I’ve forgotten any bad bits already – I look back at 2019 as primarily a year of celebration. We had births, weddings, lots of retirements and LOTS of significant birthdays! And it was mainly the birthdays that kept us on the move -traveling for 50th’s, 60th’s and 80th’s from Dublin to London (twice) to mainland Europe (three times) to Las Vegas.
In between birthday celebrations, we did manage a few significant trips on our own. We’d a pretty even balance between new destinations v return visits. We’d our share of messed up flights, our favourite travel bags finally disintegrated beyond salvage and we had that extended hospital stay in Malaga of course! But otherwise? A good year!
City Breaks
Vienna
We rang in the New Year in Vienna – our first time in the city but we will definitely go back!
Bratislava
A good combination with Vienna or enough for a few days on its own.
London
We visited London 4 times this year – but found something new each time. What a city!
(London out and about – Brixton beyond the High Street)
Bruges
A gem – absolutely gorgeous and plenty of options for day trips if all that beauty (and beer) becomes too much!
(Delving into Bruges – her Nightscapes)
Malaga
Another new discovery – perfect for a mini break. A lovely old centre with great food, nightlife, galleries and historical sites.
(Malaga – So you think its just an Airport!!)
Hamburg
Worth a visit at any time of year. Plenty to see and do and another good base for day trips.
(Hamburg – What you’ll see on a Free Walking Tour)
Self Drive Holidays
These are always my favourite. We managed 2 this year.
Northern Portugal.
This was a revelation – the Douro Valley and beyond, combined with the city of Porto and finishing with a few days at the beach…. a bit of everything – Perfect!
(10 Glimpses of Northern Portugal: 3.Lamego)
South-West US
This was a combination of new and old – retracing our steps through Zion and Arches NPs and Las Vegas while adding Page (with the incredible Antelope Canyon), Canyonlands and Capitol NPs and Sedona. All stunning (even Vagas!!)
(The Masterpiece that is Arizona’s Antelope Canyon)
Long Haul
South-West US
This trip obviously falls into long haul category also – its worth another photo!!
(If you need a few reasons to bother with Page….)
Belize
Loved every minute – jungle, birds and animals, Mayan ruins and beach. Wish we’d had a few months instead of a few weeks!
Mexico
Just managed to fit in Mexico city – arrived 3 hours before the new year!
(Ringing in a New Year – Mexico City style!)
Home Thoughts
I’m looking back here at the past year and can’t believe how little I’ve posted from home. In truth, my intentions were good and I’d lots of plans but by the time I wrote up everything on our trips abroad, I actually didn’t have time – So there’s a resolution for 2020!
I’d intended revealing our amazing historical sites, natural beauty and great hospitality but sure everyone knows we’re THE best holiday destination in the world!
Come for our Heritage
(The High Crosses of Monasterboice)
Come for our Natural Beauty
(♫ ….there’ll be days like this…. ♪♪)
Come for the craic – whatever the season!
Happy Travels to one and all for 2020!!
XXX Marie!
Wonderful photo’s Marie. I just might it to Ireland this year. My mother was born there and all my grandparents. Alas, all deceased, but to visit where my mom was born would be treasured. All the best !
Ah ….an Irishman! Hope you make it – that would be a very special trip indeed. All the best. M.
Wow, just look at all the beautiful places you managed to travel last year, Marie. I am absolutely delighted for you and we even share a few destinations – we went to Bratislava and Vienna too! Thanks for sharing and wishing you a very fruitful new year, my friend.
Just to let you know – we nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award! Have a good day. Aiva
Ah I am so chuffed – thank you so much for thinking of me – I really appreciate it. M.
A great year! Happy 2020, Maggie
It was indeed! Won’t be heading off as often in 2020 but no doubt something will crop up! Happy Travels to yourselves also… M.
Looks like a very good year. Now enjoy 2020!
Thank you Mari – I’ll do my best!!!! And Happy travels to you also. M,
That’s quite the list of places that you visited in 2019. I went to Bratislava last year too in the spring. I was pleasantly surprised at how charming it was and how it wasn’t particularly busy or crowded. Looking forward to seeing what new adventures you embark on in 2020.
Couldn’t believe the list when I started totting them up! Won’t be such frequent flyers in 2020 but we’ll certainly manage a few trips. Bratislava wasn’t busy for us either which suited us perfectly, best of luck in 2020. M.