“Where have you been?” This is the question I get asked the most. It’s typically followed by, “What’s your favorite destination? I have been traveling since the age of 12 and documenting my travels here on this blog for a few years. It may sound crazy, but up until now I have never really taken the time to sit down and evaluate all of my travels as a whole. So, I thought it would be fun, and it’s about dang time, to answer both of these questions in this post! I’ve also included an interactive map so you can start tracking your own travels!
So here goes, the full list of the 36 countries and 29 U.S. states I’ve visited plus a breakdown of some of my favorites!
Create your own map here and start tracking your travels!
EUROPE
Where I’ve Been:
| Belgium | Iceland | Switzerland |
| France | Italy | United Kingdon |
| Germany | Netherlands | Vatican City |
| Gibraltar | Portugal | |
| Greece | Spain |
Favorite Destinations:
Iceland – I visited Iceland in April of 2018 and it was one of the most incredible trips. The natural beauty is pint of this world. At times it literally feels like you’re on another planet! From watching sunrise at Diamond Beach to relaxing in natural hot springs to staying up late to watch the northern lights, I made so many wonderful memories there. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s a must!
South of Spain & South of France – My trips to the South of Spain (Malaga and Ronda) and Nice France both rank high on my list. Think of all the things you love about an old European city – charming cafes, delicious food, beautiful architecture and rich culture – now add a sundrenched coastline to the mix and that’s what these cities are like. What’s not to love?!
Switzerland – One of my favorite getaways was to Switzerland just before the holidays. Although there wasn’t much snow, the small town of Interlaken where my Russian and I stayed was beyond magical. It felt like we were the only two people in the town. The views were absolutely stunning and the adorable Christmas market was the icing on top!
AFRICA
Where I’ve Been:
| Botswana | Nigeria | South Africa |
Favorite Destination:
Nigeria – While my study abroad trip to Botswana and South Africa in undergrad was one of my most transformative travel experiences, Nigeria tops my list when it comes to African countries I’ve visited. It’s where my father was born and where much of my extended family still lives. Getting to meet them for the first time and immerse myself in the history, culture and traditions shaped me for the better.
ASIA
Where I’ve Been:
| Armenia | Indonesia |
| China | Thailand |
| India | United Arab Emirates |
Favorite Destination:
China – The month I spent in Beijing China in 2010 for a law school study abroad changed my life forever. It solidified my passion for travel and it’s where I met my Russian and made some lifelong friends. On top of the relationships that I made, the food, history and culture that I got to experience on the trip was amazing. To this day, it is the longest time I’ve spent abroad, which is a big part of why the trip had such an impact on me.
Thailand – Thailand has been on my list for years. Back in 2014, my Russian and I spent 10 wonderful days there. We started off with a few crazy days in the beehive of Bangkok before taking a harrowing train ride then boat ride to the remote island of Koh Tao. It felt like we were on a great adventure as we ate and drank our way through the beautiful country. Even after getting stuck 2 extra days due to oversold flights, I left eager to return.
SOUTH AMERICA
Where I’ve Been:
| Brazil | Peru |
Favorite Destination:
Peru – In 2015 my Russian and I traveled to Peru with another couple we became friends with on our China trip. If you’ve never done a group couples trip, I highly recommend! We had so much fun exploring Lima before making our way to Cusco and culminating our trip with an epic visit to Machu Picchu. The food tour through Lima, sightseeing in Cusco and our misty day at Machu Picchu were just a few of the highlights of that adventure.
OCEANIA
Where I’ve Been:
| Australia |
Favorite Destination:
Sydney – The winter months are the best time of year to visit Sydney. My Russian and I visited back in November of 2016. We spent a few days beach hopping and exploring the city. The beaches were absolutely beautiful and weekend farmer’s market was so much fun. I can’t wait to go back and check out some of the cities on the northern coast!
Create your own map here and start tracking your travels!
NORTH AMERICA
Where I’ve Been:
| Aruba | Cuba | Saint Lucia |
| Bahamas | Dominican Republic | Sint Maarten |
| Belize | Grenada | United States |
| Canada | Jamaica | |
| Costa Rica | Mexico |
Favorite Destinations:
Aruba – Aruba is the first Caribbean island I’ve visited that has the perfect combo of gorgeous beaches, sightseeing, activities and nightlife. It’s such a tiny island, but there are a TON of things to see and do. My only regret about my trip was that it wasn’t longer!
Belize – My stay on Caye Caulker was so lovely. What it lacked in coastline it more than made up for in cute shops, restaurants, bars, fun excursions and easy island vibes. My favorite part about the island was that bikes were the only mode of transportation.
Mexico – I have to give a quick shout out to Mexico. It gets dragged unnecessarily by our man-baby president and his flock way too often and it deserves none of it. I’ve had nothing but good times in Mexico and consider it one of the best beach destinations in the world. Tulum in particular is a special city that should be on your list if you haven’t already visited!
US STATES & TERRITORIES
Where I’ve Been:
| Alaska | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
| Arizona | Louisiana | Puerto Rico |
| California | Massachusetts | Saint Thomas |
| Connecticut | Michigan | Texas |
| Denver | Minnesota | Utah |
| Florida | Mississippi | Washington |
| Georgia | Nevada | Washington DC |
| Hawaii | New Jersey | West Virginia |
| Illinois | New York | Wisconsin |
| Indiana | North Carolina | |
| Iowa | Ohio |
Favorite Destinations:
Alaska & Hawaii – My two favorite U.S. states just happen to be the hardest to get to! They also couldn’t be more different, but each are so unique and hold a special place in my heart.
On my trip to Alaska, I got to witness the start of the world famous Iditarod dog race in Anchorage. Then we spent a few days in a cozy log cabin watching the northern lights dance above Mount Denali. Talk about magical!
As for Hawaii, it is not just one of my favorite destinations, it is my spirit state. I’ve had the chance to visit 4 times and each time I leave, I can’t wait to go back! Kauai is probably my favorite island, but you really can’t go wrong. The natural beauty is simply unmatched. If I could watch the sun rise and set in Hawaii for the rest of my days, I would die a happy woman!
There you have it! A lifetime of travel and countless life changing experiences summed up into one little post! There are still SO many places I want to visit. Japan, Russia, Jordan, Croatia and Morocco are currently at the top of my list. Hopefully I can check a few of them off this year!
So, where have you been? What are some of your favorite destinations? Where do you still want to go? Drop them in a comment below. I’d to hear about your adventures!
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