Where To Next? Travel Plans for (the rest of) 2016

I know, I know…Usually, travel plans are made at the beginning of the year, not six months in 🙂
But honestly, when the year started I had NO idea where I was going to live, and what it was going to happen with my life. I finally do, and I can’t wait to share my news with you guys! It’s going to be quite a busy time…

Barcelona, Spain | home

Hotel Casa Camper‘s terrace in the Raval neighborhood

New home, yuppi! I’ve kept a little secretive about my move for fear of jinxing. Last winter, I lived for a few months as a digital nomad in Asia, but quickly realized it’s not really for me. I like to have a place I can call home, a circle of friends, some kind of routine and stability. But before I even had the time to make this happen, it happened by itself.
To make a long story short, last year I met Lorenzo at work in Bologna and we started dating. I had just got out of a long relationship, and we didn’t know if it was going to work out, with me leaving to Asia for a few months. While I was gone, Lorenzo found a new job in Barcelona, so when I came back, heck, why not, I packed my stuff and moved in with him in Spain. I’m now learning how to be a nomad with a home, and I’m currently working full-time as a blogger and freelance copywriter. Moving with L. was quite a scary move, none of us has ever lived with a partner before, but I must say I have the feeling that Barcelona will be my home for a good while. Fingers crossed!

READ ALSO: The Perfect One Day in Barcelona Itinerary

Big Berry Camp, Slovenia | 10th-13th June 2016

Image by Big Berry

Located by Kolpa River in Primostek, Big Berry Camp is the first Slovenia’s lifestyle camp. When Big Berry invited us to go and experience the newly opened camp, we said: “Of course!”
This is a glamping site which blends luxury and an experience in touch with nature. Guests stay in designer mobile homes with all the comforts of a hotel. We’ll explore the unspoiled region, eat a lot, relax by the river, and hopefully meet a few other travel enthusiasts.

Follow our Big Berry adventures with the hashtag #BIGBERRYKOLPA 

READ ALSO: At the heart of the gem: discover Bela Krajina in 6 spots

A long weekend in Slovenia at Big Berry Camp

Stockholm, Sweden | 11th-17th July

Image via Flickr by Tommie Hansen

I’ve never been to northern Europe, so I’m excited to finally get to go! The excuse is the TBEX travel bloggers conference, where I’ll learn how to bring this blog to the next level…and will party hard with old and new friends. Who said work and fun don’t mix??
Another thing. Did you know that Stockholm has an archipelago of 30,000 islands, islets, and rocks? I didn’t either. Right before the start of the conference I’ll be exploring the islands of Uto and Sandhamn thanks to Visit Stockholm. There’ll be picnics, spas, and a guided tour with a famous crime author.

The Finnish Archipelago, Finland | 17th-22nd July

Image via Flickr by Marjaana Pato

When TBEX ends I’ll board a ship that will bring me to my country number 28: Finland!
I’ve dreamt about Finland since when I started seeing photos of the midnight sun, aurora borealis, the traditional red houses, and lighthouses plastered all around my twitter and facebook. I’ll share this trip organized by Visit Finland with 11 fellow travel bloggers. We’ll explore the autonomous region of Aland Islands, then we’ll hoist the sails and head out for an adventure in the Turku Archipelago. I’m guessing sauna and sailing might be involved… does it get any better than this?

Follow along with the hashtag #FinnishIslands 

READ ALSO: Barefoot in the Aland Islands: Wellness and Nordic Design

It’s a Berrylicious World in the Turku Archipelago

Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania | August 2016

Image via Flickr by rundenreisen.org

Time for some couple travel! After visiting Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Istanbul, this is round two of our Balkans itinerary. The people, the food, and the prices conquered us last year, so we decided to go back. Lorenzo and I will be visiting Belgrade (Serbia) and torn-by-war Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the surrounding areas. We plan on exploring Tito’s secret bunkers, learn about the traditions of the region, eat a lot too much and then end the trip with some relax time on the beach either in Montenegro or Albania.

READ ALSO: The Ultimate Balkans Road Trip Itinerary

The Philippines | October to November 2016

Image via Flickr by Allan Ascano

From white sandy beaches to rice terraces, the Philippines really seem to have it all, and I’m honestly dying to go back to Asia after last year’s trip. After a week in Manila I’ll have another 20 days to visit the country.
El Nido, Bohol, Cebu, Banaue…It’s going to be hard to make the itinerary with 7000+ islands to choose from! Do you have any suggestions for me? Please leave them in the comments!

READ ALSO: Eating Pig’s Brain and Other Delicacies in Cebu

London, UK | 6th-9th November 2016

Image via Flickr by Nikos Koutoulas

It’s that time of the year again. I just came back from London a couple of weeks ago, but there are always good reasons to go back. This time, the reason is World Travel Market, one of the biggest travel trade shows in the world, where I’ll meet new potential sponsors for next year’s adventures. Lots of plans in my head already…an anticipation? Africa and South America may or may not be involved… wink wink!

READ ALSO:16 Things To Do Off the Beaten Path in London

And what about you? What are your travel plans for the rest of the year?