Storm approaching Boston
Sunrise in Iceland. Traveling from Reykjavik and crossing the Atlantic Ridge
Every travel writer worth their salt will tantalise you with a round-up of their top trips for the past year. So here is my list. Experienced new parts of both the U.S. and Europe I had never travelled to before though, I must admit, I did not go much further afield than that. But here’s hoping you get to enjoy and experience travel that excites you in the year ahead. Bring on 2015!!
Geysir on the Golden Triangle Tour
1) Iceland Relatively new as a winter destination, I went on a long weekend trip with hubby to Reykjavik and had a taste of what Iceland has to offer. The day of our Golden Triangle tour dawned clear and cold, perfect weather for seeing the natural sights. I decided my favourite thing to do in Iceland is luxuriating in the wonderful thermal pools – many of which are far from the capital city. Also seeing the Northern Lights is a surreal and soul-searching experience. I am really looking forward to my next trip there.
Hubby and me out lobstering off the coast of Maine
2) Maine You haven’t lived if you haven’t lobstered in Maine. This is the real deal where you get to go to sea, set traps, handle the lobster and generally get to grips with what it is like to be a real fisherman and seafood scavenger on this rugged coast. We sailed out on a glorious day from Portland’s harbour and had the time of our lives. Just before coming to Portland we visited and had a wine-tasting at the Cellar Doors Winery near picturesque Camden. Another wonderful experience.
Pearl River Swamp near New Orleans
Typical French restaurant in New Orleans
3) New Orleans This intriguing historic city on the banks of the Mississippi River is all about the French Quarter and Mardi Gras. New Orleans’ residents consider themselves to be more European/Caribbean than American with immigrants from many backgrounds including Sicilians, Creoles, Africans, Acadians, Spanish, German, Cubans and the list goes on and on. The obsession with food must go back to the early settlers who were of French extraction. The first setters, who got on well with the local Indians, were Acadians; French Canadians that were booted out of their northern home by the English. They are famous for Cajun cooking (which entails lots of highly seasoned game). And speaking of game, I took a trip out to the swamp and really enjoyed the natural surroundings and wildlife. Turtle soup, oysters, oysters grilled and topped with cheese, shrimp gumbo, crawfish and crab were just a few of the dishes I tried and enjoyed. And a trip to R’evolution Restaurant in the French Quarter was a revelation.
Pelican’s at Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada, Florida Keys
4) Florida Keys Rock n’ Roll and Wild, Wild West begin to describe Key West which is one of the funkiest and fun-nest places I have ever visited. Sunset at Mallory Square is frantic and yet relaxing, with most folks trying out conch critters and washing them down with Margaritas. A few were even smoking Cuban cigars. A back water kayaking tour was one of the best activities of my year.
Florida Manatees © emol.com
5) RHONE VALLEY Lyon in France is one of those overlooked destinations that everyone should make the effort to see and experience. I stayed overnight in the historic old town staying at the Phoenix Hotel. Such a lovely part of town to explore. I then joined the river cruise vessel SS Catherine for a magical short cruise down the Rhone.
Golden domed capital building on Beacon Hill, Boston
6) Boston It is hard for me to believe that I have never been to Boston before now. It was tremendous staying at the XV Beacon Hotel on top of Beacon Hill and right next door to the golden domed State Capital. We also were very close to the famous Faneuil Market and scores of other historic sights such the famous Boston common founded in the 1600s. The proximity to water and the Freedom Trail, plus the many other great places to visit, such as the museum of fine art, make Boston a unique destination.
Fountains in front of the Blue Mosque, Istanbul
7) Istanbul What can I say about the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul? It is probably the oldest establishment of its kind in the world and such a rich experience for the senses. The spice market, the glorious pashminas and the hustle, bustle and bartering make this a feast for the eyes, ears and nose. Seeing the Blue Mosque, the Golden Horn and the Hagia Sophia for the first time was nothing less than spectacular. I can’t wait to visit again and explore further.
View from the Do’uro River
Ovos Moles, a dessert created and exclusively sold in Vila Real
8) Porto and the Do’uro River Don’t miss the opportunity to take a river cruise with CroisiEurope on the Do’uro River if you possibly can. Visiting ancient Porto and learning about the making of port wine is fascinating but it is seeing the terraced vineyards, now a UNESCO heritage site, that make this cruise something different. Don’t miss the excursion to Vila Real to see historic and fascinating Mateus House and, when in the town, try out the specialist pastry created in medieval times and still baked to this day.
Nantucket Lighthouse on the west of the island
9) Nantucket This mystical island off the coast of Massachusetts was renowned for being the world capital of whaling for several centuries. It is now a tourist destination without peer and boasts white sand beaches, and an historic town centre with clapboard buildings plus lighthouses, windmills and other ancient landmarks. An incredible place to visit. I stayed at the authentic and evocative White Elephant Hotel.
Hogmeade Village, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios
10) Orlando, Florida Speaking of magic, at the tail end of the year I visited Universal Studios, Orlando to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Island of Adventure and Universal Studios theme parks. I would recommend it highly to families as it is such an interactive, fun experience. The new Hogmeade Train and Escape from Gringotts were my favourite attractions as was the evening performance of the Blue Man Group. My guest and I had an authentic Italian meal at Mama Della’s Ristorante at the Portofino Bay Hotel where I tried both the creamy risotto and also grilled sea bass. We were entertained by the restaurant’s strolling musicians while sipping wine. A relaxing way to top of our stay.
All photos @roaming_scribe / Lynn Houghton