In case y'all haven't noticed I've kind of had some serious wanderlust lately. Like at this point there are so many beautiful places I'd be down to go anywhere that isn't where I've been living my whole life lol. At any rate here are 5 more breathtaking places.

1. Maldives

Honestly this one is actually probably in my top 5, I actually didn't discover it until after typing my first article. The Maldives are tied for first on my 'to visit list'.

For one thing the Maldives is home to a bioluminescent beach (a beach that has glowing water) and I have always wanted to visit one of those. They are so otherworldly and surreal. Beaches like Reethi seem like they don't even belong on Earth.



For seconds, I'm not much for romance. But when I see images like the one below, I'm ready to plan a freaking honeymoon. Honestly I'd take a friend and have a romantic candlelit dinner here. And, Christ, there are so many lovely pictures when you search up 'Maldives candle lit dinner.' Like everyone pause and do it.



On top of the awe-striking tropical views, the Maldives offers neat things like movies...in a jungle??? Like sign me up, I want to see a movie in a jungle. Y'all think I'm kidding;



The Maldives has some of the best beaches in my opinion, from Gili Lankanfushi and Reethi to Halaveli and Kuramathi each one it unique in its own way and has absolutely stunning scenery.

Scenery aside I am also hugely intrigued by the traditions. Things such as Bodu Beru (directly translating to 'big drum') music. According to the research I've done on it; Bodu Beru is huge about 7 men will set up drums and begin playing. This is accompanied by male and female dancers. The lyrical themes include tales from fishermen, love life, and moments in life. Often the music will start slow and pick up pace. Dancing from visitors is encouraged. The Maldives is a Muslim country so naturally they celebrate Muslim traditions like the End of Ramadan (in essence a time of fasting). I don't know all too much about Ramadan--but I'm definitely going to look into it. From the research I did do, the Maldives will celebrate the end of Ramadan with a dance called Bandiyaa--a dance executed by young women only--and feasts. I've looked up a few of these dances and I must say they a very beautiful. The Maldives also has a festival called the Hay Festival where there are concerts and music, literature, and art is celebrated.

A lot of the food their apparently has to do with fish, I'm not big on sea food. But honestly, I'm down for trying new things.




2. Iceland

Before I did my top 10 beaches article, I actually never really thought about going to Iceland. It was only after that, that I realized just how striking the country is. Typically I'm more partial to warm tropical climates, but every time I see the northern lights I just get captured by wanderlust.

Blue Lagoon was the first thing to capture my attention. Just something about that steamy hot pool of water surrounded by such frigid snow. And naturally the general view it offers.



Vatnajökull is another place I'd love to visit within Iceland. It is the largest glacier in Iceland, with caves to explore. Seljalandsfoss is another place to visit if you're planning on gong to Iceland. It's a huge waterfall that you can walk behind. Even more stunning in my opinion is, Jökulsárlón--also called glacial lagoon, where sand and ice meet. And if you want frong row seats to the northern lights, try Kirkjufell. Overall Iceland just has such gorgeous scenery and I'd love to see it in person one day.

Among other places I'd love to visit are the cities like Reykjavík (this is where the Blue Lagoon is located) and the small fishing town of Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður is home to the Skaftafell ice caves.



There's also the scenic Hveragerði with its hot springs, the pretty Sauðárkrókur, another fishing town called Grindavík, and the amazing Olafsfjordur.



Iceland is also home to a variety of fascinating traditions. Ever hear of Jónsmessa? It's a midsummer holiday. Basically there's lore that on midsummer's night, cows get human speech, seals become human, and night elves will try to seduce you with food. And if you roll around naked in the dew, you will be healed of ailments. This is a tradition I can get behind. If you'd like something less whimsical perhaps Sjómannadagur, the sea festival will do. This is a festival where they pay homage to seafarers with games and the like. Öskudagur is a holiday like Halloween where kids will dress up and sing for candy. I think that's freakin' precious. Frankly I'd love to spend New Years in Iceland, apparently they have bonfires there, the U.S doesn't have that! Of all of the places I've researched thus far, Iceland has got to have my favorite holidays.

They also have some interesting foods. Lamb is very common with meals. I myself am intrigued by ein með öllu, an Icelandic hot dog. Much cooler than regular hot dogs. And since you cheese lovin' heathens need ur gosh damn cheese so much here on fanpop dot com, they have this thing called skyr, which is like yougart, except cheese.

And also Bjork. Bjork is from Iceland.



3. Norway

Norway is probably one of the most alluring places on this list. Nighttime there looks like something out of a dream. Lofoten for one is absolutely mesmerizing. It's a mural of mountains and trees and a crystalline body of water. Just in case y'all haven't noticed the theme this article, I have a thing for the Northern lights--like pretty much all of the places on here have them. And the view of them that Lofoten offers is simply captivating.



Though Lofoten isn't the only glamorous place that Norway has to offer. Geirangerfjord is startlingly beautiful with its waterfalls and mountains. It's just so green and the water looks so pure. Flam also seems super lovely. It has this really neat railway so if you like trains go to Flam. One of my dream houses is a home nestled near mountains covered in greenery. The image below is exactly what I have in mind.




