Since I feel like “everyone’s doin’ it,” I am hopping on the band wagon and posting my own travel recap of 2014. I’ve really enjoyed reading many posts from bloggers around the web recapping their year in travel, and since I am leaving for my trip to India in just 1 short week (AHHHH!!!) I figured this would be a nice way to reflect on the traveling I did in 2014.
I kicked off 2014 with a quick, but much needed, long President’s day weekend in Miami. I was a little skeptical of Miami, and thought there might be a posh party scene, and that I would end up spending too much money on an overrated night of dancing. But Miami’s vibe was totally different, and better than what I had expecting, making Miami the Most Surprising Location of 2014. Miami had a surprisingly European feel, mixed with Spanish flair, and a full laid back atmosphere. Plus, coming from snowy Washington, DC, the beautiful beach in the middle of January, made me love Miami even more! Ok Miami, I misjudged you, and now I am intrigued and ready to enjoy more of Miami the next time around.
2014 was a year of full time work for me in order to save for my trip to India, so until May, I didn’t do much traveling. But in May, I took a family trip to Europe, and visited a few new locations, and caught up with old friends.
I randomly booked a layover in Reykjavik, Iceland, and was floored by the beautiful scenery, the friendliness of the locals, and the efficiency of the tourist services provided. Knowing nothing about Iceland before going, I was surprised to find that the prices of food, drinks, and accommodation were pretty expensive, and after three days, I was ready to leave and go to a place with beer costing less than $10 a pint. But, the incredible terrain, and landscapes unique to Iceland make this country 2014’s Place to Revisit. Plus, I have yet to go north and see the Northern Lights!
After Iceland, I flew to Edinburgh, Scotland to visit a friend. I didn’t have much time here, but I did enjoy finally seeing Scotland, and the city of Edinburgh was beautiful. I enjoyed lots of veggie food, there were options on every corner, including an amazing section of ethnic food.
Finally, I made it to Vienna, Austria, a place I have visited many times. Vienna was a reunion for me, I met up with several friends, my cousin from the Czech Republic, and my sister who happened to be interning abroad. So Vienna was about eating, and hanging out with friends, and I had a wonderful time in the city as always.
Then I traveled with my family to Salzburg, Austria. Thanks to the famous Sound of Music tour I took in Salzburg, I can’t help but get “the hills are alive” stuck in my head anytime I think of this place. Salzburg was quaint, with cobblestone streets and gorgeous views of the Alps making this destination 2014’s Best Natural Scenery for me.
Finally, I was off to Zurich, Switzerland, a country which was brand new to me. Despite the high costs of goods and services in Zurich, I was surprised by the city, and really enjoyed it. Zurich is very pretty, but also very German in many senses, which I always appreciate. My favorite memory from my time in Zurich was the boat tour on lake Zurich, where I viewed the city from a different angle, and witnessed all the recreation on the lake, from swimming, to boating, to jet-skiing. Next time, I am bringing my swim suit!
In August, I headed up to Chicago to visit a friend, and to attend the Chicago VeggieFest. I always have a great time in Chicago, and this trip was no exception. I was happy to finally check out the Chicago Art Institute, which is a world renowned art museum with an impressive collection. I was impressed by the sizable collection of contemporary art, making Chicago 2014’s Best Location for Art. If you are Chicago, don’t miss this museum!
The final trip I took in 2014 was a trip to Canada in November to visit friends. I am still not sure whether traveling to Canada in November was the best idea, since I got caught by a lot of snow, but I had fun as always, and most importantly was able to spend time with my friends.
I started off in Toronto, which I will call 2014’s Best Veggie Food Location. I ate so much here, with my friend, alone, and with Justin and Lauren, fellow vegan travel blogging friends! I had fun in Toronto, and I had even more fun eating there. There vegan, vegetarian, and options for those of all dietary needs all over the city. The food in Toronto alone could convince me to move up north and endure the cold!
Then, to Montreal I went where I recuperated from partying in Toronto and enjoyed the vegan creations provided for my by my very talented chef-friend! It’s always nice when someone cooks for me for a change. We also returned to the first vegan restaurant I had ever been to, and I was happy to see that it expanded and was doing well. Here I am exploring Montreal’s old town:
And finally, I headed off to Ottawa to visit one of my good friends from University. On the bus ride over, it started snowing, and didn’t really stop for awhile. So, my friend and I were a little chilly to say the least, and camped out indoors most of the time, except for the few times we decided to go out and brave the cold, me in a borrowed ski parka and about 4 layers of clothing, including two pairs of pants. Needless to say, the Canadians laughed at me for even thinking this weather was cold, but I proudly survived it, and was reminded why I can’t move to Canada. Regardless of the weather, I was there to see my friend and catch up, and that we did, so I had a great time there, and enjoyed more of Canada’s delicious veggie cuisine.
