Hey friends!
Can I share a secret? I’ve had this idea in my head for about a year now, and over the last few months Cody and I have been discussing this exciting adventure and thinking through the logistics… I’ll be honest, at first, it sounds a little ludicrous (and feels a little impossible); however, the more I think about it (and how over-the-top it may become) the more I’m drawn towards this goal. Sounds about right, doesn’t it? đ
So let’s go ahead and add the disclaimer now: this is my biggest Bucket List goal yet.
And those butterflies in my stomach are definitely fluttering.Â
I’ve shared my wanderlust on this blog for over seven years now; I’ve shared Bucket list adventures, dreams that eventually turned into reality, three rounds of the 101 goals in 1001 days challenge, and too many fun memories to count. And so it only makes sense to put this new goal out into the universe in order to will it into fruition, right? After all, I’ve always said that a goal which remains unwritten is merely a wish.
So here goes nothing…
My most recent Bucket List goal is to visit 40 countries by my 40th birthday!
At last count, we’ve visited 21 amazing countries. That’s 21 countries in only seven years. We are crossing off two additional countries in the remaining months of 2018, bringing our total count to 23. So that means we only have 17 more to go. 17 countries in eight-ish years should be a piece of cake, right? Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Now, it’s not just all about the country count… we are looking forward to all of the memorable adventures we’ll create along the way — bucket list adventures, inside jokes, family memories, and more. We can’t wait to eat, drink, and explore our way through so many new countries. A lot can change over the next eight years, but we have our eye on the prize.
So, are you curious to find out some of the destinations on our travel horizon? Here’s a small peek at some upcoming adventures:
The three photos above were found here.
Have a favorite country? Share it below so we can add it to our list! đ
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
I can see the house we stayed in on the Manarola picture. How fun is that! I have actually been to Sidney as well. Greece is still on my bucket list.
That is so neat!! Did you like your rental in Manarola?
What was your favorite part of Sydney?
It’s a great goal to have, I did 30 Countries Before 30, and am considering 40 Before 40 now too – my husband isn’t as elated at this idea as I am though haha!!
30 before 30… that is impressive! Do you have a favorite country so far? Hopefully you can cross off 40×40 too! đ Happy travels.
Gosh to be honest I think there are so many that I love itâs hard to choose just one!
Totallllly doable goal! So exciting. And yasssss to visiting Santorini. Greece is one of my favorite places.
http://www.pearlsandparis.com
Thank you. It makes me happy to hear that Greece is one of your favorite places — it looks soooooo beautiful there. Can’t wait to explore it soon.
I love this! My boyfriend and I started travelling last year and love ticking off so many amazing countries. Although we havenât set a target as yet, itâs so great keeping count and a reminder of how blessed we are! Wishing you Love and Light on this journey:)
Hi Hayley,
I love your positivity! Thanks for sharing. I completely agree with having a reminder of how lucky we are to travel and the ability to explore this big beautiful world we call home. Appreciate you stopping by. Happy travels.
Wow 17 countries already!! This is so inspiring đ ..my goal for now is to visit at least one different country every year ! Hopefully as time goes on I can add more than one a year to the plan !
Hey Samantha,
We actually only have 17 more countries to go! đ So exciting!! Back on our honeymoon (almost seven years ago) we decided to create a tradition to go somewhere new on our anniversary every year. We love being able to explore somewhere new! Happy travels.
This 40×40 is a great goal maybe I should do something similar? My favourite country is Japan, have you been there if not, worth exploring.
Yes, you absolutely should! đ I have not been to Japan yet, although I’d love the opportunity to check it out sometime. Thanks for the suggestion.
Wow, what an amazing goal to visit 40 countries by your 40th birthday ! Greece, Italy and Australia are wonderful destinations đ From my travel bucket list, I’ve really enjoyed Iceland, Lapland (north Europe), Madagascar and Cabo Verde (close islands from Europe).
Hi Celine,,
Love hearing that the upcoming destinations are good choices… They seem to be a favorite among the readers who have commented. đ I appreciate the great suggestions. I would love to visit Iceland some day. And I’ll definitely be checking out the other destinations you’ve mentioned. Thanks for commenting.
The places you’ve listed are some of my favourite in the world, in fact we plan to get married in Cinque Terre next Summer. I lived in Sydney for 4 years so that will always hold a special place in my heart.
