10 places on my Travel bucketlist

At this time of year I always seem to start thinking about travel and all the places I would like to visit the following year. My travel wishlist is ridiculously long as I actually want to visit just about every country in the world, even some I’ve already been to!

I thought I’d compile a list of the places that are at the top end of my travel bucketlist, in the hope that I may make it to at least 1 of them in 2020!

In no particular order…

Iceland

Iceland is probably the country at the very top of my list. There are so many amazing things to do in Iceland but the two I’m most keen to experience are seeing the Northern Lights and swimming in The Blue Lagoon. Iceland is probably one of the easiest countries on my list to get to so it just leaves me wondering why the hell I haven’t visited it already?

New Zealand

At the complete opposite side of the world is New Zealand. It looks AMAZING! Such a beautiful country and sooooo much to do! I want to visit the Glow worm caves, Hobbiton, Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown… the list goes on. I was actually supposed to go in 2019 but I cancelled the trip for various reasons. However, I’m still determined to visit one day!

The Maldives

I’m crossing my fingers that I get to visit these beautiful islands in 2021. I’ve always promised myself that The Maldives will be my honeymoon destination and as I’m getting married in 2021, hopefully I’ll get there! I would love to spend a week in a water bungalow with my husband just relaxing and enjoying married life!

Peru

South America and Antarctica are the only continents I haven’t yet visited so I think I really need to get to South America soon. I’ve chosen Peru mainly as I want to visit Machu Picchu. Also, from what I’ve read about South America, Peru is one of the safer countries to visit and has a more developed tourist trail.

Safari

Ok, so this isn’t technically a country, but I realllly want to do an African safari. Seeing all the animals in the wild would be an amazing experience. I would probably look to safari in South Africa but any of the African countries that you can safari in would do!

Santorini

Greece isn’t technically a new-to-me country as I’ve previously visited Corfu and Crete, but I’ve never been to Santorini. Greece is so beautiful and a perfect summer destination but let’s be honest… I’m desperate to see the sunset in Oia.

Canada

Canada is another country that just looks stunning. There’s so much to do and see, from cities, to skiing, to wilderness, there’s something to appeal to every type of holiday maker. It’s also said to be one of the friendliest countries in the world as well!

Sri Lanka

I’ve wanted to visit this beautiful island for a few years now after reading many blogs and watching lots of vlogs. I’ve fallen in love with it. I want to visit Kandy and take ‘the most scenic train journey’ in the world. I’m hoping to tie this in with my honeymoon in 2021.

Lapland

Oh my goodness!!! I’m desperate to visit Finnish Lapland. In fact, I’ve spent part of today pricing up holidays for next December! If I didn’t have a wedding to pay for I think I would have booked this already! Who doesn’t want to go visit the real Santa? Or be pulled on a sleigh by reindeers or huskies? I could even see the Northern lights!

Japan

It was hard to choose the 10th spot as I could name at least 3 more places but I’ve chosen Japan as it looks amazing. The culture is fascinating and, again, there is so much to do. I want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Hakone, Hokkaido… where else in the world can you ride around in Super Mario cart?

A roundup of 2018

I’ve been really rubbish with documenting my travels this year. I’m still writing about my Vietnam and Cambodia trip which was summer 2017! I haven’t written about the disastrous end to my Lisbon trip, or the incredible-ness of New York or how much love I have for Stockholm! I’ve got quite a few tales to tell still.

I will try and get better at blogging next year. Mainly so I can keep my own record and diary of my trips!

In 2018 I did 4 trips in 4 different countries, visited 2 continents and 1 new country.

April – New York

In April, I went on a 4 night stay in NYC. This was my second visit to the Big Apple and it is just as amazing and impressive as my first visit. I went with a friend who had never been before and acted as his tour guide. In return, he happens to be a pretty good photographer and it was nice to have someone to take pictures of me! We did the usual touristy things – Rockerfeller centre, Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the World Trade Centre. It was nice because I didn’t do all of these the first time round.

