36 trips we’re going to book as soon as we’re able

‘I ache to get back to Rome and smell the umbrella pines, hear the fountains and stand under that sky.’ Oliver Strand, Time Out New York

‘I want to go back to Japan. No, that's wrong. I need to go back to Japan. To say this as someone who only recently came back from Japan might seem extravagant or unimaginative. After all, how often does a person need to go to Japan? The answer is: as often is possible. Tokyo is home to my favourite hotel in the world, Claska. An anachronistic ‘design hotel’ in the unfashionable but fascinating Nakameguro district, the charming Claska is a short walk from both Japan’s best Parasite Museum and a famous steak restaurant in which professional wrestlers eat and booze. It's also on the same street as not one but two of those posh cafés/launderettes which were all the fashion in Tokyo for about ten minutes. The sheer number of unique local businesses crammed into every Japanese city means that each day spent there is full of pleasant surprises. And after two months of lockdown, I could really use a few of those.’ Joseph Mackertich, Time Out London 

‘Full confession: I’m not an outdoorsy person. But this staying-home period has got me craving for some scenic landscapes (basically anything besides staring at the four walls). I really want to visit Kyoto and go on this tea plantation tour that’s located in Wazuka. The guide (he left his corporate job to pursue his passion as an agronomist!) will lead you through the idyllic fields, flanked by terraced plantations of tea and rice. The tour also includes a tea-picking session, where the harvest tea leaves will be made into fresh tempura.’ Fabian Loo, Time Out Singapore

‘I used to travel to Sydney a lot for work in the Beforetime, and I am really looking forward to hopping on a plane to see my Sydney workmates and friends – it’s always a non-stop party in the Harbour City, partly because it is so beautiful. But I also had a trip to Japan slated for the end of the year, so when the borders reopen I want to make good on that. Fingers crossed all the Japanese whisky isn’t sold out in the meantime.’ Cass Knowlton, Time Out Melbourne

‘A plan to journey through the streets of Tokyo was completely scrapped because of our current circumstances. I can't wait for the day I can book the next flight over and do every damn tourististic thing that the city has in store, most of all indulging in its superb food and drink from high-class institutions and street vendors alike.’ Jean-Pierre Karwacki, Time Out Montreal

‘I cannot wait to get out of the city and travel. My dream destination is Japan, but to be honest, I'll be happy just to hop on a plane and go anywhere.’ Jenny Leung, Time Out Hong Kong 

‘I already missed the cherry blossoms in Japan, so my next trip could be anywhere in The Land of the Rising Sun, maybe I’ll take a Japan Rail tour in Kyushu area from Kagoshima to Fukuoka, or drive around in Hokkaido to enjoy the beautiful lavender season.’ Ann Chiu, Time Out Hong Kong 

‘I was meant to go on a big trip to Mexico City last month, so I can't wait to actually visit once this is all over. Yes, it's cliché and touristy but I really want to go to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, taking those colorful boats with music and cervezas.’ Emma Orlow, Time Out New York 

‘I cannot wait to go to Sotogrande. It’s just north of Gibraltar, in the gloriously sunny south of Spain, and I’m lucky enough to have a pal who has a boat there (yep, I hit the friend-lottery big time). As soon as this is over, five of us are planning to head out there and spend a week on deck, taking day trips to the marinas and beaches along the Spanish coast, not to mention eating unhealthy amounts of paella. Providing none of us goes overboard after too many beers, it should be just what the doctor ordered.’ George Blew, Time Out London

‘I had a clubbing holiday lined up in Amsterdam for March that's been pushed back until October. Hope it happens. I desperately need to dance the past few months out our system.’ Kate Lloyd, Time Out London

‘We had a trip to Amsterdam planned for Easter weekend. Instead, we had Heinekens and looked at pictures of canals online. It was not the same. So, Amsterdam is definitely our next destination. I’m especially looking forward to wandering in the Vondelpark, checking out the Chantal Akerman exhibition at the Eye Film Museum and having a nine-hour lunch at the Food Hallen.’ Phil de Semlyen, Time Out London

