There are so many incredible places to see in the world, and I was fortunate to experience several this year. While I believe every destination — big and small — has something special to offer, I always have my favorites. These were mine in 2019.

Hiking in Sedona, Arizona
You know how some people love the ocean and being near water? That’s not me. I prefer to be on land, and Sedona has some of the best. The rocks are Mars-red, trees are lush, cacti stand proud and hiking trails plentiful.

In fact, there are hundreds of hiking trails in Sedona. Since we’re talking favorites, mine was Wilson Canyon Trail — specifically the end of the trail, where a sign says “End of Trail.” Thanks to the magic of the internet, I knew to keep walking for about 10 minutes and then scale a steep wall of rocks to find a peaceful, solitary spot, free of people:

The trail is located at the base of those trees.

Read my Sedona posts: 3 Sedona hikes that aren’t Devil’s Bridge & Eating my way through Sedona, Arizona

Kayaking through downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheap flights and an old friend prompted me to visit Milwaukee in the fall. The city lived up to its beer-heavy and cheese-loving reputation, but I was surprised by the numerous parks, trails and outdoor activities to choose from.

Contradicting my above statement about being a land person, I rented a kayak and paddled down the Milwaukee River. The water was questionably clean and I developed a blister on my thumb from poor paddle form, but I had the best time! It was a sunny day with a cool breeze; the city looked beautiful; and I enjoyed an intermission at Lakefront Brewery for a mid-morning, mid-kayak beer. If that’s not vacation, I don’t know what is.

This is a Chase Bank and the largest sculpture in downtown Milwaukee. Artist: Carlos Rólon.

Read my Milwaukee post: Milwaukee, Wisconsin — travel guide

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay in Signapore
I haven’t yet blogged about my time in Singapore, but spoiler alert: it’s incredible. I was most taken with the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay, which is described online as “a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry that presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way…”

The Cloud Forest, while man-made, replicates what you find in nature. As you increase in elevation, the plants and climate change. There’s an amazing indoor waterfall which claims to be the tallest of its kind. The whole experience was fascinating, sustainability-focused and beautiful.

A view from above.

Stay tuned for a Singapore post in January 2020!

And that’s a wrap on my favorite 2019 travel moments. Tell me about yours in the comments!