By Yasmine Zapp

Do you have a list of things that you want to see or do before it’s your time to go, like visiting a tropical destination or somewhere covered in snow? Is your strong desire to dive out of a plane, swim with the sharks, climb the pyramids of Egypt,  or white water raft on the Colorado River?

I hadn’t thought much about my “bucket list” until I came across this book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz, and I have to say I was quite intrigued.

As I started to flip through the pages, I was amazed at all the beauty this world has to offer. Suddenly, my list started to change….and grow. Here are a few things I’ve added:

Every Spring, Japan welcomes tens of millions of people to view the indescribable beauty of the Cherry Blossom trees. As the gentle wind blows, it carries the petals of these delicate flowers across the sky and over various temples that dot the landscape. To me, this is a “go for the food and stay for the flowers” type of situation.

Peru is home to Machu-Picchu (Old Mountain) and it’s ancient Incan ruins. This Lost City is one of the most haunting and beautiful places that, until recently, was kept hidden. Able-bodied visitors can hike there in 3-5 days along the Incan Trails. I think this hidden gem would make a great elopement destination.

Petra (The Rose Red City), located in Jordan, is one of the wonders of the Middle East, which was rediscovered in the early 1800′s. It originally dates back to 56 B.C., and can only be reached by entering through a 6 foot passageway. This fortress city is as bold as it is delicate. The intricately carved temple makes you wonder who had the pleasure of living in it. A portion of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was shot there…and for good reason.

Victoria Falls lies on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and gives Niagara a run for its money. These falls can be seen from 40 miles away, as they crash 400 feet into a gorge below. This truly is a fantasy destination for any adventurous traveler — like me! Better still, you can take a plane trip (named “Flight of the Angels“) over the scenic falls. This is a definite must do on my list.

Those are just a few of the discoveries I’ve made, within the pages of this incredible book. Reading further has made me see the world through new eyes, as a big and wondrous a place. It makes me want to get out and see every part of it.

So what do you say? Who’s with me?

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