Gazing at the Dubai skyline from the tallest building on Earth, cruising on the largest ship on the seas, visiting a yet-unexplored part of the US. Bucket list trips are often those that inspire us with their promise of the seemingly intangible. Whether we are lured to the forbidden destinations or determined to trace our ancestry, a trip of a lifetime gives us something to look forward to.

And we have just that planned in our 2013 travel calendar. Cuba, the forbidden destination, has been opened to us. We have confirmed space to travel Dec 1, 2013 for a seven-day stay in this controversial country which is so close (90 miles) but has been so far away. Reservations must be made early, as there are visas to be obtained and only limited space.  I will definitely be traveling with this group, as this is one of my main bucket list items.

Prefer to add to your U.S bucket list? Then how about Mt. Rushmore, the lure of the Black Hills and the Badlands of South Dakota? This is scheduled for June 18,

Is Alaska on your wish list? We have two opportunities to travel with groups this summer – Celebrity Cruises on Aug. 2 or Norwegian Cruises on Sept. 7. Take your choice based on your date, your choice of cruise line and/or the cost. These all vary determined by your choices.

Closer to home, we will once again take a two-night excursion to Leavenworth to take in thre of their plays; perhaps attend a performance by the Pacific Northwest Ballet; have our annual trek to LaConnor for the tulips; and take a lake cruise in the North Cascades;.

We’ll also visit the Museum of Radio; learn about law enforcement at the largest police museum in the western U.S.; experience rare treasures of 20th century military aviation; and visit four world-class gardens in one overnight visit to Portland.

For reservations and further information, call Linda Finch at 253 927 8207 or ask to be put on the e-mail list at linda.finch@gmail.com.