2015 – Our Year in Travel

2015 was definitely a great year for travel! Spending over Four months out of the country and travelling the whole way around the world made memories that will last a lifetime! 18 countries, 16 flights, two boats, two campervans, multiple trains, taxis and subways, the Channel Tunnel, three cars and a yacht!

Here’s 2015 – Our year in travel:

Scotland – We started our travels for the year with a weekend in Edinburgh in January; a surprise trip for Pete’s birthday. One of my favourite cities in the UK, Edinburgh is full of charm and character.

England – We spent a week in spring in Cornwall with my parents which was a lovely English break!

Wales – A family trip to Brockweir which has become a tradition for the Heslop family!

Our European Road trip: June 2015.

We packed up the car with a tent, clothes, food supplies and a stove and headed into Europe. No real agenda, other than wanting to explore as much as possible in 26 days!

France – Initially we drove through France to get to Belgium for the first stage of our European road trip. We stopped at Dunkirque on the way and sat by the harbour.

Belgium – The highlight of our journey through Belgium was Bruges.

Luxembourg – Definitely pay a visit to Luxembourg City. A city spread across many levels with interesting design and architecture. 

Switzerland – We loved Switzerland, it has to be one of our favourite countries! Highlights included the amazing city of Zurich and Lake Brienz.

France (round 2) – We crossed back into France to visit the skiing resort of Chamonix. Mount Blanc and the snowcapped mountains looked beautiful in the summer sun.

Italy – Lots of lovely memories from Italy. We initially drove east stopping at some greats: Milan, Brescia, Lake Garda, Verona, Padua and Venice. We then headed south to Florence before driving up the west coast of Italy.

Monaco – Visit the famous F1 track at Monte Carlo and watch all the sports cars drive by.

France (round 3) – This time we hit Paris, one of my favourite cities! There’s so much to see, do and eat!

Around the world: July – October 2015.

An almost spontaneous adventure. We only booked our around-the-world ticket 2-3 months before we set off! Taking hand-luggage only we backpacked around some beautiful places!

Thailand – Throwing ourselves in the deep end we started in Bangkok and loved it! The highlight was definitely skybar Cloud 47 with breathtaking views. We then travelled to three Thai islands: Koh Tao, Koh Phagnan and Koh Samui and enjoyed beach life and warm weather!

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur was a bit of a treat! We spent two days with an apartment which had a swimming pool looking out towards the Patronas Towers.

Indonesia – We absolutely loved Bali! We spent the first two days in the north of the island experiencing some of the island’s landmarks and traditional Balinese culture. The rest of our time, we rented a villa in Canggu with our friends and had a relaxed time exploring the local area.

Australia – We’d been to Perth before to visit friends and had to put it as a stop on our trip! Sadly Australia was rainy the whole time we were there which made our campervan trip from Sydney to Melbourne a bit of a wet one!

New Zealand – 10 days in a campervan driving around North Island! We did the Tongariro Mountain Crossing and climbed Mount Doom (for all you Lord of the Rings fans!) as well as paying Hobbiton a visit.

Fiji –  Sailing around the tropical islands on a yacht. A spot of snorkelling, kayaking and relaxing on the beautiful blue ocean.

USA – We landed in the US in LA and then drove to San Francisco which we loved! Street cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge are a must!

Canada – We spent a week in Vancouver enjoying walks in Stanley park overlooking the harbour!

USA (round 2) – Back to the US for a week in New York. The big apple never fails to disappoint! So many highlights, NY is an absolute favourite – I can’t wait to share my ‘5 days in NYC’ blog post – keep an eye out!

Iceland – A short stay in Iceland but enough time to drive around the beautiful country and do the Golden Circle route, stopping off to watch the geysers. Sadly grey skies took the Northern Lights off the cards but I’m sure we’ll visit again!

2015 – what a year! Travel experiences of a lifetime.