My 2016 Travel Goals

by Brenna Holeman

Innsbruck Austria

Innsbruck, Austria

It’s a bit early to write a list like this, I know; 2016 is still a full two months away. I was suddenly inspired to write this post, however, so… well, here it is.

I have been incredibly fortunate to travel a lot. I’ve visited many of the countries and done a lot of the things that were on my dream list of places for years: India, Guatemala, Southern Africa to see wild elephants, the Trans-Siberian railway, scuba diving in the Galapagos, and many others. Upon settling in London for a while in 2013, I thought that my travels would die down a bit; the complete opposite happened in 2014, when I visited fifteen countries. The past year, however, has been my slowest ever in terms of travelling abroad. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still travelled a lot, but the majority of my time has been spent in the city of London. It’s been lovely, of course – I don’t hide the fact that I absolutely love it here, and am happy to have at least a couple more years of exploring England’s capital. I also have an upcoming trip to Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, and a Christmas in Canada, so it’s not like I can complain, not even for a second.

Italian Breakfast

Breakfast in Matera, Italy

Because I’ve also been fortunate enough to stay in London a bit longer, I’m seeing this as an opportunity to see more of the UK and of Europe in general. It is incredibly cheap to fly to many European countries from London; with airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, it’s possible to fly to some European cities for less money than my weekly Oyster card update to travel around London. I don’t know what the future holds after these next couple years in London, so I thought I should take advantage of the proximity to Europe as much as possible in the upcoming year. While I’ve visited a lot of the major cities around the continent, there are a lot of smaller cities and towns I haven’t seen yet. More than that, there are experiences I’d really love to have if I can.

The following is a list of my dream travel plans for 2016. Most of them are situated in Europe, but there are a few others thrown in for good measure. I’m also well aware that to do every single thing on this list would be near impossible, because a) I’m not a millionaire and b) I have, you know, a job and stuff. If I end up doing only two or three of these things, I’ll still be ridiculously happy. So, without further ado… here are the places I’d love to visit in 2016.

Rome Italy

Rome, Italy

Visit Cinque Terre, Italy. Italy is one of my favourite countries in Europe, and I’d love to have the opportunity to explore more of it. Ideally I’d rent out a beautiful villa somewhere in Cinque Terre and spend a week just wandering around and taking photos of all of the colourful buildings. My friend Yishyene totally inspired me to visit after her beautiful Instagram photos of the region and now I envision going there for a week, lounging in the sunshine with a glass (*cough* bottle *cough*) of white wine, and cooking up a storm with fresh ingredients.

See the lavender fields of Provence, France. This is another Instagram-inspired trip I’d love to take… the app really does inspire me to travel to places. I’ve also never been to Provence, so I think it would be incredible to take a road trip around the region during lavender season and see all of those gorgeous purple hills. This one also includes a lot of wine and food, surprise surprise.

See the tulip fields of the Netherlands. I have been dying to see this beautiful sight with my own eyes for just about as long as I can remember. I’d also love to go back to Amsterdam, so I’m thinking a spring holiday is in order to do both at once.

Visit Petra, Jordan. OK, so this one is definitely not in Europe, but it’s easy enough to get to Jordan from London and it’s a place that has really piqued my interest in the past few years; the history is fascinating. I know a lot of people who have gone to Jordan recently and I’d love to check it out for myself… and maybe throw in some diving in the Red Sea, too. I mean, why not? This is a dream list, after all.

Travel to more small cities/towns in Spain. I wrote about this recently – I feel like I’ve yet to connect with Spain but I have a feeling that if I spend more time in some of the smaller cities (I’m thinking Granada or Seville, for example), I’ll fall head over heels in love. I’d love to really throw myself into Spanish culture the next time I visit.

Amsterdam Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Visit my grandfather’s hometown in Flanders, Belgium. My family comes from all over Europe (Russia, Germany, Belgium, Scotland, and Ireland) and I’d love to explore more of my roots. My father’s father passed away before I was born, but I think it would be really cool to see where he was born and raised.

A road trip through the Balkans. I have been talking about this for ages, and it would be amazing to actually see this trip come to fruition. I haven’t explored much of the Balkans at all, and I’m especially interested in visiting Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Albania. So, like all of the region. Yep. I feel that there is so much adventure to be had here, and I’d love a chance to spend some quality time in some of the smaller towns and get to know some of the people there.

