Sophie’s World

with and without kids - here’s my quick round-up

Lots can be said about lists - good and bad. That issue aside, they can be fun, like the New York Times’ 53 places to go in 2008.

Do I agree with the selection? Well, nearly half the destinations are in the Americas, as opposed to only two in the Australia/South Pacific region. Also, two Miami beaches are featured as separate destinations (!) But this is a US publication, and emphasising close-to-home destinations is better for the environment. I much prefer Sydney’s Bondi and Manly to Miami’s Mid-Beach and South Beach, though.

Also, if this list is anything to go by, Africa should see an influx of American tourists in 2008. 10 African destinations are featured, some of them among my fave countries in the world.

Of the 53, I’ve been to Buenos Aires, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Lombok, London, Malaga, Malawi, Mauritius, Miami (both beaches), Mozambique, Munich, Namibia, New York, Prague, Rimini, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Lucia, Tunisia and Tuscany. Also, I’m in Oslo practically every day, so it’s fun to see that on the list.

The remaining 31 are all tempting in their own way. Easter Island, Libya, Vietnam and Iran are all high on my soon-to-see list. Northwest passage sounds exciting as well. But Detroit? I suppose I’ll have to take a closer look.

A close-to-home destination to explore is Sylt, just a wee bit south of here. I’ve only ever seen Sylt on a map and never given it much thought. All of a sudden, I want to go to this windy German North Sea island.

Where do you want to go in 2008?

Had a piece published over at Travellady about the Russian Arctic ghost town Pyramiden. I'm such a busy bee these days.