DO Travel Bucket List — Minority Nomad

The more I travel the harder it is to impress me. I find myself a bit jaded at times and it truly has impacted how I’ve viewed different destinations. But, a few years ago I realized what my problem was. Travel had become a race to tick places off instead of traveling to experience the wonders of the world. The “listicle”/Buzzfeed side of travel had gotten me.

Many travelers miss things that make travel so special when religiously following these clickbait lists or unbending recommendations. We get so wrapped up in being in a place we forget to explore and experience it. I can’t tell you how many “travelers” I meet that have gone to some of the worlds most amazing destinations but didn’t actually see or learn anything about the place. Myself included. So I’ve decided to make a drastic shift in the way I travel. Merging travel into my personal life goals.

What I’ve created below is a set of things I would love to do in my lifetime. The order doesnt matter nor does the time frame. But what matters is I enjoy my travels again by experiencing the cultures I’m exposed to. By trying to consistently be a better traveler and person in the process.

Handmade 100% Buckwheat Noodles in Japan

Any foodie will tell you just how amazing Ramen is. Japan takes it to another level. With some Ramen shops actually having Michelin stars in Japan. While I’ve eaten some amazing noodles during my time stationed and traveling in Japan and Korea, I haven’t had a chance to try the 100% Buckwheat noodles. Claimed to be the best in the world. Japan has a culture which cultivates Masters. People that truly take pride in their crafts for a lifetime. And the chance to experience that mastery of food is high on my list. Check out this piece on Ramen.

Attend a Mascarade Ball (Austria)

I studied Medieval European history in college. Actually, I was obsessed with it. At one point I could tell you how every major Monarch is related to another. Sidenote, A LOT are cousins at least. With Alexander Dumas being one of my favorite authors, I’ve always wanted to attend a proper mascarade ball. And I’m talking the full set up. Medieval outfits and everything. Unfortunately, there aren’t many left in the world but I know the one in Venice Italy is supposed to be amazing.

Live in London and NYC for 30 Days

I’m a city boy. I love the energy, diversity, architecture, and opportunities that exist in major cities. Not to mention the shots I can capture as a street photographer. NYC and London have been two of my favorite destinations for years. But I’ve never had time to really dig into either. By spending a month in each i’ll be able to really dig into each city and explore beyond the tourism centers.

Take Mother to Asia Foodie Trip (Thailand)

My mother is the very definition of a foodie. While I’ve seen her eat and create some amazing dishes, she hasn’t had the opportunity to truly explore other cuisines. And I figure I would take her to the most foreign place I can think of. Asia. I’m also pretty excited to see the things that will freak her out.

Hike Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)

I’m not a nature guy. But there are some places which are magnificent enough to shake off my aversions and get me on the trails. Patagonia is one of the few natural wonders that’s always called to me. I don’t make it to South America very often as it doesn’t appeal much to my interests, but I hope to combine this with a larger continental exploration.

Go to the Olympics (Japan 2020)

I believe the Olympics are the greatest example of international comradery and respect. And Japan happens to be one of my favorite countries. This is one of the few time specific things I want to do. So I need to get on this one ASAP. You ever thought of checking out the Olympics?

Win a Photography Award

While I don’t rely on the validation of others, I’m always working to better my skills as a photographer and visual storyteller. And the world of photography has shifted quite a bit. With images being manipulated to the point of fantasy. I want to capture the world in a way that educates and inspires. And by entering more photography contests it will push me to sharpen my skills in this area.

Learn 10 Songs on The Piano in Austria

Playing an instrument well has always been a goal of mine. While I can strum a bit on the guitar and place my hands in the right place on a piano, I would love to actually learn how to properly play. Austria was home to some of the best musicians of all time. Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss all called it home.

Have an Exhibit of my Photography for Charity

There are a lot of causes I care about. And I’ve been blessed with the ability to explore the world in a way many can’t. With my growth as a photographer has come the ability to make a living at it. But I also want to give back. Having a gallery exhibit of my work has long been a goal of mine. And using the proceeds for charity has also been on my mind.

Road Trip through New Zealand

Some destinations tend to top many photographers lists of places to explore. With New Zealand’s natural landscapes topping that list. In all my travels I’ve rarely come across kinder and more welcoming people than Kiwi’s and I’m excited to finally visit their home country. Anyone want to come?

