Travel wishlist for 2014

Today I'll be linking up with the lovely Emma and Kelly for their 2014 Travel wish list, planning and inspiration.

After travelling to a fair few destinations last year, across the Atlantic, in Europe and even in my own backyard (a.k.a London) I'm keen to do more, see more and experience all I can this year. So here is my travel wish list - its what comes to mind at the moment but I'm sure it'll grow and morph into something totally unexpected by the end of the year.

In and around London I'd love to finally get my butt to the Kew Gardens. I've been wanting to go for ages but just never made it there. Another item on my wish list is a canal boat ride. I love the walk from Little Venice to Camden Markets and would be happy to have one of these pretty boats cruise me there.

Outside of London there are so many choices. It would be great to fit in more of the beautiful English countryside, maybe take a trip to the New Forest, explore the Lakes District, the Peaks District or Snowdonia. I wouldn't mind stopping in York or Edinburgh again, they are a favourite!

Old aquaduct somewhere on the road from Edinburgh to the Lake Windermere

Portugal, Berlin, Granada are some places in Europe i'd like to visit. I think both Portugal and Granada would be great weekend escapes to seek out precious rays of sun. Hmm...i'm thinking Russia would be great for something totally different.

Further afield on my travel bucket list there is the Great Wall of China. I have been wanting to do that for ages. India too - though India is a big trip so will most likely leave it for another year. Other places are Vietnam or Cambodia. I'm not sure if I'll get that far this year but this is a travel wish list right?

Manhattan skyline taken from the Brooklyn Bridge

I had such a great time when i was in New York last year, I didn't nearly have enough time so another trip there would be a real treat! Rio is a city i have heard nothing but rave reviews about, the people, the lifestyle, the vibe and buzz of the city, it makes for an alluring destination and it is rapidly climbing up my travel wish list.

I also might try to give Morocco a go, or perhaps Tunisia. I almost made it to Morocco last year but changed my mind in favour of a destination further up on my bucket list...what can i say, time is precious and sometimes you just cant fit in everything you wish. 

York Minster Cathedral taken from the original city walls

Anyway, I think thats more than enough dreaming about places to go for this year dont you? Realistically speaking, i'll be happy making to just a few of these this year, after all, any travel is an absolute blessing and treat!

Whats on your travel wishlist for 2014?

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Goodbye 2013, Welcome 2014! Reflections on New Years in London and Sydney

In a couple of days we will have said goodbye to 2013 and welcomed the new year. Last year I was lucky enough to spend it in London. I piled on the cold weather gear and made my way to Victoria Embankment so I would be able to see the clock tower of Big Ben and be Thame-side to watch the fireworks explode from the London Eye. The vibe was amazing, I'll never forget it. People were in high spirits, dancing in the street and generally having good time while waiting for the countdown to midnight.

This year (if all goes to plan) I will be hitting up my favourite spot in Sydney harbour to watch the fireworks in the warmth. I enjoyed London's fireworks and recommend making the effort to go see them if you haven't already but, in this firework-lovers humble opinion, Sydney has THE best fireworks in the world  ;)

At the close of 2011 I was on the edge-of-my-seat excited for the new year. It marked the start of my expat life in London and everything that I had dreamed. I remember standing there watching the fireworks shoot out of the Harbour Bridge, explode in the sky and light up the entire harbour. My eyes followed them each explosion reverberating inside my chest and increasing that feeling of being on the verge of a great adventure. I wondered when I would be home again and be back to see in a new year and what was in store for the time till then.

Needless to say, I had an amazing time. My time as an expat in London was well spent, even if I wish I had done more. I saw in the Queens Jubilee, visited the Lakes District, said hello to Edinburgh again, was able to show my brother around Cambridge and had many other explorations. I met some wonderful people whom I hope to keep as life-long friends and fell more and more in love with London, its afternoon teas, cute neighbourhoods and enchantment than on any other previous visit.

I am excited about 2014. I am keen for more adventures abroad (I am, after all, a die hard travel addict) and meeting a few more of my blogging friends in person. So as one of the first cities to welcome in the New Year, let me wish all of my lovely readers a brilliant New Year! May 2014 bring you travel, adventure, great laughs and good times with friends and family. Thank you for joining in my adventures on this blog, see you in the New Year!

With Love,
VP

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