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MBV’s Destinations of 2019: Lessons and Memories
What a year to share the destinations of 2019, eh?! This year has been full of adventures, laughter, getting out of my comfort zone and lots of tears! From, wedding destinations, Bali swings to my arrest in Greece. I have to say this has been a year of making and breaking this wanderlust.
I will be sharing how to make 2020 the year of travels, but for now, read on my destinations of 2019.
Please note you may see some destinations I have already been to already this year – sorry not sorry!
1. The first destinations of 2019 – Copenhagen
I started off the year with a day trip to Denmark, Copenhagen in February this year. This was a collaboration with Travel Eat Slay and Black Travel Creators. I had never been on a day trip before. So was surprised to see so much and be around such great people! I couldn’t believe how much I was able to see from trying vegan waffles to seeing the colourful house and Christiansborg Palace. I was totally impressed by the day. So impressed that it only led to the birth of my series – Series: A Day with MBV…
Memories in Copenhagen: Listening to music and meeting amazing people in just one day.
2. Another day trip to Prague
In May 2019, I joined Travel Eat Slay for another day trip to Prague, Czech Republic! Again, not knowing what to expect with such a big group of people. I went along to see some of the most beautiful sites in Prague. The city has such fantastic street art and is hella cheap! The city is known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock. Want to know how my day went? Read: A Day with MBV In Prague
3. Returning to my second home – Singapore
One of those destinations that will last in my heart forever. There are numerous famous attractions within the city-state, notably the Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa Island, Orchard Road, Jewel Changi Airport and the Singapore Zoo and more of which I will be touching on next month!
Arriving in Singapore made me very emotional and brought back so many damn memories of a study abroad/exchange student. The modern city-state fed me memories of a time when I travelled more than ever (which I still need to write about). The fantastic food and late-night chats and early morning flights around South East Asia are only good memories!
Lessons learnt in Singapore: Don’t be afraid of moving away from home, take the opportunity when it arises.
4. Another place I call home – Malaysia
A quick trip to be a Dulung girl (a bridesmaid) for a special friends wedding. Another destination that I am yet to write about. Johor Bharu is one of those destinations that I will forever consider another home. The Malaysian state of Johor sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. With a causeway across the Straits of Johor connecting it to Singapore, it’s a gateway for exploration of that island nation.
The city holds a special place in my heart because again, it was a country that welcomed me and fed me well! Hahaha! Stay tuned for content!
5. The Instagram Island – Bali
Still, in South East Asia, I decided to continue my destinations to Bali. I have always dreamed of going to Bali and regret that I only went for the 4 days. The Island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south of the Island, there is the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars. The Island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.
The culture, learning about the locals, drinking natural avocado coffee, eating their food and breathing their air made me fall in love with this Island. Bali. I will certainly be coming back again! Thank you for the welcomeness and for allowing my solo destinations memorable.
Lessons learnt in Bali: Don’t allow anyone to stop you from taking that solo trip. Make next year your year of destinations.
6. Solo Day trip to Ireland
I continued my solo travels with another day trip to Ireland. Dublin is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer and has the famous prison called Kilmainham Gaol.
It was a much-needed break where I learnt so much history about Ireland and the views they have of the British people – eek! I will touch on this on MBVs Day Series (maybe next year). I enjoyed this solo day trip because it was cheap and I could do what I wanted when I wanted. I decided to get Airbnb Experiences and was glad I did. Stay tuned for my day trip to Ireland. Read 7 Fantastic Tools That will Have You Solo Travelling with Confidence.
7. Tears in Greece
When I think about Athens, Greece, my stomach turns upside down – literally. A trip that was supposed to be a smooth run, where I met my partner’s parents and enjoyed the sites of Athens. It instead turned nasty when a guard was malicious to make up a lie, a false accusation against me. I will never forget this trip because it was the first time that I was reminded I was a black female. The positive on this trip was the truth came out and the support I received from my community.
It was a time that you all came together for me and supported and prayed for me. I will never know how to thank you all for your support. There are so many people to name and be thankful for. But trust and believe me, you will forever be in my heart.
Lessons learnt in Athens: Travelling Perceptions & Safety: Why I don’t Allow the Experiences Stop me From Seeing The World?
8. Back to Copenhagen AGAIN!
A much-needed trip after the experience I had in Greece, Athens. It was a very different trip to Copenhagen when I visited in February this year. I arrived with my boyfriend and met up with family and friends to be a bridesmaid yet again! I was a little anxious from Greece happening so soon before but felt safe with my friends and family around me.