As much as I love talking about the country there are also some great cities in Norway. The city I'd really love to visit in Norway is Bryggen. It's this quaint harbor town with a bunch of heritage sites. And the nighttime view of the city is amazing; it's like a cluster of houses all light up and scattered on a mini-mountain. The city of Tromso is said to be optimal if you want to view the northern lights as well. On its own, it's a beautiful city. Alta is another neat place with prehistoric rock carvings.

Another thing that has me wanting to go to Norway is that I"m super keen on the mythology. I've always loved reading about Odin and Loki and especially, Ragnarök.

One Norse celebration I'd like to attend is a retaliatively modern one called Bergenfest, it's basically a big concert. I'm always down for music. The Frozen Waterfall is another great one. You have people playing instruments made of ice. Shit, if you love music, Norway is for you. And if you're a metalhead like myself Hole In The Sky is the way to go. And naturally Tomso has a northern lights festival that's to die for.




4. Finland

I've mentioned my love of the Netherlands' windmills, but you know who else has windmills? Finland.


Jokes aside Finland is another charming place. It's brimming with enchanting scenery. Pyha Luosto is sparklingly stunning in the winter. And if you're looking for an icy lake Uto Island is the place for you.



Oulanka National Park is known for its racing waterfalls and rapids. While Riisitunturi National Park is known for the amazingly odd way that the snow blankets the trees.

Some other noteworthy cities and places are Hotel Kakslauttanen a resort with a building dubbed as Santa's home.



In general Finland has a fondness for Santa lol. The city of Rovaniemi boasts itself as the hometown of Santa Clause which I think is actually pretty cute. Basically Rovaniemi would be my dream Christmas destination. The view of the northern lights certainly adds to the spectacle. Turku is another pretty place; it has cobblestone streets and an esteemed castle. Ivalo is also really fascinating with it's glass igloo hotels. That's just one more thing I'd like to do one day; stay in an igloo hotel. Ivalo is another great place to view the northern lights. And of course there's the snowy Saariselka.

As of traditions and festivals; Juhannus is something I'd like to part take in. It is another midsummer holiday. This one includes a trip to a sauna and bonfires by the lake. And when I say bonfires, I mean bonfires, like in the pictures I saw, they were huge. Vappu is another one, a springtime celebration this one is more about drink and food and crowds of people.

Speaking of food, Vispipuuro looks rather appetizing, I'd like to try it one day. It's made with lingonberries, which I have also never tried before but would like to. Mustikkapiirakka also seems tasty, it's a Finnish style blueberry pie. I also can't talk about wanting to be there for Christmas without bringing Piparkakku into this. Piparkakku is basically gingerbread. I love me some gingerbread.




5. Romania

And finally, we have Romania.I must say I got into the idea of visiting Romania because I love singers like Inna and Alexandra Stan and stories like Dracula lol.

One thing that really appeals to me about Romania is the abundance of pretty castles and castle-like structures. Biertan Fortified Church is a great example. There's also this 14th century clock tower. Rasnov Fortress is a pretty sight. And of course Bran (Dracula's) Castle is a famous Romanian place.

Castles aside there are lovely sights to be seen in the Scarisorara Ice Cave.



Mountains are another thing that Romania has pleanty of. Peronally, I'd love to see The Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Bucegi Mountains in person. If those ranges don't strike your fancy you could always try the Făgăraș Mountains. But of all of the fantastic geographic structures Romania has to offer, the one that impresses me the most is the Bigar Waterfalls.



They remind me of watery willow trees or that spiritual tree from Avatar The Last Airbender. Simply mystical. Even still, there's more to offer. Have you heard of a mud volcano? The Berca Mud Volcano isn't exactly a pretty sight, but it's an interesting one. And Vama Veche is on my top 10 beaches list.

To go with Romanian nature and wildlife you get bustling cities like Craiova, with its medieval feeling architecture. And Alba Iulia, with its gothic appeal. But Maramures has to be my favorite, if you could even call it a city.



Those piles of hay and the green hills are like something out of a children's folk-tale. I adore it.
Sighișoara is a close second though, with it's clusters of colorful houses.



And naturally you gotta go to Bran if you go to Romania. A trip to the country isn't complete without stopping by Vlad's place. Hunedoara is lesser known bu also worth checking out; I would give it a visit anyways.

Romania also sports some cool tradions like Festivalul Datinilor de Larn that features caroling and folk dancing and sometimes men on horseback. Hora la Prislop is another cool one that involves traditional clothing as well as folk music and dance. Personally, I'm always down for folk music and I have always longed to get a taste of Romanian traditional wear. The Romanian people also have these colorfully painted eggs, if you get a chance you should search them up, they are really quite beautiful and intricate.

As of Romanian foods, the Sarmale (cabbage rolls) look pretty appetizing and I'd enjoy a taste of them. Pomana Porcului (a pork dish) also looks pretty tasty. The Clătitele Cu Gem also look very appetizing.




Of course I couldn't just limit myself to just a few countries so I gotta give honorable mentions to; Switzerland, Poland, and Russia. All and all I'd love to just travel the world and see everything it has to offer.