 

May – Stockholm

It’s become a bit of a tradition for me and my mum to go somewhere every year. Previously we’ve been to Vienna and Edinburgh, this year we went to Stockholm. Sweden was my only new country this year and Stockholm has become one of my favourite cities. It helped that it was really hot at the time we visited.

July – Dublin

My friend and I decided we wanted to go away for a super short break and after looking at various places in the UK, it worked out a lot cheaper to fly to Dublin than getting the train to London or Newcastle (or just about anywhere!). We got an early morning flight and returned the following evening. We stayed in a hostel right next to Temple Bar. It was amazing! I absolutely loved it! We had THE BEST time!

 

August – Northumberland

My final trip of the year was a holiday with my family up in Northumberland. It’s such a beautiful part of the UK and isn’t as busy or overcrowded as places like Cornwall and the Lake District. We spent a week in Seahouses and visited many of the nearby attractions such as Bamburgh castle, Cragside and Holy Island.

 

Plans for 2019

At present, I have no trips booked, however, I am planning a big solo trip this summer plus a couple of short city breaks. As usual, there will probably be one with my mum and possibly a family holiday. I’m going to try and visit 3 new countries in 2019 if I want to stay on target for 40 before 40!

Good morning Vietnam

This was my first solo trip and to say I was shitting myself was a bit of an understatement. I’m in my 30s, been all over the world and LOVE to travel, but I had never gone a trip alone. Now, to be fair, I was joining a group tour when I reached Vietnam but I still class this as a solo adventure. Trust me to choose to go to Vietnam and Cambodia by myself. It would have been a lot easier to go somewhere in Europe or the USA by myself.

I’d been feeling nervous and excited ever since I booked the trip about 6 months before. I’d wanted to visit Vietnam for a few years and Angkor Wat was high on my bucket list. I think it was actually the Top Gear episode where they drive up Vietnam that first sparked my interest, so I technically have Jeremy Clarkson to thank for this trip!

I packed my backpack the morning I was leaving, was picked up by my parents and driven to Birmingham Airport. I held it together until my dad left to sort the car parking out. I just burst into tears. I couldn’t help it. I was terrified! But I was definitely going on my trip! My mum refused to leave me until I’d gone through security, no matter how expensive the car parking would be!

Anyway, I went through security, whilst still randomly bursting into tears the entire time I was sat in departures. I even gave up trying to hide it! To say I was openly sobbing in  public, only one person asked me if I was ok and that was a lady on security. I think she was checking I wasn’t travelling against my will! Whilst I was sat in the departure lounge, I facetimed my friends and promptly made her cry as well. I also received loads of supportive texts and Facebook comments, which were a massive boost.

Now I’m a big believer in fate, and fate had me sat next to another girl around my age who was also travelling solo. She was a seasoned solo traveller and was heading to Thailand for the summer but she was so nice and made me feel so much better. I was massively grateful to her!

I flew with Qatar Airways and this was one of my favourite flights to date. The plane was quite new, it had USB ports, you could change the tint on the windows and had a very fancy entertainment system (compared to my usual economy experience). As with other Middle Eastern airlines I have used, the service and comfort were fab.

For some reason there was a slight delay so we arrived at Doha a little bit later than planned. I had 45 minutes to make my connecting flight without the delay so things were cut really fine. I think there was something like 20 minutes until take off by the time I got off the plane and that included queuing again at security. I showed an airport worker my flight ticket and he rushed me through. I literally had to run across the airport to make the flight to Hanoi as it was on final call. I’m gutted because I really wanted to get a picture of the giant teddy in Doha airport. Also, I was worried that I was on the wrong plane as this one stopped in Bangkok, which I wasn’t aware of. Luckily, I made the flight and it seems quite a few people on my original flight were also getting the connecting flight.

After asking at least 3 different flight attendants if I was on the correct flight, I settled in for the remainder of my journey. It was 6 hours to Bangkok, an hour or so wait at Bangkok then a further hour and a half to reach Hanoi.

