jamie ann

destination: beautiful

February 11th, 2010 at 10:07 pm . Posted in planning epic shit, traveling .

There are too many places I’ve never been.

Growing up my family vacations consisted of fake camping, “vacations” and one hellish road trip to Utah with my uncle and his family all trapped in one van and it took almost a week driving from here to Salt Lake City because because they had to stop in every state and eat at EVERY SINGLE Cracker Barrel we passed.

As a result, I’m not very well traveled. I’ve seen a few states sprinkled around the country and of course, the surrounding states but that’s about it. I’ve hit Orlando, Las Vegas, a bit of San Francisco and spent less than a day in New York.

I’ve never been out of the country. This is one of the things that haunts me because there is so much out there and I’ve seen absolutely none of it. I’ve always had big dreams of being a seasoned traveler. A passport full of stamps from different countries and stories to go along with each. Always on the cusp of the next trip. That’s what I thought I would be like right now.

But I’m not.

I suppose it’s because I haven’t done things a traditional way. I never took a year off after high school or taken a semester abroad. No spring breaking in Cancun. I haven’t done the 9-5 thing or finished college in one straight shot.

If you haven’t noticed by now, I tend to do things a little backwards.

But now?

Now it’s time to play catch up. To see the places I’ve never been. To start thinking about my first trip outside of the states. Should it be Peru? Maybe Guatemala? Rome or Paris? Spain! Or how about Costa Rica? London! Or maybe Ireland?

I’m making a promise to myself, that either for Christmas this year or my birthday next year, I’ll send myself somewhere amazing and break in a passport finally. I need a little adventure in my life.

Because really, what am I waiting for?

42 Comments ( Reply )

leahchristine
Feb 11, 2010 @ 10:42 pm

You should backpack Europe. Once you get over there, the countries are mostly just train rides from each other and it’s so easy to see multiple countries in one trip! In three weeks, we did: Spain, Paris, Switzerland, Munich, Italy. If you’re going to do it, you should go all out and see as much as you can in one trip, because who knows when you’ll go back. I went over 3 years ago and said, I’ll go EVERY YEAR, and of course, I haven’t been able to go back since.

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michelle woo
Feb 11, 2010 @ 10:56 pm

Los Angeles!!!!

Just kidding. I really loved Costa Rica. Granted, I haven’t been to a ton of countries, but it really was the most beautiful place I’ve seen. You can hike, white-water raft, zipline, rappel — it’s all amazing. And it wasn’t all that expensive either. Not compared to Europe, at least.

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
@michelle woo, my sister is moving to LA at the end of the month.

I WILL BE VISITING SO MUCH YOU’LL BE SICK OF ME.

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Kyla Roma
Feb 11, 2010 @ 11:06 pm

Have you been waiting for an invitation to beautiful Winnipeg, Manitoba? It’s the murder capital of Canada! You know you want to come! =)

I would say go anywhere you have been day dreaming about, it sounds like you definitely are overdue for some Jamie time!

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Paula
Feb 12, 2010 @ 4:47 am

Do it!

To be honest, I think it’s easier for us in the UK to go to more countries because we live on a tiny island where if we want decent weather we have to go elsewhere, so we tend to do so as much as possible or as much as we can afford to. I kinda envy those in the US because there is just so many different places to go there, without even leaving the country.

PS You should totally come to Glasgow!

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Ben
Feb 12, 2010 @ 6:36 am

Ireland is fantastic. FANTASTIC. Also really safe, everyone speaks English and the booze is plentiful. Excellent first trip material.

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Rachael
Feb 12, 2010 @ 7:14 am

SPAIN!! let’s go. I’m packed

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Melinda
Feb 12, 2010 @ 7:33 am

That is a great idea! Giving yourself a deadline will certainly help move you towards your travel goal. Maybe take one of those 10 day tours of Europe. Then you can visit a bunch of countries in one trip!

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alexa - cleveland's a plum
Feb 12, 2010 @ 7:53 am

exactly, why wait?!?

i hear ohio is nice this time of year.

