My Top Travel Moments of 2018

I know it’s already half way through January of 2019 and I’m kind of late for a year-end recap. Derick and I just came back from our last travel of 2018 and first trip of 2019. We ended our 2018 in Istanbul and started our 2019 exploring some other provinces of Turkey.

Anyway, 2018 has been a very good year for us, as far as travel is concerned. We discovered new places, met new friends, learned many lessons and had amazing experiences that we will forever cherish.

So, were we have been last year? Here’s a recap of places and events that were quite memorable to us.

Winter Break In United Arab Emirates

As early as January last year, Derick and I decided to spend our winter break in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Although it’s already our third time in Dubai, we haven’t been to Abu Dhabi yet. It was our chance to explore Emirates capital – Abu Dhabi (for the first time).

emirates palace2Emirates Palace

dj at louvreThe Louvre Abu Dhabi

derick&joy-1The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

fomula rossa1Experienced the fastest roller coaster in the world in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Rangoli Restaurant 12My first collaboration abroad

DSCF9326Motiongate – Dubai Parks

Derick&Joy-02Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park

meetupDinner together with Lady and Ed at Parker’s Dubai Mall

I used to stalk her blog way way back (for travel inspiration)… and finally I got the opportunity to catch up with the couple behind Ladyandheresweetescapes.com . It feels good to meet the person who inspired you to keep on blogging and write travel articles. Lady is one of the top bloggers in Dubai, go check her blog.

Yearly Summer Vacation in the Philippines

Home is where the heart is. Regardless of how many countries we visit each year, the Philippines is always home for us and a place we never want to miss every summer vacation.

cebu safaricebu safari3Family outing at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park – Carmen Cebu.

sofitel staycationsofitel staycation1Staycation at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Mauritius

Derick and I have a long list of island destinations that we want to visit in the future and Mauritius was the first island we have visited for romantic getaways. Hopefully soon we can tick off the Maldives, Seychelles, Bali, Fiji and more in our bucket list.

davSeven Colored Earth

Blue-Bay-06Blue Bay

Pedal Boat1Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa

Read more blog articles about Mauritius here.

First Time In Armenia

Armenia was one of the countries we officially ticked off in our wanderlist last year. We had an amazing time exploring the country and learned a lot about its history and culture.

DJ-Yerevan2Cascade Complex, Yerevan

lake sevanLake Sevan

hagphatAlaverde Province

Summer Getaway in Georgia

After 5 years, Derick and I were happy to visit Georgia again. We spent 2 weeks in the country and had the chance to see other places that we haven’t explored before.

ushguliA UNESCO Heritage Site in Ushguli Svaneti, Georgia.

dj-ushguli-1Spectacular view of the mountains. One of my favorite scenery during our trip.

hatvali ski resortOur first Ski Lift experience at Hatsvali Ski Resort.

Winter Wanderlust In Turkey

Finally, before we bid goodbye to 2018 we were very happy to have spent a few days in Istanbul once again. We got the chance to revisit some old places that we’ve seen before and explored other parts of the city that we’ve never been. The city may have looked differently in every season but it still is equally beautiful and amazing any time of the year.

dj at aya sofyaHagia Sofia

dj at blue mosqueBlue Mosque

turkish costumeIt’s fun playing dress-up in an Ottoman costume. One for the books.

For 2019, we are looking forward to another round of places to explore. Where to next? Please stay tuned.


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