Hello from lockdown! I’ve been dealing with a rather strict lockdown for the last 2 months. I basically spend my time doing my online jobs, trying to make my step count, and promising to work on new skills but ending up watching 90-day fiance instead. I’ve tried to post more back entries and drafts, but it causes a bit of melancholy to write about something that I cannot do right now. However, I am finding this now to be helpful. So a lot of friends and colleagues have asked what I plan for in 2021. I honestly do not know. However, I decided to compile a small list of the top places I would like to visit in 2021. This depends on a lot of variables and is not set in stone.
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan: Earlier in 2020, I had planned to visit the rest of the former Soviet Republics that I have not been to. The last time I was in Central Asia, a tourist visa to Uzbekistan was over 200 bucks. It is visa-free for many passport holders and a simple e visa for others not on the visa-free list. I found that you can get a transient visa to Turkmenistan that is valid for 5-7 days. I want to take a cargo ferry from Baku to Turkmenbashi. I would like to see this almost hermit country. Many people spend over a couple of grand for a tour. This way should be more interesting. I want to go on to explore Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. I’ve always been captivated by the silk road and autocratic regimes. I imagine I will pop over to southern Kazakhstan and take a night train to the capital to get the cheap Wizz air flight back to Budapest.
Tromso, Norway: This has been on top of my European wish list for a long time. Norway is one of the few European countries that I’ve ever been to. I’ve been particularly drawn to Tromso especially. The main reason I have not been there yet is because of money.
Kurdistan: I would very much enjoy seeing the Kurdish parts of Turkey and Iraq. Before everyone freaks out, going to the Kurdish part of Iraq is actually safer than many places. It is not some terrifying warzone that people imagine. I know several US Americans and Europeans that have gone and had a wonderful time. I have a dear friend who works for UNHCR in Dohok. The region is known for its kind, hospitable people. The Kurds are the ones who have stuck their neck out for so many of us only to get stabbed in the back by the greater international community.
Lithuania: I have actually already been there. However, it was just for 2-3 days, and I mainly just saw the capital. I did have a fantastic time. Regrettably, it is the baltic state that I have the least amount of experience with. There is a lot of interesting things about Lithuanian history that is largely overlooked by many. I would like to see other cities and explore the coastal area of Lithuania. I have a couple of friends to see, as well.
Mexico: I have spent very little time in this country. There is so much I would love to see. I would need quite a lot of time to get a feel for the country. It is a very diverse landscape and culturally. It would also be feasible to visit as restrictions have been lax. Before you grab your torches and tell me, I am murdering Mexican grannies. I would not be able to go until all this European lockdown is over, which has me pinned in for a while. Also, I am over this nomad and travel shaming. For different reasons than many of these covid idiots, you will hear about them in my next post!
Honorable mentions: Ethiopia, Lebanon, Curacao, Vancouver, US National parks, Yakutia, Russia, Sichuan Province of China, Pakistan, Madrid, Maine
Most of these are probably not going to happen. I am expecting maybe one or two of these will actually happen. The trip to the Baltic states is going to be feasible. Mexico seems to be so as well. The others, I am not sure. The others are really dependant on how successful the vaccine is, my financial and professional situation, and other things. I am also liable to change my mind anyway halfway into the year.
What about you? Where are your destinations for 2021? Leave a comment and tell me about it!
My next post will be about what I briefly discussed a couple of paragraphs ago. I’m going to share my 2 cents about traveling during covid. Please have your comments or pitchforks ready!
As always, I enjoy what you write. I love it that you have so much curiosity about the world. I hope as many of these travel dreams come true as is possible. Love you. Dot