2015: 12 Months of Travel

I have quite an ambitious travel list for 2015. I should tell myself to set smaller goals… but lets face it, I’m not like that. I like to strive for the “impossible” and see where that takes me. Last year, I also set high standards and only crossed off 1.5 on my list. Here was my previous list:

• New Zealand
• Cambodia
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Brasil
• Bankok, Thailand
• Galapagos Islands
• Maldives
• Morocco
• Washington, DC
• Munich, Germany
• Barcelona, Spain
• Greece

I was able to visit Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest and had a short layover in Washington DC… that counts as half, right?

This year, I have bigger plans. Let’s see if I will follow through.

 

January: Edinburgh, Scotland √

I returned from Edinburgh earlier this month after celebrating their Hogmanay festival. I came home with a viral infection but it was worth it.

February: Costa Rica

My birthday is in February and I have an entire week off! My friends and I were planning on a trip to Miami, Florida, however, my friends were unable to get those days covered. Now, I’m onto plan B: Going to the beach somewhere, but where? My friends recommended Costa Rica and now I’m trekking the exotic ocean and jungle with 2 of my coworker a coworker.

March: Dublin, Ireland

I love Ireland. It’s my favorite place in the entire world. Hopefully, I’m able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in my favorite country even though their celebration isn’t as outrageous as those in America.

April: Cambodia

A family friend is getting married in Cambodia. My mom is against traveling to Cambodia because she claims that it’s “unsafe”. Surprisingly, she gave me the okay to travel there as long as I’m in the presence of my bong (an acquaintance who is older than you). My mom wants me to represent her at the wedding… however I’m not very fond of that idea. This will be a great opportunity for my family friends to auction me off to the single men at the wedding… It happens all the time.. even in America. My plan is to say my hello and part ways to celebrate Cambodian New Years.

May: Turkey

Turkey has never been on my top list of places to visit until recently. I’ve seen beautiful photos of the Mediterranean Sea/ Black Sea and the hot air balloon drifting across the sky. Sounds like a fantasy to me!

June: Iceland

I tried to travel to Iceland last year in July but let’s say that I got stranded in New York. I’ve done my research and now I’m aware of my other options. I won’t be stranded this time around.

July: South Korea

There is a cosmetic company in South Korea that couldn’t afford to advertise their products so they created the Boryeong Mud Festival to allow people to test out their products. It became an instant success and now people from around the world travel just to experience this. I’m not about rolling around in mud but it would be interesting to see.

August: Italy

La Tomatina! That’s on my bucket list for who knows how long. It’s time to cross that off!

September: Norway

On my trip to Guatemala, I met a girl from Norway. We became instant friends. We are both adventurous and love to hike. She showed me beautiful sceneries from her hikes throughout Norway. I would love to see what Norway has to offer.

October: Albuquerque, New Mexico

I’ve been to Albuquerque numerous times for work. There isn’t much to see there but the people are friendly. I love that. What makes me want to visit Albuquerque in October is their International Balloon Fiesta!! I’ve seen photos and it looks breathtaking. Can I ride in one of those balloons too..probably not?

November: New Zealand

I really want to go here!!! I don’t think I’ll get here next year but it’s a dream.

December: Barcelona, Spain

I want to bring in the New Years with a glass of wine and some tapas with my best girl friends. Cheers!!!

What are some of your 2015 dream destinations?

My Top 5 Travel Moments of 2014

I’m finally coming around to listing my top 5 travel moments of 2014, which includes crossing a couple of items off my bucket list. Here is the list in no particular order:

1) Road Trip to Semuc Champey… but not getting there.

My friends and I rented a car to see Semuc Champey but instead our car gave out and we were stranded in the middle of nowhere in Guatemala…in the jungles. Despite of our misfortunes, we were fortunate enough to meet the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever encountered. We were invited to go camping with a local fisherman and his family, lunch with another local family, volunteered for a NGO organization, and hiked up a volcano that later erupted the end of that week. Who would have thought that this would be my most talked about trip?

The view as we were trying to find the road to lead us to Semuc Champey.

Me and the volcano

Playing with the kids.

Roasting coffee beans over a hot burning stove.

Drinking coffee that I had the pleasure of making.

View from As Green As It Gets’ office.

My lunch provided by some great locals.

Frogs on EH’s hand.

