From Key West to Kilimanjaro, 2017 was packed with incredible journeys. As we look ahead to 2018, I'm excited to share my favorite photos and blog posts from last year to spark your travel inspiration!
Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort, is situated 100 miles from Key West in Dry Tortugas National Park. The snorkeling here is absolutely stunning!
1. Key West
I kicked off 2017 with a fun road trip through the Florida Keys with three friends. We flew into Miami, rented a car, and hit the road with stops for key lime pie, fish and chips, craft beer, and kayaking. A highlight was our day at Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-square mile area 70 miles west of Key West, featuring seven islands and a historic fort built between 1846 and 1875 (as seen above). Access is limited to one daily ferry, private boats, and seaplanes. With 90% of the park being water, it's renowned for diving and snorkeling spots! (P.S. I'm crafting a mile-marker guide to Key West for a future piece!)
The Golden Palace, Kyoto, Japan
My travels often remind me of one another. Japan, however, stands alone. It's unique in its safety, vibrancy, and efficiency, hosting 127.3 million people on a landmass smaller than California. Don't miss my two-part series on Japan, featuring Top Destinations in Japan and a Chat with Tokyo Becky, an expat who's called Tokyo home for over a decade!
The Oculus, World Trade Center Transportation Hub, New York City
Every NYC visit brings new discoveries. I always find a few days in the city between trips to catch up with friends, meet editors, enjoy dumplings, and explore. This summer, while heading to lunch near One World Trade, I stumbled upon the Oculus for the first time. I'd seen photos but never realized its significance until I passed by.
If you're visiting NYC on a budget, check out these Six Free Activities in NYC and my discussion with a NYC local!
Hot and Hot Tomato Salad from the Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama; Captured for a feature
4. Birmingham, Alabama
In June, I had the privilege of photographing my former home, Birmingham, for a featured article. It was thrilling to see which local spots made the writer's list! Birmingham is transforming into a must-visit urban foodie hub! For more images, check out the full article published in September!
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Despite the 4 a.m. wake-up calls, the breathtaking views were worth it—bison, elk, and bears wandering through the morning mist. In July, I conducted a two-week photography workshop with National Geographic Student Expeditions. It was an incredible experience, and I managed to steer clear of the crowds even during peak season. For more insights into Yellowstone, check out my photo guide!
Atop Quarry Rock in North Vancouver, with smoke from summer wildfires in the distance.
Much of my travel involves visiting friends I've met along the way. I returned to Vancouver this year specifically to see one of my favorite people—the Traveling Granny! We met on a ferry from Panama to Colombia in January 2015. Now 70, she still travels solo for four to five months each year! It was wonderful to relax on her waterfront patio and reminisce about our adventures. She's currently exploring India for the third time! Be sure to read my interview with her! Proof that age is just a number when it comes to travel!
Bodie, California Ghost Town
The most extraordinary places are often the hardest to find. I love capturing ghost towns or abandoned structures. Bodie, a former mining town now a state park, is in the middle of nowhere but absolutely worth the journey from Lake Tahoe. It's preserved in a state of arrested decay, retaining its original charm. Check out my road trip guide to Bodie!
The hike into Barranco Camp offered some of the trek's most breathtaking views on Kilimanjaro.
8. Kilimanjaro
Why would anyone travel across the globe to spend a week hiking a mountain in the cold? Last year was transformative for me, filled with reflection and prioritization. When my best friend invited me to climb, I completely reorganized my life. It was the hardest yet most rewarding experience, pushing my limits in ways I never imagined. It offers a unique perspective on life, often clouded by everyday distractions.
Curious about climbing Kilimanjaro? Don't miss my two-part series: Day-by-Day Guide and Kilimanjaro 101 for logistics and packing tips.
Bisti Wilderness in Northern New Mexico looks like a scene from another world.
9. New Mexico
A week after Kilimanjaro, I drove 11 hours to New Mexico with friends for more hiking and to attend the hot air balloon festival. My favorite hiking spot is Bisti Wilderness, about 2.5 hours from Albuquerque. There's no cell service or maps available. Download the free Maps.me app and GPS map from this site: https://www.thewave.info/BistiBadlandsCode/Map.html to navigate. Remember to pack food, water, and gas as there are no services. The road to the park is gravel, so be prepared. Consider visiting Chaco Canyon afterwards!
Directions to Bisti Wilderness: From Albuquerque, take 371 north and look for signs to the parking area, which is about a mile from the road. From Santa Fe, take 550 and turn left onto 7500, which leads to the same parking lot. Note that 7500 is a rough dirt and gravel road; it can become difficult to navigate after rain. Oil drilling has improved the road conditions compared to previous visits.
A view of Leh from the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa monastery in Northern India.
10. India
No destination has transformed me like India. Recently, I penned a personal essay on the reasons to visit India and highlighted 12 must-see places in the country. I plan to return in 2018, and hope you do too!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and an adventurous 2018. Stay tuned for more updates!
__________________________________________
UP NEXT
My Upcoming Grand Adventure
In my first post of 2018, I'll reveal my exciting travel plans for the year, which span a significant part of the globe! I'm finalizing details and can't wait to share!
