2019 Round Up: Places And Spaces I've Been

Reflecting back, all I can say is, what a year it has been! As I always convey, my travels are usually random. I come across a really good deal and I hop on it. It’s funny because I didn’t make it to a few places that were actually high on my bucket list for years now, such as Peru and India. However, I am blessed to have experienced some pretty cool places this year. This year I visited 16 countries and 2 British territories. My 2019 was a very fulfilling year regarding travel.

Spain
- I began my travels early in 2019 with my first trip being in January. I frolicked off to Madrid for a quick weekend getaway, which is all that was needed for a city like Madrid. I still prefer Barcelona.

2. Portugal

My first solo trip of the year! I loved the city of Lisbon so much, it is perfect for a solo traveler. This is somewhere I have on my list to return to. Read more here.

3. Washington, D.C. (DMV)

I took an impromptu trip to the DMV during an extended weekend.

4. Colombia

This trip was the highlight of my first half of the year. I had soooo much fun! I started off in Bogota solo and ended in Cartagena with my friend from high school. Definitely a destination all should visit.

5. Guatemala

Remember when I said my trips are usually random? My friend Dev and I found an inexpensive flight less than 24 hours before departure. That’s how I ended up in Guatemala. I even roasted some marshmallows on an active volcano.

6. Panama

A solo adventure that surprised me. Panama was easy to navigate as a solo woman and super duper cheap. If you visit, check out their old town, that was my favorite part.

7. Argentina

Buenos Aires as a Black soloist was, what can I say…different. There aren’t too many black faces there and the crime rate is high. I was always on high alert here nonetheless, I would like to visit Argentina again, Patagonia to be exact.

8. Belize

For beautiful waters and food, Belize is a hotspot because it is close to the U.S. but not as popular as Caribbean countries. I enjoyed a weekend getaway with my college sister.

9. Brazil

Another solo trip, this time to Rio De Janeiro. It was quite an experience and not completely what I expected. Very ghetto, but the fun kind if you follow all safety rules. I met some really cool people here. This trip actually ended up being FREE, read more here.

10. St. Martin

St. Martin is a popular tourist destination full of fun. My friend I did more partying than anything else. St. Martin is broken into two parts, the French side and the British side. All the happenings are on the British side, and the relaxing is on the French side.

11. Anguilla

Anguilla is a short boat ride from St. Martin so why not head there? Pure tranquil with the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. This small island can be explored in a short time. Read more here.

12. Ireland

A place full of nature’s beauty, Ireland is great for nature lovers. My motive was solely driven by the tax refund I received for purchasing luxury goods lol. Ireland has the highest tax back when purchasing luxury goods.

13. French RIviera

I lived my best luxe life in Southern France as Essence Magazine would say. I really enjoyed my time here and surprisingly visiting here was actually less expensive than many places I have been to. Read more here.

14. Monaco

During my time in French Riviera I hopped on a 15 minute train ride to Monaco which is the second smallest country in the world. A third of the people living here are millionaires. Read more here.

15. Paris

My 6th time in France, I spent 24 hours here before heading to my Africa Tour. I purchased a few items I had been lusting over because of the tax back. Here’s a peek at one.

16. Rwanda

A random destination that I fell in love with. Don’t be afraid to visit a country that isn’t plastered all over Instagram. Even if you have to go by yourself, like me.

17. Zimbabwe

Crossing an adventure off my bucket list, I knew the first place I would bungee jump (if I ever decided to do it again) would be at none other than Victoria’s Fall.

18. Zambia

I met up with Dev and spent time in Livingstone, Zambia and crossed a lot of things off my bucket list. Bungee jumping off Victoria’s Fall bridge and visiting Devil’s Pool. Read more here.

19. Botswana

When it comes to visiting wild life I am team safari over zoo’s and sanctuaries. Chobe Safari was a great experiences except that they didn’t have rhino’s.

20. Kenya

The final country I visited on my Africa tour was Kenya (solo). For me, sadly it was repetitive (frequent flyer problems) with things that I have done in other countries. I still enjoyed exploring Nairobi, however next time I will push to visit a different part. Read more here.