My 2018 travel year in review + my travel plans for 2019

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It’s that time of the year again.

I love looking back and writing my annual travel recap.

It allows me to be thankful for all the great moments and exciting places I was privileged enough to travel to and to learn from the not so good moments.

Actually, I think that’s an exercise we should all apply to all areas of our lives.

So many times, we forget to celebrate the small victories and accomplishments and, simultaneously, fail to look at the big picture.

Looking back at least once a year can truly help us to feel more grateful and to appreciate the path we’re on.

And what a ride 2018 has been!

This was my best travel and blogging year so far.

In 2018, I traveled to 4 new countries and 1 new continent and revisited 3 other countries.

2018 was also the year I started earning a regular income from this blog, which feels awesome and makes me believe I must be doing something right here.

It’s great to see my hard work paying off and to know that I’m helping people to travel and discover the world at the same time.

This is also the time to plan for the new year and to set new goals.

But let’s start with my best travel moments of 2018.

 

My best travel moments of 2018

Morocco

On January 1, I embarked on my first trip of the year.

I traveled solo to Tamraght, Morocco, and started 2018 attending a surf and yoga retreat with Surf Star Morocco.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQuxLMnQoW/

This was a life-changing experience in so many ways, I don’t even know where to start.

I was so nervous before heading to Morocco all by myself, but it turned out to be one of my best travel experiences ever.

I’ve met amazing people with whom I’ve shared some great moments, and, most importantly, learned a lot about myself.

Which proves that what scares you the most is sometimes the most rewarding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeXzZl7HaSo/

 

Paris, France

In February, my boyfriend and I got the TGV from Zurich and spent 4 days in Paris.

I’ve visited the French capital before, but only for a short layover and a quick peek at the Eiffel Tower.

This time we hit all the top attractions and trendy neighborhoods of the city of Love and dwelled in its many cafés and museums.

Paris is an amazing city and we, no doubt, had a great time there, but I must confess it’s not my favorite European city.

It just feels a little too perfect for my like. Or maybe I just need to give it a second chance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf_QmJqnVNt/

 

Mozambique

Mozambique was my third trip of 2018 and, after Morocco in January, my second trip to Africa, a continent I had never explored before.

I went for a friend’s wedding and stayed for 10 days, in Maputo and Ponta do Ouro.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzMRN7nyh1/

This was a very emotional trip for me for several reasons.

First, I got to reunite with my girlfriends from college, some of whom I hadn’t seen for years.

We studied together in Lisbon but are now spread around the world. Therefore, reunions like this one are becoming rarer and more special.

Second, Mozambique was the poorest country I’ve ever visited. This beautiful African nation is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world.

It was hard to witness so much poverty and inequality and try to make sense of all of it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlIdgj7H3U9/

Finally, I did my first African safari at Kruger National Park, in South Africa, and it was simply one of the most beautiful and emotional experiences of my entire life.

 

Budapest, Hungary

In May, my boyfriend and I took a 4-day trip to Budapest.

The Hungarian capital surely lives to the hype and is now officially one of my favorite European cities.

Charming but not too cocky, Budapest is definitely my kind of place: young, vibrant, eclectic, and so, so beautiful!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZfvLGnL_N/

 

Portugal

In the summer, we enjoyed one whole month in our native country, Portugal.

We started with one week in the Azores to visit my family, in Terceira Island.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn3u6DSFi0_/

Back to the mainland, we spent a relaxing weekend in Tavira, in the Algarve.

I then headed to Ericeira with a friend, for 4 days of surfing, beach time, and delicious food.

The rest of our trip was spent in Lisbon, hanging out with my boyfriend’s family and some old friends, and just enjoying the city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnYxCZanOFe/

 

London, UK

October was time for a short 4-day trip to London with my boyfriend.

This was his first time in the UK capital and my second. I visited the city before in 2005 and was excited to go back after so many years.

I loved everything about London on my first visit and even more now.

From Notting Hill to Shoreditch, London is such an exciting city with so many things to do, see and try that I could easily see myself living there for a while.

Well, one thing’s for sure: this was not my last visit to the British capital.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDdCWvFAEA/

 

Switzerland

With so many trips abroad, we ended up not exploring much of Heidi’s country in 2018.

But for the first time in 5 years of living here, we decided to spend Christmas in Switzerland.

Even though we usually spend Christmas in Portugal, this is my favorite time of the year in Zurich and in 2018 we got to enjoy it to the fullest.

From all the Christmas markets to the ever-present carols, lights, and decorations, not forgetting the delicious Glühwein (mulled wine), the holiday atmosphere is certainly contagious around here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAtvliFfHE/

 

My travel plans for 2019

Contrary to what happened last year, I don’t have many travel plans for 2019.

In fact, for now, I only have one trip booked.

Of course, there are some places that are very high on my travel bucket list, and I hope I can tick some of them off next year.

 

Colmar, France

On January 2, my boyfriend and I will be heading to Colmar, in France, for a 2-day romantic getaway.

This was a Christmas gift from him, and I’m very excited to finally visit this small Alsatian town, just 2 hours from Zurich.

 

Istambul, Turkey

In the spring, we will probably visit Istambul for dental treatments and, of course, some sightseeing.

 

Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland

The capitals of Estonia and Finland are two European cities I hope to finally visit in 2019.

 

Balkans Interrail

My boyfriend and I have been dreaming of doing an Interrail through the Balkans for some time now.

Maybe 2019 is the year for an epic train trip through southeastern Europe.

 

New York and Niagara Falls, USA

I haven’t been back to the US since my first, and only, visit in 2008.

I’d love to explore more of New York City and also see the Niagara Falls this time.

 

Pacific Coast road trip, USA

Taking a road trip through the USA is probably on every traveler’s bucket list.

I have the itinerary already. Now, all I need is to hit the road.

 

So there you have it. My travel year in review, plus my travel plans for the year to come.

Thank you for following along in 2018 and see you around the world in 2019!

 

Now it’s your turn. What were your best travel moments of 2018? What are your travel plans for 2019? Share in the comments section below!

 

Read more:

• My 2016 year in review + resolutions for 2017
• My 2017 travel year in review + my travel plans for 2018
• My 2019 travel year in review + my travel plans for 2020

 

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