Best of 2024 Travel Awards
Just for fun

Our Best of 2024 Travel Awards and Wrap-Up

We hope you enjoy the highlights and travel awards in our Best of 2024 year end wrap-up. Looking forward to more sisbehaving and shenanigans in 2025!

2024 started out slow but ended strong! We didn’t see each other until May, possibly a record…a sad record, but after that, we saw each other almost every month. There were some big trips and small; some monumental firsts, and some fantastic repeats. Overall too many trips without each other but we made the most of every moment. Here are the best selections of the year.

Best Moments

Most Sisbehaving Moment

Little Sister – Having someone offer to buy our underwear

So, there we were; not even drunk, just trying to get from one bar to a late-night snack, on the streets of Chicago.  We pass a mini-mart, with what appears to be a homeless man next to it.  But who are we to judge someone just sitting there minding their own business. . . that is until he speaks up to say “Hey, can I buy your underwear?”.  Well this was a first, and I’d say hopefully the last, but what is the going rate for worn underwear these days?

Read the Chicago Speakeasy Post here.

Big Sister – Re-enacting the death of John Dillinger, Chicago

Never one to back down from a challenge, when we passed Takito Street, the location where John Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents, Patti suggested that I re-enact the legendary scene. I naturally accepted. There may have been alcohol involved (see her moment in the first column). I may have been wearing a white dress. But the picture is perfect, if I do say so, myself. And it doesn’t cease to bring her to a fit of laughter!

Chicago
John Dillinger

Favorite Giggle

Little Sister –  Personalized shorts in Vegas

Our last night in Las Vegas we decided to stay downtown.  The Freemont Street Experience is always an adventure, and not always the best decision.  It’s a huge tourist trap (like most of downtown and the strip), but sometimes, that is exactly what you need.  So, we got sucked into a cheesy shop with cheeky boy shorts that you can personalize.  They were funny, but we were not into it. . . until the lady informs us that they can ALSO put photographs on them. And now SOMEONE has paid way too much for a pair of boy shorts with a great big picture of her husband’s face on them.

Big Sister – Champagne Gun

Patti came to my house to get a little rest and recharge. We, naturally, needed to have mimosas one morning. I remembered that I had a champagne gun from a girl’s trip and it had turned out to be a hoot, so I broke it out!

Well, it did not disappoint! We were smart enough to try it outside because I am notoriously terrible when it comes to any kind of activity that requires coordination/aim.

Imagine the two of us in my backyard, taking turns shooting streams of champagne at each other’s faces! Then doubling over with laughter. Absolutely ridiculous. And of course, we will be doing it again with the whole family over the Christmas holiday.

Video is from family Christmas.

Best View

Little Sister – Wick, Scotland

We rented this amazing house at the base of a lighthouse on the coast of Wick in the highlands of Scotland.  It not only sat on the cliff’s edge overlooking the North Sea, but from the other side you were right next to the ruins of the Castle of Old Wick.  The castle ruins sit on the cliff side, half falling off into the water.  It as amazing, it was beautiful, it was misty in the mornings, and sunset was amazing.  Far northern coast of Scotland was absolutely gorgeous and this was an amazing experience.

Big Sister – NaPali Coast, Kauai, HI

Kauai’s NaPali Coast is renowned for it’s extraordinary beauty. Unless you are a very experienced, skilled hiker, the only way to reach this 17-mile span of shoreline is by boat or by air.

I was lucky enough to do both. First by a sunset sail out of Port Allen with Kauai Sea Tours, then by Helicopter tour with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours.

The legendary seacliffs were breathtaking, almost indescribably so. They are rugged and untouched, so vividly green and the ocean is so blue in places it doesn’t seem real.

Whether by boat and helicopter, you get different perspectives and the NaPali Coast has earned its well-deserved place on hundreds of “Most Beautiful” lists (including ours!)

Best Food & Drink

Best Bite

Little Sister – Brew Dogs, Edinburgh

This was a good food year for us, and it is very hard to choose.  I tried haggis for the first time, I had authentic sticky toffee pudding, fish and chips in England, ceviche in Cartagena, we had a sushi speakeasy experience with A-5 Wagyu, oysters fresh off a boat, tamales and sopas in Santa Fe, we revisited Jose Andres fantastic cones (last years best bite), and Texas brisket.  So, my choice will probably confuse the hell out of a lot of people, but this is not just about the quality of the food, but the entire experience:

The $5 24/7 dog at Brew Dogs Doghouse in Edinburgh.  Brew Dogs hotel was a close second for my favorite hotel of the year.  An amazing brewery and company that focuses on pet friendly, sustainability, and equality – check out their policies, they post them proudly from equal pay to emission standards.  Their hotel in Edinburgh was upstairs from the pub, so you think it looks a little iffy checking in at the pub cashier stand, walking up a skinny cement staircase just next to the bar, but the rooms are AMAZING, you can get shower beers or a room keg (its small), fantastic.

