My best travel experiences of 2022

2022 was a whirlwind of a year for myself and my family. Upon arriving as an expat on the other side of the world, my real goal was to escape the cold winters and explore more of Europe, specifically Southern Europe. We kicked off the year on the Italian island of Sicily waved goodbye to the year in New York City with a whole load of adventures slotted in between. I managed to tick off quite a few points on my bucket list and visit some of the most incredible destinations all over the globe. Whether it be a major city or off the beaten track destination, here you can find my favourite moments of 2022!

Countries: Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Morocco, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and The United States of America.

Here are my highlights of 2022!

Palermo, Italy

I kicked off the year with a trip to Sicily’s chaotic capital, Palermo. Located between North Africa and mainland Italy, the Sicilian capital boasts characterful streets filled with flea markets, ancient landmarks, citrus trees and quaint alleyways dotted with vespas and small eateries beneath decorative iron Juliet balconies.

The pristine waters of the Mediterranean line its coastline and the sheer cliff faces engulf the the city scape from afar. The landscape us just as dramatic as the sunset behind. Boasting good coffee, local wines, unbelievable cannoli and Pizza (the list goes on)…what’s not to love about this city?

After visiting Palermo, I fell in love with Sicily which I have now dubbed as my favourite destination which I plan to tour again (perhaps as soon as next year)!

Deià, Spain

As the warmer weather approached, I headed for Spain 2 weeks after returning home from Palermo. More specifically, I headed to the Balearic Island of Mallorca. After staying in the gorgeous capital, Palma for a few nights, I wanted to find something off the beaten track that was infused with Spanish character and thankfully I was able to find just that albeit with a mishap ‘training day’ getting lost in the hills.

I headed north of Palma de Mallorca and stumbled upon Deià and its larger neighbour, Valdamossa. Lined by timeless stone villas that sit atop rugged sheer cliff and home to the most beautiful beach I’ve laid eyes on, Cala Deià. I soon realised why so many artists and poets alike flood from all over the world to find muse within this small, yet inspiring island village.

The Peak District, England

The Peak District, where narrow roads are dwarfed by the lush mesmeric limestone cliffs and drystone walls. Ancient villages and market towns are scattered throughout the United Kingdom’s original National Park. I also was lucky enough to live very close to the Peak District as an expat meaning I got to explore the Peak District quite a bit this year as it is on my door step and played host to weddings of friends.

This national park is without doubt worthy of the acclaim as one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. In addition to the visual appeal, the district is home to traditional and famous baked goods such as the Bakewell pudding and Derbyshire oatcakes as well as many others; making the district not only a culinary adventure but also a surprise, as all will be revealed!

From exploring ancient caves across rugged hills, indulging in freshly baked goods, swimming in the purest water in the world and exploring ancient ruins, the Peak District one of the most understated destinations in England.

Lindos, Greece

Known for its pristine coastal Aegean waters, dramatic scenery and white washed villages, Greece is one of the most incredible and diverse countries in Europe. This is where I spent my July – which is a summer dream!

After being to a number of Greek Islands and mainland Greece in previous years, I found a good deal to visit the island of Rhodes which is tucked away in the Aegean Sea just off the coast of Turkey. I adventured down to the less developed south where I found the beautiful town of Lindos – an ancient civilisation boasting an acropolis and the ever so scenic St Paul’s Bay.

Flaunting the rare and compelling combination of pristine beaches, history, dreamy architecture and serenity, I spent my days quad biking around Lindos, eating my weight in Greek cuisine and being kissed by the Mediterranean sun.

Marrakech, Morocco

I spent September in the red city of Marrakech – a city like no other. There was something freeing and refreshing about walking around the beautifully chaotic souks that play host to bazaars of handcrafted arts and baked goods that gave off wholesome vibes of a time long past that the Western World truly lacks. It really is like stepping back in time in the best way possible.

Marrakech boasts some of the most iconic Moorish landmarks such as its Medina, Ben Yousef mosque which has been a home to Moroccan markets for thousands of years.

I also was lucky enough to have the Riad experience and stayed in iconic jazz super star, Josephine Baker’s former home and bedroom. And If this wasn’t enough, I was able escape the chaotic streets of Marrakech and sit by the plunge pool and on the roof top whilst being serenaded by the call to prayer – a truly magical experience.

Related posts: The ultimate guide to visiting Marrakech, Morocco

Agadir, Morocco

Although I already mentioned Marrakech, I fell for Agadir just as hard, if not harder. This lesser known destination is found of the West coast, where the weather is warm all year round and the sun sprays its golden rays across the city before melting into the horizon which I viewed from the beach front every afternoon.

Agadir also offers some spectacular places that aren’t known about such as it’s modern day Medina and breathtaking mosques that capture golden hour all too well. All of this can be enjoyed whilst browsing the local souks and watching camels stroll along the long beachfront.

Related posts: The complete guide to visiting Agadir, Morocco

New York, USA

In December, I headed to North America and to my final destination for the year of 2022, New York City. I spent Christmas admiring the stunning views atop the Rockefeller Center by day and all the other sparkling bright lights in the city that never sleeps by night; it is where home alone is filmed after all.

After becoming well aquatinted with Manhattan and Brooklyn, I explored the city top to bottom; from the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, I can proudly say I ticked off my fare share of bucket list moments in this gigantic metropolis.

I also finished the year off by counting down the seconds into 2023 with my husband and friends – a true reminder of how to keep time for our loved ones free when we are venturing the lands far and beyond.

What to expect in 2023?

I am currently packing my bags to head back to the UK to collect my belongings in my English cottage before waving England goodbye for my next journey which just happens to be back where I started – in my home country of Australia. Here’s to the next chapter and all the new adventures that 2023 brings! Cheers! x

I’m an Australian blogger based in Central West NSW who has spent the last few years exploring four corners of the globe, living as an expat and falling in love with the world just a little bit more everyday. Here you can find my tips, guides and experiences to help inspire you for your next trip!

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This fortnight’s dump of afternoons in the bush 🌿

Ta-ra England! It’s been a pleasure to call the UK home for the past 18 months but there’s nothing quite like Australia, sunshine and being surrounded by family. Thanks for all the adventures, challenges, friends and memorable times that I’ll always cherish. You’ll always have a part of my heart and I’m both grateful and lucky to have completed this chapter and dream.

Annnnd I’m officially out of photos from Morocco 🇲🇦

Wander Mak