2025 has begun in the wettest and windiest fashion in London and I'm already dreaming about my next adventures, ideally to somewhere warm and sunny! In the meantime, I've picked out five of my favourite travel memories from 2025, including two new countries (Sri Lanka and Bulgaria) and delightful returns to NYC and Cannes.
1. Sunset on Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka
From the moment I touched down in Sri Lanka — my 50th country visited — I spent an action-packed fortnight filled with diverse memories and incredible experiences. I could have picked witnessing the elephant gathering in Minneriya, picking tea in Hill Country, temple-hopping in Kandy, chasing waterfalls in Ella or exploring the colonial city of Galle (where I stayed in a beautiful resort right on the beach).
But watching the sun set from the top of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress was perhaps the most special moment of all. After making the steep climb to the top, I was rewarded with stunning views of Pidurangala Rock and the Sri Lankan countryside, taking the intricacies of the remains of the stunning fortress. Sigiriya is a must-do on any trip to Sri Lanka and sunset (or sunrise) is the best time to visit!
2. Recreating an iconic photo in NYC
Since 1995, I've visited New York City dozens of times and it's where I chose to spend my 40th birthday at the end of 2023. I was very happy to return again this year with my Dad, although a few days before my birthday this time.
As I've been to the city so many times, I've already done most of the biggest tourist attractions, including visiting the Top of the Rock observation deck. Since my last visit, the Rockefeller Center has introduced a couple of new experiences. The Skylift is a circular open-air lift that rotates you even higher into the sky above Manhattan, while the Beam is a ride that allows you to reconstruct an iconic 1932 photo featuring construction workers perched on a beam 60 stories above Rockefeller Plaza. We did both and had an absolute blast.
Check out my archives for many, many more of my New York recommendations.
3. Visiting a mountain-top monastery near Sofia
Bulgaria was the first new country I visited in 2024 and its compact capital, Sofia, was the perfect place for a long weekend break. I loved exploring Sofia's history — from prehistoric and Roman times to Communism and the present day — as well as its food and burgeoning specialty coffee scene.
My favourite experience was the day trip I took to Rila Monastery and the ancient city of Plovdiv. First founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery is perched high in the Rila Mountains and is notable for its stunning architecture and colourful frescoes. You can also take a little hike along the river, rewarding yourself with a delicious mekitsa from the small bakery nearby.
4. Beach, eat, repeat in Cannes
Like NYC, Cannes is a city I'm lucky enough to return to often, as my parents have an apartment there. I spent a delightful few days there with my family in August, where the only agenda was beach, eat, sleep, repeat. Much as I love visiting new cities and countries and enjoying new experiences, sometimes great food, turquoise waters and golden sand are the best medicine.
After my trip, I put together a guide to my favourite places to eat on the beach in Cannes. And if you're short on time and/or saving your Euros, check out my one-day Cannes itinerary on a €50 budget.
5. A delightful day in Winchester
My last travel adventure of 2024 was also the closest to home. Taking advantage of some unused annual leave, I hopped on the train to spend a cosy day in historic Winchester. There's lots to see and do in Winchester, from visiting the impressive cathedral and Round Table of King Arthur, to riverside walks, Jane Austen sights and excellent restaurants and pubs.
Winchester is only an hour by train from London's Waterloo Station and makes a great day trip at any time of year, although it's particularly lovely in December when the Christmas markets are in full swing.
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