It’s December, which means it’s time for all those ubiquitous “where I’ve been this year/where I’m going next year” posts to appear on myriad travel blogs.  I don’t have much to contribute to the former category this year; It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a proper overseas adventure, due to circumstances beyond my control.  And as a traveler, not to mention a travel blogger, this has been pretty tough: not the biggest problem I’ve faced this year by any means (good riddance 2017, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out), but still, it’s been hard watching so many of my friends and family effortlessly globetrotting while I’ve been forced to remain in one place for way too long.

So, I don’t have much to say about my 2017 travels since they were more or less non-existent (sorry, Philadelphia, you were fun!).  And honestly, I’ve been hesitant to write in much detail about my travel plans for 2018 either, since this past year has taught me that the best-planned adventures can fall by the wayside when life blows up in your face unexpectedly. I’ve been afraid if I share too much about my travel hopes and dreams for next year before they actually happen, I’ll be jinxing them.

However, this is no way to live.  I have every expectation of returning to a life of travel in 2018, and while I don’t want to get into too much detail yet as nothing is confirmed, it can’t hurt to share a few tidbits about some places I’m hoping to explore in the new year, so here goes!

Melissa’s 2018 Travel Goals (At Least the Highlights!)

  • Chile:  I’ve been longing to explore Chile for years, and the more I read about this South American country the more overwhelmed I get because it just looks too amazing: I want to see everything and go everywhere!  While this won’t be possible in a single trip, I always think it’s a good sign if a destination gives you mad wanderlust and makes you want to explore it top to bottom before you even arrive.  I hope to spend at least a few days this year discovering the urban charms of Santiago, walking the hilly streets of Valparaiso, and visiting the beautiful wine country. Vineyards, mountains, oceans, and of course a city full of restaurants, museums and cafes: sounds like a perfect trip to me!
  • Finland:  I feel like Finland was the “it” travel destination for many people in 2016/2017, so I’m a bit late to the party, but nothing will dampen my excitement over exploring Helsinki–which looks like the most magical, cafe- and museum-filled European city imaginable–and hopefully getting out into the countryside a bit to see more of the country.  And saunas: there will definitely have to be saunas!
  • Russia: As readers who’ve been following my blog for a while know, Russia has long been the ultimate dream destination for me.  My plans to finally visit this majestic country were thwarted this year, but I believe 2018 will be the year I finally make it happen. Looks like I need to fulfill my promise to my dad to finish slogging through Crime and Punishment before I set foot in St. Petersburg….

This is just a sampling of places I hope to visit in 2018, but it’s definitely a start!  Here’s to a happy, healthy year filled with travel adventures, if we so choose, for all of us.  Happy new year everyone!

How was your 2017 for travel?  Where do you hope to visit in 2018?