But this isn’t about the hotel or their amazing beers, it’s about their atrium, which has snacks containers and water taps all day and all night.  They also offer a hot dog, any day, any time for 5 pounds (the British currency, not the step on a scale kind).

We decided on day two to test this theory, when we were still slightly jetlagged and wide awake at 4 am.  Easy enough, you text the lobby that you want a dog, how many, and where you are (atrium, room, lobby, etc).  10 minutes later this man shows up with cart and three cloches.  And I’m telling you, they were FANTASTIC!!! Not just some skinny American cheap dog on a bun, and huge all beef dog with ketchup, mustard, chili, fried onions, green onions – an absolute masterpiece of a hot dog.  FIVE POUNDS, DELIVERED ANY TIME!!!

Out of all our choices for the year, this was a great bite, completely unexpected, and all about the experience.

Best Bite - Brew Dogs Edinburgh

Big Sister – Manglar, Cartagena

A quick pop in to kill time turned into my best bite of the year.

With time to spare before our walking tour, we stopped for a cocktail and decided we had to get ceviche as the sea was within view and it was probably fresh.

White fish and pulpo (octopus) in coconut milk, beautifully seasoned in a stack with cilantro, red onion slivers sitting on a big grilled avocado and served with plantain chips. Immediately the best bite of ceviche EVER. Understanding that ceviche styles vary from region to region and country to country, this was hands down the best yet.

But then…the Papas Crujientes (crunchy potatoes). Well, those sound pretty innocent, right? But no. These slutty little cubes of the crispiest, tastiest potato perfection will stop you in your tracks. They are served with grated cheese, truffle aioli and mussel relish (what?? yes!!).

I know that was 2 bites…but Manglar absolutely nailed it and these were inseparable.

Cartagena Drinking Guide coming soon!

Best Brunch

Little Sister – Sweet Maple, San Francisco

I know, there are so many choices when you visit San Francisco.  I am a huge fan of Dim Sum and would take that every single trip.  However, on this weekend adventure with my son we had a limited amount of time for one last meal before we had to be at the airport.  Three blocks down was Sweet Maple, and it had amazing reviews.  We could be there when they opened and make this all work out before our flights.  It was an amazing find, and a incredible experience in culinary and customer service. 

Starting when we were being seated in this beautiful, bright, open space, every single staff person we passed greeted us with a smile and a “good morning”.  You were automatically happy by the time you got to your seat.  We sat in the middle of the restaurant surrounded by hustle and bustle and not to sound cheesy, but a symphony of people all working and flowing seamlessly together.

The menu was amazing, and I really came there wanting to try Soufflegg Skillet (Steamed fluffy scrambled eggs in a skillet – they all sounded amazing), but switched last minute to the SM Omurice, with marinated ribeye, spinach, and scrambled egg (sriracha demi-glace on the side, because I’m a wimp).  My son, raised with an appreciation for good food and good service, asked what the waiter’s favorite was. He recommended the Blackstone, so that my son could try the millionaires bacon that they are famous for (brown sugar, peppery, amazing). Even the potato medley served in place of hashbrowns was fantastic.

I ordered a salted caramel macchiato that was so beautiful my son ended up having to have one too.  This breakfast was simply incredible, start to finish!  And I didn’t even have a mimosa!!

Big Sister – Ummo, Chicago

This was one of those finds that I came across on social media and it looks so amazing that it stops your scrolling and you immediately send your sister the link with, “we have to go here!’. So I booked a reservation for Saturday morning brunch (squeezed into a weekend of speakeasies and tourism must-dos).

Our reservation was the first time slot of the morning so after a little wait while they finished set-up, we were shown upstairs and were immediately enamored. Ummo is beautiful and vibey, a little retro, but super cool.

I started with the Morning Mambo – their Bloody Mary but with squid ink. And I have to say it was one of the best Bloody Marys that I have ever had. Patti had the Graceful Jones (possibly a Pride Month special?) – with rum and coffee liqueur, cold brew, pineapple juice and tiki bitters. The garnish was candied fruit covered in edible glitter – it was beautiful!