‘When it comes to Paris, I’m very much on the Right. Sure, the Left Bank wins on literary history and art-house cinema, but in Belleville, Pigalle, Batignolles, the streets feel less like a museum and more like home. It was my home, for a short while, and this is what I miss most: €3 subsidised film tickets, drinking en terrasse year-round. Most of all – as a flâneur who likes a view – I miss my Three Peaks Challenge (the higher reaches of the Parcs de Belleville and des Buttes-Chaumont, then to Sacré-Coeur). I’m used to popping over a couple of times a year to see friends, or for work. Come the end of lockdown, I’ll be first on the Eurostar.’ Huw Oliver, Time Out International

‘My wife and I were originally eyeing a trip to France this year, and I think it’ll still stay atop my list. We’ll explore every museum in Paris that we possibly can until our feet won’t carry us anymore, and decompress with a journey through the countryside. But it’s a small spot just over the border, one that we couldn’t make work on a previous trip to Switzerland, that’s atop my oddly specific bucket list of adorable animal destinations: Barryland, a St. Bernard museum full of chubby floofs-in-training at the foot of the Swiss Alps.’ Michael Juliano, Time Out Los Angeles 

‘If I had to pick just one, I'd say Paris. I was half-planning a trip there before this whole thing started and I'd love nothing more than to stroll the crowded streets, wander through museums and just park myself on some lawn and sit there for hours.’ Virginia Gil, Time Out Miami 

‘I was supposed to go to the SXSW Film Festival to see a movie my friend worked on, but that obviously didn’t happen. I haven’t been to Austin since 2009, and a trip filled with BBQ, record stores, amazing live music, cool bars and seeing pals is way overdue.’ Tim Lowery, Time Out Los Angeles

‘I was forced to cancel my trip to Lake Toba in Indonesia – the largest crater lake in the world. At the heart of the immense volcanic lake is Pulau Samosir, an island almost the size of Singapore. You may recognise it by photos of its sweeping vistas and rolling hills that go on for miles. It's been on my bucket list for years, so once the situation calms down, I'll definitely make plans to go there again. One thing I'm looking forward to doing there is to spend a few days at a local homestay and immerse myself in the Batak (an indigenous tribe from the North Sumatra region) people's way of life.’ Dewi Nurjuwita, Time Out Singapore

‘Me and my boyfriend were supposed to go to Sicily for our honeymoon in July. We’d planned to spend the week eating pasta and drinking delicious Italian wine. To be honest, we’ve been doing a lot of wine-drinking and pasta-eating (and yes, making our own from scratch, obviously) during lockdown but clearly, it’s not the same. I’m looking forward to making the trip when we can – and I’ll be necking Negronis to celebrate our freedom.’ Isabelle Aron, Time Out London

‘I'll go to Sicily to bathe in the turquoise water of Favignana. And enjoy the local gastronomy (pasta alla norma, polpettes, arancini…)’ Houssine Bouchama, Time Out Paris 

‘I can't wait to visit Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar in New Orleans once this ban lifts. It's the oldest bar in New Orleans, and the piano room in the back is one of my favorite places on earth.’ Delia Barth, Time Out New York  

‘I will take the opportunity to visit my parents in Tavira, Algarve. I miss ordering roast chicken from El Tango Argentino, my favourite barbecue from all over the world. And let's be honest, the south of Portugal is just wonderful. There's no better place to sunbathe, rollerblade, and have fun. That's all I need right now.’ Raquel Silva, Time Out Lisbon 

‘I’m really looking forward to going back to Greece, staying at one of my favorite hotels Semeli in Mykonos and exploring more of the islands.’ Will Gleason, Time Out New York

‘Although my heart belongs to Madrid, part of it also lives in Gijón. When everything goes back to normal and we can travel again, it's the first place I'll go, to once again stroll along the beach, dip my toes in the cold water of the Cantabrian sea, sip cider in the cobblestoned streets and enjoy the stellar restaurants. Sardines, 'fabada' bean stew, and 'arroz con leche' rice pudding, what more could you ask for?’ Marta Bac, Time Out Madrid

‘Not saying I’d step on a plane the minute we’re allowed to, but I do want to go on a break as soon as possible, even if it’s somewhere close. Heck, at this point I’d be overjoyed by just taking the couple of hours’ bus ride across the border to JB. I’d hit up the Jan Tan Hiok Nee stretch for nasi padang for breakfast, followed by banana cake from the legendary Hiap Joo Bakery for dessert. Then I’d hide away from the sun at the various cafés to get a massage before having zi char by the street for dinner. It’s not the most creative or exciting getaway, but this experience has been a reminder to not take anything for granted.’ Nicole-Marie Ng, Time Out Singapore

