My 2019 Travel Highlights: What a Year it Was!

When I first started thinking about putting together a post of my 2019 travel highlights, I couldn’t help but think of Dr. Seuss’s book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Why?

Because not only has this been a year of epic travel for me, but it’s also been a year of navigating major challenges and changes in my life. But these changes also brought new opportunities.

For sure, the biggest opportunity of all was my move to India. I basically spent half the year living in Chennai, and half the year living in NYC. (Talk about a commute!)

Learn more about my move to India here.

Even though at first, I fully resisted the idea of moving to India with my husband, I now know it was a blessing in disguise. This year has been transformative for me. Much of it is because of the travel I got to do, and the time I got to spend soaking up a culture that is completely different from my own. It’s a good reminder of the power of travel and the benefits you can receive when you just change the damn scenery.

So, are you ready to check out my 2019 travel highlights? Let’s go around the world, shall we?

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2019 Travel Highlights

 First, some stats, because I know everyone will be interested in these.

• Countries Visited: 10 – Qatar, India, China (Hong Kong), Singapore (x2), Denmark, Thailand, Cambodia (x2), Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia (Bali)
• New Countries Visited: 9 – everywhere above except India
• India States & Territories Visited: 7 – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Pondicherry, Uttar Pradesh
• India Cities Visited: 13 – Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Ooty, Mahabalipuram, Tiruvannamalai, New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum
• Flight segments: 46
• Days on the road: 119 (Not including my time living in India)

1. Doha, Qatar

Why not spend a day-long layover in Doha, if given the opportunity? That’s exactly what I did when I flew to India last January. I did a city tour through Qatar Airways and my guide was fabulous. In fact, we’re friends now on Facebook. (I love the connections I make through travel!) The highlight for me in Doha was the Museum of Islamic Art. The building, designed by I.M. Pei is spectacular.

2. India: Part One

There’s so much I could write about my travels in India this year. Everywhere we traveled to was so unique and different. It gave me an even deeper appreciation and love for this chaotic and colorful country. Two highlights for sure were in Tamil Nadu. First, was visiting the beautiful hill station, Ooty, where my mother-in-law was from. Second, was seeing Adiyogi, a 112 feet tall statue of the Indian deity, Shiva, located at the Isha Foundation outside of Coimbatore. Sadhguru founded the organization, and the monument is recognized as the largest bust statue in the world.

3. Hong Kong

Note to all: When a friend invites you to go to Hong Kong for the weekend, you say yes! It was a last-minute trip, but I’m so glad I did it! We had a great time taking in some of the famous sites, and eating so much good food (dim sum! dumplings! Peking duck!)! Oh, and it didn’t hurt that we stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel. I’ll never forget that view from the hotel room window….

4. Singapore

My first solo trip of the year was to Singapore! This is a place that has been on my bucket list for an eternity. After the movie Crazy Rich Asians came out, I was even more fired up to visit. I decided to tack on a 3-day visit to the end of my Hong Kong trip, and boy was it worth it.

I know many world travelers refer to Singapore as ‘Asia 101’ and disparage it a bit because it’s so clean and sanitized, but I LOVE Singapore. So much so that I was ecstatic when work sent me back there a couple of months later.

Even though I’ve already marveled at the innovative architecture, spent a morning in Little India, strolled down Hajj lane, and have eaten my fill at many of the Hawker Centres, I know there is still so much to do in this tiny city-state. I’m already planning my next trip there. What can I say, when you know you love a place, you know!

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

I was thrilled when work sent me to Copenhagen this year. I have wanted to visit all of the Scandinavian countries for as long as I can remember so a last-minute trip, even for work, was fine by me! Although I spent much of the trip filming, I am so glad I got a taste of this Danish city and its rainbow-colored buildings. When I go back, I can’t wait to explore on a bike (they have 250 miles of bike lanes!), eat and drink Danish delights, soak up Danish design, and of course, enjoy the quintessentially, Danish culture!

6. Chiang Mai, Thailand

This was another work trip for me but I managed to squeeze in some personal time as well. My husband flew over from India to meet me in Chiang Mai and we got to spend a morning visiting Patara Elephant Farm, one of the elephant reserves in the region. (Please note: there is still controversy surrounding these reserves because of how the animals are treated. We did our research and specifically chose Patara because of their respect and humane treatment of the elephants. If you’re interested in visiting an elephant reserve, make sure it isn’t one that abuses the animals, using them for entertainment and/or rides.)

