Why 27 before 27?

London, Spring 2007

I've gotten a few question regarding the title of this blog, "27 Before 27." The title of blog stems from my goal to visit 27 countries before my 27th birthday in July. Now, am I starting at 0 countries and plan to visit all 27 countries this spring while working with Semester at Sea? The answer is no. I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to study abroad twice during my time as an undergraduate at Central College. I spent one semester in London, England, and one semester in Hangzhou, China. In addition, I also completed a short-term study abroad program during my graduate studies at SIT.

Spending a whole academic year abroad in undergrad and traveling again during grad school has allowed me the opportunity to visit many places. So, wondering where I've been? Here's my list, in no particular order:

(1) Canada, (2) Mexico, (3) England, (4) Scotland, (5) Ireland, (6) France, (7) Spain, (8) Belgium, (9) the Netherlands, (10) Norway, (11) Italy, (12) Switzerland, (13) China, (14) New Zealand, (15) Australia, (16) Costa Rica, (17) Barbados, and last but not least (18) Trinidad and Tobago.

SIT Spring I Term in Barbados & Trinidad, Spring 2013

Here are the new countries I'll add by working for Semester at Sea this spring:

(19) Japan, (20) Vietnam, (21) Singapore, (22) Burma, (23) India, (24) Mauritius, (25) South Africa, (26) Ghana, and (27) Morocco.

China, Fall 2008

Now, I don't put these lists up to boast about my travel experiences. In fact, this might be the first time I've ever publicly stated how many countries I've visited in my short, nearly 27-year-lifetime. The reason I don't mention "my list" is because I've been told in the past that it makes me look like "a rich, white girl who traveled around Europe on Daddy's dollar." (This is an exact statement told to me by another international education professional and it has forever scarred me because it is far from the truth.)

The reason I put up this list is because travel is my passion. I caught the travel bug while studying abroad in London and never looked back. Some people ride motorcycles, some are foodies and others prefer the outdoors and hiking. I travel.

So if you enjoy traveling as much as I do, I hope "my list" motivates you. It only takes one small step and you're off on your next adventure. What's the next place on "your list" and when will you go?

Need some ideas? Check out travel lists like this one (I scored 32). What's your score?