Its that time of year again and every 1st of January as part of the travel link up I publish a list of my upcoming plans plus the places fuelling my wanderlust. This will be my fourth post of the kind and taking a look through the last three years of wish lists I’ve so far ticked off the following: St Lucia, The Maldives, Japan, Iceland and Budapest and I’m set to tick off a few more this year!
So let’s take a look at what’s already on the agenda:
1. January 2018 – A Snowy Surprise
When Theresa turned 30 last year, my present to her was a special girls trip abroad. As it’s still a surprise I can’t reveal too much but here are a few hints I’ve given her…it’s cold, it’s in Europe, it’s beautiful and it’s quite remote. It’s also somewhere that neither of us have been to before. Can you guess? Though obviously I can’t guarantee snow, I’m hoping we’ll see some just to make all the more beautiful.
(Picture from last year’s trip to Iceland)
2. April 2018 – The Big One! Argentina and Chile
Its been a while since our last epic adventure but the next one is booked and planned! I put Argentina on my 2016 wish list and it’s finally happening! When I saw flights to Buenos Aires available on my British Airways airmiles, I quickly snapped them up. It’s actually one of the lengthiest non-stop long haul routes offered by the airline but with the flight leaving at 10.30pm, I hope to sleep most of the way.
We have a couple of days in Buenos Aires, dancing the tango, eating steak and drinking red wine before flying to Mendoza for a few days. Next stop will be Chile with time in Santiago, a visit to the Atacama Desert and ending in Patagonia. In the latter we’ll be staying Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most scenic places in the world.
Nearer to the time I’ll publish a more detailed itinerary including some of the planned accommodation for what will truly be a once in a lifetime trip and my first ever visit to South America.
3. May 2018 – An Italian Anniversary
2018 marks our four year anniversary and we’ve spent two out of three anniversaries in our favourite European country – Italy!! I’m looking to spend our fourth anniversary in the land of pasta and prosecco too! Our wedding anniversary date is 18th of May but as I’ll be planning a party for the royal wedding on the 19th (congratulations Harry and Meghan), I think our anniversary plans will be delayed this year. Which actually works out well as we return from South America on the 25th of April. 
The Amalfi Coast has been on my bucket list for the longest time and I think this is going to be the year. Watch this space and I’ll let you know once it’s booked!
4. September 2018 – A Birthday Surprise!!
It’s a big round number for Mr S this year and I already have my thinking cap on for a fantastic trip to celebrate this big birthday! I have lots of ideas but nothing yet confirmed – suggestions are much appreciated!
Wanderlust Wishlist
Looking back at previous wishlists there’s still some outstanding places that I want to visit that I’m putting on this year’s list.
1. Sweden – City and Country
Stockholm is still very much on my list for next year – it’s a place that Mr S loved but I’m still yet to visit. I have my eye on a stay at gorgeous boutique hotel, Ett Hem.
As well as seeing Stockholm, I want to then fly up to Northern Sweden for a stay in the Treehotel which looks like an incredibly unique property. It’s basically a collection of tree houses in all different and unique designs – think Mirror Cube and Birds Nest! The original rooms didn’t have showers but a ‘7th Room’ has just been added to the property that can accommodate five people and includes two bedrooms, a lounge and bathroom with showers.
Perhaps this could be my festive break for next year?
2. Exploring Family Roots in Russia and Poland
Russia is another place still on my wish list with visits to Moscow and St Petersburg on the agenda.
I’ve mentioned before that my family roots go back to Russia, but I haven’t mentioned that my family also orginates from Poland. I’d be interested to visit for the first time, to find out more about my heritage and the turbulent Jewish history in the country.
3. Man Made and Natural Wanders in Brazil and Peru
Regular readers will know that I had a whole trip to Brazil and Peru planned in 2015 but when Zika was at the height of it’s epidemic we ended up cancelling our trip. I’m still very keen to visit Peru, partly for my obsession with ceviche and partly to follow the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu.
Additionally the place I most want to visit in Brazil is Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfalls are very high on my bucket list but I just couldn’t fit in a visit for my upcoming South America trip.
4. Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
As most of these places have appeared on my lists before I wanted to add something new to the mix. After seeing Mashpi Lodge on Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby on BBC2, I immediately added this wonderful and unique property to my list. High up in the cloud forest of Ecuador, a stay at Mashpi Lodge allows you to truly get close to nature seeing the beautiful flora and fauna, the birds and the animals, swimming in waterfalls, visiting the hummingbird garden and riding a gondola through the forest canopy.
A visit to Ecuador pairs perfectly with the Galapagos Islands, an absolute heaven for nature lovers. Here my eye is on Piakaia Lodge, a hotel which offers an itinerary based around both land and yacht excursions. A place that allows you to channel Charles Darwin and encounter giant tortoises, sea lions and ‘blue-footed boobies’ whilst enjoying incredible five star service.
Ok, so it’s pretty unrealistic that I’ll go to South America three times next year but let’s say some of these are on my 40 before 40 list rather than actual plans for next year.
Those are my plans and my wanderlust wish list for 2018 what are yours?