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Allie
Feb 12, 2010 @ 8:52 am

I never did things the traditional way either. There are some benefits, but like you, I never really had the time to travel as much as I wanted to. Can’t wait to hear about the places you’ll visit!

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BZMomma
Feb 12, 2010 @ 9:12 am

I guess you can say I’m “delurking” since I haven’t dropped a comment in a while…

I kinda did/do things ass backwards too, but I did get to travel to some places. The 3 things I haven’t done yet and wish I did before I had kids and got married (yes, in that order, see? “Backwards” there too) are to go on a cruise, backpack through Europe and go to DisneyWorld. DisneyWorld was so close (we’re supposed to be there now), but Mother Nature decided to throw a blizzard on us and cancelled our flight, etc…We’re going to rebook for next month.

Anywho – DO YOU! Go and see the world, it is BEAUTIFUL! Definitely a great idea to give it to yourself as a present

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Elle Bee
Feb 12, 2010 @ 9:13 am

Seconding Kyla’s Canada comment, I think Edmonton beats out Winnipeg. We have the largest mall in North America. It has an amusement park, a pirate ship, PENGUINS, flamingos, a sea lion show, a casino, and a giant waterpark.

I never did a lot of travelling either. Like you, I never took a year off and family vacations were short and close to home. You deserve some fun adventures now!

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Kristin
Feb 12, 2010 @ 9:58 am

Go to Paris or Dublin for your first trip abroad. There is so much to do, but it isn’t as scary as trekking around S. and Central America for the first time abroad. Lots of good food, awesome music in Dublin especially, museums, the people. Go, go anywhere!

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
@Kristin, I totally think London, Paris or Ireland. I’m so excited about finally getting to travel!

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RondaMarie
Feb 12, 2010 @ 10:49 am

I used to be just like you, well sort of, I didn’t do the traditional college thing, I got married instead to a man who hated to leave the house. Now that I am divorced I have started traveling; London last year, Jamaica in a few weeks, maybe Italy toward the end of this year. Its an awesome experience, you will love it. If you ever need a travel buddy shoot me an email, I always up for adventure.

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ClaireSuzanne
Feb 12, 2010 @ 11:18 am

I love making travel plans! I would definitely recommend Spain and Paris but all your options sound wonderful.

If you want something a little crazy and you have more than a couple weeks to spare (think a month or more) check out India. It’s a beautiful country!

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
@ClaireSuzanne, oh I bet India is amazing! I’d love to get there too eventually.

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thatShortChick
Feb 12, 2010 @ 11:29 am

Traveling is something I would spend all of my money on…if I actually had a full-time job and weren’t so anxious about flying. I have dreams of eating my way throughout Italy and then romancing a hot, Italian guy because…DUH.

But if I were you, I would probably consider a backpacking trip or a 2-3 week long adventure traveling to many cities in one country.

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Liz
Feb 12, 2010 @ 11:58 am

Love the Mae reference in your title
& honestly if it were me, I’d pick to visit Greece {I WILL make it one day!} I hear its breath taking. Good luck!

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alyndabear
Feb 12, 2010 @ 12:13 pm

I say go Europe. London is a nice, safe place to start (I’m slightly biased – I AM still here after all!) and then you have Europe at your doorstep. I can’t wait to go back and tour through Europe again this October.. squee!

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Ashley
Feb 12, 2010 @ 12:21 pm

I’m the same!

I haven’t been outside of the US. Mike (husband) and I planned to go to Ireland for our 1 year anniversary, but that’s no longer happening. I’ve spent time in Massachusetts, Iowa and Florida. I’ve been on short business trips to Georgia, California (Perris, CA – barf), and Las Vegas.

I also want to (someday) take a long leisurely Amtrak train ride from Chicago to Seattle!