‘Sign me up for any reason to squeeze into my Timberland hiking boots and North Face jacket. Ever since I conquered Mount Snowdon early this year, I've been hit by the climbing/scrambling bug. One may not think of Reykjavik when it comes to hiking, but jetting off to the Iceland capital has always been a dream of mine. And taking on Mount Esja is now in my bucket list, along with witnessing the Aurora Borealis IRL (sorry but the live streams don't quite cut it). I’d also love to rent a campervan and set up camp to experience the full shebang with nature, including stopping by a drive-thru for sheep's head (svið, a traditional Icelandic dish). Lava fields, mountains, glaciers, and the Northern Lights – this Nordic island has everything to make my nature-loving butt shake with delirium.’ Cam Khalid, Time Out Singapore

‘The lockdown has canceled my getaways to Cadiz and Florence. I hope to reschedule these trips as soon as possible: maybe in the fall? But before the crisis, I planned a different main holiday for 2020. I usually travel to far and exotic places such as Kenya or India, but this year I decided to visit Provence, France in August. I was planning to go by car, so my fingers are crossed that I might still make it!’ María José Gómez, Time Out Barcelona

‘I'm going to go to Newcastle, get on the Metro, rattle out to Tynemouth, walk up to the Priory and look at the great grey North Sea for ages.’ Chris Waywell, Time Out London 

‘Any place with sea and waves: Essaouira, in Morocco, where we went for Christmas, or Sri Lanka, where we were planning to go in August.’ Borja Duñó, Time Out Barcelona 

‘I'm dreaming of Seoul for delicious Korean food and also its various clothing stores by local designers. I'd love to pop by Bymina, which has minimalistic clothing that suits my overall aesthetic. A perfume store I've been meaning to visit is Soohyang, which has an adorable Disney princess collection. I am also looking forward to strolling around Garosugil for some café-hopping and people-watching while I sip on iced tea.’ Kashmira Kasmuri, Time Out Singapore

‘I’d hoped to do a trip over the Ditch to New Zealand over Easter, but seeing as those plans were kiboshed, I’m eagerly awaiting the day Jacinda Ardern lets us Aussies back in. I visited the South Island a couple of years ago and this time the plan was to visit the North Island, specifically the national parks. I’m an avid hiker, so I’m hoping to see those achingly beautiful mountains up close, smell those geysers in Rotorua, and yeah, dip into a plethora of hot springs. What a treat.’ Rebecca Russo, Time Out Melbourne

‘I am looking forward to finally visiting the Azores. Portugal’s islands always seemed so close, so it was something that kept being postponed. Not any more.’ Steffany Casanova, Time Out Lisbon 

‘All this time spent indoors has me dreaming of a sunny getaway surrounded by water. I'd love to be in Hawaii – Oahu or Maui – sharing meals with friends and exploring the lush island.’ Bao Ong, Time Out New York 

‘I was mulling over secret plans to triple-dip the Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival, which run pretty much consecutively from late August to early September: the best time to visit the northern hemisphere. With movie marathons pretty much my happy place, I’d have caught besties and lovers along the way. But first of all, I would have snuck home to Glasgow to see mum. I really hope I can do that soon.’ Stephen A Russell, Time Out Sydney

‘It’s not a long jaunt from Sydney, but I can’t wait to book a mini-break in Palm Beach. Spending the weekend at Jonah’s overlooking Dolphin Bay and taking a long walk along the insular peninsula, with maybe a day spent by beautiful Pittwater, is my idea of heaven. Further afield, I am booking a trip to Melbourne, my second home, as soon as poss. Firstly, to see my wonderful work wives in the Time Out Melbourne office, and secondly, to eat and drink myself into a coma at my favourite bars and restaurants. Sydney, I love you, but Melb gives you a run for your money when it comes to world-class chow.’ Maxim Boon, Time Out Sydney

