Daily writing prompt

What countries do you want to visit?

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Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood and with a heart full of wanderlust.

Today’s writing prompt really got me thinking: “What countries do you want to visit?” This question carries with it not just a wish but a window into the soul’s desire to explore, connect, and grow.

I’ve had the joy of visiting Singapore and Malaysia—two destinations that offered a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, vibrant street life, cultural richness, and delightful cuisines.

I still remember strolling down the Marina Bay in Singapore, awestruck by the glowing skyline, and savoring spicy Laksa in the night markets of Kuala Lumpur.

Travel, to me, is not just sightseeing—it’s a way of breathing in new life, one journey at a time.

Now, with a heart full of stories and a passport hungry for more stamps, here are the countries that sit on top of my “must-visit” list:

Japan – The Harmony of Tradition and Technology

Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun has always intrigued me. It’s a place where peaceful Zen gardens exist with modern bullet trains. Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and temples hold ancient stories.

I dream of walking in Arashiyama’s bamboo forests, relaxing in a natural onsen, and experiencing a tea ceremony in Kyoto.

Japan is a perfect mix of calm and precision, reflecting the balance we all want in life.

Italy – A Romance with Art, Food, and History

From the ruins of Rome to the canals of Venice, Italy feels like a living museum. As someone who has grown fond of painting and creative expression, I dream of standing before the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and the sculptures of Florence.

Italy also calls to the foodie in me—the aroma of fresh basil, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pastas are enough to transport the senses.

A slow gondola ride under a moonlit sky in Venice? Yes, that’s definitely on my bucket list.

New Zealand – Nature’s Playground

New Zealand looks like it was carved by imagination itself. Towering fjords, crystal-clear lakes, and misty mountains—all in one country.

I see it as a place to reconnect with nature and with oneself.

Whether it’s walking the trails of Milford Sound, sailing in the Bay of Islands, or simply staring at the stars from a quiet countryside, New Zealand offers an escape into the raw beauty of our planet.

France – A Dream for the Heart and the Palette

Ah, France! The mere mention brings to mind warm croissants, the scent of lavender fields, and the elegance of Parisian streets.

I dream of sitting at a sidewalk café, writing a poem while sipping espresso, watching life unfold.

I want to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and lose myself in the art of the Louvre. France is not just a place—it is a mood, a rhythm, a romantic whisper to the soul.

Egypt – Where Time Stands Still

There is something timeless and mysterious about Egypt.

I would love to stand before the Great Pyramids, gaze at the Sphinx, and float down the Nile just like ancient travelers once did.

History lives here—not just in monuments, but in the air. Egypt fascinates me not just as a tourist, but as a curious soul who seeks stories of civilizations long gone.

Why Travel?

Travel is more than movement—it’s transformation. When we explore new countries, we also explore parts of ourselves we never knew existed. We become storytellers, collectors of moments, and ambassadors of peace.

The more I travel, the more I realize that borders are not barriers, but bridges to understanding humanity.

As someone who began traveling more actively after retirement, I can say this with confidence: it’s never too late to dream.

In fact, travel adds color to the golden years. It refreshes the mind, keeps the spirit young, and fills the heart with wonder.

My final submission

While I may not have seen all the countries I dream of—yet—I carry their essence in my imagination.

Every travel documentary I watch, every book I read about faraway lands, and every conversation with a fellow wanderer fuels this beautiful fire within me.

So, dear friends, tell me: What countries do you want to visit? Let’s create our dream maps together and inspire each other to explore this beautiful planet—one adventure at a time.

Until then, may our journeys—near or far—be full of discovery, joy, and heartfelt moments.

With wanderlust and warm wishes,
—Vijay Verma
retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #adventure, #Life, #Travel, blog, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1973, featured, wanderlust