I know everyone says this, but as I jump head-first into 2020, I’m really able to conceptualize how much my life has completely altered in the last twelve months. I got a new job, I moved cities, I traveled, I booked my dream trip, got a couple tattoos, and finally decided to incorporate my love for seeing the world into a career path. In 2019, I explored four countries I’ve never been to before and visited seven new cities. I knocked so many experiences off my bucket list, ate amazing food, fell in love with new places, and finally figured out how to navigate JFK airport (it’s all about the small victories, people).
Here are my travel favorites of 2019...
My Favorite Destination: Stockholm, Sweden
My Favorite for Nightlife: Dublin, Ireland
My Favorite for Food: New York City
My Favorite Beach: Anna Maria Island, Florida
My Favorite for Shopping: London, England
My Top 5 Favorite Meals While Traveling
Calamari at Chart House at Longboat Key in Anna Maria Island (I know this is a chain, but the food here literally changed my life)
Swedish Meatballs at Bakfickan in Stockholm, Sweden
Scallop Risotto at Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland
Chicken Ruby at Dishoom in London, England.
Brunch with frozen rose at the Hotel Chantelle in New York City (this place usually has live music on their rooftop bar for brunch; it has such a great vibe.)
Top 3 Favorite Travel Moments in 2019
Dancing at The Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting Steninge Slott in Märsta, Sweden
Punting in Cambridge, UK
Favorite Travel Apparel:
(These are the best pair of travel leggings I have ever owned. If you’re going on a long flight, these are hands down the comfiest pants you could wear that aren’t pajama pants)
Favorite Travel Shoes:
Cole Haan Margo Lace Up Leather Sneaker
Favorite Luggage:
Osprey Fairview 65 Wheeled Travel Pack
Favorite Travel Book:
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
Favorite Accommodation:
Bradenton Beach Bay front House - VRBO
This house in Anna Maria Island is an absolute dream, perfect if you're traveling with a large group. With six bedrooms, two kitchens, and a pool overlooking the ocean, this was definitely my favorite place I stayed at in 2019.
Here’s to 2020!
Make this the year that you finally book the trip you’ve been holding off on. Travel to Argentina. Backpack through Southeast Asia. Drink Champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Although I resent phony resolutions, promise yourself to make this year the year you say yes instead of making excuses.
...Or you could stay home and look at pictures of other people scuba diving in Bora Bora or drinking wine in Tuscany on Facebook and Instagram. That sounds super thrilling, too.