A two-week trip never has to be just 14 days long. For us, a trip starts early – most often coinciding with us running out of photo uploads from the last one. We also owe this to the fact that we require an advance application for a visa to enter more than 150 countries in the world! However, the latter seldom proves to be an impediment to the wanderlust that consumes us.

We maintain a bookmarked list of wonderful places in the world that we “must see before we die”/”must see before we’re too old to enjoy them”

Dipping into this list and deciding on a place or route is confounding but deeply gratifying all at once. Much like the feeling I get at an ice cream parlour especially the gelaterias in Italy. Do we get the velvety Hazel Nocciola, the trusty Cioccolato, the toasty Dulce de Leche or a tangy Limone? Do we get it in a cone or a cup? Do we get two scoops of the same or mix them up? Do we want toppings? Decisions, sigh!

A destination, or two, or three… are shortlisted more often based on logistics – the cheaper, faster flights, the probability of getting a visa, the cost of touristing etc. Some may find this to be their least favorite part of planning a vacation. For me, however, I find comfort in my excel sheets, my google folders of inspiration pulled from instagram posts, cntraveler articles and the like.

For the next few weeks, skyscanner, booking.com, and, rometorio become our most viewed website pages. Long nights spent exchanging notes and showing each other photos of hotels, places to visit, trying to make a case to include one more off-the-beaten track location into the itinerary. A reverie that lasts us a month or two and keeps us content.

Have you found an empty spot on your gallery wall? Want to create your own?