If you are looking for Danish fashion and design, culture and the Nordic cuisine then you need to head over to Copenhagen in August (the best time to visit in my opinion). I haven’t written about this entirely, but I have said it’s a destination to go with a friend, solo, or with a partner. Read: 4 Romantic Weekend European Getaways for Couples
9. Sweden for the first time
From Copenhagen, I woke up early and got a train to a small and beautiful village called Arild in Sweden. Historically the village was mostly concentrated around the chapel and the shoreline. However, it has recently been extended uphill towards Kullaberg, which has now created height differences between the various parts of the village.
We got the train to the wedding with Omio because it was closer to Copenhagen airport. One thing I will say is Sweden has to be one of the most expensive countries I have ever been too in my life ( a bottle of water was £2!)! I will, of course, be writing about this for you, so be sure to subscribe and stay up in the mix.
Memories in Sweden: Being a bridesmaid in Sweden and giving a speech to my beloved friend, which made me cry.
10. The City of Love Paris to celebrate my Birthday
I have been celebrating my Birthday abroad for the last 8 years! I go on and on about how to Turn Your’ Birthday Into A Lifestyle With These Tips. My trip to Paris was a lovely weekend getaway for me because I was able to behave like a BIG KID and head over to Disneyland Paris!
The city is the 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed with wide boulevards and the River Seine. Want to find out more about the trip to Pari? Read France Paris: A 3 Day Romantic Trip In Paris.
11. Bologna for a day!
Another day trip! I think you can tell I went on a lot of day trips this year! The city of Bologna was absolutely beautiful known to be lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio.
It has so much culture, history and PORK! The first-day trip that I where I saw some sun and was introduced to a tour guide. Again another piece that is waiting to be tweaked and published for you all to read. For now, enjoy the photography!
Lessons learnt in Bologna: That the fountain of Neptune in Bologna has an optical illusion.
12. Oslo for another day trip haha
A day trip that I was not expecting even to happen, but was glad to be asked! When Jenna of Jennas World Views asked me to come along to Oslo, I couldn’t really so no could I? Ha! To be honest with you I was itching for another trip! Another capital city which is known for its green spaces and museums. Not necessarily on the cheap side but has some fantastic sites. Content again will be coming to you soon, so head over and subscribe.
I was starting to believe that I had no content written for any of my destinations of 2019!
13. Riga for a travel conference
Riga I thought would be my last destination of 2019. A city that is considered a cultural centre; home to many museums and concert halls. This was a very different trip for me – my first ever travel conference abroad. I had never been to Riga, Latvia and thought it would be good to experience both in one go! You know kill two birds with one stone or flight!
Want to know how the travel conference went? Then head over to read: My Very First WitSummit In Riga, Latvia
Memories in Riga: Playing with bubbles in Riga and realising how much meaning it has in real life.
14. Finally to end the year brunch in Gdańsk
Oh my! The coldest country I have ever travelled too in my life! It was -2 degrees! Although it was cold, I was glad to experience the Christmas markets and have brunch with a few amazing ladies that I usually only speak to on the socials lol.
Gdańsk is known for having several historical attractions, such as the Royal Way, a famous promenade street of Polish kings, along with historic cathedrals, medieval ports and heaps of cool cafes. I will be doing a Christmas special on my Instagram so head over and don’t be shy to say hello!
Lesson learnt in Gdańsk: Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and lessons learnt with people.
Thank you to you all…
Thank you to all of you for the support you showed me while I was in Greece, Athens. I will never forget what you all did, and you all have a special place in my heart. I love you all.
And
Thank you for planning most of my day trips Caroline of Travel Eat Slay they have allowed me to see Europe in a different light.
Final Thoughts on my destination of 2019…
And to you, all, thank you again for reading my destination of 2019. I visited 14 countries this year! Wooow impressive I will say.
I have left each country with a memory or a lesson. Every destination has opened my eyes in one way or the other (some more than others for obvious reasons). Would I change anything? Maybe. Yes? Actually No. All these things happened for a reason. I don’t exactly know why, but God does. I have also met some fantastic people (online and in-person) along the way which I will never forget.
I hope my journey tells and shows you that you can travel and you shouldn’t ever allow anyone to stop you from seeing the world. You are in charge of how you see the world. I hope you subscribe and stay tuned for my post coming on How to make 2020 a Year of Travels.
What about you where did you go this year? Let me know in the comment section below. Do you have any regrets this year/ what was your fave destination of 2019?
