Next Up: Camels, Cars, Colorado, Canucks & Kahakai

My, what a difference a couple of weeks can make.

It was less than a month ago that I was sitting in a spectacular Spanish castle, and instead of simply enjoying where I was, I was combing the Internet looking for late deals. I find it difficult to be home too long, and since quitting my job in favor of full-time travel writing, notquitting my job having something lined up makes me very anxious. All that fretting was for not, because in a matter of a ten days, I had my next two months planned. When it rains it pours, and in this case, the rain was a great thing.

 So, what do I have to look forward to? TONS!

Jordan

Credit

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be heading to Jordan. Yes, #2 and #49 on my to-do list involve a trip there, but I just never saw this opportunity coming. I’m so happy it did! I’ve never been to the Middle East, so this will be a totally new experience for me. I’ll visit Petra, Wadi Rum {made famous by Lawrence of Arabia}, Mount Nebo {where Moses first saw the Holy Land}, Bethany Beyond the Jordan {where John baptized Jesus}, the Dead Sea, and so many other things.

Credit

I’m very excited about the itinerary that the Jordan Tourism Board has put together. I’m not sure if they know it, but it will pull me out of my comfort zone. There are several optional hikes, I’m talking four to six hours long, and I plan on taking at least one of them. And did I mention the camping? Yes, I’ll be spending not just one, but two nights, in a desert tent. Ahhhhh…this now city girl is getting back to her roots. But not to worry, I have plenty of spa and hotel pampering planned as well.

From April 25-May 6, follow along with my adventures through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I’ll be using the hashtag #MyJordanJourney.

Maui

Credit

Of the 18 American states I’ve yet to visit, Hawaii has been the one I’d most like to see. And from May 6-13, I’m finally getting the opportunity. I covet Hawaii so much that I’m coming from half way around the world to get there. I’ll arrive from Jordan to Detroit on the morning of May 6 and then hop a jet to Los Angeles and then another to Maui, where I’ll arrive around 8 pm. I can’t even imagine how many hours of actual travel time that is. Given the number of time zones I’ll be going through you can bet it’s a lot. Who cares? I can sleep when I’m dead!

Credit

What I’m looking forward to most in Maui is simply taking in the natural beauty of the island. By all accounts, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s something about the salty sea air and the sound of the waves rolling in that soothes my soul. But don’t think my days will only be spent relaxing on the beach. Maui is about options, and I’ve chosen some great ones. I’ll once again try to conquer my fear of heights by paragliding. Number 82 from my to-do list will be marked off when I take a helicopter tour. The itinerary is still being solidified, but you can bet there will be some sort of food and cocktail aspect to go along with all the beautiful scenery. It is Maui, after all.

Credit

You’ll be able to follow along via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from May 6-13. I’ll be using the hashtag #SeeMaui.

Indianapolis

Credit

A few years ago I visited Indianapolis for a Final Four, but really didn’t get to explore the city. I have some unfinished business, including finding out what the heck a Hoosier actually is. I’ll have from May 24-27 to find out the answer to that question. I’ve also got two VERY special activities planned for Memorial Weekend.

Credit

Much of the time I’ll be exploring Indy’s new Cultural Trail. Opening in May, this $63 million dollar project “is a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, Cultural Districts and entertainment amenities, and serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system.” What this trail sounds like to me is a foodie and cocktail-lover’s dream come true. I’m thinking I’ll make myself a big glutton and then just hop on my bike and burn those calories right off. Those Hoosiers {?} are geniuses!

I did mention I would be in Indianapolis during Memorial Weekend, right? If you know anything about racing, then I know you’re insanely jealous right now. For those of you who aren’t fans, Sunday, May 26th is the famous Indianapolis 500, the premier event of the IndyCar season. Known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 is legendary. I’m not particularly a race fan, but I am a HUGE sports fan, so the idea of getting to see such a legendary event in person gets me particularly excited.

Credit

May 24-27 I’ll be providing updates and photos through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #VisitIndy.

Denver

Directly from Indianapolis, I’ll head to Denver, Colorado. I’ve written about family road trips to Colorado while growing up, as well as my newly rekindled love for the state. It should come as no surprise that I’ll pounce on every opportunity to visit the Centennial State. I haven’t solidified exactly what I’ll be doing, but I plan on exploring the city in addition to the surrounding area.

Credit

Get Rocky Mountain high with me with updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from May 27-30.

Toronto

Credit

I’m ashamed to admit, but I’ve never visited my neighbor to the north. Why not, you ask? I’m not entirely sure, but all that’s about to change. From May 30-June 3, I’ll cross Canada off of my list of places I’ve never been. Perhaps you remember that I was in Keystone, Colorado last summer and Girona, Spain in September for TBEX {Travel Blog Exchange}. This year the North American conference is being held in Toronto, thus the reason for my visit. Not only am I excited to touch Canadian soil, but I’m beyond ecstatic to see friends and make new ones. I suppose I’ll network and learn a little here and there, too.

Credit

As usual, I’ll be posting updates via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can follow the hashtag #TBEX for all the conference happenings.

That wraps up my plans until June. Honestly, I’m thrilled to have such a diverse group of locales. I’ll be traveling to two new countries, one new state and delving deeper into two others. All the while, I’ll have the honor of experiencing new activities, cultures, and foods. I can’t wait to embark on these journeys. I never would have thought sitting in that Spanish castle less than a month ago that I’d have the opportunities before me. It’s going to be an amazing five weeks.

Featured Photo