Ten countries in a year

The happiest of new years to each and every one of you! How was your 2016?

A lot of negativity has been floating around with some saying it was the worst year or they couldn’t wait for it to end but come on surly there has been some amazing moments, right?

2016 was an incredible jam-packed year for me. I completed my year teaching English in Thailand in April before moving back to home soil in Ireland.  Travel wise I made it to ten new countries in 2016 so I thought would share some of the highlights from those countries with you. If you haven’t been to these any of the following yet, I strongly suggest you add them to your 2017 goals. Kicking off with…

 

Chanthaburi Thailand

Teaching in this non touristy town in Thailand for a year allowed me to experience the authentic untouched part of Thailand that the majority of tourists never see. It was a tough year with many ups and downs but still a worthwhile learning curve and strangely I saved quite a bit of money on a Thai wage(cha- ching) I definitely do miss waking up to sunshine every day, driving my scooter like a mad lunatic on the daily and weekends at the beach. Thailand symbolizes that simple living we all love.

Munich Germany

Munich was the city that surprised me most in 2016. Surfing in a city park says it all really don’t you think? The highlight from my time in Germany was getting to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle outside of Munich. It’s one of the world’s most famous fairy tale castles set on a rugged hill with views for days. A worthwhile see for any visitors close to Bavaria in Germany.

Hallstatt Austria

Hands down, the most beautiful destination I visited in 2016.  Considering I had never heard of it during my time living in Austria I reckon this is an over looked destination and you guys are missing out. This alpine lakeside village is a whole other world.

Milan and Cinque Terre Italy

Getting to spend my 26^th birthday in the fashion capital of the world, Milan made me feel like a very lucky girl. I have always loved Italy since my first trip there years ago..those guys have their lifestyle down to perfection!! Taking a trip along the Italian Riviera topped this trip for me though as I had always dreamed of seeing the Cinque Terre region. If it’s good enough for Rick Steves then that says it all!

Malta

Malta has been the destination I have recommended the most to people in 2016 as it has something for everyone.  People speak English, the suns shines all year round, the food is incredible and its rich with history. The highlight was the blue lagoon of Comino which is one of the most beautiful place I have ever swam.

Krakow Poland

I Spent a lot of time licking walls in the famous wieliczka Salt Mines and the rest of the time getting pretty ridiculous on traditional Polish vodka..successful trip all round.

Marrakesh Morocco

The most vibrant place I visited in 2016, noisy, hectic and bursting with every colour imaginable. Not a destination for the faint hearted and I think that’s why I loved it so much. Will certainly be back to see more of Africa very soon.

Lisbon Portugal

Taking my mom to Lisbon was another highlight of 2016. We have been on tonnes of family holidays but never just the two of us so it was a fab time away. Lisbon is the perfect place to find the blissful blend of city and beach.

Amsterdam Netherlands

From the very short time I spent in Amsterdam I loved it, the architecture was just fabulous. Plus getting to stay in one of the world’s most unique hotels is always a bonus. There is also nothing quite like a stroll down De Wallen street checking out the “scenery “ too.

Stockhlom Sweden

I took a very last-minute trip to Sweden’s capital city right before Christmas and what a beauty it is. It’s a touch on the expensive side but who doesn’t want to see how the sexy swedes live?.

 

Wow its busy a busy ass year and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  2017 will be equally as travel packed with a trip to Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia in April and South America and Canada in the pipeline after the summer. No doubt I will probably throw in a few random trips in between those as well, because why the hell not?

 

So here’s to 2017 and endless adventures we are going on. Can i make it to more than 10 countries this year…i do love a good challenge after all!

Orla

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