2014 was an incredible travel year for us which makes it difficult to narrow down our top destinations for the year! I swear we leave every new destination claiming it to be our favorite. But after discussing what our favorite trips were, we came up with a shortlist.
Top Travels in 2014
5. Tie: Amsterdam and Paris
After a short trip to Amsterdam with my Dad, we have decided that this city is one that we could definitely return to and actually need to return to. We loved the architecture and the city but we missed out on a lot of the museums. And not to mention, we would love to go back just for the food!
Amsterdam Posts:
And Paris. We visited Paris while I was sick with a tummy bug and we missed out on a lot. There was sooo much to do in Paris but we still got a good feel for the city and wouldn't mind returning for some food and shopping!
Paris Posts (coming soon)
Thoughts on Paris | Notre Dame | The Louvre
Our Wonderful Apartment | Cedric's CV Night Tour | Montmarte/Sacre Couer
Our Wonderful Apartment | Cedric's CV Night Tour | Montmarte/Sacre Couer
4. Santorini
Santorini is on many a bucket list. And for good reason. The sunsets from the island's cliff side cannot be beat! Plus the beaches, the food, the shopping....it's all amazing. We so enjoyed our time cruising the island on the ATV and eating the glorious Greek food. And after seeing our first sunset, I was sure I had died and had passed on into some sort of travel heaven. I had permanent chills!
Santorini Posts:
3. Chamonix
As avid snowsports enthusiasts, skiing and boarding the Alps was high on our bucket list while living in England. Our first taste came at Chamonix in France. It was absolutely incredible. We will now be forever spoiled by the Alps, especially now that we have booked 2 more Alps getaways this winter!! But Chamonix will always be our first love when it comes to the Alps.
Chamonix Posts:
2. Germany
We finally got to visit Germany in December. We immediately felt comfortable in this country and I think that it has to do with the similarities to the conveniences of the US. But add in some amazing castles and Christmas Markets and its a perfect country to getaway to. Luckily, we have another trip planned back to our new favorite country in a few days!
Germany Posts (more coming soon)
Thoughts on Germany
Christmas Markets 2014-Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rothenberg
Rheinstein Castle | Rothenberg ob der Tauber
Christmas Markets 2014-Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rothenberg
Rheinstein Castle | Rothenberg ob der Tauber
1. Prague
Germany may be our favorite country but Prague is by far our favorite city and for many many reasons including; the people, the food, the beer, the history, the architecture, the prices, the hotels, everything!! We were so sad when we had to leave Prague after a 3 night stay. We had a perfect trip to Prague and hopefully will get to return before we leave England.
Prague Posts:
Taste of Prague Tour | Eating and Drinking in Prague
Vysehrad and Markets | Prague Castle and Sights
K+K Hotel Central Prague | Beer Spa
Vysehrad and Markets | Prague Castle and Sights
K+K Hotel Central Prague | Beer Spa
*Honorable Mention: not a destination, but flying first class from the US to the UK was a dream. I got lucky and was able to score a seat and it was just incredible. Oh to lead that lifestyle!
Top 5 for 2015
Ok, here is where reality hits. We will be moving this year and we don't have much time left for adventures in Europe. This hurts my heart just a little bit. Ok, a lot bit. The thought of not being able to hop on a plane to visit a new country every month just sucks. And the crazy person in me wants to spend every last penny we have and travel every weekend until we have to leave. But its just not possible. I have a serious itinerary planned for our remaining months but I'm also trying to be realistic and not go overboard......oh the struggles!
So here is my Top 5 list for 2015:
1. Austria
I am a massive Sound of Music fan and I have wanted to visit the "hills" before we ever knew we would be moving to England. So this WILL be happening! Hopefully, we will get to take a little sidetrip to Hallstatt as well as it looks to be incredibly gorgeous.
2. Poland
Ever since I read Number the Stars and learned of the Holocaust in school, I have had such a desire to visit Auschwitz and pay my respects to those who were brutally murdered there. I know there are several other sites and if it is possible, I would like to visit those as well. But Poland has been on my list for awhile because of this reason.
