I can quite easily describe 2018 as one of the best travel years of my life.
I visited 3 Continents, 13 Countries, and 15+ Cities.
On the process, I successfully knocked off several items off my bucket list, one list at a time.
- I went on a cruise for the first time EVER, in my life. You can read all about my cruise experience here, and here.
It was with Nomad Cruise, the world’s first floating Digital Nomads’ Conference, and it was an awesome experience. You should definitely check them out.
- I went cross country skiing in Oslo, Norway, for the first time EVER!
- I went on my first ever FULLY PAID for trip.
- Kicked ice bathing off my bucket in the icy cold waters of the North Atlantic.
- I tried my hand at fly boarding, and failed miserably. Story for another day…
- 2018 is also the year that I published two e-books, and one is currently available on Amazon: Which Freelance Service Should I Provide? Your Complete Guide to a Profitable Work From Home Job
- Thanks to the extra time on my hands, I also got a chance to actively work on my blog (wrote 150+ posts) and focus on building my passive income streams.
Another blessing that came with my circumstances at the time is being able to travel freely without having to align vacation days around those of other people, as well without having to ask for days off.
So yay!
Talk about turning lemons to lemonade
.
I am therefore beyond excited to share with you my 2018 year — and my hope is that it inspires you to pursue your own adventures!
Let’s do this!
What's Covered in This Article
2018 Country List
Here’s where I visited this year:
- Turkey,
- Norway,
- Spain,
- Malta,
- Greece,
- Romania,
- Bulgaria,
- France,
- Portugal,
- United Kingdom,
- South Africa,
- Rwanda, and
- The Republic of Djibouti.
Turkey
Time of year: Let’s just say throughout 2018
So apparently, after I ditched Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines took over and has been my airline of choice for about 5 years now.
I especially love them for their affordable flights and also for the free layover/stop over in Istanbul especially when I’m on a long-haul flight to other-world destinations.
Plus I love Turkish food, so there’s that as well.
I stopped over in Istanbul during every one of my international trips above.
Norway
Time of year: February
Norway stands out as one of the greatest highlight of my 2018 travels.
I got to visit Oslo on a FULLY PAID FOR TRIP…
Read all about my Oslo experience here and here.
It was quite humbling to say the least. Someone finally recognized all the hard work and resources I’d put in over the years and it paid off.
Thank you very much VisitOslo team!
On the Norway trip, I kicked a couple items off my bucket list: I went cross country skiing, and kicked ice bathing off my bucket in the icy cold waters of the North Atlantic.
On this trip to Oslo in winter, nature spoke to me at every single turn in ways I never imagined possible.
My heart was impressed with the love and glory of the world’s Creator as revealed through the works of His hands.
It was quite a surreal experience to appreciate and delight in the simple, quite beauty of mother earth as she adorned her hills, valleys, and houses, in cotton white blankets of snow, amidst the quiet graces of wilted trees.
Another highlight of my trip was that I got my 48 hours of fame… literally. I had a camera crew following me around as I shot a documentary of stuff to do in Oslo in winter.
The food scene in Oslo was insane – dining at the local joints such as Smalhanz as well as at those that cater to the international palate.
While Oslo was BEAUTIFUL, I still plan to go back to Norway to kick off a couple more bucket list items:
- Drive up the National Tourist Route in Norway from Geiranger to Trollstigen, aka, “The Golden Route” for its spectacular mountain roads, engineering marvels, the picturesque and charming villages, the strikingly beautiful landscape, and local food
- Go the scenic hike to Trolltunga for the epic and spectacular views
- Walk up the 418 steps to the top of Mount Aksla at Ålesund for its unforgettable panoramic views!
United Kingdom
Time of year: February
Since my brother and his wife moved to the UK, I make it a point to visit at least once every year.
Who wouldn’t want to ride on free accommodation in an insanely expensive city like Oxford.
On this occasion though, a travel mishap saw me with an unplanned 3 days to spend in the UK following my short stint in Oslo.
I had planned to kick off the northern lights and Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour off my bucket list in Iceland.
Unfortunately, my flight to Reykjavik was cancelled due to bad weather. I therefore decided to crush at my brothers’ in Oxford.
This was like my 50th visit to the UK (kidding, maybe 11th?)
Iceland, and the Northern Lights, therefore remain on the bucket list.
Portugal
Lisboa
Time of year: February
After an unexpected 3 day hiatus in the UK, I was on to my next destination, Portugal, dedicating the next 3 days to exploring Lisbon and the surrounding region.
Simply put: Lisbon is an amazing city hands down!
Throughout my visit at Lisbon, I stayed at the Magnolia Guest House in Santo Antonio, Lisboa, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon.
I highly recommend it.