Go hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey. Because this is just one of those things I want to do. My friend Katrinka lives in Istanbul and I’ve been promising to visit her for a while… so why not next year?

Visit Lapland. Because Santa lives there. And I’m originally from Winterpeg, I mean, Winnipeg, Canada, which means snow, ice, and temperatures well below freezing don’t scare me at all; in fact, I get excited thinking about being in that much snow again. I personally think a snowy landscape is one of the most beautiful you can get.

Zurich Christmas

Zurich, Switzerland

Take a sailing tour of Greece. I imagine doing this while wearing a lot of white dresses and big hats. This is also a trip that is motivated by food more than anything else, though the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean don’t hurt. I also envision a really hot captain, but maybe that’s going into too much detail (he’s wearing a white t-shirt, by the way, and when I accidentally drop my sunglasses into the ocean he doesn’t hesitate at diving right in to get them. And then he emerges from the water… wait. I will stop now.)

Go to Oktoberfest in Germany. I lot of my friends have gone to this huge festival in the past, and as a beer-lover, I know that I’ll have to go one day. Perhaps this is the year I’ll finally do it. I’m also really into the idea of wearing a dirndl.

Visit Georgia. I have been dreaming of this country for a really long time and I’ve looked up flights to Tbilisi so many times you’d think I’d just take the plunge already. I really don’t know much about Georgia and I’d love to really delve into its history and culture as much as possible.

Visit Madeira, Portugal. My mum actually wrote a book that is set on Madeira, and I’ve been dying to visit ever since she started going and researching the history of the island. I have a dream of taking my mum’s book with me and visiting all of the spots she mentions in it. Portugal is also one of my very favourite countries in the world, so any chance to return is wonderful.

Porto Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Do a wine tour of Moldova. By now you’ve figured out that I often choose travel destinations by their food and/or drink. I was recently surprised to learn how much wine is produced in Moldova and I think it would be a great way to see the country… and by that I mean it would be great to have someone drive me from vineyard to vineyard until I either fall asleep in the backseat or drive him or her mad with my karaoke renditions of Adele’s latest ballad (because we all know that with beer, you sing “Sweet Home Alabama”, with vodka, you sing “Sweet Caroline”, preferably with your new BFFs, and with wine, you sing any song that might make you have a little cry and a reflection on the one that got away. Or is that just me? Don’t ask what you sing with tequila).

Explore a hell of a lot more of the United Kingdom. I have seen quite a few of the major cities of the UK, but now I want to go deeper: I want to see more of the countryside and meet the people who live there. I envision a giant pub crawl of some kind… I just need the road trip buddies to come with me. Any takers?

So, that’s the list… so far. I’m sure I’ll inevitably add to it, but these are the things that have been top of my dream list for while. I already have plans for Paris, Stockholm (for TBEX, a blogging conference), and Cardiff (for Traverse… yes, another blogging conference), but who knows where else life will take me. At the start of  2014, for example, I would have never predicted that I’d visit Botswana, or Cyprus, or Nicaragua for the second time. I could have never predicted that 2015 would be the year I’d finally see Bhutan, but there you go. That’s what I love about life, and about the power of keeping an open mind… and, let’s face it, a somewhat open wallet (*nervously goes to check bank balance*).

Brenna in Berlin

Berlin, Germany

So with that, I’d love to hear from you… have you been to any of these places/done any of these things? What tops your dream travel list for 2016?

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80 comments

Emma October 30, 2015 - 4:47 am

I’m actually hoping to explore more of my own country next year. I’m a New Zealander and it took living overseas to appreciate the country I have, can you believe I’ve lived in NZ for most of my life and I’ve never been to the South Island?

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 1:22 pm

That sounds like a great idea! I’m all for backyard travel… especially if you live in a place as beautiful as NZ! 😉

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LC October 30, 2015 - 9:56 am

I have the exact same plans in terms of the U.K. – from the Cotswolds, to the Lakes District, Cornwall, Yorkshire… I want to see it all! So if you need a road trip buddy I’m certainly all ears!

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 1:22 pm

Sounds like a plan! 🙂 The UK is so amazing, I really need to see more of it. I’m shocked at how much there is to do and see here!