Once I’d reached Hanoi, I’d relaxed a little. I got through customs easily and quickly and was pleased to get a new stamp in  my passport. After I found my backpack off the carousel, my first task was finding some money. I’d managed to travel half way across the world with absolutely no currency whatsoever. Luckily, ATMs were plentiful so I withdrew cash (having no idea what the exchange rate was) and got a taxi into the city.

I loved the ride into Hanoi but nothing had prepared me for the craziness that is the Old Town. My hotel was in this area. I can only describe the Old Town as a rabbit warren of the busiest, most mental traffic and stalls. I loved it! It is an assault on the senses but felt like what I’d expect traditional Vietnam to be.

One thing you learn in Vietnam is that EVERYONE drives mopeds. I have never seen so many in one place. The traffic is crazy. Not only does everyone drive a moped but they also use them like cars or vans, in that they cram as many people and/or objects as possible on the. I frequently saw entire families on one moped, I’m talking 6+ people and also saw someone transporting a fridge!

By the time I reached my hotel it was 7pm. Given that I’d left my house around midday the day before, I was well and truly tired. I literally checked in my hotel, found some food, had a quick shower, then slept.

The next morning, I woke up early and had breakfast. I went for a little wander around the block as I was too scared to try and cross a road! Then I went back to my hotel room and slept again until about 3pm! I then had another wander down to Hoan Kiem Lake. This is where the Old Town ended and Hanoi became more modern. I crossed the famous red bridge and visited the temple in the lake. It was so humid!

On my way back, I bought a large bottle of water and crisps and they cost 50p. God bless South East Asian prices! By this time, it was time to join my group tour and meet my travel buddies for the next 17 days!

 

Bangkok bucketlist

I have been to Bangkok twice but I do not feel as if I’ve seen the real city. My first visit was when I was 7. It was my first ever trip abroad and it was a MASSIVE culture shock! I did not expect the humidity, the noise, the sheer amount of people, the traffic, the pollution, the food… I could go on! Add jetlag into the mix and me and BKK did not get off to the best start. This was a 2 night stopover on the way to Australia and I spent most of the time moaning! In fact, I swore I would never visit Thailand again. Luckily, I grew up and got over it.

My second visit was in 2012. We spent a night here before catching a flight down to Krabi. Again, it was short and sweet. We literally got to the hostel, got changed, had food, slept, went to the airport so saw absolutely nothing of the city besides our hostel and an Irish pub!

This summer, I have a few days tagged on the end of my trip to explore Bangkok at my leisure. I can’t wait. I’m going to be such a tourist! I will be all templed out by the time I get home! I will definitely have seen more than a hotel room and a pub!

Here’s my Bangkok bucketlist!

• Wat Arun – when in Bangkok you’ve got to see temples right?
• Wat Pho – particularly the reclining Buddha
• Art in Paradise – looks like so much fun and something a bit different!
• Chatuchak weekend market – I love me a bargain and could be a good place for souvenirs.

• Thai cooking class – would love to be able to cook authentic Thai food and actually know what I’m doing!
• Khao San Road – I want to experience the craziness, but definitely do not want to stay on it!
• Wat Saket
• Thai massage
• The Grand Palace – this is the only thing I remember doing aged 7 in Bangkok and I just remember marvelling at the ornateness of the palace.
• Wat Suthat
• Ayutthaya – this place looks amazing to visit as a day trip.
• A boat trip on the Thornburi canals
• Cocktails in The Sky Bar – who doesn’t love cocktails with a view?
• Travel in a Tuk Tuk – again, when in Thailand…
• Lumphini Park – would be nice to chill out if I get chance
• Jim Thompson’s house
• Wat Traimit
• Floating markets – my dad did this when we were younger but me and my mum and brother were too jetlagged to get up early! 20 odd years later and I might manage it!

Where would be on your Bangkok bucketlist? Is there anywhere I’ve missed?

My travel plans for the rest of 2017

I now have 2 confirmed trips and potentially another weekend or two away. I’m super happy because my 2 planned trips mean I will visit 3 new to me countries. This will take my total countries visited to 23 using the UN list. Yay! I’m still on track to reach 40 by 40!

