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When I look back at this year, I can’t help but feel so thankful. My favorite moments are often spent navigating new streets, trying new foods, and immersing myself within a new country. This past year I was able to take a few amazing international trips, as well as some meaningful stops in the U.S. Like I always say, your travels don’t have to be flying across the world to be memorable, and I always remind myself of that. A new neighborhood in your home city, or a new hike in your home country can all quench that desire to explore.
As we begin to start a new year, I have taken the time to look back on my travels of 2018. Amazing moments, or memorable trips – all worthy to revisit again.
/ Hiking Mt. Nanewari
A difficult but rewarding hike – this hike provided us with stunning views of Fuji and a snow capped peak awaited us. This hike was unique due to the fact that the last mile we hiked with quarts of water to help the udon shop at the top. Once we arrived, we handed them our water and some yen for an AMAZING bowl of Udon. One of the best hikes I have ever done in my life.
Check out our climb in action below 🙂
/ Observing wild elephants in Sri Lanka
Perhaps one of my biggest *pinch me* moments of 2018 was that of Kaudulla National Park. Towards the end of our time in the park, it started to rain and we felt completely alone among these massive animals – it could not have been a more perfect moment.
See more: The unreal travel moment of Kaudulla National Park (photo diary)
/ Honeymoonin’ in the Maldives
I have yet to write about our time in the Maldives, but I attribute that to the fact that we tried to enjoy and be in the moment as much as possible. There will be no other vacation in my life that matches the beauty of these islands. Staying in a room resting on stilts above the water, snorkeling right outside of our door with a private pool and hot tub? Pretty sure that is what dreams are made of. I was never one who envisioned my dream wedding, but I certainly thought about my dream honeymoon – Maldives made that dream come true.
/ Tottori
Japan has so many memorial experiences once you head off the beaten path. Standing in the rain on Japan’s beautiful sand dunes, learning to make my own shashimi and eating the best shabu shabu of my life – were a few of mine.
Read more: Off beat corners of Japan: visiting Tottori
/ Cherry Blossom adventures around Tokyo
Before experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan during their prime, I wasn’t sure I would love it as much as I did. If I could choose spending a day in nature or a day on the streets of a major city, more often than not I pick a bustling and concrete atmosphere. During late March to early April, Japan converted me to a lover of all things flowers. Who would have thought?
Read more: Cherry Blossom season in Japan: Yokohama
Read more: Cherry Blossom season in Tokyo: Places to have a Hanami picnic
/ Mario Kart driving in Tokyo
Something everyone should add to their list when visiting Tokyo! Where else is it legal to dress up as Super Mario Bros characters and drive around seeing the main sights in Tokyo? Japan. Only in Japan. Terrifying, memorable and unreal.
Read more: How to experience real life Mario Kart in Tokyo
/ Solo trip to Taiwan
In 2018 I took my biggest solo trip to date! I had the privilege of flying to Taiwan for 5 days to see Taipei, Jiufen, and light lanterns in Shifen. At least once a week I wish I was back eating Truffle & Pork Xiao Long Bao at the original Din Te Fung. 😉
Read more: Guide to visiting to Taipei for the first time
/ Flying from Saipan to Tinian
My first visit to Saipan I was unable to explore more of the Mariana Islands, but returning for the second time this past spring I was eager to see much more of these beautiful islands. The Mariana Islands are not only beautiful (and not over run with tourists) but filled with immense amount of history. Flying on a tiny plane from Siapan to Tinian to see where the atomic bombs that struck Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a speechless, iconic moment.
Read more: 15 photos to inspire you to visit the Northern Mariana Islands
/ Visiting my old home of Chicago
It has been a few years since I was able to visit the city I called home for 4 years. Seeing the profound changes (especially to the West side) was so fun to see! Stopping by my old spots and checking off new ones was so rewarding. Chicago is one of those cities that I feel is often in the shadow of Boston and New York City, but has just as much to offer. Architecture, friendly people, and AMAZING food – it will forever be my favorite city.
Read more: Quick Guide to Chicago for First-Timers
/ Playing tourist in my home state of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Summers and Falls are without a doubt the best. Clam cakes, clam chowder, trips to Block Island, Del’s Lemonade, and gorgeous fall foliage to name a few reasons. Spending a whole week exploring my state like any tourist (or blogger) was so fulfilling! Not to mention spending a week with my amazing family.
Anyone else feel that way about their home state?
Read more: The Rhode Island summer bucketlist
In this past year I am so thankful I was able to see so many parts of Asia but more importantly, visit some familiar places with brand new eyes. Whether it be a flight across the ocean to experience a new culture, or a drive to the familiar sights – there’s always something new to experience!!
Love always,
Katherine
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