2015 Travel Highlights

Happy New Year, friends! It's hard to believe that 2016 is already upon us, and a part of me is sad to see 2015 go. Through all of the memories and misadventures, twenty-fifteen has been an incredible year of travel. Last year took me all over Europe, while this year allowed me to explore more of Spain. I've savored some of the most mouthwatering meals of my life, shared laughs with new friends on the road, showed old friends around my home in Madrid, and fallen deeper in love with the Spanish culture (and cuisine!).

Each place I visited captured my heart in a unique way. Seven countries, 25 cities and countless adventures later, it's safe to say that this year has been one of my best yet. Though it's impossible to pick favorites, here are some of my best travel memories of 2015!

Defrosting on the Costa del Sol

Giving Barcelona a second chance

Getting a taste of Valencia

Canary Island hopping in Puerto de la Cruz, Costa Adeje and Las Palmas


Living off papas arrugadas con mojo in the Canary Islands 

Getting drenched in Galicia

Surviving my first TBEX conference in Costa Brava

Learning to love solo travel in Copenhagen

Stuffing my face with gluten-free pintxos in San Sebastián

Discovering my new favorite city in Spain

Being beach bums with my mom in Palma de Mallorca

Skydiving in Seattle for my 25th birthday

Falling head over heels for Porto

Spending Thanksgiving weekend devouring pizza in Florence

Enjoying Christmas markets and family time in Strasbourg and Heidelberg

Today I'm off to Seattle to ring in the new year with friends and family, and I couldn't be more excited to be home again. After a week in Washington, I'll be headed back to Madrid to finish my third (and final) year of teaching English in Spain. But I'll be going out with a bang, so stay tuned to see what adventures are in store for the new year! Bring it on, 2016!

Cheers to a 2016 that's just as epic!

What are your favorite travel memories from 2015?