Megan Sullivan had wanted to see the New Seven Wonders of the World for years. After a difficult period in 2014, she and Chris McNamara turned the idea into an unusually concentrated journey: seven famous places in 13 days.

The story became widely known in 2015. Its appeal is understandable—a long-held wish finally became a real trip—but the most useful inspiration is the act of choosing something meaningful, rather than the speed at which every stop was completed.

Megan Sullivan standing at Machu Picchu during her New Seven Wonders journey
Megan Sullivan standing at Machu Picchu during her New Seven Wonders journey. Gallery attribution: Megan Sullivan.

What happened, and when?

In a June 2015 interview with ABC News, Sullivan described a climbing fall, a road accident and a skin-cancer diagnosis in November 2014. The report states that the cancer was treated with minor surgery. The journey began in late December.

Her experience is a personal account. It does not mean that travel treats cancer or that somebody facing illness should respond with an ambitious itinerary. Different people need different things, including treatment, rest, support or simply time at home.

Which seven wonders were involved?

The trip followed the modern New Seven Wonders selection: Chichén Itzá, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, Petra, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. This is distinct from the ancient Seven Wonders list.

Each place represents far more than a photograph. Archaeology, architecture, religious meaning and the surrounding communities all deserve attention, and no single checklist can capture everything that makes them interesting.

A tight itinerary has a particular purpose

Sullivan’s journey was built around the challenge of fitting the places into the time available. That makes for a compelling story, but it also creates dependencies between flights, transfers and admission arrangements.

For your own trip, ask whether completing a list is really the experience you want. If your favourite part is exploring slowly, a smaller selection may deliver much more enjoyment. You can admire somebody else’s challenge without adopting it as your standard.

Turn one wish into a manageable next step

Choose the place that interests you most and write down why. Is it the history, the architecture, the landscape or a personal connection? Let that answer guide the time you give it.

Start with a practical guide, such as Machu Picchu or Chichén Itzá, then work outward to transport, a suitable base and the days around the visit. Check current access and bookings rather than borrowing an itinerary from 2014.

Leave room for the experience itself

The moment of deciding can be energising, but the holiday happens in the ordinary hours between landmarks too. Allow for meals, rest, conversation and the chance to notice something you did not put on the list.

Our guide to enjoying trip preparation can help turn a distant idea into something you look forward to. The meaningful step is making a plan that fits your life, at a pace you can actually enjoy.