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Nikita October 30, 2015 - 1:21 pm

We have a very similar dream list! Georgia, Balkan road trip, sailing in Greece, small villages, connecting with locals and drinking a lot of wine…
Also, there was no need to cut that hot captain fantasy short. 😉

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 1:24 pm

Ha ha… good to know for next time! 😉 Hopefully we get to see a few of our dream spots next year. Thanks for the comment Nikita!

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Edna October 30, 2015 - 1:59 pm

Yes to Oktoberfest! I’ve been twice (including this year) and it is a HOOT.

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:02 pm

That makes me want to go even more!!

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Cynthia October 30, 2015 - 2:19 pm

That is one biiiiig list, hah! Of these I’ve been to Oktoberfest (which should definitely be experienced at least once!) and recently did a sail around Santorini complete with white dress, big hat, and hunky captain which was probably the single best thing I did in Greece! I would also really love to visit Georgia some time… I feel like there would be so much to explore and get to know there, including great wine, incredible landscape, and apparently friendly locals. My (big) travel plan for 2016 is a whole month in Iceland 🙂

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:02 pm

Dream big, right?! Your sailing trip sounds amazing, and a month in Iceland – wow, that’s so cool.

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Amie October 30, 2015 - 2:23 pm

Such good goals!! I hope you don’t mind some unsolicited advice… When you go to Flanders, I would recommend Bruges if you haven’t been before. It’s incredibly beautiful and has some real gems. We went for Christmas and it was basically the most magical place on earth! If you do make it there, see if you can find De Garre. It’s a great little pub hidden in a teeny tiny alley. The basilica is gorgeous and of course you should climb the tower so you can pretend to be Collin Firth in the film “In Bruges” 😉 You can also get to Ypres easily via train and see some incredible war memorials and a really powerful war museum.

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:03 pm

Thanks Amie! I went to Bruges many years ago but I would really like to return… it’s such a beautiful city and I want to spend more time there! Thanks for the tips. 🙂

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Paula Silva October 30, 2015 - 2:43 pm

I can help you with Portugal:) There are lots of places in the north only locals know and are fabulous for foreigners. Never been to Madeira, but with the new low cost routes, I might go this year. Want to join?

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:04 pm

I love the north of Portugal! I’ll put the word out if I’ll be returning next year. 🙂

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Tania Danilenko October 30, 2015 - 2:47 pm

I will go to Bangkok, Cambodia (Angkor Wat/Siem Reap and Phnom Penh) as well as Laos (only Pakse, in the south) in February. “American style”, i.e. three countries in two weeks. Before that, I will go “solo” to Dublin for a couple of days. Then, in about a year, I am planning on going to Istanbul, Turkey, if the political situation allows it, otherwise I might go to Barcelona, which I will probably do on top of the other destinations anyway. Then – and now the plans are well into 2017, Cape Town/Stellenbosch (I’m a wine lover), South Africa. Let’s hope it’ll work out!

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:07 pm

That sounds like a great trip, Tania! Isn’t it so much fun to plan future travels? I did a wine tour in Cape Town/Stellenbosch and I think I need to do another one, it was a great experience…

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Jesse Horne October 30, 2015 - 2:58 pm

I feel similary to you – I’ve spent the last 8 years largely on the road and now I’m sort of settled back into a stationary life. I feel like I haven’t been anywhere this year and still have this massive travel itch (even though I rang in the New year in Delhi and then spent two more weeks into January in India, had a brief week in Belgium, 2 weeks in the spring in New York and Philadelphia, and I’ll be in New York again just before Christmas). I’m a student again so I have to plan my travel around my semesters… and flying out of Canada (as you well know) isn’t very cheap.

So next year I hope to spend a month in Japan and Korea, probably at the very start of summer. And I hope I can swing a warm weather vacation in my downtime before Christmas next year – Cuba perhaps? My list is never ending but those are my realistic options.

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:09 pm

I feel like my list is never-ending, too… as seen in this post! Japan and Korea would be amazing, and that’s a really nice time to go. I would also really recommend Cuba. Good luck with all of your travel plans, they all sound really fun and, as you said, totally realistic!

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Margaret October 30, 2015 - 3:02 pm

There is something about this time of year that makes you itch to get some things on the calendar…

I actually just pledged last night that 2016 will be the year I finally get myself to Montenegro… I’ve been aching to go for years, and when I moved to London (5 years ago now) it was one of the places I was overjoyed was nearer now… I’m thinking my birthday this year is going to be to rent a villa and a car and just, well explore.