Most notably, on Day 1, I spent a significant amount of time exploring magnificent castles, cathedrals, plazas and grand avenues at the classic tourist sights of central Lisbon in the Baixa and Alfama districts.
I also got a chance to ride on the quaint yellow tram as it navigated the narrow streets.
The highlight of my day was watching the sun set at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint followed by dinner at Restaurant Laurentina – the home of cod fish.
On Day 2, I moved further west to explore the Belem district of Lisbon. I enjoyed sipping mojitos by the waterfront, lunch at the Timeout Market in the old Mercado da Ribeira, wandered the banks of the River Tagus, and caught the sunset from the Belem Tower.
I also got a chance to visit the highly ornate UNESCO-designated Jerónimos Monastery, before strolling over to the Pasteis de Belem for a taste of Portugal’s world famous Pastel Nata, a traditional custard tart cake.
I then returned to Bairro Alto where I had a drink and light meal at one of the underground bars.
On Day 3, I took a train ride to north Lisbon and spent most of my time at The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations).
I got to a chance to ride a cable car with views over the 15km long Vasco da Gama Bridge, visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, Ciência Viva science museum, and had a pleasant walk along the water front sampling street art.
Spain
Barcelona
Time of year: April
After being home for about a month, it was time again to leave our local borders!
In my former life in the mobile tech world, I always dreamed of when my turn would come to attend the Mobile World Congress in #Barcelona. Although it never came to pass, something better happened. I got the chance to set foot on Catalonia soil and at my own terms. So visiting Spain was a great deal for me.
I flew into Barcelona from Nairobi, via Istanbul, where I stayed for 4 days before leaving for Malaga (the port town where my cruise would be departing from).
I stayed in AirBnBs throughout my time in Spain.
To start off, Barcelona being a fairly large city, my main focus was to do as much as possible of the usual touristy places.
The highlight of my day was sampling the architectural works of Anton Gaudí. such as Casa Batlló , Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera
With that in mind, on Day 1 I spent my time wandering aimlessly, along the bleak and narrow pedestrian alleyways and cobblestone streets of the historical Barri Gotic aka Old Town aka Gothic Quarter.
I spent a big chunk of my Day 2 in Barcelona at the city centre, exploring the charming districts of Passeig de Gracia, Les Rambles and El Raval and strolling its most famous streets for people watching.
I also got a chance to visit La Boqueria, Barcelona’s oldest and most famous market, Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument), and took an evening boat tour at the marina area of Barcelona.
I started off Day 3 in Barcelona exploring the more north-eastern part of the city.
While here I visited some of Barcelona’s highlights, starting with the famous Gaudí’s masterpiece – Sagrada Familia.
Later in the day, I stopped by the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, finishing off with a visit to Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s hugely successful football team.
I also got a chance to sample Barcelona’s street art in El Poblenou
I spent the morning of Day 4, my last day in Barcelona at La Barceloneta🏖️ before flying out to Málaga ( the birthplace of Picasso, home to historic castles and tasty tapas restaurants) later that evening.
I was visiting in winter and the waters were freezing cold.
So instead of swimming, I spent my time at La Barcelonata on a photo shoot.
Malaga
I stayed just about two and a half days in Málaga as I was using it as the departure port for the 10 day cruise which I have fully documented in this post here.
Day 1 started off my morning with an uphill walk to the top of the Gibralfaro Castle- a part-palace, part-citadel, Moorish fortress built in the 11th century by the region’s Muslim rulers) – to take in cracking views across Málaga city below.
On my way there, I wandered around “Barrio de las Artes,” aka the “Art Neighborhood”- a pretty run down, less frequented area of the city – to devour the Malaga’s street art.
I then walked down and found my way at the the Alcazaba – a moorish fortress/palace before wandering towards Málaga’s historic center, not that big, which I spent a good chunk of my afternoon exploring Malaga’s artistic heritage.
Some highlights include Plaza de la Constitución, the one towered La Manquita Cathedral, Plaza de la Merced, Plaza Carmen Thysse, among other sites.
The Malaga Film Festival was ongoing at the time of my visit, so obviously…
Now, let’s talk about the food in Spain…
One word, amazing!
On my third and last day in Malaga, I opted for a food and market tour.
We ventured off the beaten path and experienced the best of Spanish cuisine like a Malagueño… The tapas were amazing, out of this world.
Day 2, which was also my last day in Malaga, I went to Fuengirola – a tiny resort village – in the morning, then to Playa de Malagueta in the afternoon.
Later that day, I left Malaga for my 10-day cruise.
Menorca
This was the first stop on the 10-day cruise journey across the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea from Spain to Greece on which I met so many wonderful digital nomads, learned so much from the inspiring talks and workshops, engaged in thought-provoking discussions and danced every night, for 10 nights in a row.
