South America

Where Am I Headed in 2017?

As you know from last year, I believe in at least thinking about where you'd like to visit in the upcoming year and mapping out strategies to get there. I also believe in writing things down to accomplish them and guess what? 2 out of 4 places on my 2016 travel wish list came to fruition this year! So I am giving it another shot for next year (while praying for a fare glitch!). Here's what I've got for 2017:

Confirmed Travel

Chilé

I bought a fare sale to Chilé in April. Since I've only been to Colombia in South America, I'm looking forward to exploring more of the region. Santiago and Valparaiso are in my sights during my week in country. Chilé is also known for their wine, so I can't lose! 

Photo Credit: CNN

Photo Credit: CNN

Guatemala

I think work may take me to Guatemala, which will be awesome because I have never been to Central America. 

Texas

For our third annual girls road trip, we are thinking about road tripping through Texas. We've done the West Coast twice so we thought we'd give the south some love. 

(I realize my confirmed travel plans look a little bleak this year. I did so much in 2016, that I'm kind of reveling in being home for a bit. But I am sure something will come up!)

Wish List

Ghana (or anywhere in West Africa)

I spent so much time in Zambia and South Africa this year, but have never been to West Africa. I hear it's lit over there and I've loved everywhere I've been on the continent so far, so I'm sure I'll be able to add Ghana to that list.

Photo Credit: National Geographic Kids

Photo Credit: National Geographic Kids

Miami

I know what you're thinking. Miami? Miami is so basic and doesn't need to be on anyone's travel wish list. But I haven't been to Miami in years and have always enjoyed my time there. South Beach is cool, but there's so much more to the city than nightclubs and bars. Miami offers great beaches, restaurants, shopping and relaxation.

Photo Credit: Vanity Fair

Photo Credit: Vanity Fair

Canada

I don't know why Canada has been on my mind lately but I'm thinking either Toronto or Vancouver. And if I can travel across the world, I think I should make time to see a neighboring North American country.

Cuba

Of course Cuba is on my wish list! I need to take advantage of relations between Cuba and the U.S. opening up a little, especially since the new President-elect threatens to close them up again.

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

So where are you headed in 2017? Be sure to put your vacation days and flexible work schedules to good use!

 

Where Am I Headed in 2016?

With a new year, comes the opportunity to go places you've never gone and do things you've never done.  Don't enter into the new year without mapping out your travel schedule and making plans for your vacation days.  At least get started with Quarter 1!  So here's what I have for the year:

Confirmed Travel 

Zambia

I'm hitting the ground running in 2016 and will be spending 2 months in Zambia.  While there, I'll be mostly working but plan to explore as much of the capital, Lusaka, as I can. I'll also be taking at least one weekend trip to Victoria Falls.  Approximately twice the height of Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is bordered by both Zambia and Zimbabwe.  

Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

Curacao

I'll be heading to Curacao for a long weekend, thanks to a free trip I won at an event from Diamond PR! I loved Curacao when I went in December 2014, so I look forward to my return.  And you can't beat a free trip!

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck

Finger Lakes, New York

In April, I am headed to Finger Lakes, New York to take a tour of the Corning Museum of Glass and various wineries.  Finger Lakes is New York's largest wine producing region.  It should be a wine lover's heaven!

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Mediterranean Cruise: Spain, France & Italy

I'll be taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with my family and some friends later in the year. We'll be cruising on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, to Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles, Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples.  I've never been to Spain but have been to France and Italy.  Needless to say, my appetite anxiously awaits all of the amazing meals I'll have.

Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

Travel Wish List

Napa Valley

In May (my birthday month), I have my sights set on Napa Valley and possibly a road trip down the coast to L.A. and/or San Diego.  I've heard great things about all three places and one of my long-term goals is to do more domestic travel.  

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

Colombia

The rest of the year is up for grabs, but with fare glitches and cheap flights, I see Colombia in my future.  I hear Cartagena has beautiful beaches and as you know, the beach is my happy place.

Photo Credit: Andrea Williams

London

Simply put, London was amazing.  I loved it way more than I thought I would, and it deserves more than just 3 days of my time.  If I go back, it'll definitely be for a week or more.  

Thailand

I put Thailand on my wish list last year.  I didn't make it but hopefully it'll come to fruition this year. Doesn't this beach look amazing?

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

So where are you headed in 2016? Be sure to set your intentions and follow through with your plans.  Don't let your vacation days go to waste!