I’ve also got a coastal walk in Portugal planned for Spring (possibly Hadrian’s Wall in the autumn as well)… and finally going to take my parents on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (as I’ve worked for the company for 10 years and haven’t had them onboard yet!)

And yes… must get out of London and explore more of the surrounds… I haven’t even made it to Wales yet except to hop on a ferry to Ireland!

P.S. My parents are going to be in Cartagena in February if you want another Guillermo!

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:06 pm

All of that sounds absolutely amazing… I also feel like 2016 needs to be the year I visit Montenegro. And oh wow, the Orient Express… another huge dream of mine. You have so many cool travel plans for next year!

And regarding the Guillermo… seriously?! I would LOVE one! Just let me know how I could pay you for it (and shipping) and I will totally take you up on the offer!

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Jolene schofield October 30, 2015 - 3:42 pm

I’ve been dreaming for over 5 years about Georgia (after doing a class project on the country), Greece, Jordan and Morocco! Hopefully one or two of them is in the books next year!

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Brenna Holeman October 30, 2015 - 4:04 pm

Wow, sounds so cool! I’d also like to go back to Morocco, it’s been a while since I’ve been there and I used to really love it.

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Marta October 30, 2015 - 9:18 pm

Hello Brenna! First destination in your list is Cinque Terre, which had been one of my dream trips for a long time. I went there this year and I absolutely loved it. I recommend you Riomaggiore <3 I remember thinking "it would be a good plan to move here and enjoy the village for a while"

As an Andalusian girl living in Sevilla, I must say this region is amazing. I myself am still discovering it! Let me know if I can be of any help 🙂

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:18 pm

Oh great, I’m so glad to hear it! And thank you so much for offering to help. Thanks for your lovely comment, Marta!

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Irene Corchado Resmella October 30, 2015 - 9:19 pm

This is an incredible list, Brenna. I hope you manage to visit all the destinations.
Happy to read you are looking to explore Spain a bit more and get away of the classic city breaks. My travel blog is dedicated to a beautiful, yet totally ignored and unexplored, region of Spain – Extremadura. If you want to get some inspiration have a look and feel free to get in contact if you need any tips :).

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:19 pm

Thank you so much, Irene! I will definitely be in touch if I do indeed head to Spain next year. 🙂

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Jacquie October 30, 2015 - 9:50 pm

Sounds awesome, Brenna! Especially Greece and the hot captain, haha.

After my trip to Asia last month I’ve decided to stay closer to home (well, same continent) next year and do a road trip to California for Disneyland and hiking. I also want to do some multi day hikes around BC where I live. Doing this will allow me to save at a more moderate pace to go to Southeast Asia in 2017! Since I really only have the chance to travel once per year, I’m learning I have to find more balance and contentment at home since that is 49 weeks out of my year!

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:20 pm

That sounds like a great plan, Jacquie! I love backyard travel so I want to explore a lot more of London, too. And a road trip to Disneyland…. so much fun!!

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Natalie October 31, 2015 - 7:40 am

This is great list! I completely agree with the need to get to Cinque Terre. After 5 years in Italy, I have not managed that one! Georgia is also high on my list. A friend started a tour company there last year: Taste Georgia.

If you are planning to go to Petra, do not miss Wadi Rum! And fit in the Red Sea and Dead Sea if you can. That was one of my favorite travels ever.

For 2016, I need to spend a bit more time in France and would love to explore Austria more. Outside of Europe, the BRICS are on my list! Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa… we shall see how far I make it!

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:20 pm

Thank you so much, Natalie! I hope you get to travel everywhere on your list, too. And yes, can’t wait to see Wadi Rum!

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Arianwen October 31, 2015 - 5:10 pm

That’s quite a list! I’m hoping to calm down the travel a bit next year and perhaps move to NZ for a bit – if I can get a visa…!

