10 countries and countless cities made it on my 2013 Bucket List. France, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Jordan, Aruba, Curacao, Canada, USA, Mexico, and Fiji were all part of my whirlwind of adventures and new experiences. I never envisioned such an amazing year of opportunity; my life continues to be a dream come true. I am blessed. Some people create a bucket list because they are dying; I created one because I want to live.
Here are my top ten favorite travel photos from 2013.
Number 3 – The Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Big Island is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.
Have you been to Hawaii? Is it on your list?
Bucket List Publications 
Wow… such an inspiration! Can’t wait to see what 2014 brings!
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Good one!
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Yep! One of my favourites. 🙂
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We try to go once a year… love it there, and each island is special for different reasons. So special!
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Stunning 🙂
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The Big Island is really special. Beautiful and helpful people, scenery, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. I’d love to visit the other islands to see how they compare. This countdown of pics is a great idea!
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In another life Hawaii used to be part of my sales territory–too bad it was just on the phone! I never did get to visit, but a friend of mine moved out there years ago from New England and is living the life on the Big Island.
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How beautiful! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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I got to Kansas.
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Hi Lesley, are thinking of coming to Hawaii? If you do hit me up, we can find a cool adventure here.. Aloha 🙂
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We have been to Maui twice. Paradise for sure. Snorkelling with the large turtles was absolutely amazing. They are so curious and want to check you out.
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Absolutely beautiful. I love sunsets, esp. over the water. Still living vicariously thru you Leslie.
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I went to Hawaii in 2008, I’ll never forget it. I was arrested by Hawaii 50 🙂
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Wow, beautiful. I would like to visit Hawaii one day. Thanks for your inspiration.
Irene
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Visiting Hawaii is certainly special… 🙂
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Hawaii is on my list! 🙂
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love it
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I have taken a gap year and am currently struggling on where to travel to and what to do. Any suggestions?
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Everywhere! It’s cheaper to buy an around the world ticket than to buy several return tickets. Asia is a beautiful place to travel and not expensive, Europe can include several countries and EuroRail is an easy, cheap way to travel, and hostels are your friend. Plan a few key events/locations/etc beforehand and head on your way. I traveled to 8 countries in Europe during one extended summer and it cost less than $1000 for accommodations, food, activities, and transportation.
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Where in Europe did you travel?
How much were the Hostels and did you have any problems with finding accommodation?
Thank you for the reply 🙂
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England, France, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Belgium….
I never had a problem finding accommodations but I tried to book at least one night before. I stayed in mostly hostels, some campgrounds & B&Bs, and a few hotels.
The bus in Europe is a good way to get around as well if you are not limited with time.
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Although I almost always choose to travel to new places, I try to return to Hawaii every few years. Heavenly! Gorgeous photo.
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I came to within a hair’s breath of booking a holiday to Hawaii the other day – influenced by just having watched Hawaii 5-0. But considering one of my BL aims is to fly over a volcano I should perhaps go and press that button and book it 🙂
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Fabulous image!!
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This one is AMAZING! So far for me it’s a tie between this one and the old man in the alley. I love this series!
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What a beautiful picture. My husband and I honeymooned in Oahu and it’s our bucket list is to return to Hawaii and visit all the Islands. Your picture has re-energised our desire to return – probably sooner than later now. 🙂
Px
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Yes, Hawaii is definitely on my list. Here are some polaroids of some of the places I have been, including home. The pictures are mine; the words are from Portuguese writers. Perhaps you’ll enjoy it.
http://palavraslevaovento.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Lesley, for visiting my blog. Come back soon, you’re always welcome.
Cláudia.
http://booksintights.wordpress.com/
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I am going to the Big Island for the very first time at the end of March. I trust maybe you have some must see beach recommendations, or dining experiences you would recommend. We will be there one week-staying in Kona.
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