The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

Places I’m Probably Never Visiting (And I’m Okay With That)

There are people in this world who dream of traveling everywhere—collecting passport stamps like they’re Pokémon cards, chasing adventure across every continent.

And then there’s me… carefully curating my “absolutely not” list.

At the very top of that list right now?

Iran and Russia.

Now listen—I’m sure there is history, culture, and beauty in both places. I’m not denying that. But at this current moment in time? You won’t find me packing a suitcase and booking a flight.

I mean, I like my vacations with a little less “Will this be relaxing?” and a lot more “Where’s the nearest iced coffee?”

The idea of being somewhere filled with constant uncertainty—where you don’t know what’s happening next or where danger could come from—is just not my version of a getaway. I’m the kind of person who checks the weather app three times before going on a run… I am not built for “live updates from a conflict zone.”

Truthfully, my heart goes out to the innocent people who live in places where fear is part of daily life. It’s hard to imagine what that feels like, and it does make you pause and reflect on just how much we take for granted. Freedom, safety, the ability to plan tomorrow without fear—those things matter more than we sometimes realize.

Which brings me to this: we really are fortunate in so many ways. And while no place is perfect, it’s worth appreciating the everyday peace we do have instead of constantly focusing on what we don’t.

But let’s pivot—because this blog is not here to spiral into doom and gloom.

If I’m being honest about my dream destination, it looks nothing like a headline on the evening news.

It looks like an island.

Somewhere with soft sand, warm sunshine, and water so blue it almost doesn’t look real. The only explosions I want to experience are waves crashing on the shore… and maybe the occasional dramatic sunscreen spill in my beach bag.

I want a place where the biggest decision of the day is:

“Do I take a nap now or after I eat?”

And ideally, I’m not there alone. I’d be soaking it all in with the people I love most—and yes, hopefully my “forever person” too… whenever he decides to show up. No pressure, sir. Just know there’s a beach chair waiting for you.

So no, I don’t need to see every corner of the world to feel fulfilled. I’m perfectly content skipping a few places that don’t exactly scream “peaceful retreat” and choosing instead the ones that feel like a deep breath.

Because at the end of the day, travel—like life—should bring you joy, not anxiety.

And if my biggest worry is whether I packed enough snacks for the beach…

I think I’m doing just fine. 🌴