My 2015 travels definitely featured a lot of contrasts, from freezing in Berlin to Mediterranean sunshine in Mallorca, and from eating my way around San Sebastian to hiking up a cliff in Norway. I’ve also managed to fit in not one but two visits home to New Zealand! It’s tough to pick favourites from this incredible year, but here goes…
Berlin for New Year’s Eve
My crazy trip to Berlin began with flying out on New Year’s Eve and landing with less than two hours until the fireworks began. I managed to meet my friends, find our party and have an absolute blast of a night – it was an awesome introduction to the city! As the city began to recover from its collective hangover the following days, we immersed ourselves in its history and culture. I found it difficult to come to grips with Berlin at first. Its geography and identity seemed quicksilver and coy. But over the course of five days the city and I warmed to each other, and now I’d love to return in the summer to see it in a golden light.
Read about my trip to Berlin here
New Zealand (Twice!)
After nearly two years away, I’ve made it home twice in a year! The first visit was a flying one, with just two weeks to squeeze in seeing family and friends and attending the fabulous wedding of a good friend. Fortunately, I’ve got a much longer time now from late December to early February, meaning I can do all of the above plus relax and soak up a classic Kiwi summer!
See my New Zealand adventures here
Iceland
Iceland was incredible. Over the Easter break, we explored just a small fraction of this magnificent island of contrasts. Standing on the precipice of the enormous Gulfoss waterfall, visiting the incredible Soheimajokul glacier, and watching the waves pound the black beaches near Vis – so much was awe-inspiring. Our only miss was not being able to see the Northern Lights – guess I’ll just have to return!
Catch up with my Icelandic adventures here
San Sebastián
In my opinion, food envy is one of the great scourges of our time. Who amongst us has not had the stab of regret, coupled with a piercing jealousy, as they gaze at the perfect food choice of their dining companion? Fortunately, pintxos can solve that problem. See something you like on your neighbour’s plate? Great, they’re only tiny and they’re right there on the bar! Have three! I made sure to put this into practice during a long weekend in San Sebastian, sampling the tiny town’s many gastronomic delights. Foodie heaven.
Bring on your own food envy with my San Sebastian adventures and recommendations here
Norway
Norway or, more specifically, climbing Preikestolen, was definitely a travel highlights. The incredible scenery and fresh air brought home to me how much I enjoy an active travel adventure, even more than a delicious foodie one! Although I won’t be saying no to delicious street food or travelling to foodie destinations any time soon, I do hope to have lots more mountain climbing and hiking in my travel future too.
Climb to the heights of Prekeistolen and my other Norway posts here
The Scottish Highlands
Green hills. Bottomless lochs. Rolling purple heather. It’s safe to say the Highlands is visually stunning. Throw in some epic history and genuine, friendly people and it’s easy to see why I was totally smitten. Three days barely scratched the surface and I have already added a return for more Scottish love to my travel wish list for 2016!
Mallorca
Let’s face it – Mallorca in August, a private villa and some quality sun time was always going to be a killer combination. Throw in 10 friends celebrating our friend Nat’s 30th, and we had ourselves a party! It was a brilliant holiday of relaxation, switching between pool and shade, galloping through books and occasionally venturing out into the beautiful countryside. Our outings were well-rewarded with azure waters like these – the perfect trip!
Sun yourself with my Mallorca posts and video here
Marmaris
Last but by no means least, my trip to Marmaris in the south-west of Turkey was a brilliant taster of this diverse and fascinating region. There was much sampling of gastronomic delights, but also touring the many villages, each home to their own industry, and the gorgeous bays and rivers of the peninsula. The perfect end to a very exciting year of travels!
What were your favourite adventures in 2015? To follow along with my 2016 adventures, keep up to date on Bloglovin‘, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat (my Snapchat name is jessinz)!