3. Croatia
We are hoping to fit in a beach trip this summer to the waters of Croatia and we are trying to talk some family members (ahem, Dad) into coming with us! Since we visited beaches in Greece and Spain last year, this will be our beach 'fix' trip for 2015!
4. Italy
After visiting Rome last year, we know we need to get back to Italy. I'm hoping to put together a trip including Cinque Terre, Venice and Florence. Any tips are appreciated on this little adventure!
5. Budapest
From what we hear, Budapest rivals our most favorite Prague. So this little trip is almost completely planned. It looks fantastic!
Of course there are a million honorable mentions. And I am hoping to fit some of those in. But with the nature of Van's job, we never really know exactly when we are moving so this is about all I can plan for at this moment. Oh and in addition to these Top 5, we are headed back to Germany next week and Switzerland in February!!
So there you have it...my favorites from last year and my penciled in travels for 2015!
What travels are you looking forward to this year?
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All this locations are awesome and must be visit at least once in life..thanks for listing this.
ReplyDeletePlan Turkey Vacation
So many amazing adventures planned for this year! I wish I lived in mainland Europe so travel would be cheaper and easier. Prague is high on my list!
ReplyDeleteI am dying to go to Prague!! Everyone I know has already been so I'm trying to rope in a Canadian friend to come visit and then take a trip with me ... I don't really see how she can say no :P
ReplyDeleteCroatia is also definitely on my list!
I love your lists! Glad to see that Paris made it among your favorites, and I adore Prague too! I went on a two week trip to Poland last year that I'm only starting to write about. I highly encourage you to go! If you loved Prague, you are going to love Krakow. And yes, go to Budapest and eat all the pastries!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see Prague! So happy to hear it's your fav. I am going with my sis for 3 nights in Feb. I am also planning to see Budapest this year.. everyone RAVES about it. Croatia is a good one!! I had the best week sailing there in 2014 :)
ReplyDeleteThe struggle IS real! Oye! Where to start when there are so many amazing places to see?! We need to actually meet before you leave!
ReplyDeleteI loved Prague too when we visited over the holidays! Definitely one of my favourite cities I've visited so far!
ReplyDeleteI really want to go to Prague again. I was only a kid last time I was there, and obviously didn't get at chance to experience the beer culture :)
ReplyDeletePrague is one of my favorite cities ever. Love all the places you visited in 2014! :)
ReplyDeleteYour post is making me excited for my upcoming trip to Germany! PS you look like a natural Parisian!
ReplyDeleteVisiting Austria is at the top of my list too! I've always wanted to pretend like I was Fraulein Maria and prance through the hills. Haha.
ReplyDeleteBUDAPEST IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, if you need any recommendations, let me know! Also, come to Croatia in Spring when I'll be there! :) This is such a great post idea xo
ReplyDeleteThat picture of you in Santorini is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome list! I have yet to go to Austria but I am eyeing it a lot for this year. I'll definitely be going to the other places you've mentioned here since I want to take advantage of my stay here in Europe, haha!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, hello! I stumbled into your blog. I am Aileen and I hope to connect! Cheers!
Aww thanks....I certainly didn't feel like a natural Parisian haha!! When/where are you going to Germany? We are headed back next week and are super excited!!
ReplyDeleteI know it's such a bummer for airfare to be so much more expensive from Iceland :( But at least you will make it over this year!!
ReplyDeleteRight? Who can say no to Prague? I hope we get to make it back this Spring....we just loved the feel of Prague and of course, the low prices were amazing as well!
ReplyDeleteI need another redo in Paris for sure. I'm looking forward to your Poland posts!!
ReplyDeleteWe will see!! I am really getting sad about our remaining months in the UK :(
ReplyDeleteYou will love Prague...you can't beat pound beers!!
ReplyDeleteI know right?! (To both things haha) I can't seem to narrow down....and yes we need to meet! Is the Paris thing still on? I haven't heard much lately.....or maybe I lost some emails over Christmas?
ReplyDeleteI just loved it....I hope we get to return!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both...I hope to get back soon! But yes, you need to experience the beer culture for sure!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the best? I hope we get to go back!! 2014 was amazing....we will see if 2015 can top it!