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:17 pm

That would be amazing! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🙂

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Paige October 31, 2015 - 5:13 pm

As many others have commented–the hot captain fantasy!! Yes!! All of your plans sound fabulous as always–can’t wait to settle in with many glasses of wine throughout 2016 to read all about them! : )

I would love to do a Canadian Rockies/PNW trip–probably Canada on my own and then swing down to Seattle to see family and Portland to see my best friend. I’m really drawn to Iceland because I can fly there from Boston for so cheap now! And still would love to do a massive solo Eurotrip but might need another year of working and saving to make that a full reality. Maybe throw in some weekends around the US–friends have expressed interest in Austin and Salt Lake City! And New England is a treasure trove for backyard travel, my credit card statement would probably appreciate that I keep that in mind, haha…

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:22 pm

Ha ha – OK, hot captain will be bumped to the top of the travel list. 😉

That sounds like an amazing trip – I drove through the Rockies in 2007 and it’s one of my favourite road trips ever. There is so much to do in North America, it’s so awesome that you are going to take advantage of it!

Thanks for your lovely comment, Paige 🙂

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Jana October 31, 2015 - 8:54 pm

Great article! You’ve inspired me to go through my must-see list and actually start choosing some places to visit next year 🙂

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:16 pm

Thank you very much, Jana!

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Jana November 1, 2015 - 12:41 am

By the way I’m living in Liverpool now, ready to explore more of the UK (used to live in London for a couple months so I kind of have the major cities of the soufh checked off the list but there’s so much to see!) but I’ll probably have to spend most of my time working or at the uni. But if you’re planning to be somewhere near or in Liverpool maybe, I’d love to meet you and have a chat about all things travel 🙂

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:17 pm

That sounds great! I was in Liverpool earlier this year but would love to return, and I’m always happy to meet readers/travellers/bloggers for coffee 🙂

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Katrinka November 1, 2015 - 1:52 pm

Come, come, come! You know I would love that.
Interestingly, I’ve been to Cappadocia twice and yet STILL have never ever seen the balloons. Crazy, right? Mostly bad luck; luckily the region is so naturally stunning that I’ve loved it every time.
And I am dying to get back to Georgia. It’s SO WONDERFUL.

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:16 pm

Yes! You know how much I’d love that. Let’s definitely discuss it seriously to see when might work for both of us! x

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Ashley November 1, 2015 - 5:35 pm

I also want to explore more of the UK and take advantage of cheap flights within Europe while I’m living in Edinburgh! The Balkans and Oktoberfest are high on my travel wish list for 2016 as well, and I’d love to visit the Middle East. And South America. And revisit Southeast Asia. The list is never-ending, ugh. And PS, I’m definitely keen for a giant UK pub crawl 😉

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:16 pm

I would love to see more of the Middle East, too! The list really is never-ending, I totally agree. And perhaps I should see if a few of us bloggers/travellers would be interested in a UK road trip………… this is how great things happen! 😉

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Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate November 1, 2015 - 10:49 pm

Anywhere exotic that I haven’t been with stellar diving. Micronesia tops that list, but I’d go just about anywhere if it’s warm and has a healthy marine life =)

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Brenna Holeman November 1, 2015 - 11:14 pm

Ohhhhhh I would love that too, although as I mentioned I’m trying to stick close to the UK next year. I could very easily be swayed to travel somewhere beautiful for some diving, however!

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Anna @ Unexpected Germany November 3, 2015 - 10:20 am

What an inspiring blog! I’ve also done pretty well this year, visiting several countries that I’ve wanted to see for a while, especially Croatia, Slovenia and Romania. Next year it’s hopefully Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, explore more of Germany (where I live), Cornwall (I used to live in the UK) and a big trip to Australia at the end of the year, including a road trip to Tasmania.

I would recommend going to the Oktoberfest (it is great fun), but perhaps also consider other October beer/ wine festivals in other parts of Germany while you’re here – there are a lot to choose from!

My recommendations for the UK (in no particular order) would be Rhossili Bay and the Gower Peninsula in Wales, the Cotswolds, Oxford, Cambridge, the Peak District (especially the fells above Buxton), Winchester, Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, Calderdale, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Skye and Lewis and Harris. (that should keep you busy!)

Have a great year!

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Brenna Holeman November 3, 2015 - 7:59 pm

Thank you very much for the tips – the UK has so many fascinating places to visit! And yes, I’d love to attend a few more beer/wine festivals in Germany, I’ll keep that in mind.

Good luck with your travel plans next year!

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Daniela Frendo @ Grumpy Camel November 3, 2015 - 2:27 pm

I hope you get to do all of the things on your list, or at least most of them! I would like to visit Petra too, and perhaps return to Morocco for the third time – spend more time in Essaouira and visit Fes and Meknes.

