Today’s tidbit: “It is through living that we discover ourselves, at the same time as we discover the world around us.” ― Henri Cartier-Bresson

Going through thousands of photos trying to narrow down the highlights was both a challenge and also neat to relive it all again. 2014 was a year full of travel, and I’m planning to make 2015 even more so!

Where to in 2014? 5 countries.

USA: Albany & Saratoga, New York + Tampa, Florida + Washington, D.C. + Denver, Colorado
Central America: Cozumel & Costa Maya, Mexico + Belize + Roatan, Honduras
Australia: Perth + Western Australia

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

 

{ROATAN, HONDURAS} February. The first stop on a Western Caribbean cruise with my mom and sister.
More: Roatan blog post 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Riding on the beach

 

Highlight: Making monkey friends

 

 

 

{BELIZE} February. The second stop on a Western Caribbean cruise with my mom and sister.
More: Belize blog post

Highlight: Exploring the Lamanai Mayan Ruins

 

 

 

{COSTA MAYA, MEXICO} February. The third stop on a Western Caribbean cruise with my mom and sister.
More: Costa Maya blog post

Highlight: Explored the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Highlight: Mayan Experience tour, authentic lunch with a local Mayan family

 

 

 

{COZUMEL, MEXICO} February. The fourth stop on a Western Caribbean cruise with my mom and sister.
More: Cozumel blog post

Highlight: Chankanaab park, pristine beaches + snorkeling, followed by the best hammock

 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Chankanaab park, swimming + interacting with dolphin

 

Highlight: Chankanaab park, (best) tequila factory

 

 

 

{WASHINGTON, D.C., USA} I enjoyed reconnecting again with where I currently am, D.C. Although I crave a fresh start and new adventure I’m grateful to live in such a beautiful and thriving area.

Highlight: April. Cherry blossom festival
More: Spring in DC blog post

 

Highlight: October. Exploring the mall + monuments

 

 

 

{PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA} June & July. Oz is a place I’ve dreamt about for as long as I can remember. I decided to turn that dream into a reality, following my heart, taking a risk and going on my longest and furthest international trip yet (alone).

For more on this amazing adventure, be sure to check out these blog posts:
Hello Australia |  Flights, Perth & Cottesloe beach | Jurien Bay & Kalbarri | Kalbarri National Park |
Shark Bay & Monkey Mia | Carnarvon | Coral Bay | Whale Shark | Exmouth | Perth, city + nature |
Leederville & Fremantle | Perth, day & night | Kings Park | Caversham Wildlife Park | Margaret River |
Margaret River, part 2 | Perth, last day

There are SO many highlights from this trip, below are a few.

 

Highlight: Explored Perth, WA + Kings Park

 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Made kangaroo friends, first time seeing them

 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Made koala friends, first time seeing one. Close enough?

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Kalbarri, WA. Start of the most amazing picnics on the beach + sunsets

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Kalbarri, WA. Hiked around Kalbarri National Park

 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Road trip up north | Shark Bay + Monkey Mia, WA. Interacted with wild dolphin

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Carnarvon, WA. Blowholes (powerful ocean swells force water through sea caves and up out of narrow holes in the rocks)

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Carnarvon, WA. Spectacular snorkeling (really all of WA)

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Carnarvon, WA. Color coated air
During and after sunset the sky would be amazing warm colors on one side and in all other directions there would be amazing blue/purple/pink (cooler colors) colors.

 

Highlight (and bucket list check): Road trip up north | Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef, WA. Swam with the world’s largest species of fish, whale shark!
Every year, between mid March and mid July (so right when I was there), these gentle giants congregate in the Ningaloo Marine Park. Really a hectic and amazing experience.

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Coral Bay, WA. Ended perfect beach days with these views

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef, WA. Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort + most amazing chalet (view from balcony)

 

Highlight: Road trip up north | Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef, WA. Hiked in Cape Range National Park

 

Highlight: Road trip down south | Margaret River, WA. Wine tasting + roos in the vineyard

 

Highlight: Road trip down south | Margaret River, WA. Top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

 

 

 

{DENVER, COLORADO, USA} August. Visited Allie & Brian + celebrated our 26th birthday together.
More: Denver blog post

Highlight: Explored downtown Denver

 

Highlight: St. Mary’s Glacier hike

 

There you have it, my top travel highlights from 2014. Great year exploring. I hope you’re inspired to travel more in 2015, I know I am. Who already has plans?

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― Saint Augustine

Check back next week as I share a final 2014 reflection post + New Years goals.