How Will You Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet?
New Year’s Eve is here and I, like many of you, have been reflecting on the incredible year we’re about to say goodbye to: 2018.
Last year, I wrote a piece called Looking Ahead to 2018: Where Will You Travel? So, I thought I’d write a similar one this year– a sequel, if you will- documenting future plans while simultaneously looking back on the wonderful memories made this year.
2018: It was a year of Hollywood scandals and nationwide movements such as #MeToo and March for Our Lives. In the USA, an unprecedented amount of female and minority candidates won coveted government positions. People across the globe experienced crazy weather and natural disasters such as deadly wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Game of Thrones finally announced when it’s eighth and final season will be released; and that’s one of the many things we have to look forward to in the upcoming year!
Let’s rewind.
In 2016, I visited 8 countries. 2016 was special because I went on my FIRST trip to Europe which consisted of 7 different countries in 10 days. If it weren’t for that unbelievable, life-changing trip, my life would be so different today. That trip is what got me addicted to traveling and leaving my comfort zone.
In 2017, I explored more in my home country, the U.S., and had a blast visiting new places like Seattle and New Orleans. I also went island hopping in Greece! Does it get much better than that? I didn’t think so.
But to be honest, 2018 has been my best year yet.
2018 has really been the year of firsts. It’s been a year of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and nearly impossible decisions. Last year, when I looked ahead to this year, I had no idea how much my life would change. Not even a clue. I assumed I’d be in the same apartment in the same city, teaching at the same school I’d been teaching at since August 2014.
But no.
In 2018, I toured 4 new countries and several cities. I earned my Master of Education from Lamar University. I met Betsy DeVos when she and some other government officials joined my class for morning meeting. I was offered a teaching position in the Netherlands. I took it.
I sold my car, most of my furniture and belongings, and terminated my apartment lease. I moved to Amsterdam by myself in August. I also took my first solo trip with nothing but a backpack… and I just booked my second one!
I’ve been living here in Europe for over 4 months now yet there is still a part of me that cannot fathom this and believe it is real life. Somebody pinch me.
But this is real life. And now the year is coming to a close and I, once again, do not know what the next year has in store for me. But I’m ready for it! Like last year though, I ’m asking myself: “Where will you travel next?” Maybe you’re asking yourself that same question. Maybe you already have some exciting trips lined up- I know I do!
So without further ado, here is what I have mapped out for myself for the next 12 months. As always, if you have any recommendations please leave a comment and let me know!
January 2019.
Edinburgh, Scotland.
I’ll be embarking on this short 3-night trip all by my lonesome. 2 months ago, I went on my first solo trip to London and Dublin where I stayed in hostels and tackled many “firsts”. So now, I feel like I can do anything. After this trip, I’ll only have 1 country to go in order to finish the U.K. (Wales)! What are some must-dos in Edinburgh?!
February 2019.
Budapest, Hungary and Lisbon, Portugal.
My sister will come visit me in Amsterdam the week after Valentine’s Day. We will spend a couple of days here, but ultimately we are going to embark on another eurotrip. My sister, Laura, and I have gone to Greece and Belgium together and I am really looking forward to this trip; neither of us have been to either of these countries before so it will definitely be an epic new experience for us both! Drop any and all recommendations below!!
March 2019
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Visit Maastricht for carnival?
April 2019.
Lisse, Netherlands (Keukenhof).
My parents are coming to visit! My mother has not been to the Netherlands in a good 41 years, and my father has never been. I cannot wait for the two of them to come visit me in Amsterdam! We will take in all of the beautiful sights here in the city, but we are stoked to visit the Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe”. It is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, located in South Holland, where people from all over go to see the beautiful tulips.
May 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Visit Disney Paris? Take a trip to an eastern European country?
June 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Visit the Hague or Rotterdam for a day/weekend?
July 2019.
North Wildwood, NJ, USA. I grew up in NJ and we vacationed at the Wildwood Beaches every year. Some of my dearest memories are from there- and those beaches will always be close to my heart. In February of this year, my parents sold the house I grew up in and retired to Savannah, GA. This past summer, they rented a condo in North Wildwood for 4 weeks. I spent most of those weeks with them and we had a really great time; our condo was oceanfront. So, next July, they’re doing it again!
August 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Visit my parents in Savannah, GA? Visit Charleston or Atlanta, GA?
September 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Visit Berlin?
October 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Poland? Croatia?
November 2019.
Nothing confirmed yet.
Ideas: Maybe tour Christmas markets in Switzerland?
December 2019.
Savannah, GA.
This is where my parents live now and therefore is where I will be for Christmas 2019. It will be my first Christmas in Savannah since this year (2018) we were in Disney World Orlando for Christmas!
2018 will be extremely difficult to beat- I hope 2019 is up for the challenge.
How will you make 2019 your best year yet? Comment below to tell me where you’ll be traveling or what you’ll be accomplishing- I’d love to hear from you!