I recommend going up to the Scottish Highlands on your UK tour and exploring the Isle of Skye. I’m sure you’ll love it!

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Brenna Holeman November 3, 2015 - 7:58 pm

That sounds wonderful – I’d like to go back to Morocco, too! I went to Isle of Skye a few years ago… hopefully I’ll get to return one day. 🙂

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De'Jav Speller November 3, 2015 - 4:52 pm

Being proactive and getting started with the 2016 goals I like it. Definitely living so close to so many places in Europe with accessibility is a great way to start. My goal for 2016 is to hit Asia going to start with in South East and see where I can go.

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Brenna Holeman November 3, 2015 - 7:57 pm

That sounds like a great plan! Have fun 🙂

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Katie @ Domestiphobia November 3, 2015 - 8:32 pm

Fantastic goals! I could totally steal this list — except I’d maybe replace Cinque Terre with the Amalfi Coast (only spent a day on the southern coast of the Sorrentine peninsula and it wasn’t nearly enough), add Malaga to Spain (I loved that city), and add Porto to Portugal since I’ve never been and have a feeling I’d love it.

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Brenna Holeman November 3, 2015 - 8:38 pm

Thanks Katie!! And I can guarantee that you’d love Porto. 🙂

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Julie November 4, 2015 - 4:58 pm

We live parallel lives! I’ve been in London for about 2 years with about 1 more to go. Thus, my travel goals (still in the works for 2016, but I’ve got my spreadsheet…) are ridiculous. Literally last night I booked a weekend in Rome for Jan (thanks Ryannair sale!), and a massive summer road trip through the Balkans is also calling me. Oh, and Georgia (trying to go there and Armenia maybe at the same time??). So much to see. Ack! It’s the best/worst problem to have…she writes from her office desk!

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Brenna Holeman November 6, 2015 - 3:29 am

Oh I love those Ryanair sales!! As soon as I return to London in the new year I’m going to go on a bit of a flight shopping spree (or at least I’ll dream of doing it). I would also love to see Armenia… but yes, I totally get you… it’s the best/worst problem to have!

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Stephanie November 4, 2015 - 10:42 pm

This was so much fun to read! I traveled to Belize with 6 women in my family this past summer and enjoyed it so much I’m going back with my boyfriend next May. We’re actually going to do a 3 day sailing tour there but a sailing trip in Greece is totally on my list too! I remember looking up a sailing trip Intreprid does there and it looked fun (I do not have the confidence to plan such a journey on my own). My little sister turns 21 next year so we’re toying with the idea of a sister trip to Machu Picchu. Fingers crossed. I definitely think you’re smart to explore Europe as much as possible while you’re in London. Can’t wait to read about your adventures next year!

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Brenna Holeman November 6, 2015 - 3:31 am

Aw, thanks Stephanie! I’m glad you enjoyed it. That’s so cool that you’re returning to Belize, and I hope you get to Greece soon! And I can highly recommend Peru, it is such a fantastic country.

Thanks again for your nice comment 🙂

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Caroline Eubanks November 5, 2015 - 2:53 am

I’m thinking about TBEX Stockholm too and Jordan is on the list! So much to see, so little time.

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Brenna Holeman November 5, 2015 - 6:24 pm

I know, I feel the same way! Would be great to see you in Stockholm. 🙂

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Zalie November 5, 2015 - 7:41 pm

OHHHHHHH I loved reading your list because I can imagine you and I going to all those places! I am especially intrigued to visit Moldova( I didn’t have any idea about the wine production that goes on there either), the Balkans, and of course my dream country in Europe…Spain!!! xoxo

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Brenna Holeman November 6, 2015 - 3:31 am

I think I need a travel partner for Spain………… xo

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chika gujarathi November 7, 2015 - 9:19 pm

Wonderfully awesome travel goals for 2016. You have inspired me to do the same. I am always the type that says “I want to travel more” and granted I do make it happen, the plan is more last minute. Perhaps I should try a more thought out plan for 2016. Thanks for sharing.

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Brenna Holeman November 7, 2015 - 10:30 pm

That’s great, Chika, I hope that 2016 brings you lots of travelling!

