Reminiscing 2016

Reminiscing 2016: My Best Travel Moments

2016 has definitely thrown the world – and myself – some curve balls, but I like to end the year on a positive note and a bit of reflection. This year has been a year of adventures and challenges. It brought me to areas of the world I hadn’t previously explored (Central and South America), and it also brought me back to places I’ve visited before (Paris, Oslo, and more). Each place I travel to gives me something special and allows me to continue to grow as a human being. I’m excited to see what type of adventures the new year will bring my way. Travel truly fills my soul.

Looking back at my memories, I’ve compiled a compact list of my favorite travel moments from this past year. As I sat down to reflect on 2016 and set some goals for this upcoming year, I realized that 2017 is going to have some big shoes to fill.

So here it is – my list of crazy experiences and moments of happiness experienced in 2016.

Cartagena, Colombia
Although Medellín takes the crown for my favorite destination in Colombia, Cartagena holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I danced my ass off at Havana Club all night, watched the sun rise as I walked home, and then pretended I didn’t hear the knocking when the tour guide came to wake me up for my already-paid-for trip to Isla de Rosairo a couple hours later. Then, when I finally crawled out of bed just before noon, I marched straight to Il Patio for the essential hangover cure at Colombia’s best pizza joint.

Semuc Champey, Guatemala
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Central America – go to Guatemala. This beautiful country is filled with adventures. I am forever grateful for the challenges I overcame, and the wisdom I received from the locals. When I signed up for a tour of the Semuc Champey area, I never imagined that I would end up climbing waterfalls and cliff jumping in a dark, sketchy cave with eight strangers and a couple candles as our only light. When I emerged from that cave an hour later, I was scared, accomplished, and forever changed. And I was sure ready for that Brahva beer this young boy wanted to sell me (hey – a young entrepreneur in the making)!

The hike to Semuc Champey's mirador wasn’t an easy one. I had to stop numerous times, dig my nails into dirt, and chug tons of water. After the hike, my group swam in the natural pools and had lunch. Then, the unexpected candle-lit spelunking occurred. I was happy to emerge from the cave after our exploration, but words cannot express the joy I felt for overcoming my fears.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
I don’t think I’ll ever have a yearly recap where Amsterdam doesn’t make the list. This place is just too good. Well, in 2016, my addiction to this place drew me here three times. I should probably tell myself to get over it, but I can’t. I’ve even lived here and can’t seem to shake my addiction to this city. Well, this summer, I finally made it onto a boat and cruised down the famous canals in this breathtaking city. Bucket list check, check, check.

After nearly a decade into my obsession with Amsterdam, I finally made it on a boat. (Cue “I’m On A Boat”) After cruising the canals all afternoon, my local friend Michel took me to get drive-thru pizza at this adorable place that caters to boaters. Dreams do come true.

Bayeux, France
Prior to visiting Bayeux, I had been to France numerous times, but only to Paris. I felt it hard to escape that captivating city (I was in Paris three times in 2016). But, I was determined to make it out of Paris to discover some more of what France has to offer. Bayeux was the first town liberated by the Allied Forces during World War II, and it possess an immense amount of history and beauty. It’s located in the Normandy region, approximately twenty minutes from Omaha Beach. It’s absolutely beautiful in this area – so beautiful it’s hard to imagine the terrors that happened here during the 1940s. My trip to Bayeux in the summer inspired me to explore even more of France, and I visited Strasbourg in autumn.

Bayeux is a quiet town with incredible history and it is filled with grateful locals and tons of adorable cafes. I recommend siting down and getting to know this area

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is so full of life and magnetic, that when I was taking my bro on the ultimate European summer backpacking excursion, I couldn’t leave it out. We arrived in Barcelona from Ibiza and were still attempting to recover whatever dignity we had left. Our time in this spicy city was spent devouring delicious tapas, dancing with our expat friends (what’s up Mira and Lauren!), and taking shots of Jack Daniels with local bartenders at an English pub. Yea, Barcelona is freaking awesome. I’m even thinking about living here…. More to come in 2017?

Barcelona has everything I desire. Ancient history, unique architecture, beaches, a little bit of mystery, to-die-for food, and vibrancy. I love this place.

Prague, Czech Republic (or Czechia – can they decide?)
No adventure around Europe is complete without visiting my former home. So, that being said, I found my way to Prague twice in 2016. It wasn’t enough. I wish I could have seen this city again in the wintertime – there is nothing more enchanting. Prague is always a favorite of mine because Czech cuisine is something out of my dreams, and the city is beyond inspirational. I always notice something new here.

Prague will always be “home” to me. It’s here where I truly discovered what I want in life, and the people I met here encouraged me to chase my dreams. I’ll always shed a tear when I leave. Prague is magical.

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest captured my heart in 2016. I had been to Hungary’s capital city two years before, but it was one of those rushed trips where you are trying to check something off. I enjoyed it in 2014, but I loved it in 2016. Since I began my journey around the world, I decided to spend more time and travel more slowly to places so I could get to know the vibes and the locals better. I spent more time in Budapest this year, and I discovered many of the wonders this city has to offer. Castle Hill, thermal baths, ruin bars, and insanely tasty local bites – I feel like I missed out on everything my first visit.

I was rewarded with incredible views after a treacherous summer hike across Chain Bridge and up Castle Hill during the midday heat with a horrendous hangover. Budapest is simply amazing.

Munich, Germany
After going to Munich’s famous Oktoberfest four times, you’d think that I’d be sick of it. Nope. Not at all. Oktoberfest is about good times with friends – old and new. I never leave the ‘Fest without a couple of new lifelong friends. I’ll be toasting the strong German beer again next year. Maybe I’ll see you there! Prost!

Oktoberfest is a riot. This fun-filled beer fest should be on every beer lover’s bucket list.

Ljubljana, Slovenia
I didn’t anticipate that Ljubljana would be as wicked as it is, but damn, Slovenia greeted me with open arms! My trip to Ljubljana only scratched the surface – I am eager to return to Slovenia to discover more of this beautiful country. Watch out – I’ll be back.

I couldn’t get over how cute Ljubljana was. How have you been hiding from me for so long, Slovenia?

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
I receive funny looks from people when I mention Port of Spain, since it isn’t as well known as other travel destinations. Put Trinidad and Tobago on your travel bucket list now! Culture, architecture, leaning towers, white sand beaches, delectable cuisine, and incredible locals are the things that define Trinidad and Tobago. Did I mention they have some pretty yummy rum too?

“We ha dat too.” That’s a Trinidad saying which explains how the country has many similar attractions that people go crazy for. They have something similar to the Sydney Opera House, a leaning tower (a lighthouse that sits at 7 degrees), beaches and more. You name it, I’m sure T&T can offer you that, too.

Caye Caulker, Belize
This backpacker-infested island is north of Belize City, and it is absolute paradise. Tons of fascinating sea life surround this island, and it’s not hard to catch a glimpse since they swim near you. While enjoying a mojito at one of the dock bars, I saw needle fish, starfish, and stingrays swimming underneath. Don’t try the rope swing with a drink in hand – the swim is much farther than it looks!