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StaceyParadise
Feb 12, 2010 @ 1:01 pm

I’d never been out of the country until we went on our honeymoon in November. We chose Cozumel, and my God that place is beautiful! I definitely suggest going somewhere tropical! But, like you, traveling is on my list of things to cultivate this year and next year. First stop in mind? ITALY!

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molly
Feb 12, 2010 @ 1:10 pm

Yay for traveling! You’re going to LOVE it! Plus, I love the goal-setting

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katelin
Feb 12, 2010 @ 5:08 pm

that is an excellent goal, you just have to do it i say. and where to? um. costa rica? venezuela? italy? greece? i vote on all of those. or LA of course

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@katelin, LA is totally happening

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K
Feb 12, 2010 @ 5:09 pm

Same here. I’ve technically been out of the country, but I only made it up to Ontario. I want to go to Greece, Israel, India, and the list could go on and on.

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Susan
Feb 12, 2010 @ 9:41 pm

I cannot wait to find out where you’ll go!

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Jeanne
Feb 13, 2010 @ 12:08 am

Absolutely go! And now is the time — before you get fully locked into a career and a lease. I was working at temp jobs and living with my parents when I took my two big trips in ’07; it was the only way I could afford the time away and the cost.

I say go to London — the youth hostels are inexpensive and full of nice and interesting people, the history is amazing, and even just looking at the shopping is fun. Plus it’s an easy train ride to Paris (and the rest of Europe). You will have an amazing time wherever you go, of course.

And my couch in San Francisco is always open for you!

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@Jeanne, I’m definitely hoping to hit SF this year. My favorite @nicoleisbetter just moved there too!

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CuppyCakes
Feb 13, 2010 @ 3:10 am

Do it. You might think at the time that it’s a lot of money to spend, but oh my is it worth it. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t travelled. I never did things the ‘conventional’ way either, and this year is the forth year in a row where I will have gone overseas, and my third BIG trip. You HAVE to do it.
I adored Paris.

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Erin
Feb 13, 2010 @ 12:10 pm

YES! I love this. Go to London. Go right now!

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Doniree
Feb 13, 2010 @ 5:29 pm

I’ve never been overseas either – let’s do this!

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@Doniree, travel buddy? Yes?

YES.

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Secretz01
Feb 13, 2010 @ 8:32 pm

I loved visiting Rome, and Venice… But I would love to be traveling more now, also inside and outside of the country… Good luck and keep us posted on your adventures~

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Her
Feb 14, 2010 @ 3:49 am

Traveling is so freaking good for your soul. You don’t have to do it conventionally either–you’ll find a way to make it exactly the sort of place you need to go, and if it isn’t you’ll have a hell of a story!

That said, it’s obviously not out of the country, but there are plenty of Irish and Italian eateries, so visit Boston any time!

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Amanda
Feb 14, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

I am exactly the same way. I don’t even have my passport, but am hoping to get one soon. My old roommate from California wants to go to Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Belize) for our birthdays in July, so I’m really hoping that it becomes a reality!!

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Jamie Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@Amanda, that sounds like an amazing trip! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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barbetti
Feb 14, 2010 @ 2:51 pm

My love for Ireland runs deep…but I guess you could have guessed that based on what I named my kid, right?

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Rebekah
Feb 14, 2010 @ 6:12 pm

London! Do London! I went to visit a friend who was living there, but she didn’t have time to do a lot with me – so I can attest to the fact that it’s a marvelous place to just do on your own if you want.

PS: Have heard from several people that Ireland is overrated unless you like golf and castles. I’ve never been there myself.

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Meghan
Feb 15, 2010 @ 12:33 am

I think you should come visit me. I’ll show you the west coast of Canada and we’ll drink wine (cause what’s more cultured than that) and eat cupcakes and it’ll be lovely.

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Kim
Feb 15, 2010 @ 10:24 am

Paris and France as a whole are amazing. But I’d really like to go to Ireland. I’ve always dreamed of going there.

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nicole antoinette
Feb 15, 2010 @ 7:20 pm

I mean.. yay! But really? COME VISIT ME FIRST.

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Jamie Ann

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