My 2025 Wish List: 10 Places I Hope to Visit

In addition to my year-in-review recap, I have another tradition on this blog: a look ahead to the places I hope to visit in the coming year. Since 2019, I’ve made it a habit every other year to share a list of 10 international destinations and a few local spots I’d love to explore.

Over the years, 23 countries have made it onto these lists, and I’m happy to say I’ve crossed 10 of them off—some multiple times. Of course, I’ve also visited several places that didn’t make the cut.

10 of 23…

On the local front, I highlighted 13 destinations and managed to visit 11 of them. Tsavo National Park and Meru National Park are the last two left to tick off. It is likely that I’ll cut Meru National Park from this list but who knows what opportunities the next two years hold? 🙂

Some of my Favourite Local Stops…

For planned local travels, Tsavo National Park takes the top spot on my list. My plan is to take the SGR from Nairobi to Voi, spend a few days in the area, and then continue to Diani via Mombasa. On my way back, I’m thinking of trying out the new Premier Class carriages on the train.

You’ll certainly read about that experience here if I do check it out!

Elephant at Amboseli Bush Camp Watering Hole

As for international travel, I have many recurring destinations for this year’s list of places I’d like to visit. I’ve bumped a few off the top 10 list simply because planning a visit within the next two years is a bit unrealistic. Anyway, in no particular order, here are my top 10 wishlist countries or trip combinations:

10 International Trips on my Wish List…

  1. Uganda – God willing, this will be my first trip of the year. Honestly, I’m almost ashamed to say that I have lived in Kenya this long and still have not visited. Mark has been there several times in the past two years; however, I have just not found the perfect sweet spot for my preferred destinations.
  2. China – I have a pretty cool itinerary for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan that needs to be executed!
  3. Jordan – another destination that keeps reappearing on these lists. I hope I visit soon.
  4. Maldives (or Mauritius) – I love a good beach destination. Maldives and Mauritius have climbed higher up my wish list over the years.
  5. Portugal and Switzerland – I missed a chance to go last year (due to visa-related reasons); hoping the tides change for me and I can spend some time visiting Porto, Lisbon and going village hopping in Switzerland.
  6. Albania– a newcomer to my wish list, but by no means the least exciting.
  7. Zambia and Zimbabwe – if I can secure a reasonable flight ticket, this looks like a 2025/2026 trip combo.
  8. Canada – I recently got my first Canadian visa and can’t wait to use it! 🙂 I’d love to go hiking in and around Banff National Park.
  9. Vietnam – This is supposed to be one of our “Big Trips” for 2025. Unfortunately, the visa application process has been something of a nightmare. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for a miracle though.
  10. The Stans (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) – a wild card (as I usually have on these lists) but I never say never!
Holm Cafe Zamalek

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel

In addition to the destinations above, there are places I’ve visited in the past few years that I would love to revisit over the next two years.

Destinations to Revisit…

I would love to revisit Japan and South Korea. In 2022 and 2023, I took solo trips to these countries and have been itching to go back ever since.

Shibuya Crossing Tokyo Places to visit in Japan
Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

In Kenya, I’d love to go back to Diani. We go to Naivasha multiple times every year, so I think it’ll be a destination we revisit this year. I’d also love to head back home to Nigeria at some point to see my family and friends…

And there you have it! My list of places to visit in 2025 (or 2026!)

And as usual, I would love to hear from you. Please share with me your list of destinations you hope to visit in the coming year(s). Perhaps we have a few in common! 🙂

2 comments

  1. Ouu your list looks exciting and I look forward to hearing your stories from wherever you end up! I would love to visit Japan, and pairing with that with a re-visit to Korea or maybe Hong Kong would be lovely!

    Uganda for you is New Mexico for me, though not an international travel destination for me, its one of those places I have been wanting to (and live close enough to) visit, so hoping I can this year. I would love to visit White Sands National Park.

    1. Oh my gosh, I just googled White Sands National Park! Safe to say it is now on my list! I hope you get to visit, so I can see it through your eyes too!

      Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong is also a trip combination I would love to do. Hong Kong will be new for me and I just applied for that visa, so fingers crossed 🙂

      Thanks for your comment, Tiesé!

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
17 hours ago
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1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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2/9
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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4/9
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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5/9
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
6 days ago
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6/9
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • Safari and the Beach – Part 1: Diani Beach

  • 7 Best Day Trips to Take from Nairobi!

  • Naivasha Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know!

  • My 2025 Wish List: 10 Places I Hope to Visit

  • An Afternoon at the Picturesque Kiambethu Tea Farm

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