It’s funny because when I was younger I hated traveling. My biggest fear was planes, and I just was not into the idea of going somewhere new. We went to my grandparent’s house in Florida, and I could not imagine why we would go anywhere else.
In 2014 my dad surprised my mom, sister, and me. While he had to go on a two-week work trip, he sent the three of us to Ireland. Before we even took off from Boston my sister and I were excited that we got blankets and pillows when we got on the plane.
We had the best time seeing family, and exploring both Dublin and the Irish countryside. It changed my perspective on travel and from that point on I was always planning our next trip.
After that, I was hooked.
Over the past year, I traveled more than ever. I hit lots of the spots that have been on my travel bucket list for years and in the process, added even more (great for me, not so great for my bank account). Below are my favorite places that I traveled to this year, and where I want to head next.
#1. Ireland
As I mentioned, I have loved Ireland since I went for the first time when I was 7. I haven’t been able to stay away (luckily my family feels the same way). I think it will always hold a special place in my heart. My mom, sister, and I did three more girls’ trips back there over the years, and then in 2022, my mom got married in Dublin.
My most recent trip was different. Partly because it was a work trip for my stepdad, and partly because I went to Northern Ireland for the first time. We flew into Dublin and stayed there for a few days and then headed to Belfast for the Friendship Four, which is a hockey tournament between four college teams. The tournament was so much fun. It was five days of hockey games, Guinness storehouse tours with the teams, and a Thanksgiving dinner with the teams and their families.
I could write forever about Ireland, and I 100% recommend adding it to your list. It’s a trip that can be fun, fast-paced, and busy when you’re in Dublin or Belfast; and then be completely different when you head out to the coast (Tramore or Dingle) or out to the countryside.
#2. Italy
This was an absolute dream for me. Pasta is my absolute favorite food, so I was beyond excited to try real Italian food.
I was lucky enough to be able to take the week after spring break out of school so that we got a full 10 days in Italy. We started the trip in Florence, and I could have stayed forever. The art and museums are incredible, and the food and gelato were unbeatable. Despite it being a popular travel destination, I felt that it had an almost small-town feel to it. Life felt slow-paced, everyone was so kind, and it was such a relaxing way to start our trip. I truly cannot say enough about it.
We headed to Rome next. It was a different experience than Florence. Much more fast-paced, busy, and a true city feeling about it. Touring the Vatican was such a cool experience. If you love history, then Rome is absolutely for you.
#3. Greece
We do a family trip every June, and this year we chose Greece. It was so fun and relaxing to spend time with my two older step-brothers, my little sister, and my parents.
The trip started in Santorini. It was four days of pure relaxation and lying by the pool. We read books, tanned, ate great food, and sat on the roof talking while overlooking the ocean at night. The hotel we stayed at was incredible and set us up on a catamaran sail where we spent the day on the water swimming in the Aegean Sea and through caves.
Next up we headed to Mykonos which was very similar to Santorini. The main difference was the nightlife in Mykonos was an 11/10 whereas in Santorini it was pretty limited (at least where we were).
The last two days were spent in Athens seeing all the historical sights it had to offer. We hiked to see the Parthenon and saw the most incredible views of the city. It was the perfect way to end the trip before heading home.
Where I want to go:
- Thailand
- Scotland (Loch Tay)
- London
- Spain (Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid)
- Switzerland
- Copenhagen (I would LOVE to move here for a year at some point)
- Austria (Vienna & Hallstatt)
- Sweden (Stockholm)
So those are the three places I made it this year and where I am (fingers crossed) hoping to travel to at some point. I’m always looking for new places to visit or recommendations about one of the destinations, so feel free to send your top travel favs my way!