Where I’ve been this year…

2019 has been a pretty crazy year of travel…

January
I kicked off the year with a weekend in Riga, Latvia.
Riga, Latvia
I was SO surprised at how gorgeous it was – a beautiful city centre with plenty to see and a considerable selection of nice restaurants and bars. It was magical in the snow, but I’m certain it would be stunning in the summer too.

February
I spent a long weekend in Marrakech as a birthday gift from my boyfriend.
Marrakech, Morocco
I LOVED Marrakech. Having lunch in the Atlas Mountains was certainly a highlight of the year and the city itself was stunning too.

March
I visited Saint Petersburg with a group of my girl friends.
Saint Petersburg, Russia
We had a fantastic experience in this city full of history and beautiful architecture. The only downside is the Visa application, but when you’re over that hurdle then you’ll have a great time.

April
I went to Miami with work!
Miami, US
I love Miami but I wonder if I’d love it as much if I wasn’t staying in the luxury of the Four Seasons. South Beach is a fantastic beach and Ocean Drive is a lot of fun, but some of the luxury clubs can be expensive and pretentious.

May
I spent a long weekend in Switzerland with my boyfriend. We flew into Zurich but stayed on Lake Lucerne.

I would definitely recommend a long weekend in Weggis (Lake Lucerne). Eating out is expensive, but flights and accommodation are reasonable and the views are unreal.

June
My superstar boyfriend won Presidents Club at work which meant we got an all expenses paid trip to Mayakoba, Mexico.
Mayakoba, Mexico
I’m genuinely not sure whether we will ever top this holiday… it was truly out of this world.

We also tagged on a trip to Havana, Cuba.
Havana, Cuba
From old-school American cars, to colourful and crumbling buildings, the city is like nowhere I’ve ever travelled to before.

July
I spent 2 weeks in South Africa with my dad!
We began with 2 nights in Johannesburg. I’m glad we had the day there as part of a bigger trip but wouldn’t travel there specifically.
Johannesburg, South Africa

After, we volunteered for a week at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. It was an unbelievable experience. Whilst it was heartbreaking hearing the stories of the babies orphaned due to poaching, it was inspiring to see the incredible work Care for Wild do to save black and white rhinos from extinction.
Care for Wild Volunteering, South Africa

Next, we spent some time in Hazyview / Kruger. This was an incredible part of our South Africa trip. Absolutely amazing to see wild animals actually being wild animals. If you can, go!
Hazyview / Kruger, South Africa

Finally, we visited Cape Town. I was surprised at how stunning the city and its surroundings were. Definitely recommend.
Cape Town, South Africa

I also went to Aljezur in Portugal for a long weekend with my girls.
Aljezur, Portugal
This area of Portugal is truly stunning and perfect for a relaxed holiday. You’ll enjoy stunning views, sandy beaches, great surf, scrumptious food and delicious wine.

August
I travelled to Boston for a wedding and tagged on a few days in Toronto to make the most of the long distance flights!

Toronto, Canada
I really loved our time in Toronto. It’s a cool and vibrant city with a ton of trendy places to eat / drink. There are plenty of interesting neighbourhoods to explore and whilst Niagara was slightly underwhelming, I’m really glad we got to see it.

Boston, US
Boston was great. Lots of history, time with friends & a fantastic wedding!

September
I took it pretty easy 🙂

October
I went to Tokyo and Hong Kong with work. PLUS I spent a week volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.

Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a very cool place to visit with loads to see and do. Other friends have visited the rest of Japan and it looks incredible. I’d definitely like to return one day to explore more.

I absolutely LOVE Hong Kong. Think it is such an amazing place with so much variety and would definitely recommend you go and see it for yourself.

Elephant Nature Park, Thailand
ENP is the most incredible, eye-opening, heart-breaking (yet heart-warming), totally inspiring place. I know I will visit and volunteer as much as I can for the rest of my life.

Chiang Mai, Thailand
I also spend a night in Chiang Mai before I was taken to ENP.

November
I went to Ireland for the weekend… more on that soon!

December
I spent a long weekend in Helsinki, Finland.
Helsinki, Finland
There’s not a massive amount to do / see, but it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy delicious food and see a few pretty places.

So, as you can see, it’s been a pretty busy year! I’ve only got a trip to Montenegro booked for 2020 but want to get planning some mini breaks soon 🙂