What’s Your Top 2023 Bucket List Destination?
Photo credit, Karissa Yu
By Lauren Wong
Over the past year, my job has given me the opportunity to connect with people from all over, whether that be a small local business owner, or an international travel blogger. My favorite part about the job I have is I get this chance to talk to people I otherwise would’ve never crossed paths with.
Throughout the week I’ll be putting out three stories, all featuring different individuals I’ve met and/or got the chance to talk to. In each story I ask one simple question and let them take it wherever they’d like.
A new year means a new calendar to fill with travel plans. So, what is your top 2023 bucket list destination?
About: Local NBi author/illustrator of The Angel Room and Good Thing He’s Dead. Signed copies of her books are available at Brick Road Coffee in Tempe.
“My number one bucket list travel spot for 2023 would probably be Seattle. I’ve never been and I’d love to go.”
photo credit, Franklin Photography
About: Dylan Capshaw was only 15 years old when he started Stemistry in Scottsdale. With his two passions, flowers and coffee, he’s created this unique atmosphere where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while creating your very own bouquet.
“I love traveling to Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona. I would love to head back there during 2023 for a peaceful day in nature learning about our history as a state.”
Rev Marcia Garland:
About: Founder- Black Business Owners Coalition of Glendale
“Monte Carlo, Monaco.”
About: Based out of Los Angeles, 27 year old Stephanie Perez is a travel blogger and content creator who loves to share new places, adventures, and destinations with others.
“My top travel bucket list destination for 2023 is Italy. I have always wanted to go there for the beauty and food!”
About: Named the World’s #4 Most Influential Traveler by Forbes, Stoen’s Instagram @travelbabbo has over 340k followers. He’s been named as the World’s Best Family Traveler by Fodor’s and is an ambassador for Unbound Merino, G1G, and AFAR.
“At the top of my travel wish list is Uzbekistan and the Silk Road. I’ve wanted to visit for 30+ years and still haven’t made it happen.”
About: An author, actress, dancer, and director, Gabrielle Stone’s best-selling book Eat, Pray, #FML is an insight into who she is. Diving into her divorce after finding out her husband was having an affair, she set off on a trip that would change her and ultimately help her find herself. She now has a sequel, The Ridiculous Misadventures of a Single Girl, and hosts the official Eat, Pray, #FML Podcast.
“Portugal is high on my list, but I’m also dying to go back to Thailand for a longer period of time.”
About: Arizona-based author, Lauren Topor Reichert, along with illustrator Isabel Topor, published Sprinkle the Dog, a children’s book in March of 2022. Coinciding with National Disability Awareness Month, the book sends out a positive message about “resilience, inclusivity, and finding the ability within disability.”
“I am so looking forward to experiencing the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October! It’s been on my bucket list for a few years and I really want to cross it off in 2023!”
About: From Chicago, IL Karissa has followed her passion for traveling. After graduating from the University of Tampa in 2020 she moved to Hawaii, and now resides in Australia.
“My 2023 top bucket list spot is Fiji.”
About: Living by the motto “No One Ever Gets Left Behind,” this non-profit organization works to spread love and make the world a more caring and inspiring place.
“Bali, Thailand, Jamaica, and Japan.”
