Where Am I Headed in 2018?

On my 2016 travel wish list, there was Napa Valley, Colombia, London and Thailand. While I went to other places too, I ended up in San Francisco (kind of close to Napa Valley) and Colombia. My 2017 travel wish list consisted of Ghana, Miami, Canada, and Cuba. In 2017, I went to Ghana, Miami, Vancouver, and more. There's no denying that my theory works! Put it out in the universe and it will come to you. This year is no different. I've thought long and hard about what travel goals I want to accomplish in 2018 so here we go!

Confirmed Travel

I don't have any. LOL. I have no flights booked. None. Nada. Not a single one. Shocking, I know. I have a few personal things going on right now and my schedule is a bit uncertain. So I've intentionally not made official travel plans. But don't get it twisted. Travel will definitely occur. Lots and lots of travel!

Wish List
(in no particular order)

Los Angeles

I visited LA in 2016 after road tripping from San Francisco and loved it so much. Beaches, warm weather, and laid back vibes...all things that make me a happy Ashlee. I'm putting this on my wish list because I want (read: need) to go back sooner rather than later.

Budapest and/or Croatia

Both of these places have been in my thoughts for years. YEARS. I hear they are beautiful countries, with amazing architecture, history and nightlife, all things I love to explore when visiting a new destination.

Budapest
Photo Credit: Lonely Planet

Thailand

It's high time I get to Asia. Seriously. I'm not sure what's taken me so long, but I definitely need to get to Asia soon and what better place than fan favorite, Thailand? I put it on my wish list for 2015 travel, but everyone and their mother booked trips over the last few years which was a bit of a deterrant for me. Still, everyone who goes to Thailand seems to love it so I'm sure I'll be no different. 

Photo Credit: Kuoni Travel

Spain

Spain seems to be one of those countries that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. Art, history, city life, and amazing food are amongst the great things I've heard about Spain. I'd also like to visit a few of its islands, including Ibiza, San Sebastián, and Valencia. 

Photo Credit: Condé Nast Traveler

Sri Lanka

This one may be a little far fetched but I am putting it out there in hopes I can actually make it happen! I've heard this island country is beautiful, with tons of wildlife and amazing beaches. And because it's a gateway to Southeast Asia, there are a few other countries I can visit before or after.

Photo Credit: RIU

South Africa

Because I can always go back. Again, again and again!

What places are on your 2018 list? Start thinking and planning!

Wish You Were There: Baltimore Blogger Bytes with Ty Alexander and Ashlee Tuck

About the Event

I moved back to Baltimore about a year ago after living in D.C. for 3 years and for the entirety of Will Drink For Travel's existence. I was fortunate enough to have made great blogger friends in D.C. but after moving back home, I realized that I had no blogger community in Baltimore. I wanted to create a way for bloggers in the Baltimore area to meet and connect with each other.  And they say when you can't find it, create your own. Enter Baltimore Blogger Bytes.

The sold-out event was held at Forno Baltimore, where we enjoyed delicious bites and cocktails, courtesy of CAMUS Cognac. I was truly humbled as people I've never met purchased tickets to benefit Mikey's Miracle Foundation and to hear Ty Alexander of popular lifestyle blog Gorgeous in Grey discuss her blogging journey. Guests received gift bags and had the opportunity to win one of five giveaways, including a Viking Cruise for two to Cognac, France (courtesy of CAMUS Cognac), a one-hour photo shoot with Carletta G Photography, a CAMUS leather bottle holder and bottle of cognac, as well as gifts from Will Drink For Travel and Gorgeous in Grey.

Discussion

Through her blog, Ty has become a leading authority in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle related content. She has been featured in media outlets such as Redbook, Real Simple, CNN, O Magazine, Essence and Ebony magazines. In conversation with me, Ty dropped some major blogging gems with the audience in a way only she (hilariously) could, including:

1. Blog once per week at the very minimum. You should be blogging up to three times per week, but once at the very least.
2. Brand yourself. Let people find you in other ways besides your blog. 
3. Don't forget the smaller ways in which you can earn money through your blog: affiliate links and impressions.
4. Think about your integrity before establishing your rate for certain projects and accepting all money that comes your way.
5. Network across. Don't always look to those in positions of power to help you. Network with other bloggers and influencers to create your own opportunities. 
6. Don't be afraid to help other bloggers. It's not a competition when you're staying in your lane. (That's a word!)

Thank Yous

It was a great evening of networking, fellowship and support. Thank you to our event sponsor, CAMUS Cognac, as well as our gift bag and giveaway sponsors: LivSo, Shea Suite, Maju Superfoods, Baltimore Magazine and Carletta G Photography. Hopefully this is the first of many events to cultivate networking and inclusivity in Baltimore's blogger community. Check out more pictures from the event below.

Jade Merritt of Mikey's Miracle Foundation, Inc. discusses the foundation's mission of assisting cancer patients and their families in Baltimore.

Ashlee Tuck of Will Drink For Travel and Ty Alexander of Gorgeous in Grey

Hopefully I'll see you at the next event!