dcglobejotters

2019 was a wonderful year of travel, personal growth, and celebrated accomplishment.

• Including the United States, I traveled to seven different countries [four being new destinations, and three being repeats], three new states, and I visited my 50th country!

Technically it’s now 51, thanks to a day trip to Sweden from Denmark, but who’s counting?

Me. That’s who. That’s who’s counting.

• We bought a beautiful home that we are mildly obsessed with [read: very obsessed with].

• I extended my love as a fitness instructor and became a barre instructor, converting a once hated and intimidating activity into a beloved and empowering passion that I look forward to teaching each and every week.

• I deepened my love and growth as a yoga instructor. I finally traveled abroad by myself and went on a fantastic yoga retreat in Jamaica and then a few months later, traveled to Florida for an informative and enlightening yin yoga teacher training.

I had my first article published in BELLA Magazine and celebrated with some of my favorite people on the planet in the Hamptons.

To read my DC Dining magazine article, click on the link below. Bio on page 13, article on pages 96-99.

https://issuu.com/bellanyc/docs/1907_bellany_issuu_camille

And what has become probably my most surprising event of the year, I signed a book contract. This incredible opportunity essentially fell in my lap, and I am eternally grateful. For the past three months, I’ve been spending most of my free time visiting, researching, and writing dozens of entries about all things weird, wild, and wonderful related to Washington, DC and its environs. What began as a daunting task has gradually shifted to a fun and fascinating project. I am learning so much along this whirlwind of a ride, and I can’t help but look forward to see what else unfolds along the way!

Shameless plug: Secret DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure to be released this fall!

So yeah, I’ve had quite an incredible year.

Below are our top favorite travel experiences of the year.

MOROCCO

Morocco was our favorite trip of the year, and definitely one of my favorite countries of all time.

A country filled with dazzling sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures, Morocco is a feast for the senses. The amalgamation of Arabic culture, French influences, and North African traditions make Morocco an idyllic haven for the awakening of senses.

There is so much richness here: brilliant colors and striking textiles, bold flavors and aromatic spices, opulent palaces, iconic mosques and luxurious gardens, and bustling souks characterized by intricate mazes of alleyways.  Marrakech and Fez are intoxicating cities brimming with enchantment, vibrancy, and mystique.

Highlights of our trip include the fascinating city of Marrakech [one of my all-time cities and destinations in the world], exploring the Atlas Mountains, staying overnight at a Sahara Desert camp, and meandering throughout Fez’s meandering and magical medina.

In short, Morocco is incredible. If it’s not already on the top of your travel list, it should be. Few destinations can rival its rich history, intriguing culture, and welcoming hospitality. A travel lover’s paradise.

To read more about our time in Fez, click here.

Stay tuned for three additional posts featuring Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and our overnight Sahara desert camp adventure.

BANFF

I recently wrote an extensive blog post on Banff, so need to delve too deeply here. Several people told me after reading my post that the photos were so spectacular, that they almost didn’t seem real. They’re not wrong, and full disclaimer, the striking photos are not the result of my exemplary photography skills. Quite the contrary. Banff’s unparalleled raw natural beauty is so phenomenal that’s its pretty much impossible to take a bad shot here.

 The glistening crystal-clear turquoise-sometimes-emerald Lake Louise is a sight to be seen. Mother Nature flaunting her gorgeous self right here.

Lake Moraine may be only half the size of its sister Lake Louise, but it’s as every bit as beautiful. Its brilliant blue-green waters are enveloped by the Valley of Ten Peaks.

Bottom Line: Banff is an ideal destination for anyone who anyone who loves the great outdoors and enjoys being surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

To read more about how to spend five glorious days in Banff, click here.

COPENHAGEN

Our most recent trip took us to the hip city of Copenhagen, renowned for its chic design and fashion, Nordic culture, and world-class gastronomic scene.

Royal palaces and castles, Christmas markets, one of the best art museum settings we’ve ever experienced, and a food scene that will make you grateful for simply being alive.

I’m hesitant to write too much about our trip here as my next blog post will be a guide to Copenhagen’s exceptional dining scene. But let me say this. We ate like goddamn kings in Copenhagen. One of our top three food trips ever. A bold statement, yes, but true. Copenhagen has earned an esteemed spot alongside Japan and Mexico City rounding out our top 3 culinary trips to date [Sorry, India. You’ve been demoted to number four –still highly respectable, of course].

