“LIFE WILL ONLY CHANGE WHEN YOU BECOME MORE COMMITTED TO YOUR DREAMS THAN YOUR COMFORT ZONE”
Can you believe it’s that time of year again? With Christmas around the corner and 2017 in sight, I thought why not take this time to reflect on how wonderful 2016 has been and to share my 10 favourite travel moments from this year.
1. Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
At the start of 2016 I was fortunate enough to spend 8 days exploring Egypt. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful for it. Despite the negative image associated with Egypt, I felt safe the entire time I was there . Seeing the Pyramids first hand was unbelievable. I learnt so much about Egypt in school and grew up always seeing photos and scenes from movies that I was completely awestruck when I was there in person.
2. Attending Glastonbury Music Festival
It has been a dream of mine for many years to attend the Glastonbury Music Festival just outside of London. I remember waking up at 3:00AM and feeling so anxious as I counted down the minutes to when tickets went on sale. I couldn’t believe it when I got through! As expected, the line-up was awesome and despite it being the muddiest Glastonbury in history, I had the most epic time. I would go back in a heartbeat if it weren’t on the other side of the globe!
3. Flying over Victoria Falls in a Microlight
The Victoria Falls Microlight is nothing short of breathtaking. You’re basically seated in a motorised hang-glider as you soar above Victoria Falls from a birds eye view. There’s nothing else in the world like it! If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls, this is an experience you can’t miss!
4. Spotting the BIG 5 on an African Safari
Being on Safari was incredible enough, but the fact that we were able to spot all of the Big 5 (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino) and even more (Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippo, Hyena, Warthog etc.) up close was indescribable. The image above isn’t zoomed or edited in any way, we happened to come across a heard of Elephants who were having a snack within a meter from the vehicle. At one point they started to head off again and I was convinced they were going to walk over the top of us!
5. Exploring the Incredible Temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt
It was hard for me to pick between the Pyramids and Abu Simbel, so I included both! Carved out of a mountain, Abu Simbel is unlike anything else in this world. We basically had the entire complex to ourselves which was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because why wouldn’t you want to have this incredible site to yourself? But at the same time, it was heartbreaking to be faced with the reality that people are too scared to travel to this part of the world.
6. Climbing Lions Head in Cape Town, South Africa
During our time in Cape Town we hiked up Lion’s Head to take in the panoramic views of this beautiful South African city. Cape Town quickly became one of my favourite cities. I love that the ocean, the mountains and the wineries are all so close to each other. It really felt like home here.
7. Swimming in the infamous Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool, Singapore
To break up the long journey from Africa to Australia, a relaxing layover in Singapore was the perfect solution. I opted to stay at Marina Bay Sands so I could take full advantage of the infinity pool and truly relax before heading back to reality. The accommodation, though on the expensive, was worth it. The facilities were fantastic and I really enjoyed my stay here – certainly lives up to its hype!
8. Road-tripping down the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Having registered for the Great Ocean Road Marathon, I took the opportunity to take some extra time off to properly explore the Great Ocean Road by car (as there wasn’t going to be much time for photo stops during the race). I flew into Avalon Airport, picked up the hired car and cruised down the coast making frequent stops. Loch Ard Gorge (pictured above) was definitely one of the highlights for me!
9. Experiencing Hong Kong’s Night Life
I’m a big believer in breaking up long haul flights, so on the way back from Europe, I spent a few days in Hong Kong to avoid jet-lag and explore a new city. I absolutely LOVED Hong Kong. Wandering through the busy streets at night, eating local street food and checking out the night markets was awesome!
10. Exploring with Audrey
Corny right? I don’t care! (hehe). In all serious though, every little road-trip and adventure with my love bus is always memorable. A part from several trips to the beach, picnics, Kombi shows and wineries, we also visited the beautiful Jervis Bay over Easter, explored more of the Southern Highlands and had our annual trip to Old Bar for the Old Bar Beach Festival.
Well there you have it! My 10 favourite travel moments from 2016. What are some of yours? Any plans for 2017?
I also want to take this time to say a huge THANK YOU to all my followers – I fell off the grid for a while this year, and am still trying to catch up, but I plan to make 2017 an even better year and look forward to sharing more of my adventures with you and of course, learning from all of you as well!
Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Years with family and loved ones.
See you in 2017!