Learn to Cook Local Dishes in 20 Countries

Cooking is probably what I would call my hobby. And the more I travel the more I discover amazing dishes I had no idea existed. And what better way to share that experience than learning how to actually cook them. I come from a family of cooks and have been cooking for as long as I could remember. I would likely be a chef if I wasn’t a travel journalist.

Spend the Night in a Castle

Like I mentioned above, Medieval European history is a passion of mine. And I’ve always wanted to stay in a castle. Complete with all of the traditional accommodations afforded to guests during the medieval times. Think I’m going to use this list for reference.

Train BJJ for a month in Brazil

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been a part of my life since I was 20. Being my go to form of physical fitness and self-defense for years. Unfortunately, my lifestyle makes it difficult to keep up with my training. So I want to visit the birthplace of BJJ and truly immerse in the culture. BJJ has given me a LOT and I hope to give something back. Here’s a cool documentary about why many of us fall in love with this amazing sport.

Photograph the BIG 5 (Africa)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to take an African safari. But it never felt like the right time. From cost to health reasons, I’ve never been able to pull it off. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how long the Big 5 will survive with the current state of poaching and global warming. So I want to see them in their natural habitat before it’s too late. And maybe raise awareness to whats happening.

Pay For A Strangers First Trip Abroad

The higher my profile becomes the more people reach out to me for travel tips and advice. And it breaks my heart when I meet and chat with people that I feel truly deserve a trip abroad. I want to make that happen. While I’ve focused on getting kids abroad for years, I want to help adults as well. I’ve worked VERY hard to be in the position I’m in. But I understand that there are many that are in tough spots where they can’t live the lives they want. I hope to help where I can.

Dive El Museo Subaquàtico de Arte (Mexico)

Diving is one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done. The silence and tranquility underwater is second to none. Especially in areas that are protected from our ridiculous habits as humans. Hopefully I can raise a bit of awarness to the devastation in our oceans as well.

Fly on a Luxury Private Plane

While I’ve flown on private planes before, it’s never been as a civilian or in a personal capacity. This is just one of those once in a lifetime kind of things that has always appealed to me. Especially if I can take a bunch of my crazy friends with me.

Fluency In Another Language

I speak several languages terribly. I have a great deal of respect for those able to communicate in multiple languages. While I’m a bit old to be starting, it’s definitely a personal mission of mine. The languages will likely be Spanish or Thai as these are the languages I can actually study.

Become a Tea Expert

I’m a BIG fan of coffee. Unfortunately, my stomach isn’t. Which is why I’ve transitioned over to teas and happier for it. Tea is one of the few drinks that I can actually tell the difference between the flavors. Did you know a tea expert is called a Tea Sommelier?

Everywhere in the Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was a film that truly sparked a fire under my ass. It was a movie that didn’t feature the cliché destinations that most “travel” films do. Paris, Bangkok, Bali, South Africa, India, etc etc etc. Instead it highlighted not only alternative destinations but truly immersing in the transformative experience of travel. And unfortunately, many of the places featured I haven’t visited or haven’t as a civilian. The destinations are Greenland, Afghanistan, Iceland, and Yemen

Play Poker in Monte Carlo

I was a pretty serious Poker player in my early to mid 20s. Playing a LOT in Vegas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. To the detriment of a lot of personal relationships. But I’ve always wanted to try my hand in Monte Carlo. More so for the atmosphere than to try and win a Euro.

Singles Cruise in Carribbean

I’m single and ready to mingle!!! And I’ve always wanted to attend a singles cruise for some reason. Cruises have never really felt like my thing. Always thought of families and old people. But I’ve heard some singles cruises are putting on amazing events. I’m also considering doing a Transatlatic cruise. Not sure I can tolerate that much water for that long though.

Become a Wine Sommelier (France, Spain, Italy, Moldova, Argentina)

I have zero desire to ever work in a restaurant. But I’ve always been fascinated by Wine and the culture around it. Unfortunately for me my palette is terrible. I can barely tell the difference between a $5 bottle and $5000 bottle. Not drinking until I was 29 has resulted in me having a fresh liver to destroy. lol. Wine is actually the reason I started drinking alcohol. Damn you Argentinaaaaaaaaaaa.

So that’s it for me. This is one of those things that should always change and evolve. I’m not the same person as I was 5 years ago and hope I’m not the same 5 years from now. As I complete these things I’ll add a pic to this original post. So tell me, what travel experiences do you hope to complete in your adventures?