I was definitely a bit scared by the elephants, but my husband was in his element! He loves animals, so the chance to feed, bathe, and take care of these majestic creatures was a dream come true for him. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all of the amazing meals I ate and coffee I drank while working in Chiang Mai. Our local fixers always know the best places to take us, and boy did they deliver during this shoot!

7. Santa Fe, New Mexico

While I didn’t spend that much time in the States this year, one of the travel highlights for me was visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was my second time visiting this high-desert city and I must say, I am smitten! The wide-open vistas and spectacular scenery are awe-inspiring. The hiking is top-notch, the Tex-Mex food spicy and plentiful, and the art, thought-provoking. Santa Fe is definitely a place I will be coming back to again and again. If you’re interested in visiting, it’s great for a girls’ weekend, a couple’s retreat, or even if you’re a solo traveler.

7. India: Part Two

There are so many beautiful places I visited in India this year it’s kind of hard to narrow down this country to just two of my 2019 travel highlights. But if I have to pick just one more place that was a dream come true, it would be visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra. Yes, I know, so predictable! But you know what? The Taj Mahal is worth the hype. It’s a genuinely spectacular historic structure. And to see it as part of a larger tour of India’s golden triangle, including New Delhi and Jaipur, made it all the more memorable. While there are so many unique and exciting places to visit in India, (Kanyakumari and Pondicherry are at the top of my list), don’t skip the Taj Mahal because you think it’s too touristy. It is 100% worth seeing in person!

8. Cambodia

I feel so lucky that I got to visit this beautiful country twice this year. This is another Southeast Asian country, along with Singapore, that really captured my heart. Of course, a highlight was seeing Angkor Wat, but I think what I loved most was how warm and friendly the Cambodian people are. They have an openness and friendliness that I didn’t encounter in other Asian countries. I loved exploring Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and highly recommend putting this country on your list if you haven’t yet visited.

9. Vietnam

Vietnam. Wow. There is so much to see in this diverse and fascinating country. From the landscape and history to the food and culture, Vietnam is truly a feast for all 5 senses. A true highlight for me was visiting Halong Bay. I had seen so many incredible pictures, I was almost afraid it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. But it did. And it’s a must-do if you make it to North Vietnam. I definitely want to return to this country this year for a deeper exploration.

10. Luang Prabang, Laos

My second solo trip of the year was to Luang Prabang, an enchanting and beautiful city in Laos. It was a last-minute addition to my Southeast Asia trip. I’m so glad I decided to tack this country onto my trip because this ended up being my favorite place in all of Southeast Asia. I think Luang Prabang is one of the most underrated places to visit in the region. Everywhere you look there’s an ornate Buddhist temple. The French influence in the city is easily felt from the architecture to the food, and Maison Dalabua, the hotel where I stayed, was one of the most charming, boutique hotels I’ve ever come across. Put this place on your list for 2020. You won’t be disappointed!

11. Bali, Indonesia

Our final, ‘last-minute’ trip of the year was to Bali. After the turmoil and challenges of the year, we needed a break and wanted some time to chill out. Our trip included time in Seminyak, Sumberkima, and Ubud. After visiting all 3 areas, we know one thing for sure. Given a choice between the jungle and the beach, we choose the beach! We definitely want to visit Bali again and explore more of the island. And hopefully, our next trip to Indonesia will also include a quick stop in Jakarta since my husband mostly grew up there before heading to the States for college.

2019 was quite a year of travel and exploration! I visited 9 new countries, made so many new friends, and learned much more about myself then I possibly could have if I had stayed in NYC this past year.

Going into 2020, I feel happy and satisfied in a way that I haven’t felt for years. And I’m ready for more. More travel. More exploring. More new friends. And much more Indian food, LOL!

What were your travel highlights in 2019? And which destinations are you curious to learn more about this year? Comment below! If I’ve been to a destination you’re hoping to visit, I promise to share my travel tips and recommendations with you.

As always my friends, happy travels!