As for 2015, I will kick off my “indefinite” travels with a yoga program in India, and from there, see where the road takes me. I have never traveled totally without a plan, or without a return ticket, and honestly, while meeting others along the way who were taking such trips, the idea never completely appealed to me. But with what has unfolded in my personal life leading up to this trip, indefinite travel at this point is calling my name.
This is the first time in my life I haven’t had a plan to work, or to intern, or to attend school in the works for the upcoming year, and I am looking forward to simply traveling freely, and enjoy this invaluable period in my life that is solely for exploration and personal growth. I have learned so much from the traveling I have done thus far, I can’t even imagine what I will gain from traveling farther, and to more exotic, and unique destinations.
Of course, I look forward to sharing all of my adventures here with you! Stayed tuned for Indian recipes, photos, and veggie travel advice.
Where did you travel in 2014? What was your “best” location of 2014? What travel plans do you have for 2015?
You’re going to India: Vegetarian heaven! Oh I’ll be so envious of you eating the best food in the world!
You look like you’ve got an amazing year to come. My 2014 was spent most travelling, just five months of the middle of the year back home, housesitting.
It started in China and is ending in Germany. The highlight? I fell head over heels with Helsinki and I’m aching to return.
I fear 2015 will be a work year, oh such is life!
Have a great 2015!
Rachel Vagabondbaker recently posted…Copenhagen on a Budget
I am so excited for the food, I am drooling just thinking about the spices and flavors and fresh veggies now! Helsinki huh? That’s a place that I had not thought to visit, but now it’s on my list! And some years are work years, we all need work to get back out there, maybe 2016 will be a Helsinki year for you 😉
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…What I Saw in Chicago
I wish I could work there! I’m learning Finnish (because it’s so beautiful) so maybe I can: got to have a focus!
I will be blogging about Helsinki in a few weeks so I’ll inspire you a bit more 😉
Interesting, I heard Finnish is difficult to learn, how do you find it? It seems that you are dedicated enough to make it happen, so I am sure you will make it back to Helsinki sooner rather than later. And send over your posts, I am very curious to read about this city!
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Meatless Monday: Mustard Braised Vegetables
What an amazing year for you and I’m excited for your trip to India! All the best for 2015 🙂
Lauren recently posted…An Instagram Travel Photo Review of 2014
Thank you! Happy New Year to you two 🙂
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…In and Around Washington, D.C.
Oh my, you went to all of these places? wow, I haven\’t even left the state of Florida all year! I\’m jealous!! but it all looks so exciting and fun. I hope you have another eventful and wonderful 2015 🙂
I hope I inspire you to take a trip in 2015 🙂 You are always welcome to join my travels. But, in your defense, Florida pretty much is a vacation, so I might not leave as much if I lived there. Happy New Year to you as well!
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…What I Ate in Montreal
Hope you enjoy all of India’s delicious food!
unfinishedtravel recently posted…Picture of the week: Chicago Night Sky
Ah I wish I knew you had come to Ottawa! Would have loved to grab coffee or tea and chat. Next time..or maybe on the road next year? 😉 Excited to follow you through India!
Hannah recently posted…Travel Memories: The Best and Worst of 2014
One of my best friends lives in Ottawa, so there’s no doubt about it, I will be back!! However, I think on the road somewhere would be more fun if our paths cross.
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…What I Ate in Montreal
Already mentioned this but India was the best place. It’s got the good, the good and the ugly! Been in SE Asia for 6 months but did’t get to Myanmar or Philippines maybe next time. I can’t really plan too far ahead but i’d love to get to iceland at some point.
I have been hearing a lot about the Philippines lately, but I think it is a little too far off my path. I know what you mean about planning, it’s tough to know where the road will take you.
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Meatless Monday: Chickpea Pancakes
Loving the 2014 travel recaps – feeling totally inspired. Can’t wait to hear more about the India yoga programme, sounds great.