We scouted out the menu ahead of time but our darling server had lots of suggestions and we were obliged to listen! We selected the Tartare e Waffle – a caramelized onion waffle topped with Wagyu beef tartare; an Egg Raviolo Carbonara – served individually so you can order a single one or as many as you want! We finished with a Bombolone al Pistacchio, which was delightful!

This was a no-brainer for Brunch of the Year!

Best Brunch - Ummo, Chicago

Best Sip                                          

Little Sister – Manglar, Cartagena

Our very first stop when we arrived in Cartagena was at a corner bar named Manglar.  It was almost empty that afternoon, the service was slow, but in a lazy, hot afternoon way, not in a rude way. It was more that everything was done so intentionally that details were paid close attention to.

And while Peggy had “the best porn star martini ever”, I ordered the Un Viaje Por Colombia.  Perfect for our first bar of Colombia, A Trip through Colombia.  It ended up being three shot size cocktails. Like mini martinis, each representing a flavor and style of a different region of Colombia.  Each was served with its own side garnish that was made to enhance the flavor of each cocktail.  It was amazing and inventive, and a perfect sampler pack of liquor.

Best Sip - Manglar
Cartagena, Colombia

Big Sister – Superfrico, Las Vegas

After hearing fantastic reviews about Superfrico, we knew we had to check it out while we were scheduling our restaurants and speakeasies for Vegas. Superfrico is one of the Spiegelworld properties – an over-the-top, visual feast of decor, art, performance and “Italian American Psychedelic” food.

Just by being there and feeling adventurous (you are encouraged to get up, wander and explore), we both decided to go out on a limb and try one of the savory childhood treat-inspired cocktails.

No holding back with the familiar or easier choices, I tried the “Pepperoni Pizza”, made of Gin, Pepperoni Tomato Shrub, Orange Curacao, and Lime. Patti tried “Spaghetti To-Gos” with Tequila, honey, lime and Spaghetti!Os.

The Pepperoni Pizza was delicious! And not just in a super-unique-and-I-appreciate-the-creativity kind of way. It was fantastic. I think I immediately told Patti that it was a contender for cocktail of the year. The tomato and pepperoni flavors were so mild but so perfectly in balance with the gin and the other notes. You immediately recognized the familiarity of the pepperoni pizza but in not in a gimmicky way – of course the inventiveness figures in, but so does the surprise factor.

Best Sip - Superfrico
Pepperoni Pizza

Best Overall Restaurant

Little Sister – Theater of Fish, Amsterdam

While on an overnight layover in Amsterdam, our friend planned ahead and got us reservations for dinner at Pesca Vis.  Billed as “The Theater of Fish”, it is an interactive experience.  There is no set menu, it changes based on what is fresh, available and planned by the chef.  You begin at the fresh seafood counter, set up like a local fish market.

Your seafood concierge walks you through the daily selection and then explains how each selection will be prepared for that day.  You want the sea bass; this is how it is prepared tonight.  You want the shrimp; we are doing it this way tonight.  All prices are based on weight. You make your selections and you are escorted to the wine market, where you tell the sommelier what you have ordered and they make suggestions on the wine based on that. We bypassed the wine, ordered cocktails from the bar, and were shown to our table.

Service was amazing, the food was incredible, and it was really an entire experience not just a meal.  And that bread!! I cannot recommend Pesca Vis enough if you find yourself in Amsterdam.

Big Sister – Laundry, Steamboat Springs

I have lived in Colorado for 11 years and have been trying to visit Steamboat Springs for nearly all of that time. I don’t know why, but it just keeps slipping through my fingers. Finally, this year I made it there for a couple of days with one of my best friends. And it was sooooo worth it! But that’s a lot of story for another time.

However, everyone tells you to eat at Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails. Reservations can be hard to come by and are necessary any day of the week.

It is housed in the historic Soda Creek Building, original location of the Steamboat Laundry. The interior is urban and modern but cozy and beautiful. It is just comfortable – perfect for a mountain town.

Laundry is also home of Colorado’s Chef of the Year for 2023. They focus on creative, shared plates featuring quality local meats, and fresh, seasonal produce. I was able to get early reservations for the first night of our visit.

The seasonal special appetizer was Tomato and Peach Burrata. Colorado is super proud of its Palisade Peaches, so if you’re lucky enough to be there while they are in season, take advantage! I don’t think there is a better summer dish out there.

