2019: A YEAR OF TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
The Year Of No Travel Plans
2020, is going to be a first of many things for me but the most significant is that for the first time ever I have not made any travel plans! This is going to be the year of more spontaneous and possibly even a slower pace of travel. Being a perpetual planner, I’m really interested in how this will pan out and what lessons I learn with regards to my travel style and how it shapes my trips. This post serves as a round-up of travel highlights from 2019 and what a fabulous year of travel it was.
2019: A Year Of Travel Highlights
As I sit on the terrace of my villa in Lombok, with the sound of the waves crashing in the background and the intense Indonesian midday sun on the face, I find myself reminiscing about my travel highlights from this year and all the beautiful travel memories that it created. It has been an incredible year of travels where I managed to visit a couple of lifelong dream destinations and revisit a couple of old favourites.
Pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple, and create your perfect hygge-inspired moment, to join me on reminiscing on my travel highlights of 2019.
Guatemala // January
The year started with a bang as we visited Guatemala towards the end of January and specifically to further explore my interests in the ancient Mayan city of Tikal and staying at La Lancha, one of Frances Ford Coppola’s Hideaways was a major bucket list tick for me and one of many phenomenal travel highlights.
Guatemala truly is a colourful, culture-filled country with the most beautiful landscapes, history and people. From colonial cities such as Antigua, to some of the world’s largest lakes such as Atitlan and Peten not to mention the abundance of locally produced food and drink, including one of my very favourites, coffee. Guatemala truly is one of the gems of Central America.
Belize // February
Belize shares its borders with Guatemala, making it easily accessible to visit from Guatemala. A country a part of the old British Empire, is split with mountainous Alpine reserves as well as some of the world’s breathtaking coastlines and the second largest coral reef known to man.
A relaxed island with plenty to do such as hiking, chocolate-making, caving, tubing and not to mention snorkelling and diving there is something for everyone in Belize. The country has two very good examples of sustainable lodges, Gaia River Lodge and Matachica, which is located on Ambergris Caye.
Miami // February
If you’re looking for a luxe, sunny, glamorous city break, take it from me Miami will not disappoint. Enact your Baywatch poses on South Beach standing against many of the stunning beach huts or live your favourite TV series of Miami Vice, this city takes cares of the foodies (brunches at rooftop bars such as Juvia), sunset lovers (sundowners at W Hotel South Beach) and culture vultures, take yourself down to Wynwoood Walls and Little Havana.
There’s plenty of shopping to keep you occupied if you don’t fancy hitting the beach but one of my favourites was the Art Deco scene. It’s phenomenal and trust me, you may even feel like you’re on the set of Bugsy Malone!
New York City // May
NYC Baby! The city that never sleeps and never ceases to amaze me, even after several visits. One of my favourite cities in the world, this time I focussed very much on the foodie scene, in particular, the constitution of brunch and rooftop bars. Have a little peek below!
Additionally, promenades on The High Line, Central Park and Brooklyn will always entertain my thirst for exploration and discovering a whole new street art scene in Williamsburg was definitely a highlight! The Big Apple lives on in me and I’m sure our happy periodic acquaintances will carry on well into the future. I mean, how can NYC ever not be one of my travel highlights?!
Philadelphia // June
Philly, a brand-new city in the US that I’ve never thought of visiting before left me speechless. Only an hour from NYC by train, who knew the City of Brotherly Love, and once the capital was so rich and steeped in history. An outstanding food scene, with America’s only award-winning fine dining vegan restaurant, Vedge, as well as street food markets such as The Terminal, an abundance of museums to visit, the very famous Rocky steps (make sure you have your moment if you ever visit), oh and a community street art project.
The Mural Mile is the world’s largest street art space, which was a community directive to get the diverse backgrounds and population of the city to reside harmoniously side by side. Sampling the Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a must and veggies, they do an alternative!
Tallinn // June
The jewel of the Baltics and the capital of Estonia definitely made it to the top spot on my 2020 city breaks. The remnants of the ex-Soviet rule are a reminder that this beautiful city is steeped in rich history, incredible culture, awe-inspiring arts, the most amazing open spaces and beaches for the outdoor wanderers and well the foodie scene is top-notch. In fact, it is home to the Baltics’ best restaurant, Noa Chef’s Hall.
For those who revel in vistas, climb the many towers or city walls for breath-taking panoramic views of the Old Town, which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The only thing left to ponder is when will you be strolling the 13th-century cobbled-stoned streets of this medieval city?!
Florence // September
A city that stole my heart whilst studying Renaissance art and learning Italian, the latter badly, I have visited almost annually for the past few years. Every part of this open-air museum city, is just elegant, bursting with history in the form of museums, arts, architecture, secret gardens and winding hidden alleyways, this is most definitely the city break for culture vultures! If you like your views and sundowners, there are plenty of Aperitivo options and a fantastic array of Michelin star and casual dining experiences to be had.
Oh and remember Florence is the gateway to Tuscany and those beautiful scenes you see of tree-lined Cyprus tree paths with medieval farmhouses at their peak. Whether you want a Chianti wine tasting session, a Vespa or Fiat ride in the Tuscan hills or just a day out in Siena, Florence is your starting point.
