At this time of year I make a lot of reflections from my year - but one of the things I’m really thankful for in 2019 was how much continued traveling I got to do! Whether it was for work or for fun (or both), I got to go some pretty cool places, learn a lot of new things, and meet some amazing people.

San Francisco: my year usually starts off with a trip to SF for work - this is my second time now. Although I will admit it’s not my favorite of California cities to visit, it’s still a pretty incredible city to soak in while you’re walking around downtown — or out in the hiking trails near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Orlando (area) Florida: My parents spend a month or 2 in Florida usually during the winter time, and I’ve been visiting them for a week about in that time (I mean, Orlando in March beats Detroit in March, and also I love them). We spend time at the pool, golfing, and before I went to their place I went to the most magical place in the world - Disney World! I haven’t been there for about 15+ years, and I still get choked up. I’m a sucker for that magical mouse.
Germany: this trip to Stuttgart was for a work conference - it’s about my 4th time there now and it really is a fun little town.
Amsterdam: well this trip got a little derailed — I piggy backed off my work trip to spend a long weekend in Amsterdam, but then I got pneumonia. Yikes. I spent the first full day in bed, dying. I finally got enough strength to venture out for a little bit at a time my last couple of days and I will for sure go back….the city is full of everything! It’s got culture, scenery, shopping, entertainment….it’s very beautiful and super friendly. Highly recommend going!
Costa Rica: probably in the top 3 of my travels this year (and ever) because it mixed a lot of things I love - yoga, warm weather, and amazing food! I went for a solo yoga retreat just for a quick 5 days during 4th of July break, and it was incredible! I got my practice in, hiked, ate the most amazing vegetarian cuisine, met incredible people from all over, and learned so much. Going back in 2020 already….and probably every year from now on.
Hawaii: another in the top 3 of my travels this year - and ever. I am such a sucker for hot weather and a palm tree, and that my friends is all of Hawaii. I went to Oahu and Kauai with my boyfriend in August and I could have spent a lifetime there. We hiked every single day on the most beautiful trails, ate delicious food (including shaved ice mmmm), and got awesome beach and sun time - on the beach and paddle-boarding everywhere. It is very expensive, but I would HIGHLY recommend anybody going - it has activities, lounging, entertainment, and some of the nicest people you’ll meet.
London and Paris: I’ve already been to Paris once but London was new for me this year. My best friend Margeaux and I took a girls vacation to see both and it disappoint! We spent a couple days seeing London’s historical sights - I will say this part of the trip was much more educational and we learned a lot (plus saw the Crown Jewels). London I will wasn’t my total favorite (like I said I’m much more of a beach girl), but it definitely was pretty cool to see. We took the bullet train down to Paris then to end the trip - Paris I absolutely love! I fell so in love with Paris the first time I went in 2018 and this time wasn’t any different. The streets are beautiful, the architecture is so grand, and the vibe is just incomparable to me. I love walking down all the Paris alleys, seeing the high-end fashion stores (which I could never buy but it feels cool), and of course all the cafe’s to get as much espresso as one could ask for.
Cancun: and finally, where I write this little reflection, Cancun, Mexico. I’m rounding out the year in another beach town being a super tourist with my boyfriend. I don’t even care that we are staying right in the middle of touristville - it’s hot (not like in Michigan), I have some drinks, I have some yoga, and I have nothing but to just relax for one whole week until I go back to the craziness of work.