Like the world was coming to an end.
I digress.
Anyhow, Menorca (Minorca) is one of Spain’s Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
I visited Menorca on the 3rd day of the cruise which was our first land day.
The boat docked at Mahòn, the capital city, which was a very easy city to explore – the old town up the hill, and the harbor down below.
I particularly enjoyed wandering around the Ciutadella’s historic old town admiring its enchanting shops and restaurants, walking through the main square and along the narrow streets to take in the atmosphere.
It was also fun taking in the views of the marina from above.
Malta
Valletta
Valletta in Malta was our next land day stop on day 5 of the cruise.
Fortunately for me, this was my second visit to Malta so I had one agenda – an excursion to kick off flyboarding off my bucket list.
In case you’re wondering, flyboards are basically snowboards with pressurized streams of water that propel them into the air.
So when I got to Valletta’s iconic natural port – Boilers’ Wharf – and saw this guy do all these coordinated tricks, I knew I had to try it for myself.
Without thinking twice, I booked a 15 minute session!
The instructor was very good at giving instructions, and I felt ready to go for it.
Turns out, Flyboarding is not as easy as the instructions sound or as it looks when someone else is up in the air.
I mean, check out how fine this guy is in fly boarding🤤
Like, I think, this is the best flyboarder on earth.
As soon as an inch of my body was out of the water, I’d lose my balance and immediately fall back over.
After several attempts, well, let’s just say that I failed miserably😥
And my time ran out and it was time to hand over the mantle to others who were waiting by.
But where I failed miserably in execution, I made up for in video recording.
All in all, it flyboarding in Malta was a worthwhile experience and I look forward to perfecting the art, most probably closer home
I’m looking at you Flyboarding Diani 😥
Greece
Time of year: April
Katakolon
Katakolon, was the 3rd land day stop on the 7th day of the cruise.
The highlight of my day at Katakolon was Olympia, where in 776 B.C., the very first Olympic Games were held, just 25 miles away.
After enjoying Olympia, I came back to Katakolon and spent the afternoon wandering through its streets, cafes, and little shops which sell the quirkiest stuff ever.
Chania, Crete
Although Crete is the largest and most populated of the Greek Islands, I was very limited in terms of what to see in only One Day in Chania, Crete, as I was visiting as part of the land day of the cruise on Day 8.
So I just spent the day at the Old Town of Chania as it was close to the Port of Souda where our boat had docked.
I explored the Old Town’s narrow alleys and took a long scenic walk along the beautiful waterfront.
Highlights included the Hassan Mosque, the Venetian Arsenals and Fort Firkas.
I also had a fun time photographing its picturesque waterfront, the crystal clear Mediterranean waters, the cobblestone streets, and colorful bougainvillea-laden alleys.
Nafplio aka Nafplio aka Návplion was our next stop on the 9th day of the cruise.
Although not as popular as Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos, my one day in Nafplio aka Nafplio aka Návplion was well worth my while.
For such a small port town, It was a pleasant surprise to discover that there is so much to see and do in Nafplio.
I particularly enjoyed eating gelato, strolling through the beautiful old town, photographing its picturesque scenery, inviting restaurants, quaint shops, spectacular Greek Orthodox churches, and 18th century Venetian buildings that stood alongside ancient Greek structures.
The highlight of my one day itinerary in Nafplio was taking a walk up 800+ steps to the impressive Palamidi fortress for a view of the old town and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean below.
Athens
Athens was my final stop on the 10 – day Nomad Cruise.
For the one day in Athens, I rented a very clean, comfy and cozy room at Athina Hostel private rooms.
My room had a balcony with great views of the city.
Simply put, one day in Athens is a treat.
And, you basically haven’t been to Athens if you don’t visit the Acropolis.
Obviously therefore, I started my Athens city excursions with at this ancient citadel.
Better still, since I was visiting in April, the temperatures were pleasant and there were barely any crowds!
Later, I wandered just round the corner and climbed the stone pathways leading up Philopappou Hill – for some amazing views of the Acropolis, Socrates prison, and the city of Athens down below.
Other highlights of my morning in Athens include the Temple of Olympian Zeus,
I spent my afternoon at Lake Vouliagmeni Health Spa and Mineral Baths just across the street from the very popular Vouliagmeni beach,where I also had lunch.
It was definitely a great way to unwind and wrap up Nomad cruise.
Romania
Bucharest
Time of year: April
Since I was already in Europe at the conclusion of the cruise, I decided to extend my trip to other neighboring countries, starting with Bucharest aka Little Paris aka New Berlin.
The main highlights of my 3 day 2 night Bucharest itinerary include watching life pass by from the seat of its roof top bars and trendy al fresco cafes peering from art nouveau villas, wandering haphazardly around the winding streets of Bucharest’s new Old Town, and club-hopping at Lipscani’s adjacent streets.
