“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett
Travel More in 2017: Take the 12 Trip Challenge
My travel posts have become some of my favorite content to create and your favorites to read. From Denver, to Charlottesville, to Charleston, to Spain, I’ve grown to understand how important travel is to me by writing about it to you. Here’s why:
- Travel helps me step away from my daily grind.
- Travel introduces me to new ideas and new ways of thinking that make me both a better person and professional.
- Travel brings me closer to the friends and family I experience it with.
- Travel gives me a really great excuse to shop and explore new fashion.
- Travel means I get to eat a lot of new food without regret.
I told you that I didn’t create a list of resolutions for 2017, but I do have a few personal and professional goals. One of those is to travel more. Thanks to a fellow blogger, I’ve decided to make a commitment to travel to 12 places this year. Day trips, to staycations, to trips abroad are all included in the 12-Trip Challenge.
Of course, I’ll be doing this on a budget. Thanks to a partnership with WebJet, I can quickly find the lease expensive way to fly, stay, and get around at at each stop. I already have a few trips in the works and have been working on a list of others to take both near and far.
Trips already in the Works
New York
This is the first stop on my tour of the world this year. I’m headed up on an Amtrak to New York Fashion Week. I made the decision last minute, so don’t expect a lot of show photos, but do expect a killer travel guide and some fun outfits from my and friend. I looking at a hotel from this list.
Washington, DC
I like just two hours from our nation’s capital. Lots of my friends and family live just outside of DC, too. I’m making plans to visit twice. On February 18, I plan to attend this Blogger Workshop from The Blog Societies on February 18. I’m checking out some of these apartments and hotels for rent.
Bryce Mountain Resort
I’ve grown up on this small ski resort in western Virginia. My grandma has a home there and it’s just right for a little group of friends to get away, smell some fresh air, but still have the comfort of a family home. No need to shop for a place to stay here. It’s just a two-hour drive away from Richmond.
Spain
Speaking of family connections, my cousins have a home on the coast of Spain. I took a few photos there in this post. I’m working on making plans to head back to host a yoga and wellness retreat with a fellow yogi friend. Stay tuned! We’ll be stalking cheap flights using Webjet.com.
Virginia Oyster Country
I fell in love with this part of Virginia when I stayed at the Tides Inn. I blogged about it here, here, and here. Thanks to my work on the blog, I’ve picked up some freelance work in the area. I hope to visit monthly to write articles, take photos, and more to increase tourism to the this hidden treasure.
Wishlist Trips
I don’t have all 12 trips planned out, but here are some places I want to go and I think I can make it happen this year by taking advantage of my connections and finding deals:
Morocco
One of the most affordable ways to travel the world is to take inventory of your friends and family who live in fun places. My dear friend lives in Morocco with his family. We haven’t seen him in a year because of Visa issues. I keep reading about magical places in this part of the world and want to try all the food! We’re going to be hunting for affordable flights.
Virginia Beach
A high school girlfriend lives here and it’s just an hour and half drive from Richmond. Why don’t I go see the big blue ocean anymore? I could go and eat some great seafood any day while feeling the sea breeze. I need to make time to go to this nearby sanctuary. I’ll just have to pay the cost of gas and for my food when I get there. The sunshine and sea are free.
Shenandoah Valley
Another day trip must. I have been remembering hiking with dad often lately. It’s good for the mind, the body and the spirit. I need to make it to this special part of Virginia to break a sweat and appreciate the wild so close to me.
Charleston
I really enjoyed my stay here during my best friend’s bachelorette weekend. I swoon over the boutiques and bloggers from the area I now follow. I want to get back there to work with local brands for some fun Sweet Sauce content!
Grand Canyon
It’s about time I cross this off my list. Maybe I’ll take a week long road trip. Maybe I’ll find a cheap flight. Somehow, someway, I want to see one of the great wonders of American nature. I want to be reminded of something greater.
Staycation in Richmond, VA
Last year for my birthday, my man booked a night at a local inn called The One Bed & Breakfast. It was a nice way to feel spoiled by just driving a few blocks down the street. I’m thinking The Jefferson should be next!
Austin
I had such a wonderful time getting to know Kristin of Food Fash on my trip to Tides Inn. She is an incredibly food blogger who also works to design up and coming restaurants in Austin. I want to eat ALL THE TACOS and also attend SXSW to hear my favorite artists, learn new tech skills, and eat my way through the city.
Read Lucy of the Unlikely Bookworm‘s post about her decision to commit to the 12-trip challenge here. Tag your trips with the hashtag #Take12Trips to join in and follow along!
What tips are you taking this year? Do you think a trip each month is doable?
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