutes before the door fell open and one of the passengers was left dangling hundreds of feet over land and sea. Even after we safely landed and the pilot assured my dad that the bailing wire wrapped around the door would fix everything, I opted to go home. Yes, my dad would have gotten back on if I hadn’t been there.
Okay, so upon a second look, they do offer normal commercial flights to the island, but still, that’s too much airtime over the Pacific for me.
Bhutan
It was this country that moved my husband to get into missionary work, for it doesn’t have much Christian history. Fast forward a decade and our field of ministry has changed but still, neither of us has visited. And while I did get the awesome opportunity to work with Bhutanese refugees in my hometown for a few years, I think a trip is in order.
What’s so cool about this place? It strives to keep its natural beauty beautiful. Even at the expense of tourist’s money, Bhutan has prioritized remaining remote and true to its roots. It claims to be the most Buddhist country in the world and is considered the only carbon-negative country in the world.
Now that sounds like a traveler’s dream; unfortunately, the dream is also a bit difficult to attain. It’s remote, for one thing, and for another, it’s expensive. Travel sites explain that it will cost tourists at least $200 per day. That does not include food, accommodations, souvenirs, or transportation; this money is for a visa to keep you in the country.
I guess it might be worth it since you will be touring a place few people go. And, there’s the benefit of being in a place with few, if any, modern pollutants. That in itself would be a wonderful experience.
Let’s Hit the Road
Now that you’ve seen my “Need to See” list, I want to know what you think.
- Have you been to any of these places? If so, are they worth the visit?
- If you haven’t been yet, would you go to any of them? Why or why not?
- What is on your “Need to See” list that is not on mine?
I’m going to sign off now and wish you well. If you are an avid traveler, I hope to run into you someday and get to hear about your “Need to See” list over a hot cup of tea. If you’re not a traveler, I hope I’ve not discouraged you from trying it, for there are so many wonderful places to see that don’t have a “No Go” label on them.
