In an annual “Best Of” and “Worst Of” travel roundup, here are the highlights and lowlights of my travels in 2021!
Oh, 2021 – you were a lot.
As we continue to navigate this changed-landscape of travel, things aren’t always black and white. This year, a lot of my travel highlights walked hand-in-hand with my lowlights, often a confusing mess of good and bad at once.
I’m exceedingly thankful for every travel experience – good and bad – this year more than ever as life, at times, resembled something like normalcy. But here we are heading into winter, and the travel landscape is changing again.
But, this post is not about looking forward. Rather, it’s about reflecting backwards to my year of travel, and acknowledging both the good and the bad within this year of new and unforgettable experiences.
Let’s get to it!
The Best and Worst of 2021: A Travel Roundup
The Best New Hike of 2021
I’ve been on a few memorable hikes this year, but the standout experience was hands-down The Slot hike in Anza Borrego.
Anza Borrego was not a new locale for me. I’d visited here several times over in the last decade – but for various reasons had not had the chance to hike The Slot on previous visits. This year, I made it non-negotiable.
While slot canyons are more well-known in Arizona and Utah, Southern California actually has a few slot canyons to brag about. None more picturesque than this one. And, you do not even need 4WD to reach it, provided that weather conditions don’t impede you.
You May Also Like: Anza Borrego Hikes You Can’t Miss
Best Country Re-Visited in 2021
United Arab Emirates. you all probably know that I’ve visited the UAE countless times – as in, I’m actually not sure without doing true recon on just how many times I’ve been there.
But, after a long closure, I was able to cross from Dubai into Abu Dhabi and visit my beloved Arabian Desert once again. The border into Abu Dhabi had been largely closed for nearly two years. You better believe that as soon as it opened, I took advantage.
It was so lovely to see friends I hadn’t seen in person since 2019! We camped, had a breakfast feast in the desert, and I spent some time with my camel friends, too.
You May Also Like: Reasons to Visit Dubai
The Most Surprising New Country of 2021
The clear winner of this category would be Aruba!
I don’t know if it was because my eyes were longing to see something new for so long, or the fact that I went in with no expectations – I loved it here. Honestly, Aruba is an unreal natural gem.
Being the true desert-child that I am, I chose Aruba because of the cactus-studded landscape. That’s right – I chose a Caribbean island just to visit the desert. How on-brand can we get?!
However, the pristine Aruba beaches made my jaw drop. My experience with the flamingos was one for the bucket-list. It is one of those must-do experiences in Aruba. And the rugged eastern coast of the island made for one of the most beautiful backdrops I have ever seen.
If you can make it to one Caribbean locale this coming year, I vote for Aruba.
You May Also Like: A Complete Aruba Travel Guide
The Best State Park of 2021
I think the winner of Best State Park in 2021 would be Gaviota State Park outside of Santa Barbara, California.
While the state beach and the camping spots are both wonderful features, the true highlight for me was hiking to the Gaviota Wind Caves. I hiked this trail on a weekday, meaning I saw very few souls at all.
The sun was shining, the tall grasses swayed, and it was just enough exertion to get my heart pumping. The views are beautiful down to the blue waters of the Pacific once you reach the naturally formed cave. I can’t wait to do this one again!
The Best Road Trip of 2021
In May I took my first friend-trip since 2019 (!!!) and it was one of the best decisions of the year. Though I am a solo traveler through and through, I really value good solid friend-time, connection, and human interaction.
We drove into Northern Baja, and spent time in the coastal town of San Felipe, Mexico. We spent time relaxing on the beach, sampling delicious food, sleeping on a ranch, and – my personal favorite, visiting a cactus park.
Valle de los Gigantes is a long stretch of protected desert land. Parts of this park are accessed by car, but other parts can only be reached by foot or potentially by ATV. I’m so glad that my friend Cecilia is quite patient and easy-going when it comes to my photography and nature-obsession!
The Biggest Bucket List Stop of 2021
EGYPT!
Ya’all, I was planning on seeing this slice of history back in 2020 – and, well, we all know what happened there. So, after a long wait, I finally traveled to Egypt as a solo female.
I saw so many sights in Cairo and beyond, that I’d previously only read about in history books. The humongous Sphynx gazed down at me! I saw the world-famous and still-mysterious pyramids – and even got to climb up the thieves’ entrance to see a completely raided tomb.
Without knowing what to expect, I traveled to Saqquara – which, dare I say, was even more fascinating than the three most well-known pyramids. I saw over 20 mummies and learned each of their histories.
It is difficult for me to find an adjective that can correctly encompass what I felt when seeing these things in person, right before my eyes.
And, as per usual, I was determined to explore the deserts of Egypt. So, I found a local bedouin who would take me into the Sahara, to the White and Black Deserts, which equally blew my mind but from a natural standpoint.
After such a stagnant time since March of 2020, the excitement of seeing such a bucket list destination was palpable.
(Egypt posts coming soon)
The Best National Park of 2021
Having previously lived in Arizona, when I touched down in Tucson I immediately felt that “home” feeling – and no joke, as soon as I left the airport and saw my first Saguaro cactus, I actually said that out loud to myself. “Home.”
It’s true that I have visited Saguaro National Park before. But, in September of this year, due to heavy rainfall, I saw a greener Tucson than I’d ever seen before. Everything was bright and alive, ready to make it’s debut to the world again!
I spent a lot of time hiking in Saguaro National Park, and learning about the desert plant life, and admiring those landscapes featuring tall cacti as far as the eye could see.
You May Also Like: A Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
Biggest Travel Annoyance of 2021
If I never have to see another PCR nasal swab, it will be too soon.
And yet, I know I will be doing another yet again, and in not too long. The PCR testing requirements have gone through so many changes this year, and yes – while I am on board with being safe and frankly in doing what is required of me to get from point A to point B, I certainly don’t have to like it. Ugh.
Worst Flying Experience of 2021
Oh, that would be the one where the guy sitting next to me smoked a cigarette not once but twice during the flight.
Yep.
In 2021, in this day and age, and from a guy under 40 years old – you would think he’d know bette. Actually, he did know better, because he tried to hide what he was dong. But let me tell you, the smell of a cigarette in such an enclosed space is not something you can hide.
Not to mention, I imagine that is quite a dangerous move for everyone on board, so please – if you can’t make it that long without smoking a cigarette, just don’t book the trip.
More Unexpected Bonuses of 2021
I think it says a lot that I have more “Bests” than “Worsts” in 2021, even though the travel landscape has in some ways become more complicated. If nothing else, it has certainly taught all of us to truly appreciate every chance for exploration that we get.
For the holidays, I will be spending time with family and friends. I will be experiencing both winter weather and desert weather. I’ll be indoors and outdoors – a good balance of each. And, I’ll be cooking tasty vegetarian food and planning for my 2022 adventures.
I’ve also made some big decisions on what I need to let go of next year – so stay tuned for some big announcements over on Instagram. I also want to say how thankful I am for thow the TRE Tribe has grown this year – I couldn’t be here without you so a heartfelt “thank you” to anyone who is reading these words. Thank you.
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So cheers to you, and cheers to 2022 and whatever it may bring! Stay healthy, stay positive, and see you on the other side of the New Years celebrations!
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