50 countries by the end of 2017 - Can I do it?

It's new chapter of my life and I'm back with the travel bug. I have decided I would like to get my countries visited list to 50 by the end of 2017 - So can I do it? My heart is saying "hell yes", my mind is saying "It's doable but maybe tough" and my bank balance is scream "Are you crazy women, think of rental property you could buy??".


As ever, my heart seems to be ruling me (which is why I've had so much heartache already!). I've crunched the numbers and it works out that I have ten countries to visit to get to my target.


Now, that sounds like a lot however I already have three different countries booked. I'm heading to Oslo, Norway soon with my sister so that will be a new country to explore.


I also have a wonderful trip to the Philippines booked for a few weeks time. I literally cannot wait to get my hiking boots on, roam the mountains and cool off in the incredible turquois seas.


Finally I have Turkey booked in June. Again I get to visit here with my sister (her countries list is racking up too!). Turkey will be more a rest and relaxation holiday but we may see a little bit of the country locally (providing it's safe to do so).


I'm excited for these new adventures. I always love the freedom of travel, the ability to meet new and exciting people and visit stunning countries. I've always loved to explore new places. Dean used to tease me and say my life is lead by one holiday to the next. This was true (however I don't think he meant it as a compliment).


I guess in one way it is an opportunity to escape 'life' for a while but the things you discover when you travel enrich your every day life. One of my favourite travel quotes is by J.R.R Tolkien: "Not all those who wander are lost". For some reason I feel a little bittersweet with this quote. Part of me does "wander" to lose myself from every day life however it shows, this is not a bad thing.


So getting back on track, I now have seven more countries to plan for. I have seen an amazing Caribbean cruise that I'd like to go on in September. It starts off in Puerto Rico and visits U.S Virgin Islands, Curacao (never heard of here before), Aruba and St. Kitts. That'll be five amazing countries!


Some may say I won't have that much time to visit the country in full however I still think it totally counts as visiting :-) That then leaves just two more countries.


With my lack of annual leave, these will need to be weekends away. I used to love flying out from work on a Friday and coming back late Sunday night. I'd like to go to Iceland (not the food shop!) and possible Denmark so both of these would be good for a quick weekend break.


If anyone else has any other suggestions for travel ideas then do let me know.

The Travel Bugs Back

I’ve always joked about having the ‘Travel Bug’ but I seriously do.

I am so spoilt but I miss that I haven’t travelled as much this year. Granted, I’ve travelled a lot more than some people, and of course I’m so grateful, but it’s never enough.

I started the year off celebrating in Abu Dhabi. Then in April I had my great trip to Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore. I really enjoyed that trip. I desperately needed some time to myself and it was perfect! I didn’t feel lonely at all. I spoke to the staff and a few other people enjoying their holidays but that was enough. 

Enjoying KL Tower. 

Sometimes when I’ve travelled alone before, I’ve felt pretty lonely. I think it really depends how I feel in myself (if that makes sense). I’m finally in a very secure, loving relationship and so I felt comfortable being on my own for a bit as I knew I’d be returning to Marco.

Whilst walking to work this morning, a song came on that reminded me so much of Las Vegas. I was literally walking through a chilly London and then I was instantly taken back to the pool club next to my hotel in Las Vegas, laying on a day bed whilst sipping strawberry daiquiris and chatting to the hostess, Samantha, about what it’s like living and working in Las Vegas.

Rather tipsy after six of these. 

It’s amazing how our senses can remind us of a specific moment in time. I have so many things that make me think of my travels. Seeing the stars in a pitch black sky, reminds me of midnight skinny dipping in the sea in Caye Caulker, Belize. The smell of the petrol, reminds me of the huge boats in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The taste of Prosecco, reminds me of fishing in Italy and catching so many trout.

Exploring Halong Bay on the kayaks. 

We caught lots of trout. I said sorry to every one of them. 

I am loving visiting Italy and exploring where Marco grew up. Our first trip was wonderful. I have never felt so relaxed and at peace on holiday before. Although we were always doing something, whether it was visiting Marco’s family or going for a bike ride, I still felt so rested. It was probably the regular two hour naps in the afternoon which helped!

Beautiful Vicenza city after the proposal. 

I am really looking forward to visiting Venice. From the pictures, it looks so stunning. I adore the architecture of the buildings and I can’t wait for my Daddy to visit as I know he’ll love it all too. I would love to go on a gondola ride, I know it’s a little cheesy but it’s a tradition in Venice so I’d like to experience it.

I usually snap away on my iphone but I’ve decided to take my good camera with us as I want to ensure I get some beautiful shots to share with everyone.

There are so many places in Italy I’m looking forward to visiting. Being with a native helps so much too! But although I’m looking forward to exploring Italy, there are still lots of other places I’d like to visit.

I’m desperate to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. I would love to do a sailing tour around Croatia. I’d love to explore Australia. I’m desperate to go back to Africa and see more wonderful wildlife. And I truly hope I get to go snorkelling in beautiful Maldives.

Marco doesn’t quite understand my passion for travel. I can understand where he is coming from as he spends his holidays going back home to visit family. It must be difficult balancing things.

We’re looking to go on a cruise to the Caribbean next year. That should be a lovely experience as I haven’t been on a cruise before (the sailing boat in The Galapagos Islands doesn’t count!). I love the sandy shores of the Caribbean. The snorkelling will be amazing. And even better, I get to experience all of this with amore mio.

Sailing The Galapagos Islands. 

For now I’ll be dreaming of these new adventures. Oh and looking forward to Italy in 5 days’ time!!

Ciao.