The 5 Best Things I Ever Did While Traveling

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb 

I’m always up for an adventure and once I confirmed that we would be traveling to Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb was something that just had to be conquered. It was the most unique adventure I’ve ever done while also being reasonably priced and accessible without much planning. The journey was only second to the astonishing views of the Sydney Harbour. The only downside is that you have to wear these terrible jumpsuits and aren’t allowed to bring anything with you. No camera, no phone, nothing. However, there was something refreshing about just savoring the moment at the top down under.  

Walking Food Tour

Since my post on eating my way through Porto was so popular, some of you may have guessed that this would make the list. Seriously, I don’t know why I had not ever booked a walking tour that revolved around food before, but this was the perfect way to start that tradition. We hit everything I love; from coffee to deserts to 100-year-old open air markets. Taste Porto Food Tours was absolutely amazing and enticed not only my literal hunger but my hunger for history and knowledge of new surroundings.

Held a Koala

Australia makes another appearance on this list. After about a week in the country, I told my husband, “We better go see a kangaroo or something.” He research the Cleland Wildlife Park and rang them up. He covered the speaker part of the phone and mouth to me, “You can hold a koala.” I shot straight up. “I want to hold a koala!!!” And I did indeed. We also fed several kangaroos and saw other famous wildlife… dingoes, wallabies, and emus oh my!

Got a Tattoo in Tahiti

You might notice that I dabble in the art of tattoo (as a canvas, not an artist).  Really observant readers can probably start a timeline of my travel diaries based on my ever growing ink collection captured in photos. I’m not into getting tattoos while on vacay, but how could I pass up the opportunity to get one in the literal birthplace of my favorite art form? I was able to get a recommendation from our flight attendant on the way to Tahiti and had it inked on the day before we left (so I could still enjoy the water during our trip). Shout out to Wal’s Tattoo!

Geeked Out in the PNW

I once traveled to the Pacific Northwest specifically to be a fanatic. I went to a festival dedicated to my favorite TV show of all time, Twin Peaks.  It was everything I had hoped it would be with equal parts visiting filming locations, meeting people with my same obsession, and engaging in super-nerdy TP themed events. I had a blast and was able to stay at the luxurious Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, Washington; to this day, one of the best hotel and spas I have ever visited.  I haven’t done a post on this trip because I am hoping that I will get to go to another festival soon and feel like the first trip is a bit dated.  But maybe that will be the charming part of it since the new series is due out soon and a million people will probably be at the next event.    

There is so much hype about “traveling authentically.” But at the end of the day do what you want to do, see what you want to see. Some things on this list are probably touristy and definitely moneymakers but they gave me some of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Sometimes it’s about relaxation and other times it’s about pushing yourself. It should always be without regrets.

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