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I’m a little late to the party this year, but I didn’t want to start 2020 without writing my annual travel recap.
This is a post that I really love to write as an exercise of gratitude for all the places I got to visit, for all the new experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met, and for all my small and big victories.
Looking back to 2019, I can see how far I’ve come since starting The Yogi Wanderer 3 years ago.
In 2019, my blog traffic and income continued to grow consistently and I was invited to my very first 2 sponsored trips. Yay!
And although I haven’t achieved all the goals I had set for myself, it was still a great year of traveling, blogging, and learning.
In 2019, I’ve visited 2 new countries, revisited another 4, and explored more of Switzerland.
So without further ado, here are my best travel moments of the last year.
My best travel moments of 2019
Colmar, France
I’ve literally started 2019 with a 2-day trip to Colmar on the 2nd of January. This was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend and a very special way to start the new year.
I absolutely loved everything about this cute Alsatian town, from the lovely pastel buildings to the delicious food and wine!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsxlMS0BrEP/
Berlin, Germany
At the beginning of March, my boyfriend and I spent 4 days exploring Berlin.
I found the German capital just so cool and fascinating, with all its history, modern architecture, street art, and hip restaurants and shops.
This was my first time in Berlin but I can easily say that it’s already one of my favorite European cities.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZf7kXF6NO/
Innsbruck, Austria
In April, we were headed to Innsbruck, in Austria, for a sunny Easter break.
I had heard good things about this alpine Austrian city, but it surely exceeded all my expectations!
With a stunning mountain backdrop and magnificent architecture, Innsbruck is probably one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwlpC6Oldud/
Switzerland
In April and May, we had some visits from friends and family from Portugal, which gave us the perfect excuse to be tourists in our home country again and rediscover cities like Bern, Lucerne, and even Zurich.
This year we also explored some beautiful new places in Switzerland, like Interlaken and Appenzell.
Trentino, Italy
In June, I traveled to the Italian Alps to attend a travel blogging conference in the charming city of Trento.
After an intense weekend of learning, networking, and making new friends, I went on a press trip through the Dolomites with Visit Trentino.
I spent 4 days exploring the region of Trentino in Northern Italy, practicing yoga with the Alps as a backdrop, and indulging in some amazing wellness activities.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bys11PDoFvv/
Portugal
In summer, my boyfriend and I enjoyed 2 weeks of vacation in Portugal.
We started with 3 days in Porto, including an amazing Douro river cruise.
We then headed to Lisbon for some quality time with friends and family, and some well-deserved beach time.
Finally, we spent a couple of days with my parents road-tripping through central Alentejo, with stops in Évora, Alqueva, and Monsaraz.
Malta
October was time for my second press trip of the year and a new country.
Together with my boyfriend, I visited Malta, Gozo, and Comino as a guest of the Malta Tourism Authority and completely fell in love with this tiny Mediterranean nation.
From the beautiful natural scenery, turquoise waters, and wonderful climate, to the rich history, the lovely architecture of Valletta, and the delicious food, Malta was certainly one of the highlights of my travels in 2019.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zR_qrh5JW/
Christmas markets
November and December were dedicated to exploring the lovely Christmas Markets in and around Switzerland and drinking mulled wine.
We opened the season with a visit to the huge and beautiful Montreux Christmas Market, in Switzerland.
Next on our list were Freiburg, in Germany, Strasbourg, in France, definitely one of my favorites, and Basel, in Switzerland.
For the second time in 2019, we were headed to Colmar, this time for its famous Christmas Markets, which although beautiful were overwhelmingly busy.
Last but not least, Bern Stars Market was my absolute favorite of all the Christmas Markets I saw this year.
Portugal
We ended 2019 with another 2 weeks of vacation in Portugal.
This time, we split our time between the Azores, where we celebrated Christmas with my family, and Lisbon, for some time with my boyfriend’s family, and New Year’s Eve with friends.
My travel plans for 2020
And now for my travel plans for 2020.
I have a couple of trips booked already and some others are still in the planning stage.
So far, this is what my travel calendar for 2020 looks like:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In January, I’m so looking forward to celebrating my 40th anniversary in Amsterdam with my boyfriend.
This will be my first time in the Netherlands, so I’m really excited to explore a new city and country for my first trip of the year and my birthday!
Sicily, Italy
In March, I will be attending a travel bloggers’ conference in Sicily, Italy.
I find myself returning to Italy again and again – in fact, it’s my most visited country – but there’s just so much to see there, and such delicious food…
This time I will be based in Catania and exploring East Sicily.
South of France road trip
In the summer, my boyfriend and I are planning a road trip through the south of France.
We haven’t defined our exact itinerary yet, but it should be something special. So, wait for it!
Portugal
Portugal is also on our travel plans for summer, as we can survive without the ocean and the Portuguese food for only so long.
Bali and East Timor
I’m planning to visit Bali and East Timor with two of my best friends at the end of 2020.
This is a long-awaited trip that I hope will finally happen this year.
So there you have it. My 2019 travel year in review, plus my travel plans for 2020.
Now it’s your turn. What were your best travel moments of 2019? What are your travel plans for 2020? Share in the comments section below!
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