The Traveling Vet Girl

What a year! So many exciting new things happened. Among many things, I moved across the country, started a new job I love, took the longest flight of my life, gained a new nephew… And um, I GOT ENGAGED! Here’s a look back at 2018!

A Look Back at 2018

Miles Flown: 48,332
Airports visited: 19
New Countries visited: 3

January – Chicago to Texas

In January, I moved my life of almost 3 years from Chicago back to Texas. It was a big change, and although I absolutely loved Chicago, I was really happy to be a little closer to my family.

February – West Texas

The desert is surprisingly beautiful, especially those sunsets! In February I explored more of Texas including some sand dunes. I’m looking forward to visiting a few more places in 2019.

March – Dubai and Thailand

My biggest trip of the year was a 14.5 hour flight to Dubai en route to Bangkok, Thailand (another 6.5 hours). I had about 12 hours in Dubai, so naturally I got out of the airport and did some dune bashing and even rode a camel!

After Dubai it was onward to Thailand where my boyfriend and I spent 2 weeks in Bangkok, Pattaya, Ko Samui and Khao Sok National Park. It was my second Asian country after China and everything from the food, architecture, people and climate was so unique and it was truly an incredible trip. The best part though, was getting engaged on a beach at sunset! It didn’t hurt afterward to have authentic pad thai, drinks, and end the night listening to the ocean just steps from our beach bungalow! Typical us – I’m so lucky to have found someone who loves traveling as much as I do. Believe me, more of Asia (including northern Thailand) is definitely on our bucket list!

April – Ennis, Texas

Spring in Texas means bluebonnets, and I took full advantage!

May – Albany, New York

I took a quick trip to upstate New York for a work meeting. I didn’t get to explore too much (other than a local winery with pizza) but the lush green scenery and cute cottage houses made me want to take a road trip there at some point! The trip included a layover in Washington D.C. which had a great view from the plane. P.s. I’ll be back to explore in 2019!

June – Carlsbad Caverns

My nephew visited me in Chicago last year, so we kept up the tradition with a visit out to West Texas. We took a trip to nearby Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, which is a really cool natural underground cave that is super family friendly. So began my goal to visit more national parks!

July – Chicago, San Antonio, and Yellowstone National Park

After a quick weekend trip to Chicago to take engagement pictures and a brief 4th of July celebration in San Antonio, Tony and I flew to Salt Lake City to start our summer trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The landscape is unreal in this area, and if you haven’t been – go there now! From mountains, mudpots, and geysers to bison, bears, and wolves, this is a goldmine for nature enthusiasts. I 100% want to be those old people in a RV living here in 50 years, haha. 2 more national parks checked off!

September – New Orleans

As part of my job as a veterinarian, I’m required to take continuing education every year. Luckily this is accomplished by going to conferences, of which there are many in multiple cities. I chose to go to an emergency and critical care conference in New Orleans. I’ve been to New Orleans once before when I was 16 on a band trip (haha). It was SO much better as an adult! New Orleans has such a European vibe so of course I loved it. I even got to visit some of the surrounding plantations. 10/10 would visit again.

October – Ireland

Ireland was a great ‘middle of the road’ destination between the US and France to meet up with the fiance. Ok well not really. But it WAS somewhere we both wanted to visit, so we made it happen. It was a short 4 day trip, so we mostly stayed around Dublin. We got 1 day of typical Irish rain, but surprisingly had great weather the rest of the time, and got to enjoy the seaside as well as the city!

December – France

As I write this, I’m starting my last trip of the year (and first trip of 2019). 3 years ago when I first visited Paris, it was a dream come true. I fell in love with the city and France, but had absolutely no idea I’d be back 3 more times in the next 3 years, much less marrying a French man! So here’s to going back to places you love with the people you love most and of course on to seeing more of this world next year! Happy New Year everyone!