As I get older, the days and years really do seem to speed and the highlights become flashes of memories whereas the low points, the really low points in life seem to be set on slow motion torturing me even longer. That doesn’t seem quite far – 2019 has been a weird year that was full of high points for travel and low valleys personally with a job search and a family member’s illness. I’ve been lax in posting, sorry for that, I’ll be better next year.
Trying to find a balance to an awesome work/travel life is never easy. Hopefully you had a fantastic year of travel discoveries and are planning more adventures in 2020. Fingers crossed, I’m back on the road and in the air much more next year. That said, there are still many posts to share about this year’s travel – the charming Wallace Collection of Art in London is one that I’m sure you’ll love as much as I do – look for that in a few weeks.
Prior Year Highlights
Read why I don’t make New Year’s resolutions but rather travel lists
Watch the NYE Fireworks in London that was a dream experience
Travel Highlights in 2019
Television Appearances
When the producer reached out to ask me to appear on the local lifestyle show “You Oughta Know” on PBS Station, WHYY, I was pretty excited. I could talk travel all day long but she only needed me for a segment which is a few minutes. I still said YES and arrived at the studios ready for my hair and makeup to be done. I met the hosts and then we sat down and they began taping. I was asked back for two more segments in the summer. You can watch them here
XM Radio Interview
Unlike television, radio interview segments are much longer in length – about ten minutes which might seem like an enternity but flew by quickly with many laughs. The XM radio program “The Lisa Show” interviewed me about favorite Travel Apps. Everyone laughed about Sit or Squat but commented on how useful it is especially with kids on roadtrips.
Listen to the segment here
https://www.byuradio.org/episode/5a4f8535-3b8c-4b58-97a1-cccedb4b75ca?playhead=891&autoplay=true
Teaching my “How to Travel for Less” Class
I was invited back by the local adult education non-profit, Main Line School Night, to teach my “Travel for Less” tips class after my 2018 class was a hit. The small group class was so much fun. For 2.5 hours we discussed all things travel and I was able to take the pulse of the students to get insight into what folks find interesting (points, housesitting and savings hacks) and what they aren’t interested in (cruises, group tours and airbnb). The foundation of the class is helping me develop an e-book and/or online classes (I’m not sure yet which to pursue).
Three New London Hotel Stays
My visit to London was notable as I was able to explore two new lodging options in Bankside, a neighborhood I’m liking more and more each visit. It’s a short walk everywhere and quiet at night. I was able to stay at the Hilton Bankside which has a basement pool – swimming in London was fabulous. Then I discovered my new favorite flat rental – Native Bankside. The converted warehouse hosts furnished flats with full kitchens. It was hard to leave to explore the city but the Thames was only steps away. I will be torn with options on my next London Bankside stay – I’ve stayed at SeaContainers (formerly The Mondrian), Hilton Bankside and Native Bankside. Now The Hoxton has opened a new property on Bankside (can’t wait to try it) and the Marriott Autograph Collection luxury boutique hotel, Bankside Hotel with water and City views.
On the other side of town, the London Hard Rock Hotel converted the massive 600+ room Cumberland Hotel to its own version of boutique luxury. The hotel has single rooms as well as family rooms, both elusive room types in London. With its prime location at the end of Oxford Street shopping across from Hyde Park and Marble Arch, it’s at the center of tourists and yet just steps away from Marylebone and the hidden secret that is its high street of boutiques, pubs and intimate restaurants within walking to the Wallace Collection art gallery.
A Year of Superheroes
The day before the cruise set sail, a number of passengers had bought tickets to see Avengers Endgame which was opening in the US. They couldn’t wait until they returned to see how the story would end, they were also wanting to avoid spoilers on social media during the cruise. For me, I waited until I returned to have a week of Superheroes at the movies and in the exhibit at the Franklin Institute. The Marvel Superheroes exhibit was a fitting way to enjoy the Marvel universe. Some days, I wished I had superpowers to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Travel Compromises
With a few last minute trips to New York City, I had to make a few compromises, one of which was to travel by Bolt Bus. I couldn’t justify an Amtrak ticket that was nearly $100 each way! I could however, drive to Philly, use SpotHero for parking and pay $15 each way for a bus ticket to/from NYC. Travel is often full of compromises to adhere to a budget – maybe you like to stay at airbnb or hostel and splurge at a fancy restaurant. For me, it was the bus vs train. I did get to return to the Moxy Hotel in NYC, a new favorite hotel only a short walk from Penn Station (Amtrak) and the Javits Center (where the Bolt Bus drops off).
Travel Disasters
Thankfully only one travel disaster this year, knowing me, its actually lower than normal but that said the NCL Getaway Transatlantic Cruise was, from beginning to end, one thing after another. This year my disaster prone life of being a travel jinx extended to my friend who sailed with me and was bitten by a dog onboard! A few years ago, I escaped on my EPIC vacation travel sabbatical via a transatlantic cruise from Miami to Barcelona. This year, I had another opportunity for a sub $500 sailing across the pond to the UK with stops in The Azores, UK, Bruges and Normandy or so I thought. Just be thankful that I get to experience all the crazy things so you don’t have to!
Last Word Travel 2019
As always, it’s a privilege to share my stories and photos with you. Thank you for following the blog and social media accounts on twitter and instagram. I love your comments, stories and the many notes of thanks. Let’s hope 2020 is full of travel, fun and chocolate! The world is waiting to be discovered, where will you go next?
One thought on “My Travel Year in Review – Goodbye 2019 – Time for a Reset”
Happy New Year and thanks for your travel info!
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