All of the food was so good. We could not stop talking about how incredible each dish was.

Later that night, we were in a local bar and met one of the bartenders and a sous chef/pastry chef. We raved about the experience and they told us that we could come in and sit at the bar without reservation if we got there early – so we went back the next night.

The second visit was equally impressive. The cocktails and service at the bar were top tier. And that night we saved room for dessert. I’m not exaggerating when I say it might have been the best dessert of the year (if that were a category!) – the Chocolate Parfait with layers of flourless cake, custard, meringue, cream and fudge. Seriously!

Everything about this experience was amazing.

Best Speakeasy

Little Sister – The Vault, Las Vegas

In our research to update our Las Vegas Speakeasy blog this year we discovered The Vault.  This is an ultimate Speakeasy and has to make my #1 list of the year.  The reviews mentioned it was expensive but worth it.  We had our doubts that anything was worth the $50 a drink price tag, but we committed to one drink just to find out.

And we were so wrong, it was absolutely worth it.  Besides being the best espresso martini of the year (sesame foam, wow!), service was impeccable, the interior was gorgeous, it was a quiet, upscale cocktail experience.  PLUS, it did include our requirement of a hidden door (on the floor of The Bellagio casino, but that’s all we are saying).

Best Speakeasy - The Vault
Las Vegas

Big Sister – Ski Lodge, Las Vegas

Like Patti’s choice, this was on our Vegas update list. We had reservations at Superfrico (see above) and knew that the Ski Lodge was nearby.

Right next to Superfrico there is an unassuming door.  Plain except for a little skier on it.  No sign, no fanfare, just a simple door.  Right away, love the hidden-in-plain-sight aspect.

The Ski Lodge was impeccable in its dedication to the apres ski theme, it feels dark and lodge-ish, wooden, skis in the corner, a stone fireplace.  Although it is styled after Bar-Gyu in Hokkaido, Japan, I would swear I was sitting in Aspen (or any Colorado ski town).  The drinks were a good blend of alcohols, without being too weird. The staff was friendly and sported ski style outfits.  And they offer a shotski!

I chose the Ski Lodge because of the Speakeasy score (4 bathtubs on our scale) plus the overall happiness factor. It might not have been the most upscale, most creative cocktails or been the most exclusive, but the full commitment to theme and welcoming warmth won me over – you truly feel like you are sitting slope-side, with great drinks and service.

Best Speakeasy - The Ski Lodge
Las Vegas

HONORABLE MENTION – Til Death

We both wanted to list Til Death as our number one experience of the year.  Best speakeasy, best bar, best company, best experience, best giggle, all of it (except best view, it is in a mortuary). For those that remember our Kansas City blog from 2023, we met Liz and Andrew at The Mercury Room while we were all several cocktails into the night.  We became besties and have the video to prove it.

Liz and Andrew own a mortuary just outside of KC that just happens to have a speakeasy in the basement.  We came to the decision that this could not be listed as our best because it is only open for special events, like Prohibition repeal day, their annual party and fundraiser.  We made this a priority for our year, to attend this invite only event.  They run this speakeasy with their friends Lori and Phil.  They craft their own cocktails and Andrew and Phil make amazing bartenders – a diverse and eclectic menu, this is truly where their passions lie.

This was one of the highlights of our year.  We laughed all night long with new friends and family; bonus, they raised money for an amazing veterans charity – Veterans Community Project – that provides little tiny houses to homeless veterans.  Already can’t wait until next year.

Best Overall Bar

Little Sister – Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

This was a tough category this year.  I loved so many places for so many different reasons.  Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland was my first time hitting a “50 Best Bars in the World” winner.

A speakeasy, disguised as a book store, you enter, go down a little staircase, and open up a door hidden behind the bookcase.  They do amazing things with liquor.  It is inventive and gastronomy in action.  They dehydrate, they freeze dry, they experiment in new ways to enhance flavors to create masterpieces of liquidation.  I started with the Culture Club from their Freeze Drying menu chapter, rum, banana peel, Bischoff, maple, yogurt – it was amazing.  Their version of a Bloody Mary was topped with a Guinness foam, and was from their Cryo Concentration chapter (luckily the menu includes pages describing each process, because it was pure science).  It was amazing

Best Bar - Panda & Sons
Edinburgh

Big Sister – Alquimico, Cartagena

Like Patti said, this was a tough category this year. And my choice, also like hers, is on the “50 Best Bars in the World“. Coming in at #8 on their list but #1 on mine – Alquimico in Cartagena.

