Embracing Travel in 2022: A Journey of Rediscovery
Over the past couple of years, my dreams of long-term travel have remained little more than aspirations, fading into the backdrop of unexpected uncertainties. The last trip I took was two years ago; I had envisioned 2020 as my ultimate travel year. Instead, life had other plans, and those dreams were swiftly dashed.
Yet, as time has passed, it seems the world is finally starting to open up again. Hope is returning, and so is the itch to explore. It’s invigorating to feel that spark of inspiration rekindled—who doesn’t relish the prospect of exciting adventures on the horizon?
Winter Spa Weekend in Tallinn
Surprisingly, it dawned on me recently that I haven’t visited Tallinn in over three years. My last trip there was back in February 2019, as my phone’s photo gallery reminded me. I had intended to return last fall with friends, but the relentless grip of the pandemic thwarted those plans. Now, as winter weather in Helsinki oscillates between slush and snow, a weekend getaway to Tallinn’s warm, relaxing spas seems perfect.
So, next weekend, I’m off! If you have any recommendations for the best restaurants or cafes, please share them in the comments below. I’m eager to discover fresh places as I indulge in this long-awaited escape.
Skiing in Levi, Lapland
Next up is Levi, where winter sports await. This trip has been on my radar for years, but past plans always veered off course. Finally, I’m heading to the ski slopes of Lapland for a long weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Currently, I’ve only booked my flights to Kittilä, so any tips for unique winter experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Spring Sunshine on the French Riviera
Last autumn, during an especially dreary period, my supervisor suggested a virtual getaway to Nice, sparking an idea. With plane tickets securely booked, I’m now eagerly anticipating springtime in the south of France. I hope to explore not just Nice, but perhaps Monaco too. As March and April roll in, let’s hope for sunshine—after all, the French Riviera is new territory for me, so any advice on must-see spots would be a bonus!
Budget Package Trip to Alanya, Turkey
In the lead-up to the pandemic, Sunday evenings often found me browsing for affordable flights, searching for small escapes to brighten up my busy week. However, this year feels different. I must confess—I’m not typically one for package deals. Yet, last fall, in a moment of pandemic-induced impulse, I succumbed to a €99 week-long package to Alanya in Turkey.
I’ve previously traveled extensively through Turkey, so I’m looking forward to revisiting this vibrant country, albeit as a first-time visitor to Alanya. It promises to be an adventure full of memories waiting to be made.
Summer Adventures in the Greek Archipelago
This summer is still taking shape, but I’m revisiting my plans from 2020, which included a trip to the beautiful Greek islands and the Balkans, notably Corfu and Albania. However, now I’m also contemplating Croatia and the enchanting islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkas, and Santorini. The Mediterranean has so much to offer that it’s hard to choose—a plethora of recommendations would definitely help narrow it down!
Exploring Finland This Summer
Finland brims with beautiful destinations, which is why I plan to immerse myself in its nature this summer. Alongside camping, I hope to embark on hiking adventures—perhaps with a bicycle in tow. My visit to Hanko last summer left a lasting impression, and the Turku archipelago, combined with Åland, is particularly enticing for a cycling expedition.
Autumn Getaway to Crete
In a delightful twist of fate, my autumn vacation to Crete comes on the heels of the Alanya trip. I’ll return to this stunning island, albeit for a week rather than six. I’ve grown fond of the familiar sights, knowing that each visit will reveal something new.
Christmas Under the Palm Trees
And just like that, it’s Christmas season once again. Last year, I soaked up the sun in the Canary Islands, and this year, I hope the world will have returned to a semblance of normalcy. I dream of lounging on the tropical beaches of Southeast Asia—perhaps Thailand or Indonesia—or even venturing into the Caribbean. Time will tell.
A Year Full of Adventures
As the road ahead unfolds, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures to come. While I recognize the importance of familiar comforts, I’m equally eager to step outside my comfort zone and realize long-held dreams. With a desire to explore places like Madeira and beyond, the sky truly feels like the limit. Here’s to hoping that all these plans come to fruition. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
For more insights and experiences, feel free to check out my other articles on:
- Experiences and quirks from Gran Canaria
- Island hopping adventures in Thailand
- Memorable travel tales and much more.
Let’s embark on this journey together!