Our poor car broke down.

Roasting marshmallow with PM.

2) Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays in Caye Caulker, Belize

I went snorkeling for the second time in Belize. This time, I was able to swim with sharks and stingrays. It was a unique experience and one for the books.

Sharks coming up to our boat.

More sharks.

About to take a dive.

Diving with sharks and sting rays.

3) Witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska

Seeing the Aurora Borealis has always been a dream of mine. I never thought that I would see something so tremendous let alone seeing it with 8 of my colleagues. I can’t wait for my next encounter.

Trying to stay warm as we enjoy the Northern Lights in the observatory.

On our way to see the Northern Lights and we ran into a Japanese camera crew. We’re famous in Japan. 😛

4) Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest in Munich was another bucket list item for me that I was able to achieve in 2014. Better yet, I was able to celebrate it with my best friend and my coworker. We were only there for 3 days but we made it count. This experience was so great that we cannot wait to return in 2015!

First stein of the day.

Met some great Germans along the way.

The enthusiastic crowd singing along with the band.

Drinking early.

Walking through Oktoberfest.

5) New Years in Edinburgh, Scotland

I have never been the type to go big on New Years Eve. In my early years, I fell asleep before the clock ticked midnight. When I was in college, New Years was trying to make it to midnight before passing out from the alcohol. As I got older, I dreamt of spending New Years overseas particularly, with my best friend. My best friend cancelled due to some unforeseen circumstances but I didn’t want to spend another year figuring out which bar I wanted to hit up. I did some research and came across Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival. Edinburgh holds a 3-day event to celebrate the end of the year leading up to the beginning of the year. This new years is definitely one that I will never forget.

Love the gothic architecture here in Edinburgh.

The Christmas Markets are still up and running here.

Torchlight possession in central Edinburgh.

My host and I marching during the torchlight possession.

Happy New Year!

I’m so ready for the Hogmanay Street Party.

2014 was filled with great memories and I am looking forward to 2015! Let’s see the world!

Bucket List: Things I Accomplished in 2013

I’m currently contemplating of all the places that I could go next week for my 1 week vacation. Last month, I wanted to go on a trip where I could relax and not do anything simply because the holiday season has been quite stressful for me. This month, I want to do something outrageous, maybe a bucket list worthy experience. I thought about white water rafting in Costa Rica, going zip lining through the jungles/rain forest, going on a safari in Africa, or even holding a koala in Austrailia (childhood dream). As, I sit here planning my trip, I can’t help but think of all the incredible things that I’ve done in the past year. Here are my 5 bucket list accomplishments in 2013.

1. Traveling alone

Paris, France | July 2013

I’ve always wanted to travel alone but I never muster up enough courage to do so. I booked a spontaneous flight to Paris, left the following day and forced myself to see Paris alone. Realized that I do prefer traveling alone but I wouldn’t do Paris again. My experience in Paris is unlike any other and maybe I’ll share with you the crazy events that happened during my week stay in Paris.

2. Ceilidh Dancing in Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland | Oct 2013

I think ceilidh dancing is the most exciting form of dance that ever existed. I had a blast dancing even though I absolutely have no idea what I was doing. My partner was a better dancer than I was and I had a background in dance! Despite of my lack of coordination, I would do this again and again.

3. Sailing in Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA | November 2013

I went to Hawaii a few months ago to visit some friends. One of my good friends from high school took me sailing and it was very exhilarating. I love every minute of it.

4. Fly First Class

Dublin, Ireland | October 2013

I got upgraded to first class on my flight from Dublin to JFK! During the flight, we were offered a 5 course meal, a seat that rolls out into a bed, and of course unlimited drinks. I never slept so well on a flight in my entire life and I never want to travel coach ever again.. if only that was possible.

My setting area

Meal #2

Meal #3

Meal #5 or #6?

5. Hiking at the Yosemite

Yosemite Village, CA, USA | June 2013

The most intense hike I’ve ever done was at the Yosemite National Park in California… on my own. My friends ditched me to fend for myself. Thanks guys.. but I did it and I’m proud of myself. I would love to visit all the national parks here in the states. Yellowstone, you’re next!

 

I’m hoping that this year, I will be able to experience more bucket list moments. For now, back to the drawing board.

Where should I go and what activity should I experience next week?