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World First Travel Insurance Blog » Blog Archive The World First Wander – travel blogs we love this week November 10, 2015 - 10:14 am

[…] Well it is only 9 weeks away. So maybe it not too early. In fact, some of our travel friends are already planning 2016 travels. One such planner is Brenna Holeman  from This Battered Suitcase blog. She has written about some of the trips she’s got in the pipeline. With plenty of destinations on the list she might do well to consider an annual travel insurance policy. If you travel regularly it can save you ££££. Thinking about 2016? Here’s My 2016 travel goals. […]

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Sarah Stewart November 12, 2015 - 3:57 am

I would like to recommend the city of Cádiz if you find yourself traveling in Southern Spain. I studied abroad there for an incredible nine months. It is a small city on the coast, located two hours away from Sevilla by train. It would make a lovely day trip! If you are traveling around the time of Carnival (usually a week at the end of february or beginning of march), the Carnival de Cádiz is famous and a really unique experience! A wonderful opportunity to experience the culture of Andalucia! Sevilla and Granada are amazing as well!

Thank you for being a continuing inspiration in all my travels!

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Brenna Holeman November 12, 2015 - 7:57 pm

Thank you so much for the recommendation, Sarah! It sounds amazing…

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Gwendolyn Walters November 27, 2015 - 1:34 pm

Great post! I visited Lapland last year.Unfortunately I didn`t see Santa. Thank you for sharing your article! It is really inspiring. Best regards!

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Brenna Holeman November 28, 2015 - 6:20 am

Thanks a lot, Gwendolyn! I hope you enjoyed Lapland.

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Travelsito November 30, 2015 - 2:12 pm

Great 2016 plans Brenna.

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Brenna Holeman November 30, 2015 - 2:25 pm

Thanks!

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Vixy December 10, 2015 - 1:30 am

Come to Cornwall. It’s amazing place to visit with plenty of different things to do.

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Brenna Holeman December 10, 2015 - 9:43 am

I was there years ago… I’d love to return!!

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Mary B January 6, 2016 - 11:22 pm

Wow, that’s quite a list! I spent 6 weeks in Georgia this year and just loved it. Stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine, nice people. Be sure to stay in guesthouses whenever possible, especially in the small mountain villages – you’ll be virtually guaranteed the best food and maybe some homemade chacha!

I’m moving to Washington DC next week, so my goals are to explore my new city and some new parts of the east coast of the US! I’d also love to get to Portugal, and I’ll be traveling to Ghana for work with my new job so maybe I’ll get a chance to explore more of West Africa?

Happy travels in 2016!

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Brenna Holeman January 7, 2016 - 11:44 am

These all sound like great plans, Mary! And thank you so much for the tips about Georgia, I hope this is the year I finally go…

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My 2016 UK Travel Goals - This Battered Suitcase February 8, 2016 - 6:56 pm

[…] in October I wrote a post called My 2016 Travel Goals. In that post I talked about wanted to visit Greece, Moldova, Belgium, Turkey, Spain, France… […]

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Andalusian Traveller April 5, 2016 - 5:00 pm

Hi Brenna! If you are finally coming to Seville this 2016, do not hesitate to contact me! I recently started my blog and I would like to meet more traveller bloggers. I can also show you Seville 🙂 Cheers.

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Brenna Holeman April 5, 2016 - 9:02 pm

Great, thank you very much! I’ll keep you posted. 🙂

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Neli April 17, 2016 - 8:34 am

Hello Brenna,
Greetings from Istanbul! I really liked your post about your 2016 travel goals. Innsbruck, Matera, Rome, Porto, Amsterdam, Zurich, Berlin all are great places to visit and Porto and Matera are in my list, hopefully for this year. When I saw your post I thought that I could see Istanbul in the list:(( ı wish I could see her in the list. I do not know whether you have had a chance to visit, but I would definetely recommend you to visit then I would be pleased to assisting you. Cheers, Neli

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Brenna Holeman April 18, 2016 - 4:34 pm

Thanks Neli, I’ve been to Istanbul before and it would be great to be back!

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Neli April 18, 2016 - 6:17 pm

Brenna, I am glad to hear that, you have been in Istanbul before. I would love to see your comments in my travel blog about Istanbul. cheers,

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Neli April 18, 2016 - 8:36 am

Hi Brenna, Congratulations, nnice post and great cities like innsbruck, amsterdam, rome…all are great cities to visit and enjoy their culture and their beauty. Cheers,

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