I also got a chance to veer into Bucharest’s Insta-famous Carturesti Carusel library, the gaudy 1,100-room Palace of Parliament, the grand Romanian Athenaeum.
Another highlight of Bucharest was photographing the numerous old churches and temples, at every street corner, I might add.
I visited in shoulder season so the weather was perfect, and prices were pocket-friendly.
I also spent a good chunk of my late afternoons in Bucharest relaxing at the city’s Cismigiu Gardens which was about 5 minutes walk from my accommodation in Bucharest.
All in all, I must say that Bucharest, and Romania in general, is one of the most under-rated cities in Europe. Which in essence is a good thing because you can go there now before the crowds arrive.
I also would like to note that I felt really safe as a female solo traveler in Bucharest and would highly recommend Bucharest as a safe destination for fellow solo female travelers.
Bulgaria
Sofia
Time of year: April
Following my short stint in Bucharest, I took a road trip to Bulgaria by bus, rather than flying or taking the train.
While in Sofia I stayed at Alegra Hostel, just 5 minutes walk from the Sofia bus terminus.
The main highlights of my Bucharest trip included exploring Sofia’s impressive religious establishments and monumental buildings, indulging in Sofia’s burgeoning street art scene, savoring flavor upon flavor of delectable gelato from ice cream palours along Vitosha Boulevard, and hanging out at the city’s parks as I watched elderly men playing a game of chess.
I also got an unprecedented opportunity to watched a production at Bulgaria’s most prestigious opera theater.
During the walking tour, I sought healing for my soul at one of Sofia’s mineral water springs.
I had a blast in Bulgaria and I look forward to returning some time in the summer specifically to knock off The seven Rila lakes off my bucket list.
On returning home from Europe, I was rather exhausted so I decided to go on a one month international travel hiatus to relax before embarking on travel again.
But no sooner had I made the decision than the travel bug bit again.
Kenya
Nairobi Railways Museum
I had the privilege of spending an afternoon at the Railways Museum in Nairobi.
So many fascinating facts in this museum.
It was such a surreal and emotional moment relieving my country’s history.
Most heart-breaking for me was the enormous cost to human life that was sacrificed to build the 931 KM long Kenya Uganda Railway. 2,493 of the contract workers died in the process. i.e. An average 4 for each mile.
Put differently, 38 workers died per month.
Two notorious mane-less lions would stray, grab, kill, then eat at least one construction worker each night.
The workers complained of the man-eaters of Tsavo but their senior British bosses would hear none of it.
The bosses accused the coolies of killing their own in a bid to snatch each other’s savings.
But everything change the night that one of the British appointed guard leaders became the lions’ dinner.
A must visit next time you’re in Nairobi.
Amboseli
Time of year: May/June
About two weeks later, I went on a 3 day 2 nights budget camping safari at Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Unlike their counterparts held up in tight zoos and orphanages.
South Africa
Cape Town, Johannesburg
Time of year: September
On this nth trip to South Africa on a work trip, I spent 4 days in Cape Town and 2 days in Johannesburg.
As I have been here several times before and really needed the hiatus, I focused on work during the day, and sampling various restaurants in the evenings.
Rwanda
Kigali
Time of year: September
This is the 12th country I visited in 2018.
The last time I was here was in 1998, so to be back 20 years later was quite emotional.
I document my experience in depth in this post here.
Djibouti
Time of year: December
Djibouti is the last trip I went on in 2018.
It is also one of those places on which I wrote a detailed post this year. So I won’t delve into too much detail.
But know that it’s literally one of the few places on earth that is not yet overrun by tourists!
So if you’re planning to visit, go now.
You’re welcome to read about my Djibouti experience in this post here.
Overall 2018 Travel Review
Despite having just been laid off from a job that I loved very much, God had greater things in store for me.
And that is why such moments of recollection at the end of the year overwhelm me beyond words♥︎
I was blessed enough to live my dreams, conquer my fears, and explore round about as much of God’s beautiful world as I did when I worked a full time job, full of so many firsts.
Talk about a life of favor💕!
So, going by how 2018 panned out, I am beyond 😂 excited for what 2019 has in store for me.
Although there are certainly many more activities and countries I need to check off of my bucket list, imma just gonna take it one day at a time.
All in all, I am extremely grateful that you read this far, and that in one way or another you were a part of my 2018 journey.
I also I sincerely hope that you will not only stay on in 2019, but that by sharing with you my adventures I will inspire you to go and explore this beautiful world!
Heaps of love❤️,
EvaMtalii
Your Turn
What do you think of my 2018 travel review?
What are your travel goals for 2019?
Let’s continue the conversations in the comments below.
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