I can hardly believe how fast 2018 has flown by! I can definitely say that I picked some interesting places to travel in 2018, and I’m ready to see what the new year holds!
One thing that stuck with me in 2018 is the following phrase:
And this phrase has been my words to live by as it relates to travel and life.
I’ve always considered travel to be an informal classroom, a place for experiential learning. So, it’s great to see and learn about places I’ve always read about or never read about!
2018 has been a truly amazing year, and it’s not over yet!  This year, I visited numerous countries from Nicaragua to Lithuania. Here’s a recap of some of my favorite experiences:
Zip Lining in Costa Rica
Soaring through the treetops in Arenal was so exciting, and the views from above were awesome, too! Costa Rica should be on everyone’s travel wish list!
Hanging out in Playa Samara
It was here in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula that I contemplated becoming a beach bum. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of five Blue Zones in the world. Pura vida!
Watching lava flow
It was really neat to visit the Masaya Volcano in Granada, Nicaragua at night. The crackling sound of lava flowing was just as cool as the sight of it. Check out my post, 5 Things You Must Do In Granada, Nicaragua.
Biking in Copenhagen
With more bikes than cars, Copenhagen has a bike culture that rivals Amsterdam. It’s an intense place to bike, but I thought I held my own! Watch my brief video here.
Snowmobiling in Iceland
There are many exciting outdoor things to do in Iceland. Snowmobiling on Iceland’s second largest glacier can only be described as thrilling. At first, I was a bit uneasy but half-way through, I put pedal to the metal!
Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon
The warm waters of Iceland’s famed lagoon were so fabulous, I didn’t want to leave! You actually do stay in for hours, because the temperatures when you get out of the lagoon are a bit of a shock, and the waters are so soothing. Lava, the onsite restaurant. is really good, and I would love to go back and stay in the new Retreat Hotel.
Seeing an original Swedish warship
I enjoyed visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm to see this wooden ship built in the 1600s. It sunk shortly after embarkment and has been pulled from the sea and beautifully restored.
Walking in Riga
Riga, Latvia has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world with more than 1/3 of buildings in the city center incorporating this decorative architectural style. Watch my short video of this beautiful city.
Roaming the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
The Hill of Crosses is a place of religious pilgrimage and remembrance that also symbolizes Lithuania’s historical defiance against foreign invaders. Hundreds of thousands of crosses have been planted by people from around the world.
Enjoying the beaches of San Juan
I have always loved Puerto Rico, and it was good to return post-hurricane to support the local economy. The island is on the mend, and it’s one of the best value places to go!
Exploring Medellin
Medellin is a modern and vibrant city with incredible street art and public art spaces. Check out my post on Why You Should Visit Medellin!
Visiting Palenque
Palenque, the first freed slave settlement in the Americas, was an intriguing place to visit. I enjoyed learning about Afro-Colombian history, including the importance of hair styles, which escaped slave women would use to send messages and weave the paths to freedom.
