I seriously thought that I didn’t travel much this year until I started writing this post. It may not be as much travels as the other years that passed but there is a reason to it. This year, I have seen a change in trend in my traveling style. I no longer put in as much places to visit in my itinerary – making sure that I stay in each cities at least for 4 full days – at the very least, to be able to explore it better. It probably comes with the age I guess, lol. I now want to have a relaxed holiday and not to be running around to catch trains/buses/flights from one city to another. I’d probably miss that hectic schedule but I sure am enjoying this slower pace even more.
Here’s where I’ve been for 2013:
Disneyland Paris, April 2013
The happiest place on earth made me really happy – specially because this trip was an all-expense paid by my company. Yay! It was freezing cold though but that didn’t stop us from taking the thrilling rides and from waiting until late evening to watch the Disney Dreams Show which was really worth it.
Paris, France – April 2013
Right after our business trip to Disneyland (yes, that was a business trip), I stayed back for 5 more days in Paris to rediscover this city. I have already been to Paris 5 years ago and I must say that it really is much more wonderful the second time around. After this stay, it became one of my favorite cities.
Bruges, Belgium – April 2013
From Paris, I took a day tour going to Bruges and it’s amazing! I love medieval towns – the cobbled streets, the river, the stone houses – all these just gives me a really great vibe about a place. There was a hail storm though when I went there but it didn’t last very long, I was still able to explore this quaint place in depth.
Strasbourg, France – April 2013
After Paris, I took a train going to Strasbourg – a place which I never really expected to be that beautiful. It’s the most fairy-tale-esque city I’ve ever been to.
Lyon, France – April 2013
I went to Lyon afterwards, the gastronomy capital of France and I stuffed myself with all the yummy French cuisine I could find while my eyes feasted on the beauty of this city.
Meteora, Greece – September 2013
My official holiday started on September and the first place I visited was the magical Meteora. It literally took my breathe away.
Lefkada, Greece – September 2013
We then went onwards to Lefkada by car which gave me a glimpse of one of the most beautiful beach I have ever been to – Egremni Beach.
Corfu, Greece – September 2013
We took a ferry towards Corfu afterwards and here I marveled on the classic beauty of the Old Town of Corfu.
Parga, Greece – September 2013
Next stop was Parga, which will forever hold a special place in my heart. I instantly fell in love with the place the moment I laid my eyes on it.
Thessaloniki, Greece – September 2013
The last stop of my Greek tour was the boyfriend’s hometown – Thessaloniki, where I became a witness of the genuine hospitality of the Greeks.
Bangkok, Thailand – September 2013
After Greece, we headed to Thailand armed with the hotel vouchers I got from work. Our first stop was of course Bangkok where I had my first encounter of an official Muay Thai fight. It was fantastic!
Krabi, Thailand – September 2013
Krabi was our next destination. We stayed in Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Resort and Spa which is a tourist destination itself, the resort was amazing!
Hua Hin, Thailand – September 2013
I then met my aunt and cousin in Hua Hin to celebrate my aunt’s birthday. We stayed in Anantara Resort and Spa which was heavenly as well. It was a great place to finalize my travel for the year of 2013.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite but if I really have to, I’d have to say it’s a tie between Meteora and Parga in Greece. 🙂 What about you? Where have you been to in 2013?
I want to travel more! I recently went to Scotland and Ireland which were beautiful but now I want more. More traveling. Thank you for the post. Please stop by my blog and vote in my New Year’s Poll. It is my blog’s first poll!!! Happy New Year!
[…] 12th 2014, I came across PinayFlyingHigh‘s blog post on her travels in 2013. I saw the photo of Meteora and immediately fell in love 🙂 Mental note added : Need to go there some […]
where do you work here in Dubai? Amazing!
I used to work for Emirates Holidays. 🙂
hi, what a great experienced. i read about ur blog on applying visa to UK.If its ok to ask you,how much should be my savings in order to have a valid proof of financial stability to apply for uk or shengen visa? hope to hear frm you. 🙂
Hi there, a reasonable amount to support you for the whole duration of your stay there. There is no specific amount I’m afraid. You can go thru the comments on this blog as I have given some detailed answers for the other readers before. 🙂 good luck!
Man.. I wanna go to Meteora now. We’re just planning our honeymoon… might contact you on more details of Greece ay. Never been!
Oooohhhh I’dbe glad to help you…. 🙂 let me know.
hi, I just want to know, if you have a Greece Schengen visa, does it allow you to be able to fly to another Schengen country with the same visa? like, Greece and then you want to go to Italy by plane?
Yes, once you have the Schengen visa you can go to any Schengen countries within the validity of the visa.
i love medieval towns too… i love cobblestones and old buildings… architecture with so much history… love this list. you had a good year. 🙂
Yes I did :-p
You had an amazing year of travels! beautiful photos of Greece. and it’s great that you were able to get freebies from work! I agree, I’ve travelled for some time in Southeast Asia and backpacked for months. Slower travel is also better for me.
You’re very lucky with your free trips! Can I apply in your company? lol
Thank you! Sure you can apply, why not chocnut? :-p