The subject of this morning's Today's Travel segment was 'places that are not on your must list but should be.' (WATCH VIDEO) Most of us tend to make a list (mental or otherwise) of destinations that we'd like to visit at some point in our lifetime. But here are Today Travel Editor Peter Greenberg's thoughts on why it might be time to rewrite that list:
I always laugh when I tell people where I've been, because of their almost inevitable response. Almost always, it's: "Really? That's not on my list."
Not on my list? Not on your list? Who publishes this list? Do unevolved travelers actually get together early each morning and synchronize their lists?
And what's on the lists? The usual suspects: France, Italy, Spain. Why? I'm convinced the listmakers are all failed art history majors who figured they had studied the artwork in college, so they might as well go see it, at least once.
Based on the most recent accounting, there are 314 countries and distinct destinations around the world. I've been lucky enough to have visited 146 of them-or about 145 more than most Americans. (Remember, only about 24 percent of U.S. citizens have passports!)
So what's on my list? Every destination that I've never visited!
Of course, it goes without saying that some places are easier to get to than others. But when I can finesse the logistics, I always figure out a way to go. And so should you.
So here are three of those countries/destinations that are probably NOT ON YOUR LIST. But should be. They certainly qualify on my own new list: the next great places.
What's on your list?