Lucca // October
The stunning medieval walled city of Lucca is perfect for a day trip from Florence. It can easily be accessed via train from Florence and is most definitely the quieter, calmer town compared to Florence. Think beautiful café lined Piazzas with weekend markets, violinists and street performers all around, some incredible vistas from the lookout towers, a botanical garden and a fantastic open space for a picnic.
If you love a church then Lucca has around 100 and some of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. Getaway to Lucca and escape the crazy city crowds!
London // November
London, a lot closer to home, was a quick days pit stop for us but I had to include it as the reason for going was tremendous! I was here to collect my Pinterest UK Best Story Pin Award 2019 in the autumn and obviously had to take a quick look around. The sites, smells and just sheer thrill of being in The Big Smoke always amazes me with all that is going on. Although we stuck mainly around the venue of Ennismore Sessions House, it was lovely to visit for the day and walk the autumnal streets taking in the floral displays and atmosphere of our countries capital. Definitely need to make a few trips to London in 2020.
Lombok // December
So here we are, Lombok. Definitely the quieter sister of Bali, Lombok is pure and utter paradise. Palm-fringed miles upon miles of unspoilt beaches, temples, a slow pace of life, fresh ingredients and the scent of lemongrass all around. Absolutely the right spot to spend our Christmas break, enjoying the spa treatments, egg yolk-like sunsets, sapphire skies and island hopping. I’m looking forward to seeing in the new decade and year, 2020 in paradise! Lombok was a wonderful end to 2019 travel highlights.
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À bientôt
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the Curious Pixie
Loved following all your travels in particular Guatemala and Belize. On my wish list but will remain there for a long while yet.
Bejal
the Curious PixieThanks Sima, and have to admit, Guatemala was just the biggest dream come true. Still can’t believe I made it there! When you finally get there it will be worth the wait I know it. Thanks for following in 2019 x
Binny
Yes to spontaneous travel!! Loved following your adventures in 2019
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny and likewise. Now to see where to head off! The world is my oyster!
Kerry LifeandLoves
Ahhh you have had a remarkable year! Philly and Tallinn are way up on my list, so I ws excited to see them here. I also learnt something new Bejal, that you studied Art! How amazing. I look forward to following along wherevver you head this year xx
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesOhh I know for a fact you will adore Tallinn. Oh yes, many moons ago I studied Renaissance art and the anatomical drawings of the great master, Leonardo da Vinci! I hope to share some 2020 travels with you as soon as I can. Thanks for your support in 2019 xx
Catherine
Sounds like an amazing year and I also loved Philadelphia when I went a few years ago.
Bejal
CatherineThanks Catherine! It was a fab 2019. Oh yes Philly is fab isn’t it? So much to do, see and eat!
Emma (@happywiseowl)
I’d love to go to Florence and Miami. Looks like you had a great year of travel
Em x
Bejal
Emma (@happywiseowl)It was a fab year thanks Emma! You must go to Florence, I go every year so let me know if you need any recommnedations x
Angie Silver
What a great year!!
Bejal
Angie SilverEpic Year thanks Angie!
summersholiyay
I have adored following your travels… especially your trips to Miami, NYC and Philadelphia! Excited to see where you are off to next…. xxxxx
Tanja
have a great 2020! don’t have any specific plans, but I hope to take a road trip, our first as a family of four, and perhaps also a little city break just with my hubby:) if we manage that plus some day trips with the kids, I’d be very happy
Bejal
TanjaThanks so much Tanja! I love the sound of your travel plans and look forward to following you this year. Happy New Year!
Tanja
BejalThanks
Neha
Your trips have been amazing and a great achievement to add in to the highlights. Looking forward to your 2020 travels- they sure will be epic
Bejal
NehaThanks Neha, sometimes I cam’t quite believe I went to all those places in 2019. Really looking fiord two sharing my travels with you all soon hopefully.
Anna
Enjoy 2020, I love having less planned to make the most of what we can near home too!
Bejal
AnnaOh I couldn’t agree more and look forward to seeing what you do nearer to home. Happy New Year xx
Sarah
Happy to meet you through the travel link up 🙂 You had some great travels in 2019! I totally agree that London has a special energy/thrill to it, and I love visiting even if it’s just for an afternoon. I’m sure you will travel some exciting places in 2020 even though you don’t currently have plans… it’s kind of fun to see what just comes up!
Bejal
SarahThanks so much Sarah and I’m very glad we met via the Travel Link Up too. Afternoon Tea is definitely one of my favourite things to do too. I’m really excited to see what 2020 holds travel wise and can’t wait to share. I wish you the very best this year, Sarah xx
Emmalene Fletcher
Thanks for sharing your amazing 2019 travel highlights! I’m re-reading your Tallinn blog posts as this may well be a 2020 destination for us. I look forward to seeing what your “spontaneous” year ahead has in store!
Bejal
Emmalene FletcherThanks for your comment Em! It’s been fab and if you need anymore recommnedations or tips on Tallinn just let me know. You’ll love it, it’s incredible.
Jessi (@2feet1world)
I love Florence, and you’ve definitely placed Philadelphia and Tallinn firmly on my wish-list! Hope you have another amazing year of travels in 2020 🙂
Bejal
Jessi (@2feet1world)Oh I’m so glad, I hope you get to go to Tallinn and Philly! They’re very different and so full of culture! Thanks so much for the wishes. Have a great 2020 full of travel Jessi.
thetravelsofmrsb
So many amazing adventures!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbIt was a fab year of travels indeed!