Stay tuned for future blog posts highlighting Copenhagen’s culinary scene, a comprehensive city guide, and two posts featuring the two day trips we took from the city.

FOR THE LOVE OF YOGA

I have wanted to take an international trip by myself for quite some time now, and this year, I finally took the first step into that venture. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I absolute love traveling with T and friends. In fact, there are few things in this world that bring me as much joy as traversing the world with the ones I love. But I’ve always been interested in taking some time on my own, especially since I’m often surrounded by people. Between my career as an educator, being a yoga and barre instructor, and my active social life, there are few moments in my day when I’m actually alone.

Moreover, traveling alone has always kind of scared me. Not the actual flying or managing logistics part–that’s never an issue for me. It’s more so the day-to-day. Who would I talk to? Would I feel lonely? Would I be sad and not end up enjoying all of the amazing things and places?

So while I’m not ready to trek through Malaysia on my own just yet [and maybe never will be], the perfect compromise for me was going on a yoga retreat on my own in Jamaica. There was enough structure to fill my days, but also ample time to be by myself and spend some time alone. I also met some amazing women along the way.

You didn’t think I could be entirely by myself for four days, did you?

Several months later, I attended a yin yoga training in Boca Raton, where I learned about the dynamics, history, and philosophy of yin yoga. While not nearly as exotic and exciting as my time in Jamaica, my four days left me fulfilled, energized and rejuvenated.

I will definitely be taking a lot more trips and retreats like this in the future.

Stay tuned for a blog post about why traveling alone is good for the soul.

ARUBA

I returned to Aruba this year, this time with T, for our dear friends Devon and Jess’ wedding.

We spent a wonderful four days in paradise celebrating our lovely friends and living the sweet island life. Stay tuned for a second volume on Aruba soon.

To read about my first trip to Aruba, click here.

MIDWEST ROAD TRIP

A major travel goal of mine is to visit all 50 states. Thanks to a road trip through the midwest this summer, I am now three states closer to that goal.

This summer my friend Jenna and I went on a road trip, starting off in Fargo, North Dakota, then heading south to Omaha, Nebraska, and finally ending up in Des Moines, Iowa. I will be writing a comprehensive blog post soon outlining our trip, but for now, here’s the lowdown:

Fargo, ND is pretty much what you probably think it is: quiet, sparse, and not a whole lot going on, with the exception of a few beer halls and several cute restaurants.

Don’t sleep on Omaha, Nebraska. I kinda loved Omaha. Seriously. It’s hip, quaint, has an abundance of cool breweries, a variety of great restaurants, and is surprisingly more diverse than I had ever imagined.

Disclaimer: It’s not nearly as diverse as some major cities like Washington, DC or Chicago, but for Nebraska, Jenna and I were pleasantly surprised.

I’d say Des Moines, Iowa falls somewhere in between Fargo and Omaha in terms of things to do. We primarily chose Iowa for the Iowa State Fair, and it did not disappoint! Fried food, butter, ferris wheels, and more fried food. Success!

I only have 6 more states remaining [Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Montana and Alaska –Alaska will be the grand finale, of course]. So the next question is, who wants to go to Oklahoma and/or Mississippi with me?! Anyone? Anyone?

Stay tuned for a blog post highlighting our midwest road trip soon!

New Year. New Travel. New Adventures.

2020 is gearing up to be one of my best travel years yet, and I could’t be more excited.

We’ll be traveling to Tanzania in February, either Dubai or Nepal in April [all predicated upon the potential war in the Middle East–TBD], Italy and Croatia in July, St. John in August, Champagne in December, and a variety of domestic travel in between–the jury is still out if I will get to any of my remaining six states. Again, Oklahoma and Mississippi await! Come with!

Looking forward to a wonderful new year filled with continued adventure, joy, and growth.

Where will 2020 take you?!

Happy Traveling, All!

Recent Reads: London, Banff, Maui

Related Reads: Favorite Travel Experiences of 2018, Favorite Travel Experiences of 2017, Favorite Travel Experiences of 2016