Now that 2014 is drawing to a close, it’s a good moment to reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to what 2015 might bring.
This year was largely about settling in — moving to Amsterdam, finding an apartment and enjoying quiet time with the Bassett. We managed that well, with only a few hiccups, which meant less travel than in previous years. Still, we squeezed in two major US road trips, a brief visit to Iceland, a Christmas market crawl in Germany and trips back to the UK and the US. Not too shabby.
Now that we’re based in Europe full time, exploring the continent should be much easier. Here are a few places I’m planning to visit in 2015.
Paris
We already have train tickets for Paris in early February, so this one was an obvious pick. I haven’t been since I was 18, when the main goals were the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland. I’ve grown up a bit since then, and I’m eager to explore Paris more deeply — hunting down hidden corners, sampling pastries and enjoying the city’s atmosphere.
Plans: Explore the catacombs, wander through Shakespeare and Company, enjoy savoury crêpes, indulge in pain au chocolat and taste macarons at Ladurée.
Prague
I visited Prague as a child on a very cold Christmas trip, but it’s time to return as an adult who can better appreciate the city’s beauty. After seeing some lovely local hotels, I realised it deserves another visit — this time to take in more of the history, culture and food.
Plans: Tour Prague Castle, experience the Invisible Exhibition, join a food tour, and enjoy fruit dumplings and potato pancakes.
Spring Fest, Germany
Having ticked Oktoberfest off the list a few years ago, I’d like to experience another German festival with a more local vibe. Spring Fest celebrates the arrival of spring and promises a lively, less touristy atmosphere.
Plans: Wear a dirndl, enjoy local beer and eat pretzels.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a larger ambition on this list, but it’s a region I’m keen to explore more thoroughly. I’d love to visit in both summer and winter — the latter for Christmas markets and the Nordics’ special seasonal atmosphere. Nordic TV dramas may have heightened my curiosity, but the region’s landscapes, culture and design are the main draw.
Plans: Glacier walking in Norway, visit Tivoli Gardens and Legoland in Denmark, see the Vasa Museum in Sweden, and photograph Finnish architecture.
If I manage to visit all of these places in 2015, it will be an exciting year. What’s on your 2015 travel list?