The Globe Getter

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My 2020 Travel Plans (So Far): The Year of Europe

If there’s one thing I was consistent about on this blog last year, it was sharing my travel plans. I used to not want to share my travel plans, and now I can’t seem to stop! I’m over here providing quarterly updates and everything.

So, now that we’re a few weeks into 2020, I figured it’s time to share what my travel plans are for this year. Because, though I’ve been busy settling into a new job, the traveling doesn’t stop. Can’t stop, won’t stop.

At this point in time, I think it’s safe to say this year is very much “The Year of Europe.” There have been years where I’ve traveled to Europe more than once. A few years ago, I was in Europe three times in a year, and that felt like a lot! Well, this year I’m in Europe at least five times. Maybe more.

One of those five times already happened the second week of the year when I traveled to Budapest for work and spent a long layover in London doing very (read: shopping), very (read: visiting the V&A Museum), very (read: walking through Hyde Park), very (read: eating the triple chocolate cookie from Ottolenghi) important things.

Now that the first European trip has come and gone, here’s what’s on the list for the rest of the year:

French Alps
Two years ago I said I wanted to go to Chamonix, then last year, I broadened my travel goal and said I just wanted to go to the Alps. Well, the time has finally come, y’all. Not only am I going to the Alps, I’m going to the French Alps and will be visiting Chamonix while I’m there. To say I’m excited is an understatement!

Geneva
After the French Alps, I’ll spend a little bit of time in Geneva, though I don’t think I’ll be able to see much of the city. I last visited Geneva back in 2010, so it will be interesting to see how it’s changed.

London
Oh, London. I just can’t quit you. Even though I stopped in London on my way back from Budapest in January, I will be going back briefly next month and then likely in June. So, yeah, lots of London happening this year, and I’m perfectly okay with that.

Munich
I’ve never been to Munich, and I admittedly didn’t have it high on my list. That said, I’ll be going to Munich this year for an internationally renowned audio exhibition, and I suppose eating bratwurst? Still have to plan that trip out a bit…

Barcelona
After Munich, I’m heading back to Barcelona for something that has been on my dad’s bucket list for a very long time: seeing FC Barcelona play at Camp Nou. It’s likely going to be craziness but the best kind.

Budapest
Though I already went to Budapest this year, I’ll be back there for work in June, and I can’t wait. During my time there last month, I didn’t see the sun once. Not once in almost five days. So I’m thinking Budapest in June will be more promising, weather-wise.

Vienna
After Budapest, I’m heading to Vienna (and probably Salzburg) for a quick weekend trip. I’ve never been to Austria, so I’m excited to take a few days to explore a new country.

Florence and Tuscany
Later this year, I’ll be back in Europe for a friend’s wedding in Tuscany, during what is my favorite month to travel (can you guess the month?). Tuscany is one of the regions of Italy that I haven’t explored much, so I’m looking forward to going, celebrating my friend’s wedding and doing all sorts of things under the Tuscan sun.

South Florida
A trip to South Florida is never new. This year, I’ll be there multiple times, for work and play and family and fun and all the things in between.

Even though that’s already a lot of destinations (see why I’m calling it '“The Year of Europe”?), I still have a few other tentative travel plans in the works, so I’ll make sure to keep y’all posted during my Q2 travel update.

What are your 2020 travel plans and goals?