As I Grow

As 2012 quickly comes to a close, I have been spending some time reflecting on my year in travel and I must say - I'm quite pleased.  Not only did I travel to most of my targeted destinations for the year (although I did fall short with my US destination list), I found a way to slip in an unexpected trip to Paris!

But, what I’m most pleased with is how much I have grown as a traveler.  For instance, I use to go for long weekend trips to beautiful places and lay around the beach for the majority of my time.  But now I plan longer trips and while I still spend a lot of my time on the beach, I make sure I find time to explore my destination.  I now take the time to get to know the people, the culture, sample the food, etc.

I have also broadened my travel horizons.  While I still prefer beautiful beach destinations, I am planning trips in 2013 to non-beach destinations such as Madrid/Barcelona (Spain), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Bangkok (Thailand).  OK, I can’t fool you guys, OF COURSE I will hit up some of the best beaches while traveling.  Ibiza while in Spain and Phuket while in Thailand.  It would be a shame not to.

And while my travel year ended in a bit of disappointment (I should be writing to you from Hong Kong) I look back over the past 12 months and I can't help but smile when I think about the new friends I've made and the adventures I experienced.   I've learned new ways of doing things and opened my mind to new ways of thinking.  For the first time, in a long time, I'm excited about the New Year and all the things a New Year brings:  new people, new destinations, new adventures.

Enjoy the journey everyone and as always - SAVE TRAVELS!

2 Girls & a Bikini

View my year in pictures by clicking here.