My 12 Favorite Travel Moments of 2019
I hope your 2020 is off to an incredible start! I know it’s 10 days into the new decade so wistful reminiscing might be inadequate at this point. However, my life has been a little crazy lately. Coming to my country India after so many years has been really challenging. From getting an Indian SIM Card to Aadhar Card (similar to SSN in the US) to other paperwork and documentation, my life has been occupied in gazillions stuff lately. Anyway, thinking of 2019… and Wow, What a year for my travel and had made plenty of my favorite travel moments to cherish! It was one of the best years for Ana’s World as I got tremendous opportunities to collaborate with some renowned brands in the tourism and hospitality industry. It wouldn’t have been possible without your immense love and tremendous support. Therefore, I’m giving you all a virtual hug for following my journey and being a part of my world! 🙂
In 2019, I was a slow traveler and took most of my time to explore the destination like a local. Most of the trips I did on the East Coast of the United States were road trips. Some of my favorite trips of 2019 were San Francisco, Napa & Sonoma Valley, Palm Beach, Orlando, Miami and Kerala to name a few. From those trips, I’ve consolidated my 12 favorite travel moments of 2019 for you to inspire your 2020 travel bucket list.
12) Shopping at Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida
Worth Avenue, Palm Beach is the Rodeo Drive of the East Coast. An upscale shopping destination in Palm Beach of Florida is home to some of the world’s renowned brands. Shopping at Worth Avenue is at the top of my wishlist for the past few years and finally got a chance to visit there at the beginning of 2019.
11) Biking around Embarcadero, San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay trail near Embarcadero is one of the most scenic and bike-friendly routes for any first-timer visiting the city. A bike ride along the San Francisco Bay trail was among the top of my SF wishlist. Watching the sunrise and biking along the SF Bay was an overwhelming experience.
10) Felt like a queen at Bangalore Palace, India
India is a country of colonial heritage and home to some splendid palaces which are the epitome of opulence and a paradise for architecture lovers. Visiting Bangalore Palace was an ultimate experience in itself where I felt like a queen strolling inside the palace and admiring the interiors and architecture inspired by Windsor Castle, London.
9) Collecting sea-shells at Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is known for its miles stretch of shell-strewn beaches and wildlife refuges. Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists, Sanibel Island is a quiet escape for locals. I went to Sanibel Island for a weekend getaway to unplug from our buzzing city life. Collecting seashells every morning while walking along the Gulf Beach coast was a delightful experience.
8) Watching magical Floridian sunrise at Palm Beach
Staying on the West Coast of Florida for years, I never got a chance to see the sunrise on the East Coast. Finally, I crushed my wishlist of watching the magical Floridian sunrise on my trip to Palm Beach. Waking up early morning and watching such a breathtaking sunrise was a surreal experience. We should never forget to enjoy little things in our lives that are priceless.
7) Napping on a Hammock at Fort Lauderdale, Florida
During my stay at Lago Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, one of my favorite moments was lying on the hammock during the sunset under twinkling light bulbs, swaying palm trees and the gentle breeze. It was no less than a paradise itself!
6) Visiting Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Alcatraz also famed as “The Rock” is an island in San Francisco Bay and one of the most popular landmarks in the city. Visiting Alcatraz Island and doing a Cellular Jail audio tour was such a unique experience. I’d highly recommend you to visit Alcatraz Island if you’re planning your San Fran trip soon.
5) Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge from North Vista Point to South Vista Point was an incredible experience during my SF trip. The 1.7 miles stretch usually takes half an hour, but it is totally worth it. Apart from the breathtaking view in a gorgeous setting, you’ll get plenty of spots for photography.
4) Celebrating my birthday at Walt Disney World
There’s no place in this world more magical and colorful than the happiest place on this earth. Celebrating my birthday at Disney’s Magic Kingdom made me feel like a kid again. Plus, did you know that if you put a birthday badge at WDW, you get a special treatment everywhere you go?
3) Wine tasting in Napa & Sonoma Valley
A trip to California’s Wine Country was a long-awaited for years. Finally, I made it at the beginning of this Summer on my trip to San Francisco. From splendid vineyards rolling over the hills of California to an upscale farm to table restaurants to incredible wineries and wine tasting, my trip to Napa and Sonoma Valley was an experience of a lifetime.
2) Houseboat Experience in Kerala, India
Visiting Kerala, also known as ‘God’s Own Country’ was one of the main highlights of my 2019 traveling list. Staying in a traditional houseboat and sailing in the backwaters of Kerala was an unforgettable experience to cherish forever.
1) Meeting a real astronaut at NASA
I felt so honored to meet astronaut Fred Gregory during my visit to Kennedy Space Center. He also shared some of his stories while living in space. I asked him about his working hours in space to which he replied candidly “we had to work almost all the time but if you talk about numbers, it was around 16-17 hours every single day”. It was my most favorite travel moment of 2019.
Hope you enjoyed my favorite travel moments of 2019. I’ve already worked on my 2020 travel list and looking forward to more travel and adventure this year. I’m also looking forward to your more love, support and promise to bring some amazing content to inspire you to satisfy your wanderlust.
Share about one of your favorite travel moments of 2019 in the comments below?
Till then, Happy Wandering!
Ana
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Brianne Tursi Manz
January 11, 2020India is a dream vacation for our family. I have learned so much from reading so many posts about India.
View CommentMelanie Poulos Walsh
January 11, 2020What an amazing year filled with incredible adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2020 takes you!
View CommentIce Cream n Sticky Fingers
January 11, 2020You had a ton of great year of fun travel experiences. I’d love to be able to travel with my kids and I’m hoping that we can do it more often.
View CommentLynndee
January 11, 2020Such great pictures. We’ve never been to Florida and San Fran. Would love to explore those places with my boys someday.
View CommentTheresa
January 10, 2020You’ve had some great travel experiences in the last year! We are actually going to San Fran next week to do the Golden Gate and Alcatraz. I can’t wait!
View CommentBeth
January 10, 2020You saw some great things in 2019. It must be a relief to get all your paperwork squared away, I know that can be a pain sometimes. I hope 2020 is filled with lots of fun adventures for you.
View CommentKita Bryant
January 10, 2020I am so glad you had so many amazing trips. Seeing the world gives a feeling like no other.
View Commentcaitscozycorner
January 10, 2020this is so fun- i love all the great places you’ve bene and would love to get too india somedays! cant wait to follow along on your 2020 trips!
View CommentAmber Myers
January 10, 2020You went to a lot of cool places! I wish I could travel more but it’s tricky with kids. This year we’re headed to Disney World at least!
View CommentMelissa Chapman
January 10, 2020So many great experiences from San Francisco and Napa to india. I was so impressed by all your adventures and look forward to 2020 posts.
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