My Travel Year: A Round-Up of my 2024 Adventures
Wow, where do I even start? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and now here we are, reflecting on an incredible year of travel and memories.
2024 has been nothing short of magical, filled with breathtaking sights, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of moments that left me in awe. So, grab yourself a cuppa (or something stronger if you’re still in holiday mode), and let’s dive into the highlights of what has truly been a whirlwind year!
Helsinki for New Year’s
The year kicked off in style with a trip to Helsinki, Finland’s oh-so-chic capital. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year in a place where the winter chill feels like it’s giving you a big frosty hug. Think snow-dusted streets, cosy cafés serving steaming glögi (Finnish mulled wine), and fireworks lighting up the icy night sky.
Helsinki’s New Year celebrations were the perfect mix of lively street parties and more intimate moments. I spent most of my time wrapped up in layers, exploring the city by day and indulging in sauna culture by night. There’s something magical about sweating out the cold in a traditional Finnish sauna before braving the freezing Baltic air – it’s invigorating in a way I’ll never forget.
Tallinn: A day trip from Helsinki
While in Helsinki, I hopped on a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. (If you’ve ever considered it, let me tell you now: DO IT.)
Tallinn is like stepping straight into a storybook. The old town with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and quaint buildings made me feel like I’d wandered into another time. We spent much of our time exploring coffee shops, which added a cosy charm to the trip. But what truly took my breath away was the medieval architecture – it’s absolutely stunning.
Budapest, March: Thermal Baths & Chimney Cakes
In March, Budapest became the perfect setting for a girls’ getaway to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We ticked off all the must-sees, from the iconic Parliament building to the stunning Buda Castle. And let’s not forget the chimney cakes—sweet, warm, and absolutely delicious! We also took a boat trip down the river to take in all of Budapest’s beauty on both sides of the river.
The highlight? An unforgettable evening at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Imagine soaking in warm waters under the stars, surrounded by your best friends and a vibrant crowd. Budapest was a vibe, and I can’t wait to go back.
Negril, Jamaica in May: A Wedding in Paradise
In May, I swapped Europe’s charm for the golden sands of Negril, Jamaica, where we celebrated my sister’s wedding. Picture this: turquoise waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and a beautiful bride glowing with happiness. It was paradise.
But it wasn’t just about the wedding. Jamaica served up some of the best food I’ve had in ages. As a long-time lover of curry goat and jerk chicken, I was in heaven. Every meal was a delight, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be dreaming about those flavours until I can go back!
Negril was a vibe, and I left with my heart (and my tummy) full.
Nice and Paris in August: Chris’ 30th and the Olympics
August was a double whammy of celebrations: my fiancé Chris had his 30th birthday, of which we celebrated by attending the Paris Olympics! We started in Nice, soaking up the glamour of the French Riviera. Think sunbathing on pebble beaches, sipping rosé in chic beach bars, and strolling through markets bursting with fresh produce and flowers.
From there, it was on to Paris for the Olympics, and what a spectacle it was! The city buzzed with excitement, and we managed to snag tickets to a couple of events. I was lucky enough to witness some truly iconic events, including the men’s 200m final, the women’s long jump final, and the men’s javelin. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with every cheer and gasp adding to the magic of the moment.
I also had the chance to watch the track cycling, where records were absolutely smashed. World records, Olympic records—you name it, we saw it. The talent on display was awe-inspiring, and I left feeling so grateful to have been part of such a monumental event. I’ll never forget the atmosphere – the cheering crowds, the sense of unity, and the sheer magic of being part of something so globally significant. Paris is always a good idea, but Paris during the Olympics? Unforgettable.
Bucharest, September: A Hidden Gem
September brought me to Bucharest, Romania’s capital and a city that totally surprised me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Bucharest turned out to be a mix of history, charm, and quirky surprises.
The old town was a delight to wander through, with its lively bars and cafés. I spent hours exploring the Palace of Parliament – a massive, jaw-dropping building with a fascinating (and slightly eerie) backstory. I also discovered some amazing street art in hidden corners of the city.
During our time in Bucharest, we celebrated our anniversary at Therme Bucharest, a dreamy spa experience that was pure relaxation. The locals were so friendly, and the atmosphere was buzzing in the best way. Bucharest might not be the first city on everyone’s bucket list, but trust me, it should be.
Preparing for 2025 – The year of my biggest adventure yet!
2024 has been a fun year with lots of amazing and inspiring adventures. I am sad to bid farewell to a great year but I am especially excited for what is in store for me in 2025. Near the beginning of the new year, I will be tackling a major bucket list travel item in the form of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! It doesn’t quite feel real writing those words, but I know that my climb date will come around very quickly (eeeeek!). Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember so this is a challenge that I am not taking lightly. I shall of course be keeping you all updated as much as I can and will have a thorough rundown of the ins and outs of the climb on my blog once I have (hopefully 🤞) successfully completed it. If you would like to view my planning in the lead up to my climb, you do so on my Kilimanjaro page here.
In the meantime, I am wishing you a wonderful New Year and I hope that all your dreams come true in 2025. Whether you’re seeing in the New Year travelling, sat in your house admiring the fireworks or even better, cosily asleep in your warm bed, I hope that you have a lovely New Year’s Eve and I look forward to catching up in 2025✨
Lots of love and happy travelling ✈️
Lauren x
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