Top Eight Travel Memories of 2018
What a year! Before we raise our champagne flutes and toast to 2019, let’s reflect back on the past 365 days. What were your favorite moments? Memorable trips? Now is the time to share them!
From New York to Montenegro to Cincinnati to Italy, here are my top eight travel memories from 2018 — in no particular order. Share yours in the comments below (or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook).
8. New York City – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If you’re a Christmas Vacation fan, you know the scene where Ellen says to Clark Griswold, “She’ll see it later, honey, her eyes are frozen.” I could certainly relate as I was standing on Sixth Avenue for five hours watching the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In fact, we made history! It was the coldest Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on record.
The parade was absolutely incredible, though. Having the opportunity to watch it live with my parents and husband is something I will never forget. My excitement for the dozens of bands, massive balloons and floats made the temperature [ barely ] bearable. Very grateful for the experience!
7. Ravello, Italy – The Gem of the Amalfi Coast
The charming, small village of Ravello sits high above the Amalfi Coast with views that stretch for miles. Of the daily hikes from town to town, a cooking class with a former Capri chef, impeccable dinners, the finest of wines and dramatic coastline views from historic villas, my favorite activity was simply sitting in the town square, sipping a cup of coffee and watching life go by with my new husband. Traveling in Ravello is a gem.
6. Korčula Island, Croatia – The Pearl of the Adriatic
Croatia is best known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” And holy guacamole, it’s perfection! The country is known for having more than 1,000 islands. A three-night stay on the lovely Korčula Island [ which is about a 2 1/2 hour catamaran ride from Dubrovnik ] was the perfect way to end a two-week honeymoon. Exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik was certainly fun, but Korčula is just different (in a good way!). The old town is charming, the beaches are lovely, the restaurants are fantastic and the locals are overwhelmingly friendly. It’s perfection.
5. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Dreaming of a Movie Set
The Bay of Kotor is so beautiful that it doesn’t feel real. “Am I dreaming? Am I on a Hollywood movie set?” I thought to myself. I kid you not, folks, Montenegro’s natural beauty rivals the Cliffs of Moher (a fantastic day trip from Galway, Ireland). I didn’t need any activity to keep me engaged. I was completely content gawking at the beauty.
4. Cincinnati, Ohio – A Weekend with my Best Gals
Did I just go from natural beauty in freaking Montenegro to Cincinnati? You bet I did. Because I can’t write about natural beauty without mentioning the beautiful friendships in my life [ I am a cheeseball, I know ]. My supportive, loving girlfriends threw me a bachelorette weekend at my favorite hotel − the 21C Museum Hotel. The weekend was filled with dinner and drinks at a local winery [ Vinoklet ], delicious meals [ like Nada and Teller’s of Hyde Park ], a therapeutic yoga session at Move Your Hyde and, of course, lots of love!
3. Salem, Massachusetts – Putting a Spell on You!
Salem has been on my bucket list since reading the Crucible in eighth-grade English class. “Because it is my name!” The hair on my arm still stands up when I think of John Proctor shouting that famous line. Salem has certainly capitalized on its dark past, as every tour company and nearly every business has “witch” in its name. The geek in me skipped the wax museums and tarot card readings and instead headed to the historical landmarks. It’s maddening that the Salem Witch Trials occurred, but they’re fascinating to study. On a brighter note, many parts of the famous Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, were filmed in Salem. If you’re planning a vacation to Boston, add a day trip to this charming town!
2. Narragansett, Rhode Island – A Day of Relaxation
Sometimes you need a beach and some sunshine. Narragansett did just that. And if you’re looking to explore another nearby charming town, take a day trip to Newport, Rhode Island.
1. New York City – Central Park Romance
I must end with my favorite memory − marrying my favorite travel partner and love of my life in Central Park! It was magical. 2018 was magical.
Thanks for following the adventure this year. Share your favorite memories from 2018 in the comments below, or share on Twitter and Facebook.
Alright, 2019, we are ready for you!