‘I can't even imagine how many people will be booking flights to Bali once travel restrictions are lifted, but I think I will stick close to home and hop on a plane to Yogyakarta. Sometimes I get really emotional thinking about Indonesia, because my family is still there. But mostly I miss being around people, and every time I go to Indonesia, I feel so fuzzy from how nice everyone is (especially after I switch to speaking Bahasa). Once I get there, I’ll eat nasi goreng every day (I will go all out here to say Indonesian nasi goreng is the best fried rice there is), shop for batik directly from the makers, have multiple breakfasts daily, eat alfresco, ride on motorbikes because it’s the best feeling, go hiking and maybe climb a mountain.’ Delfina Utomo, Time Out Singapore

‘I’ll be heading south. The beaches of Cabo de Gata will be beckoning. But first I’ll make a stop in Cáceres to spend a weekend in the Ibores region, where I can visit family and celebrate with some of the local specialities: plenty of goat’s cheese, morcilla patatera sausage, and wood-roasted kid goat. If I can sit outside with a view of the mountains, even better.’ Noelia Santos, Time Out Madrid

‘To the mountains. To nature. To walk for hours. We’ve all spent weeks on our own, with very little human contact. I’ll likely keep that condition going, but in the open, in dense woodland, surrounded by mountaintops to gaze upon. Any national park will do, from Torres del Paine in Chile to the Italian Dolomites, or Spain’s own Aigëstortes or Picos de Europa. Nearly all are places where you can combine days of walking with good meals.’ Gorka Elorrieta, Time Out Madrid

‘After all this time stuck in a 2km radius of my flat, I’m thinking big and would love to go on a road trip from Melbourne back to my stomping ground of Wollongong, via the coastal route. Traveling this route is far longer than on the major highway but it also means I can stop off in heaps of the towns that were devastated by the summer bushfires. It’s also far prettier than the highway.’ Nicola Dowse, Time Out Melbourne

‘I crave standing on the cliffs of Portugal and looking across the sapphire blue ocean. That’ll be my first trip.’ Shaye Weaver, Time Out New York

‘They say that you should never go back to a place where you were once happy. I disagree – especially when those places are far too big to explore in a week, and where you can always find new places to go. For me, that’s Los Angeles. Once I’m there, I want to visit The Broad Museum of contemporary art, which opened six months after my last visit, and the Academy Museum whose opening is scheduled for this year. Two or three nights in Santa Monica are on my itinerary.’ Renata Lima Lobo, Time Out Lisbon

‘I was supposed to be going to Salina off the north coast of Sicily for my honeymoon this year, and still very much plan on doing that as soon as it’s allowed. Holidays in the UK might be possible before that, though, so I’m planning to head to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly when I can. I’ve never been before but the little, almost sub-tropical islands off Cornwall’s coast sound like the perfect place to slowly reacquaint myself with the outside world.’ Ellie Walker-Arnott, Time Out International

‘I’m hoping to make it up to the Northern Territory this year. Once I saw the otherworldly beauty of Kakadu National Park for the first time a couple of years ago, I promised myself I’d go back. Now that our horizons have constricted, it seems like the perfect time to make good on that – and to check out Alice Springs’s vibrant cultural scene while I’m at it.’ Divya Venkataraman, Time Out Sydney

‘As much as I love Hong Kong, I am looking forward to being able to leave again when the situation improves. I want to revisit Vietnam, particularly Hanoi to enjoy some Vietnamese coffee, and Melbourne, as it's been on my bucket list for ages!’ Sam Evans, Time Out Hong Kong 

‘I'll go all the way up to the Serra da Estrela mountains just to enjoy the nature for a while. The summer is coming so I’ll also want to go to the beach, maybe in the Algarve because we need to support local tourism too.’ Francisca Dias Real, Time Out Lisbon

‘As soon as it's safe to travel, I will book a vacation outside of Hong Kong to visit my family and spend time with my partner as I have not seen them since the year began. I can't wait to soak up the sun on Philippine beaches. I hope I can still catch the autumn in Japan, discover new flavours in Peru, visit the vineyards in Bordeaux, France, and sip on Barolo wines in Piedmont, Italy.’ Tatum Ancheta, Time Out Hong Kong 

‘I'd love to jump in a car and take a road trip across the US. Being on lockdown hasn't made me pine for the far-flung places I haven't yet visited – it's made me think about all of the closer-to-home destinations I've missed because I always thought they'd be accessible.’ Alex Plim, Time Out New York