That makes me excited to hear. Yay! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Cinque Terre looks so beautiful!!
Absolutely great plan!! Would love to see what countries you’ve already ticked off. You’ll love all three (IT, GR & AUS) that you wish to explore next. I highly recommend giving New Zealand a chance when you’re around here. You’ll love it!
Hi Mateja,
Check out my “Destinations” page. I have included most of the countries that we have explored. We’ve traveled all over the Caribbean, a handful of countries in Europe and Asia, and are exploring more of the South Pacific next (Fiji). đ Thanks for the great advice. New Zealand is definitely on our list. đ
40 X 40 is a great goal and hopefully you achieve more than this. I loved Greece and Spain from my travel lists and would love to see Russia and Peru. There are many more in my endless list.
Thanks, Yukti. I have that endless travel list as well. The more destinations I explore, the more I add. While 40 is our goal, we have no plans of stopping at 40. đ Hope you make it to Russia and Peru soon. Happy travels.
Loveee this! I think if you put a timeframe on it, youâre more likely to do it, and 40 countries is definitely doable! Exciting đ
I completely agree. Timelines and detailed plans are the key. I felt like 40 was an attainable goal, but we won’t stop there. đ Thanks for commenting.
This is such an awesome idea!! This is a little random, but we went to Switzerland this year and LOVED it. It’s got a mix of so many cultures, languages, food, architecture, etc. since it’s nestled between France, Italy and Germany. I’m hoping to hit Morocco, Botswana and Croatia sometime soon. Good luck!!
Love your suggestions!! Thank you. I’ll definitely look into Switzerland. đ Happy travels!
Ah I have a similar goal of 30 under 30. I am not sure if I will make it in 3 years but I like having the goal!! I loved Cinque Terre so much – I have been twice! and Santorini was beautiful but CRAZY overcrowded with tourists in Oia. Just wanted to mention.
My favorite country from last year was Montenegro. It was so insanely beautiful, particularly the coast and the Bay of Kotor. I have dreams of going back!
Hi Sami,
Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I’ve seen Montenegro on many cruise itineraries, I’ll have to look into that country some more. Thanks đ Good luck on your 30×30!! I like having the goal and something to work towards as well.
Great idea to make this buckey list. Happy Travels! đ
Thank you! đ
This is AWESOME! Wow! I would love to visit Australia, New Zealand, and a good chunk of Europe. My favorite adventure, so far, was my trip to Moscow in January 2001. I was 12. My parents and I were there for a week, visiting friends that we had hosted in Virginia as part of a Russian children hosting program, and then my dad and I flew back together (work and school obligations). We spent the night in Amsterdam on the way, and I didn’t want to leave!
Hey Laura Beth,
We have loved our experiences in Europe so far. We can’t wait to explore more. Your trip to Russia sounds amazing. That is so neat you were able to go back and visit friends that you hosted. What a fun and memorable experience. And Amsterdam, I would love to go there someday! Great suggestions, thank you!!
You show Sydney, so don’t forget to visit New Zealand, which is one of my favourites. Others worthy of considerations are Russia, especially St Petersburg and Estonia (Tallinn). When you visit Santorini, also consider other islands such as Rhodes and then heading up the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is an amazing city.
Hey friends! Thanks for the advice. Yes, New Zealand is on the list! It looks so beautiful there. Thanks for the suggestions about Greece, we haven’t decided if we are going to do a cruise or if we are going to island hop, we will have to get that figured out. đ
Also, Russia would be amazing. We would love to see St. Petersburg at some point.
Go for it! I try to do at least one a year and have never regretted it! Enjoy your travels.
My husband and I visit a new destination every anniversary. It’s one of my favorite traditions. đ
40×40 is a great goal, Krystle, and you’re on track to meet it! My current goal: all 195 before I turn 55. We’re knocking out dozens on our upcoming trip around the world but will still have some work to do in western and central Africa.
Thanks, Mike. I felt like it was a goal that was attainble, and we definitely won’t stop there. đ
Your goal is so inspiring. 195 countries before 55… that is amazing! Enjoy your trip around the world, I’ll have to add that to the bucket list too.
You go for it girl!!! (oh, and Cody too đ )
Mahalo, Auntie! đ Cody currently has one more continent than I do… we need to get that changed pronto đ haha… A Hui Hou.