Be sure to follow more of my adventures on Instagram
What an amazing year. Incredibly jealous of the African ones, true bucket list items for me. Can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year, so far I only have Peru and the Edinburgh fringe festival booked. http://www.mytravelbugbite.com
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It truly has been! Thank you 🙂 Oh wow! That’s awesome!! Both sound great. All the best
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Wow, all these amazing adventures! I like your blog. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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What a great summary of your year in travel. I’ve seen Victoria Falls from a helicopter, but a microlight…wow, that must have been amazing. Egypt is one of my all time faves too. I’m heading to Cambodia and Laos next month…can’t wait. Merry Christmas and best to you and your family in 2017. I look forward to reading about your upcoming adventures.
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Amazing! I absolutely LOVED Cambodia and Laos. Both so beautiful. You’ll have an incredible time! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. Hope your 2017 is one to remember! 🙂
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Wow – I thought I got around a bit this past year, but you’ve outdone me for sure! Great trips and experiences you had – thanks for sharing! All I know about 2017 is that it will start with a week in Cuba and segue into a major personal move soon afterward. Then … TBD!
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I’ve heard so many great things about Cuba! That sounds awesome 🙂 I have some big plans in the works, but as far as booked trips go, I’ve got a lot of Australian domestic travel to look forward to 🙂 BRING IT ON!!
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You lucky, lucky girl. What an amazing year you’ve had. Thanks for sharing some of it with us all.
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Thanks Sheri! I’ve had a great year of travel. Very fortunate 🙂
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Wow – what a year! Can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you! Thanks for the like, I feel officially welcomed to the blogging community 🙂
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Glad to hear it! 🙂 All the best with your blog!!
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The temple and pyramids in Egypt are on of my bucket list items! Your pictures are stunning. Also thank you so much for checking out my blog.
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So incredible! I recommend Egypt to everyone 🙂 Thank you so much! Thanks for stopping by!
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What an awesome 2016 moments you have. I haven’t done the African Safari yet, it something I need to tick off my bucket list. Wishing you more adventures this 2017. Keep on exploring! 🙂
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It’s an amazing experience, Joy! I hope you get the chance to do it soon 🙂 Thank you!
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Wowee, that’s quite a banner year! I’ve got some bucket list envy going too… Love the opening quote – words to live by indeed.
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It was one of my best I think! A lot of bucket list items were ticked off. Paying for it now though. Have a lot of savings to do before I can go overseas again 😉 lol
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What an incredible year! Thanks for the like, if you get chance, hit the follow button on my site! http://Www.apocalystblog.wordpress.com
Thanks again!
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Cheers Scott! Look forward to seeing more of your adventures 🙂
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Awsome experiences
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🙂
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Wow!! You had such a lovely year!! Hang-gliding over Victoria Falls sounds amazing!
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Thanks Danielle! It was incredible! Expensive, but something you’ll only ever do once in your life – it’s a must!
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Enjoy your adventures!
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Thank you! Same to you 🙂
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Amazing post! Loved reading about your travels! xx
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Thank you 🙂
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This post is giving me so much wanderlust! Incredible. Also so jealous you got to go to Glasto!
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It was such an amazing festival! 🙂
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Wow you’re lucky to have visited all these places ! Especially the big 5, I would love to see them too! Beautiful pics 😊
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Thank you! 🙂
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All that in just one year? You may be my new hero!
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It was definitely a year to remember. I was extremely fortunate to be able to get a lot of time off work to go. Though, looks like I’ll be staying put for a few more months replenish my savings account!
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I just start to look after the people who have found my little travel blog on New Zealand, and am now sad that i didn’t come look here sooner – nice adventures, looks awesome! I look forward to see more stories!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Beautiful world!
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What an incredible year of travels! Absolutely jealous of your African safari and Pyramid adventures! Looking forward to what 2017 has in store for you, Cassie!
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Cheers Therie! It’ll be a hard year to top but I’m up for the challenge 😉
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I love it! 😀
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Great view in Singapore and a safari…eh at amazing locations all around some on my travel wishlist!
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I hope you get to enjoy these experiences soon Nadine! Keep adventuring 🙂
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Thank you, I certainly will keep going.
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Unreal, wicked!!!!
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What a great idea! Inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Vonnie 🙂
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How will you ever top 2016? Lovely!!!! And as the previous commenters wrote…. well jealous!!! !
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I’m not sure! But I like a challenge 😉
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Looks like an epic year! Hong Kong after the sun goes down is incredible and I’m excited it made the list! 🤘
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It’s spectacular isn’t it!? Loved Hong Kong a lot more than expected. Excited to return and hopefully get some hiking in this time 🙂
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Those are some amazing experiences! What a great year!
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Thanks Lydia! Will be a hard one to top, but I am always up for a challenge 😉
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Just wow.
Amazing places to visit!
Thank you for sharing
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🙂
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