I’m lucky enough to have traveled to several different countries – Argentina, Belize, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, to name a few. So a couple of years ago, realizing that I had been to 27 different countries already, I created a goal for myself – I wanted to visit 30 different countries by the time I turned 30.
I was doing pretty well on that, I’d been to 27 by 27 so this didn’t seem impossible. After working in hospitality for most of my career years, I finally got out of the industry and found something more stable so that I’d be able to take time off of work to make some big trips – and get paid better, too. I found a job at a study abroad organization, so it seemed perfect. I even applied and got approved for a travel rewards credit card. But then COVID happened, so obviously, traveling was put on the back burner.
Now, as the world reopens, I’m determined to reach that goal! I just got to 28 by visiting Canada for one night, and I have a trip booked to Greece coming up. Thanks to an extra-long layover in Paris, I think I’m going to be able to take a quick train ride to cross another country off my list, too… Belgium.
I decided to start a travel section of my blog because traveling is so important to me. As a Sagittarius, I love adventure, exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and it’s a great way to keep my restless self entertained and not bored. I thrive on change and being someplace new, and I’ve missed being able to travel lately.
Before I go to Greece and *officially* start my travel blog where I talk about actual trips, I thought I’d start this off by giving a one-sentence review or synopsis of the 28 countries I’ve already been to. People often ask me for travel advice, and I’m excited to start writing about something that I’m so passionate about. But, here’s a start.
1. Argentina (Buenos Aires)
The airline lost our luggage, and we wore the same clothes for 2 days, but it was beautiful, and I had the best pizza of my life.
2. Belize (Placencia)
Absolutely gorgeous, incredibly kind people, delicious food, and overall one of my favorite places except that I almost got attacked by a sea turtle.
3. Costa Rica
I got the worst sunburn of my life here, but I also went back years later and visited a sloth sanctuary, but our tour guide fell in love with me (I was 16 and he literally proposed), so it’s a 50/50 from me strictly because of the sloths.
4. Mexico (Cozumel)
All I remember is going to a Senor Frog’s and seeing a middle-aged woman have someone take a belly button shot off of her – cruise port terminals are weird.
5. Panama (Panama City)
Very pretty, but the most boring train ride you could ever imagine took place here; I didn’t even remember that I’d been.
6. Antigua
Amazing beaches and very pretty – it was a cruise destination, so that’s all I remember.
7. Aruba
I think we did some cool Jeep tour here, it was also beautiful, and the beaches looked really nice.
8. the Bahamas
There’s nothing like a Mai Tai at the Blue Lagoon, but I still want to visit Atlantis so I can feel like Mary Kate & Ashley in “Holiday in the Sun.”
9. Barbados
Another cruise destination – I think this might have been where my dad gave me some of his drink, forgetting they’d put Kahlua in it – it was like 3 sips, don’t worry.
10. Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman)
I had a stingray literally just chilling on my back, and I screamed bloody murder into a snorkeling mask when I realized it, but otherwise, it was great.
11. Curacao
The name is fun to say, it’s gorgeous, and I loved the colors of the buildings.
12. Dominica
We went ziplining, and the women there who were helping get us situated were obsessed with my body, and I was like 15, but it was a great confidence boost.
13. Jamaica (Ocho Rios)
Another amazing cruise destination; I definitely want to go back and see more someday.
14. St Maarten
Very friendly people and a beautiful place.