Summer trip

It was also a travel resolution of mine to visit 2 or 3 new countries, as well as travel solo and go outside Europe this year. Well, I’m covering all 3 by visiting Cambodia & Vietnam in the summer. Although I’m joining a tour, I still consider it solo travel as I am going by myself. I also have a few days in Bangkok by myself at the end. I have written about this trip already here, so I won’t bore you with all the details. I’m so excited for this trip but slightly nervous! I’m sure I will have a fab time. In fact, I have friends currently in Vietnam and I’m loving all their photos and Snapchats!

October

In October, I am having a 5 day break in Lisbon. I can’t believe that I have never been to Portugal before. This is actually a hen do, but me and the hen are staying on for a couple of extra days. I plan on using this time to be a proper tourist and sightsee. Top of my list is Sintra! I’ve started a Pinterest board for Lisbon and oh my goodness, it looks so beautiful. I’m so excited for this trip!

As I said before, I’m also hoping to squeeze in a weekend or two either in the UK or Europe this year but nothing is set in stone yet.

Where are you visiting this year? Any tips for Lisbon or Bangkok?

Photo essay: Landmarks

As it’s Friday, here is a collection of landmarks I’ve visited around the world.

Big Ben – London

Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany

Marienplatz – Munich

Nyhavn – Copenhagen

Opera House & Bridge – Sydney

Times Square – New York

The 3 Sisters – Australia

The Tower of London – London

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – Florence

Chain Bridge & Hungarian Parliament – Budapest

Heroes Square – Budapest

Fishermans Bastion – Budapest

Colosseum – Rome

Basilica de St Peter – Rome

Inside the duomo – Florence

Pompeii – Italy

Which have you visited? Where is your favourite?

My London to-do list

In a few days, I shall be gracing London with my presence! I’m very excited! I’m visiting 2 different friends so will be spending a good few days there. I haven’t finalised my plans yet but I hope to squeeze a few activities in!

So far, I hope to:

• Have cocktails in the Shard
• Fabric shop on Goldhawk Road
• Go to Liberty (again)
• See a show
• Hampton Court Palace
• Eat Vietnamese food
• Do a photo walk

I think they’re the main things I’m hoping to do! As I’m seeing friends, I’m not going to overload my list!

Anything you suggest?

I’m going to Vietnam & Cambodia!

Eeek! I’ve been brave and booked my summer trip! I’m going to Vietnam and Cambodia! Yay! This is the trip I’ve been talking about for a few years and thinking about for the last couple of summers and I’ve finally booked it! Yay!

Halong Bay

I’m super happy because:

1. I’ve wanted to go for ages!
2. It’s 2 new countries for me
3. It fulfils 3 of my travel resolutions for this year! (2 or 3 new countries, go outside of Europe & travel solo)

I will be flying into Hanoi and spending a few days there, then heading to Halong Bay, then Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, then crossing into Cambodia and spending a few days in Phonm Penh and a few days in Siem Reap before finishing in Bangkok.

My route (source)

I am going by myself but joining a group tour, which I’m excited about. I’ll hopefully make new friends from around the world! I am having a few days in Bangkok by myself at the end though. I can’t wait to tick Halong Bay and Angkor Wat off the bucket list as well as actually explore Bangkok. I’ve been to Bangkok twice but haven’t actually seen much of it. 2017 is the year to fix this!

If you have any suggestions for where to stay/ eat/ drink/ do in Bangkok, please let me know! Actually, suggestions for what to do and where to eat for all places, especially Hanoi would be welcomed too!

Where are you going this year?

 

 

My 10 most popular Instagram photos of 2016

My love for Instagram grows and grows. I lose hours of my life trawling through photos, getting inspiration for travel, food, home decor… It’s an excellent procrastination tool! My Instagram following has grown slightly towards the end of last year (thank you!) and I think part of this is because I’m taking a bit more care with my photos.

