This year had been the year for some major life changes for me outside of travel. I completed my final year of graduate school, my college boyfriend of five years proposed to me, and we bought our first home together. With all the chaos of trying to find an internship to graduate on time, balancing a full-time job with going to school full-time, and fighting with sellers and mortgage lenders, it’s a wonder I could find the time to travel this year. But alas, I was fortunate enough to have experienced many travel opportunities, both local and abroad. Here are some of the highlights of my travel experiences for 2017:
10. Exploring old forts in Southern Maine and New Hampshire
Fort Constitution, NH has plenty of nooks and crannies to explore!
When I’m experiencing a “travel hiatus” from international travel, I use that as an opportunity to explore unique and historical sites locally. This past winter and spring, I spent some time exploring some of the historical military forts along the coast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. My favorite fort to explore was Fort Constitution located in Newcastle, New Hampshire. The fort was first established in 1631 and was originally named Fort William and Mary, after the king and queen of England.
One of the best parts of exploring the New England coast are the light houses it has to offer.
9. Revisiting and exploring Montreal
Montreal Olympic Stadium
Prior to visiting Montreal this year, I had only been to Canada twice, both experiences having occurred during the winter. When me and my fiance found out that one of our favorite bands, Tool was coming to Montreal, we used that as an opportunity to revisit the city (this time during the spring with no snow to drive through!).
Revisiting a city can offer a lot of new experiences and views, including discovering new art and statues not previously seen.
8. Visiting family and exploring the beaches and piers of Orange County, California
Nothing better than 70 degree Fahrenheit weather in November!
My family is scattered all throughout the US, which can make it very difficult to have family reunions. However this year, my family decided to surprise one another with a surprise visit and reuniting in Orange County, California, where a good portion of my family lives. Even though it was a short trip out to California (or long weekend), the days were mostly spent participating in family festivities. However, I was able to visit some of the local beaches and piers Orange County has to offer, including San Clemente Pier and Dana Point State Beach.
Dana Point Harbor
7. Seeing a Broadway show (Wicked!)
I’ve finally fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams to see Wicked on Broadway!
A trip to NYC would not be complete without seeing a Broadway theater production! While there were plenty of amazing shows on Broadway during the time of our visit (School of Rock, Aladdin, to name a few!), it has been my dream to see Wicked live!
6. Exploring ancient Incan ruins in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Moray was one of many interesting and unique archaeological sites within the Sacred Valley.
From Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley is a wide region of ancient Incan history and mystery. Some of my favorite sites within the Sacred Valley included Moray and Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines). Visiting the highlights of the Sacred Valley is a multi-day excursion but one not to miss during a trip to Peru.
Nothing better than enjoying a freshly brewed beer at the Salt Mines!
5. Celebrating the New Year in Quebec City
All smiles even in below zero temperatures!
To ring in 2017, my fiance and I decided to spend the long weekend up in Quebec City! Even though we found ourselves driving through several snowstorms, the city’s old European charm and New Year’s festivities made the road trip up there worth every minute of it!
The final countdown! Several live bands entertained up until this moment.
Quebec City has plenty of magic and charm during the winter.
4. Ferry boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty
She’s just as beautiful as I imagined!
No trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to see Lady Liberty! We took an hour long ferry tour out to see the statue in all its glory (next time I’ll actually walk on Liberty Island).
3. Island hopping and getting to know the locals in Lake Titicaca
One of the Uros Islands completely made out of reeds!
My favorite days during my Peru trip were the two days I spent on Lake Titicaca. The main islands I visited during my stay were the Uros islands (made completely out of reeds), Amantani island (where I spent a night with a local family), and Taquille island.
2. Exploring Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in all its glory!
As touristy as it may have become, Machu Picchu has been a top destination on my bucket list for several years. It was of course the one day out of my entire trip to Peru that it rained, but it ended up clearing up to see this amazing archaeological site.
1. Wandering Times Square (and getting proposed to!)
And of course I said yes!
On the night of our five year anniversary exploring Times Square, my boyfriend surprised me with his proposal! I cannot wait to continue spending my life with him and all of our future adventures we will have together!
