Happy New Year! Here we are, 10 days into 2017 already. Where does time go? If you're anything like me, A LOT of time goes toward thinking about travel, planning travel, actual traveling, then moping about having finished traveling until I go back to thinking about and planning to travel again. It's a vicious cycle, being a wanderluster, but I didn't choose this life -- it chose me.
As usual, my New Year's resolutions for 2017 include visiting at least one new country this year. I've also resolved to blog a lot more, so since I can't quite make it to a new country just yet, I figured now's as good a time as any to get the blog back up and running with a "Best of 2016" roundup of my five favorite destinations from last year. Just a little looking back before I look forward to what 2017's road map has to offer.
So here, in no particular order, are the places that wowed me in 2016 -- all well worth a visit.
Life goals: Hug a sloth. Check.
#1: Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
OK, I may have lied. This list may be in a particular order. Because how can your year consist of snuggling with a sloth named Snow White without that being the #1 thing that happened all year? This amazing experience was made possible by Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hangout, a tiny wildlife sanctuary on Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras.
Side note: Capuchin monkeys have the softest little hands!
We found ourselves on Roatan as part of a cruise vacation, and because we never opt to take the cruise ship's overpriced excursions, I searched for things to do independently. I found this amazing little attraction via Cruise Critic and contacted them via their Facebook page. I received a prompt reply and organized an island tour, sanctuary visit and driver for the day -- all for just $35 per person, a bargain considering the priceless life experience of hugging sloths and having capuchin monkeys named after the cast of Jersey Shore climb on your head and, literally, down your dress (cheeky monkey!). Daniel Johnson himself, a young island guy with an unexpected love of the Pittsburgh Steelers, spends the day greeting guests and talking about the sanctuary, which allows sloths rescued from mainland Honduras to roam freely (and really, really slowly) in the trees and houses formerly domesticated monkeys surrendered by owners, exotic birds and a few other local creatures. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, if you ever find yourself on Roatan.
It's always wine o'clock at Hacienda Guadalupe.
#2: Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Among the many wonderful things about living in San Diego is its proximity to the Mexican border. I feel so very fortunate to have such easy access to all the amazing culture, food, people and sights that exist in this binational region. One of the best-kept secrets (not so secretive anymore -- thanks a lot, Travel & Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2017 list!) in northern Baja California is the Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) wine country. Located just 90 km south of the border, a few miles east of Ensenada, this burgeoning desert region is a must-visit for wine lovers who also love a little rustic adventure with their wine tasting.
A view of the Valle from Monte Xanic.
More than 100 wineries dot the rural Ruta del Vino offering a variety of literally off-the-beaten-path (seriously, don't drive your new car. You'll spend a good deal of time driving on unpaved roads) experiences, from the tiny cave tasting at Vinicola Tres Mujeres to the spectacular sweeping views at the stunning Monte Xanic. For an overnight stay, Hacienda Guadalupe is a beautiful hotel option, while B&B lovers will enjoy La Villa del Valle and its on-site gastronomic powerhouse, Corazon de Tierra.
I visited the Valle twice in 2016 and already have at least one trip planned for 2017. You can expect to read much more from me on this destination, which is so close to me, but still a world away.
The iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
#3: Sydney, Australia
I wish I had more to say about Syndey other than, simply: I heart you, Sydney. The final stop on a two-week cruise that covered six ports in New Zealand (see #5) and two others in Australia -- Hobart (see #4) and Melbourne -- it's a city I decided I could live in within 30 seconds of walking its streets. Or, more precisely, ferrying across its waters. With only one way-too-short day to explore, I spent it almost entirely on the water, simply riding the bargain-priced commuter ferry from one suburban beach to another. We spent a rainy night drinking with Sydney-based friends in Darling Harbour, capping our night off with a closing-time drink at the Opera Bar at the picture-perfect Sydney Opera House.
Dear Sydney: It was love at first sight. I cannot wait for another opportunity to continue our budding romance.
Seriously. Feeding a kangaroo in Australia. Does it get any better than this?
#4: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania, Australia
I thought one animal encounter might be enough for this list, but then I thought again. When you have the opportunity to feed dozens of kangaroos, witness a joey hanging out of its mom's pouch, get up-close-and-personal with a koala, and hold hands with a tiny baby wombat, you really can't leave that off your top-five list, can you? That's the summary of our morning at the amazing Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, located roughly 30 minutes outside of the port city of Hobart, Tasmania.
Love.
Home to Tasmania's only 24-hour animal rescue, the sanctuary cares for orphaned wildlife (like the precious baby wombat above, whose mom was hit by a car) and serves as a conservation center for native species like the elusive Tasmanian devil.
The nearly 200-year-old brewery sits high in the clouds at the foot of Mt. Wellington.
While the visit to Bonorong was it itself worth the port stop in Hobart, the city also had a few other attractions of note, including the expansive Salamanca Market, held weekly on Saturdays, and the Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest operating brewery, established in 1824.
Wine me away to the Marlborough region.
#5: Marlborough Wine Region, Blenheim, New Zealand (South Island)
New Zealand. Two words that inspire serious wanderlust in the hearts and minds of many travelers. Those who haven't been have it at the top of their list; those who have can't wait to go back. Plant me firmly on the list of those who can't wait to go back -- for much longer next time. Truthfully, I had wanted my first foray into Middle Earth to be in a campervan, spending at least a month adventuring our way deep into New Zealand's interior. Instead, we went the more practical route and took a cruise, therefore barely scratching the surface of the land that boasts some of the most spectacular scenery I've ever seen. Still, I can say I've been to New Zealand with just as much certainty as I can say I will someday go back, and when I do, I'll rent that campervan.
Until then, my favorite New Zealand spot has to be the Marlborough wine region, which put the country on the oenophile's map with its Sauvignon Blanc. We accessed wine country via our port stop in Picton, about a 30-minute drive from the village of Blenheim, home base for our driver, Cameron "Cam" Clarke of Hop 'n Grape Tours. A winemaker himself, Cam had all the inside scoop on the region and led a fun, laid-back tour that did not leave us thirsty.
Pro tip: While Marlborough is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, it's the region's Pinot Gris that's the real winner. Costs are too high to export much to the United States, so do yourself a favor and buy some while you're there. And don't forget to bring a bottle or two back for me!
So there you have it. My top five of 2016. I hope I've inspired some wanderlust in you, dear reader. I know my feet are already itching to find at least five new destinations for 2017! Exactly where this year will take me is still uncertain -- Mexico City, Iceland, Puerto Rico, the UK -- but one thing is for certain: My wanders will never cease. And I'll be sure to share them all with you.