Located in a historic mansion in the Walled City of Cartagena, this amazing multi-level experience was a standout.  It was like a cross between a club, a bar, and a lounge, each floor with a different vibe, it just felt good in there.  Our seats overlooked the first-floor bar, which was super cool to watch. The bartenders were interactive, danced, shook cocktails and entertained the onlookers without being cheesy and gimmicky like Flair bartenders.

It was easy to see why Alquimico was on the World’s Best list. The atmosphere, service, and locally inspired menu with creative twists on elevated Colombian specialties all contributed to make this a highlight on our drinking tour.

Best Bar - Alquimico
Cartagena, Colombia

Best Experiences

Best Hotel

Little Sister – Pink Coco, Gili T, Indonesia

The Pink Coco, my oh my, The Pink Coco.  It was almost beaten out by Brew Dogs in Edinburgh (24/7 hot dog service, and their commitment to the environment) and The Las Bovidas in Cartagena (OMG, that view!). When it comes right down to it The Pink Coco in Gili Trawangan Island feels like home.

First off, it’s adults only (the pool goes clothing optional after 10 pm)!!!  Everything is pink, and it sounds tacky, but it is actually very cute.  They rent you pink bikes to use for your stay and it is located just outside of downtown, away from the party crowd, so the entire island bikeable, but not loud and crowded. The hotel also provides pajamas, and umbrellas, and floaties for the pool, they think of almost everything.  They have a sunset bar with priority seating for guests.  They are all so nice and accommodating to your needs, true hospitality. 

And if you are out and about on property just hanging out poolside or walking around, about every hour some staff member circulates with complimentary snacks (baby ice cream cones, cookies, baby smoothies).  This is definitely someplace I would like to move in to and spend the rest of my life.  It feels luxurious and you are treated as their most important guest, but all at a very affordable price (because it’s still Indonesia, so it’s still super cheap to visit).

Best Hotel - Pink Coco
Gili Trawagan

Big Sister – Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, Kona, HI (Big Island)

On a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii this fall, I used Costco travel for the first time, rather than do my own research and hotel selection. Costco Travel offers fantastic package prices but the selection is limited – if you haven’t used Costco Travel, I highly recommend it. By far, the best value on the Kona side is Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

We arrived late in the evening, after arriving from Kauai. The lobby was lively with people/families heading to luaus or dinner. We had been running full speed for days and had originally planned to leave for Hawaii Volcanos NP the next morning but were admittedly tired. The front desk attendant was wonderful and attempted to find us an upgrade (using Marriott status) but was unsuccessful. So after finishing check-in, he directed us to tram which would take us to our building. Excuse us?? Tram? How big was this place? How did I not know?

Well, the tram was anticlimactic (slow and not necessary) but fun none the less. The room and buildings were beautiful but because it was dark, we did not know the half of it.

In the morning, up early, we walked to get coffee and were blown away by the grounds. The gallery walkways between buildings, the ocean views, the pools, etc were gorgeous. And then we discovered there were resident dolphins on property! Just too much! This property had everything you could want in a Hawaiian resort – so we decided to spend that first day at the resort, wandering the property, some pool time and in/around Waikoloa.

Best Cultural Site

Little Sister – Salt Cathedral, Bogota

On our trip to Bogota, this was the stop I was most looking forward to.  Yes, I’m slightly salt obsessed, I have salt from many different countries and we visited the salt mines in Salzburg. So, I was excited for this.  An entire cathedral built into the salt mines.

The miners created this temple so they could worship while at work.  They have the stations of the cross built into the mine, and a huge temple down underground.  It was gorgeous.  A little crowded, but most cool places are these days.  I loved that we didn’t have to slide down anything like in Salzburg.  You could do a guided tour, but we just opted for pre-recorded headsets in English, so we could do it at our own pace (spoiler: we rushed past the last few stations as they were all beginning to look the same and a tour was catching up to us).  But it was stunning.  And such a testament to their faith and devotion.

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Bogota

Big Sister – Cathedral of Reims, Reims, France

While on a short visit to the Champagne region for a girls trip, we stayed at a flat with a view of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims.

