GOALS: Visiting Every NHL Arena

Almost everyone I know has some sort of bucket list. Whether it's a mental list or you've actually taken the time to write it all out, you probably have one too. I've imagined a lot of things in life I want to do, and like most, they involve a lot of travel!

I've never been out of the country, so of course, I have all these grandiose ideas of visiting places like Spain, Greece, and Paris...but after talking with a friend the other day, I realized that there is one BIG thing I need to put on my bucket list; visiting every NHL arena! I mean duh, why wouldn't I want to do that? I guess the reason that never really crossed my mind, is because I was too busy worrying about all those fancy trips out of the country. Plus, many of the NHL stadiums are in states that I've never been to anyway. Combine my love of hockey with my love of traveling...I'm IN!

Home Sweet Chicago

Chicago isn't my home yet ;), but I have been blessed to be able to attend a home game at the United Center...(the Hawks won by the way). So I can go ahead and cross that one off the list. I'm a little bit biased, but I think it will be really hard to top the amazing atmosphere of the UC. Best fans in the league.

Big Plans

After the idea came up over dinner, my friend, Makayla, and I decided it would be awesome to take one big trip and knock out most (if not all) of the venues on the east coast! There are several reasons we decided to knock out the east coast teams first:

1. Knock a lot out at once: There are clearly more teams in the east versus the west. It just makes sense to start our journey there.

2. Makayla's husband is from Canada: We probably won't make it to see his hometown, but he can give us a nice tour of whatever part of Canada we do see!

3. I've never been to Canada: Canada sounds beautiful...and really freaking cold, but I've always wanted to visit! I am ready to channel my inner Canadian by chugging maple syrup by the gallon and eating poutine daily! I've never ever been out of the country...so I'm gonna need to get a passport before this extravagant trip.

4. Makayla and Frenchie are Bruins Fans: It sucks knowing some of my best friends are Bruins fans, but I've learned to overcome the struggle. Hopefully, the Hawks are the away team when we stop by ;)

5. The east coast has SO much to offer: I absolutely LOVE learning about history, so the idea of visiting the east coast really really excites me. There are more museums, monuments, and tours than I can even imagine or have time to see. Also, Hamilton is my favorite musical...so I'm pretty excited about seeing "the room where it happened" ;)

That's only a slight FEW of the reasons we want to take this trip! Sounds pretty cool so far right?

Mapping it all Out

I love the idea of any adventure, but I am a planner at heart. I know that this trip is going to massive amounts of planning. We have to look at every single team's schedule, pick a time frame, look at hotels and travel times, and of course...the incredible amount of money that it will take to accomplish this trip...I'm a little nervous to take a look at the final number.

Tips, Tricks, and Bucket Lists?

So before I get comments about how far fetched this idea is or how expensive this trip will be....I know! Like I said, I'm a planner. I'm allowed to dream though right?! We certainly aren't jumping the gun and taking this trip next month or anything! I do want to take this trip, even if it is a shorter version of this trip, but I'm not exactly sure of the time frame. Stay tuned

If you have any travel tips and tricks, I would love to hear them! I haven't done any long road trip like this, with multiple destinations and could use any advice I can get! Also, what is your ultimate bucket list item? Taking a trip? Writing a book? Becoming a superstar? ;) I'd love to know!