Toni recently posted…Japanese New Year Traditions
I keep seing Iceland come up, must put it on my travel bucket list! My favourite place of 2014 was cambodia and Gili Trawanagan in Indonesia…cambodia really gets ubder your skin and Gili T is just paradise! Next year is all about the Philippines and Sri Lanka 🙂
Paula Through the Looking Glass recently posted…What to Pack for Travelling Southeast Asia
You must go to Iceland, but beware, it’s expensive once you get there. I have heard all the best about Cambodia, so I think I will try and visit. I am also planning Sri Lanka in 2015, it’s been on my bucket list for quite sometime now, maybe I will see you there 🙂
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Travel through Photos
Canada is tough in the winter, that’s for sure! I think it’s a bit easier to get through when you are expecting it.
I’m sure your yoga program in India will be amazing. I’m looking forward to reading about it! I’m also transitioning into veganism this year, so I’m sure I’ll be back here to read more about your experiences! I’m headed to Iceland in the spring and can’t wait!
Marie recently posted…Ambitions and Predictions: 2015 (VIDEO)
Great I am so happy to hear you will transition into veganism! I transitioned about fourish months ago, but I had already almost completely removed all animal products from my diet at that point and didn’t find it too tricky. As long as you enjoy cooking a little, it might even be a fun journey, like it has been for me! And Iceland is very veg friendly, so you shouldn’t have any problem there. Will you stay in Reykjavik or travel around a little?
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Travel Articles
This December, out of sheer impulse, I booked a flight to Osaka. Despite not speaking the language and having nobody on the ground to help me, I managed to fumbled my way through the lantern-lit shrines, late-night Takoyaki stands, endless shopping streets, and quiet snow-dusted alleyways. Perhaps more important, I find a deeper understanding of my own need to slow down and do less with a greater sense of purpose — an undeniable influence of the Japanese Zen attitude. I’ve been back for more than a week now (back in the irresistibly charming San Francisco that I call home); yet, sometimes I find myself yearning for the courtly politeness of the Japanese commuters, the origami-like sweets from Kyoto Station, and the brisk morning walks to Ramen shops. I think I’m suffering from post-Japan reverse-culture shock. Have you ever felt that way about any of the places you’ve traveled to?
Kenneth W recently posted…Osaka Diaries: A Salaryman’s Wakeup Call
Wow that is so brave of you, what an adventurous story. I have yet to visit Japan, but you make me want to go! When I returned home from living in Europe I missed so many aspects of daily life there, and it made being back home seem mundane and too routine. When I feel like this, I just try to focus on the positive aspects of my city, and try and seek out new ways to be part of my own community. This has at least distracted me until my next trip! And I am sure you will make it back to Japan sometime soon and enjoy more of their culture you are so fond of. The always end up revisiting the places that I truly feel a connection to.
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Almond, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Treats
You’ve had an amazing year! And I love the pictures that you’ve chosen for this post! India sounds amazing, but I gotta admit that i’m a little intimidated to go there. We are talking about going later in 2015 though. So I’ll interested to read your account of it! Have the best time in India!
Anna recently posted…December 2014 travel re-cap: from beaches on Koh Chang to temples in Siem Reap
I will let you know how it goes. I am intimidated by the cities, but I will be staying mostly in Ashrams, and will have a tour to guide me through cities until or if I feel comfortable enough on my own. I think for me, the scariest part will be later this week when I arrive jetlagged after two days of travel and need to figure out how to get a cab to the ashram!
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Almond, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Treats
Looks like a great year! I’ve heard great things about Miami but have never been. That beach photo is gorgeous! And so is the photo of Salzburg, Austria – so beautiful. It’s hard to say what my favorite travels of 2014 were so I’ll leave it at a tie between Poland, Morocco, and Iceland 🙂 Wishing you a great 2015!
Sara recently posted…2014 Recap: The Gift Year
It sounds like you have had a great travel year as well! Poland and Morocco are both places I have been wanting to visit for awhile, maybe in 2015?
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Guest Post: Vegan Diner Style Strawberry
What an amazing year of travel for you! I’m glad you enjoyed Iceland too. It’s one of our favorite countries and it really does need to be seen in person to believe its stunning scenery. Our Salzburg visit didn’t have sunny and clear day like your picture. Beautiful photos here! Your India trip sounds exciting. Wishing you safe travels and adventures in 2015!
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted…Winter Ziplining in Whistler with Ziptrek Ecotours
Can´t wait to hear all of your stories when you´re back!
Take good care of you, I need you back safe and sound!