The cathedral is breathtaking! We could not get enough of the views from inside and out. It is one of the most stunning examples of Gothic Architecture and it is so hard to believe (as Americans) that these types of structures just exist in small cities in the countryside of France, with no crowds or tour buses. And the history learned on the inside was fascinating. It went through multiple expansions and designs but most importantly, it was the traditional site of the coronations of the kings of France.

Despite the lack of crowds, and aside from the Champagne Houses, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cathedral of Reims
Notre-Dame of Reims

Best Bucket List Checkoff

Little Sister – Barry Manilow

One of the few people I have wanted to see in concert (no shame) and have never been to.  Barry has a Las Vegas residency these days, but is supposed to retire at the end of this year, so we had to see him.

Luckily, a work trip took me to Las Vegas the week his residency reopened.  And it filled my every hearts desire.  People of all ages, old women in sparkles, young women accompanying their parents, and glow sticks for everyone!  He was amazing, everything I had hoped for and more.  And everyone singing along!  He did Mandy, so iconic.  He did Looks Like We Made It (which was my son’s absolute favorite song when he was 5 – yes, 2002 he listened to Barry’s greatest hits on cd). 

But the closing Copacabana was all my world needed.  I am a happy, happy girl, and live with this memory close to my heart – we did Lola proud with our in-seat Cha Cha.  ABSOLUTELY ICONIC.

Barry Manilow
Westgate Las Vegas

Big Sister – Northern Lights, Norway

In March, mombehaving and I went on a Viking Cruise, “In Search of the Northern Lights” from Bergen, Norway to London. This was not my “thing” as I don’t really like the cold and while I loved the Viking River cruise, I didn’t really have the desire to go on an Ocean cruise.

But Viking is top notch in terms of their ships, service and itineraries so this was going to be a great trip – especially with the peak aurora activity expected in 2024 – plus, I hadn’t been to Norway.

The cruise ended up being wonderful. Bergen, Alta and Tromso were all beautiful towns and a highlight was dogsledding in Tromso. But overall, we had fairly gloomy, overcast weather and not much visibility for the multiple Northern Lights excursions we had booked (all were canceled). But finally, on the last night at sea, the lights made their appearance!

Now that the majority of the Northern Hemisphere has had the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis this year, it may not seem like such a big deal, but it was magical! Plus the relief and joy of the entire onboard population was such a fun atmosphere.

I am so grateful to have had this experience and it goes down as a big check on the bucket list.

Viking In Search of Northern Lights

Best Overall

Best Overall Destination

Little Sister – Gili T, Indonesia

After seven trips to Bali, I finally made the time to spend my last few post-retreat days on Gili Trawagan, about a 90-minute boat ride from the island of Bali.

It is one of those islands with no cars.  You can take a horse and carriage, or you can rent bikes.  It takes only 4 hours to bike around the entire perimeter of the island.  It is a little slice of paradise.  Where the boat docks is the “town” which is essentially a strip of bars, shops, and hotels.

We stayed down around the west side, about a mile from town so we got sunset, and quiet, but could still bike in to town to experience the night life.  It’s a bit of a party town after dark, but we could duck out and head back to our quiet side when we were ready.  A couple of days of massages, and lounging, and a super cool snorkel trip to see the underwater statues and a sunset catamaran, and I am still counting the days until I can go back.

A lot like our amazing experience on Isla Holbox in 2020, the slow island life, combined with good food, drinks, and a little beach side DJ.  Going back is not an option, it’s a necessity.

Best Destination Gili Trawagan
Indonesia

Big Sister – Colombia

My top destination this year came down to a tight race between Reims and Colombia. Colombia finally took the crown for a couple of reasons. First, it was a new continent for both of us; we had not been to South America before. Second, we had more time (not enough, but that is a whole other story) so we were able to visit more locations (3 cities – Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin) so many more adventures and new experiences. Last, but not least, it was the whole package – we loved the culture, the people, the lore and the food!!

Of the three cities, Cartagena was the favorite for both of us. For me, it was the architecture and historic charm of the Walled City. We had the most time here and loved every minute.

Medellin was beautiful! We were able to visit a coffee farm, the famed Piedra el Penol in Guatape, explore the colorful neighborhood of Comuna 13, and take a fascinating Pablo Escobar tour. Our hotel – the Click Clack – was one of the best of the year.

We had the least amount of time in Bogota but loved the vibe. We visited the Salt Cathedral and the enjoyed the city views from Montserrat. This city is HUGE.

We look forward to going back someday and discovering more of this incredible country.

Read our Colombia Post here

Best Destination - Colombia
Cartagena

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