I’m back with another end-of-year tradition: my favorite travel moments of the year. After sharing where I traveled in 2019 and my favorite photos from my travels, it’s time to share the actual moments I loved the most. 

I remember saying that 2018 went by so quickly, and I feel the same about 2019. In fact, every year goes by quickly. It’s been awhile since we had a year that took forever, right? Right. 

Anyway, here are my favorite travel moments from the year:

Horseback Riding in Mexico
I loved this experience so much that I dedicated an entire blog post to it (not sponsored). During my time in San Miguel de Allende for a friend’s wedding, I decided to spend a morning doing some horseback riding and booked my activity with Rancho Xotolar. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Ever.

Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing in Iceland
During a solo birthday trip to Iceland, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. Enter glacier hiking and ice climbing with Arctic Adventures. I asked to get out of my comfort zone, and boy did I get what I asked for. This was such a challenge, and even though I said it would be at least two years before I did it again, I’m so glad I ultimately did it (and made it to the top).

My Early Morning at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
I have attempted to see the Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak twice before without any success. Even on a seemingly sunny day, there was always cloud cover by the time I made it to the top. Well, the third time’s a charm because on one crystal clear day, I got the view I’ve been looking for (for years!). 

Meeting Furry Friends in Hoi An, Vietnam 
While cycling on the property of my hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam, I came across the BEST discovery: three adorable Corgis who were with one of the hotel employees. After saying hello to them for a bit, I rode off on my bike only to see them waddling behind me. This literally made my entire trip (maybe year?).

Celebrating Songkran in Thailand
Thailand in April is hot...seriously hot. Which is why Songkran — the Thai New Year — is a welcome relief from the heat, since that’s the time when people spray each other with water. I caught the very beginning of this celebration at my hotel in Phuket, which was full of music, dancing and, of course, water.

Seeing My Forever FLOTUS in Florida
I love the Obamas, always and forever. So when my forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, announced her book tour, I knew I had to get there somehow. Fortunately I was able to make it work during her stop in Florida. She was SO GOOD, and my love of her only increased tenfold.

My Work + Play Adventure in Italy
I love a good work and play adventure, and my 12 days in Italy were no exception. Before kicking off 10 days of work in Venice, most of which was during picture perfect weather, I first spent two days in Milan wandering around my favorite Italian city and picking up some new items for my wardrobe (as one does in Milan).

Attending a Free Morten Concert in Copenhagen 
After almost two weeks in Italy, I flew to Copenhagen for the first (but not last) time. During my time there, I heard about a free concert with a well-known DJ named Morten and decided to check it out for a bit since I had no other plans. It ended up being so much fun on such a gorgeous, warm (by Danish standards) night. 

Family Birthday Celebrations in Jamaica 
In August, I flew to Jamaica for a joint family birthday extravaganza weekend. Though it was hot (like Thailand in April hot), the birthday celebrations were held by the water (obviously...), which made everything a little cooler. And of course, there was lots of food, laughter, music and fun times.

Seeing Serena Williams Play at the US Open
This is technically not a travel moment since it took place in New York, but I did have to travel from my neighborhood to Flushing, so...we’re just going to go with it. Last year I was SO close to seeing Serena play at the French Open but then she pulled out with an injury. I FINALLY got the opportunity to see her in the US Open women’s semifinals, and she won! Though she didn’t win the women’s finals, I was so glad to be there to cheer her on in person.

Wining and Dining Around LA
Another work and play adventure in LA, I first spent several days at a work conference then I stayed a few days afterwards with my sister and did some great wining and dining around the city. My favorite meals were at Mh Zh, Animal, Katsuya and Kappo Osen (one of my favorite Japanese meals ever). And then we spent an afternoon at Malibu Wine Safari, which I ended up enjoying more than I thought I would! 

Fun Family Moments in Florida
Aside from the family birthday celebrations in August, there were other great moments to celebrate with my family this year, including an engagement, the birth of a baby, and much more. I ended up traveling to Florida much more this year, and all for family celebrations (and Michelle Obama). 

It’s been a whirlwind, 2019. Thanks for the good times.