ReplyDeleteHaha me too!! There is a really cool Sound of Music bike tour that I am hoping to take and surprisingly my husband wants to do it too hehehe.....so stay tuned for that one :)
ReplyDeleteUm of course I will take recommendations!! I think we are shooting for June for Croatia....a nice little summer getaway :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks!! I was super happy...can you tell?!
ReplyDeleteHey Aileen! Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, Austria looks pretty amazing. If you need any tips or recommendations while you are here just let me know :)
ReplyDeleteI love your 2015 list! I spent 2 weeks in poland and it was my favorite weeks out of my entire summer in Europe!! Just make sure you stop by Wroclaw. It's the CUTEST little town and go to Pierogarnia, a restaurant right in town square with the BEST pierogis I've had in all of Poland (I have a delicious post on that if you need any more convincing). I also loved Budapest!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great year traveling around europe!
Hey Anna!! Thank you thank you for the tips in Poland! I will definitely be taking a look at those posts! And Budapest :)
ReplyDeleteSantorini ranks top on my bucket list! Same for Iceland and Oregon haha. I've not heard about Budapest till Wes Anderson's film, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Your 2015 adventure plans are so exciting!
ReplyDeleteYes everyone raves about Budapest! I hope we have some good weather for our trip!!
ReplyDeleteSantorini is amazing. Makes me sigh when I think about it :) And Iceland and Oregon look amazing as well...never been to either! Hopefully we will have some decent weather for Budapest and I'll get some good photos....stay tuned :)
ReplyDeletePrague really is the best! I did love Budapest but I confirmed Prague is better after my second visit :) hehe I do hope you enjoy Budapest still though! You will also love Croatia - it's very similar to Greece which is hard to beat due to it's food - ah Greek food! Ah! We finally planned out our year and it looks like a big one again, but won't begin for another two months... stay tuned (that should be my motto ) ...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your list!! Y'all go EVERYWHERE!! I wish we could revisit a few places this year but I think that will have to happen once we are back stateside....I want to see as much variety as possible while I'm here!!
ReplyDeleteI just updated my list on my page :-) phew!
ReplyDeleteThese are all great destinations! I take it you won't be moving for quite some time? Are you headed back to the US?
ReplyDeleteSadly we should be moving back stateside this summer (or a slight possibility of Japan) unless we have some sort of miracle. I want to stay in Europe so badly!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome list! Y'all are going to have an amazing year!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to Germany in the Spring! Going to Munich and surrounding towns and then head over to Austria. Can't wait to read about your upcoming trip back to Germany!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Yeah we are headed to the German Alps to ski but also headed to Austria in May so maybe we will be doing similar things :)
ReplyDeleteGerman Alps... just a little bit jealous!! We are heading to Colorado (Winter Park) in a couple of weeks to go skiing ourselves!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That is fairly soon! Well you will live it up until then, I know it! And Japan is amazing, we just got back. It's not Europe, but a completely different sort of beautiful adventure!
ReplyDeleteI loved Amsterdam so much as well. I missed out on seeing the museums as well, so need to go back just for them! I was so surprised at how good the food was as well.
ReplyDeleteCroatia is amazing as well, I actually loved Dubrovnik more than Prague.
How to be a Wanderluster
Amsterdam was just too amazing right? I want to go back in the summer....we went in May and it was still a little chilly!! And that is so amazing to hear that you loved Croatia more than Prague....I hear so many good things about it!
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to read about your Japanese adventures :)
ReplyDeleteYay, we share a lot of favorite destinations! You guys have great taste ;) Croatia is high on my list as well, but I'm not sure if my wimpy teaching assistant budget can pull it off this year. A girl can dream though! But you are seriously going to love Budapest. It has all of the charm of Prague, and almost none of the crowds!
ReplyDeleteI have been finding some really awesome priced lodging in Croatia....maybe it will work out! I can't wait for Budapest!
ReplyDeletemy mom got bumped to first class because her flight was booked from the US to the UK, and she said it was incredible. I'm never that lucky! Go to Florence!!! It's incredible, and you can get really good bus trips throughout tuscany as well.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me so excited to go to Amsterdam next year. Looks like you had a wonderful 2014. Cheers to a new year! :)
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