Last year, I posted this same post and I thought it would be fun to look at which photos were most popular in 2016.

10. Manchester Town Hall at Christmas

I’m so pleased a UK photo made it into my top 10! I snuck this one in on something like the 29th December!! I have a lot of love for this city as it’s were I went to uni so have a lot of good memories. Manchester is definitely my favourite UK city.

9. Hofgarten – Munich

I took this picture on my camera rather than my phone and am so pleased with how it turned out. I was trying to get a shot of the path when it was empty and then those two people just wandered in. I think it adds to the picture though! How beautiful are the colours in autumn?

8. Roofs of Munich from St Peters church

This picture was taken from the tower of St Peters church in Munich. It overlooks Marienplatz from this side but you can get a 360 degree view of the city. I was so lucky it was a clear day!

7. Marienbrucke – Neuschwanstein Castle

Every time I look at this picture I think it could almost pass for the mountains in China. Maybe! It’s actually Marienbrucke, which is the bridge where you get the picture perfect photos of Neuschwanstein Castle. The bridge is named after Ludwig II’s mother.

6. Old Town Hall – Munich

I was surprised that this picture was so popular but Instagram seemed to like it! I’m not complaining though!

5. Belvedere Palace – Vienna

This is possibly my favourite picture from 2016. I love how symmetrical Belvedere Palace and gardens are. I also think it looks beautiful in the snow. It helped that it wasn’t busy at all in December, especially in the gardens so I was able to get this perfect picture.

4. Fisherman’s Bastion – Budapest

OK, so this is a bit of a cheat seeing as I visited Budapest in 2015. I loved it though and had a bit of a reminisce about the place. Plus this is a good picture!

3. Belvedere Palace – Vienna

This place does well on Instagram! I can totally see why though! It’s just so perfect!

2. Hofgarten – Munich

Another picture that I wasn’t expecting to be so popular and it turned out be the 2nd most popular pic last year! Who knew that autumnal trees at an angle would work so well?

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

I’m not at all surprised and I’m actually glad that Neuschwanstein Castle made the top of the list. It was one of (if not, THE) my travel highlights from 2016. It’s picturesque and photogenic. This was taken from Marienbrucke and zoomed in a bit!

Which is your favourite? What was your favourite photo of last year?

My 2017 travel resolutions

As well as my usual resolutions of, y’know, lose weight, eat healthily, cut down on drinking etc I thought I’d make a few travel related resolutions. These will help me to see 40 countries before I’m 40, as well as my overall goal of seeing as much of the world as possible!

1. Visit at least 2 new countries – If I’m to keep on track to see 40 before 40, then I need to visit at least 2 or 3 new countries this year. I have a huge list that I want to visit so we shall see what happens!
2. Travel outside Europe this year – maybe Asia or South America? I realised I haven’t left Europe for a few years so maybe 2017 is the year to change all that! I really fancy some more South East Asia, but then South America is the only continent (besides Antarctica) that I haven’t visited. I also haven’t seen much of Africa, but really want to see more North America and New Zealand. Decisions decisions!
3. Travel solo – I read so many blogs and stories of female solo travellers and they are all so inspiring! As there are so many places I want to go, I can’t always find people who want to go as well. I’m also single which makes it trickier to find a buddy. I find it ridiculous though that because I’m single or don’t have anyone to travel with, I feel like I can’t go places! I’ve though about solo trips for a while and I figure it’ll go one of 2 ways, either I’ll love it or hate it and if I hate it then I never have to do it again! I’m thinking a short solo trip in Europe might be a good taster!
4. Improve my photography skills– I love taking photos. They are without a doubt the best souvenir! My aim is to have a gazillion photos from around the world! However, I don’t have a fancy camera or know much about photography. This year is the year to learn!
5. Blog more! – I love reading through my blog at all my trips and adventures. It’s so nice to have them all in one place as a sort of online journal! As I work full time, blogging isn’t always high on my priority list but I hope to give it a bit more time this year. If I get some trips sorted!

What are your plans for the year?