2015. What a year. I say this every year, but each year truly gets better and better which makes me even more excited for 2016.

I traveled 253 days this year. HOLY. MOLY. It’s weird because I originally did not think that number sounded like a lot, but after talking with family members over the holidays and seeing their reactions and really thinking about it, it is. That is a crazy amount compared to most people. But I love every minute of it.

I don’t typically do personal posts (although that’s probably going to change), but I selfishly really wanted to reflect on what a great year this was and the amazing places I was lucky to visit both with work and for leisure. I hope you enjoy my little look back at this incredible year of 2015!

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NEW PLACES

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Island of Hydra, Greece

Well, perfection. Bluest waters, NO cars whatsoever, mules as your transportation, and fresh seafood. I splurged on a pearl & gold plated ring here. 3 of my best friends got engaged in the past year so I bought myself a ring to fit in.

Delphi, Greece

My inner history nerd geek-ed out visiting the Delphi ruins (even if Greek mythology was never necessarily my forte).

Cape Sounion, Greece

Visited the Temple of Poseidon along the coast of Greece at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula.

Panama

Something I never thought I would do this year is cruise down the Panama Canal. We stayed outside of Panama City in Playa Bonita and also got to explore the Casco Viejo area as well… James Bond Quantum of Solace status.

South Beach Miami, Florida

Rang in my birthday with the quintessential girls’ weekend in South Beach Miami. Best. Birthday. Ever.

Blog post about South Beach Miami here.

Big Sur, California

Did the road trip from San Francisco, stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Carmel Highlands, explored Carmel & Monterey, drove the famous CA 1, and tried to be like Taylor Swift and eat at Big Sur Bakery but ended up at a darling little taphouse.

Blog post about Big Sur here and Carmel here.

Baltimore, Maryland

Had a couple crab cake food comas and saw my first fall leaves here. Also, go O’s!

Blog post about Baltimore here.

Charlotte, North Carolina

First time to the Carolinas, but didn’t stray too far from the hotel (thankfully the Sheraton Charlotte was quite lovely, i.e. this pool cabana).

Texas Bluebonnets

One of my biggest Texas bucket list items fulfilled. The field of bluebonnets are quite the site to see.

Texas Hill Country Wine Trail

Even being a California girl, I love me some Texas wine. Just a short drive from Austin, I especially enjoyed Becker Vineyards, William Chris Wines, Grape Creek Vineyards, and Garrison Brothers‘ bourbon.

Fort Worth, Texas

Day & night out on the town in Fort Worth consisted of Velvet Taco (the shrimp & grits taco y’all), the Flying Saucer beer garden, and a failed attempt to see Josh Turner perform at Billy Bob’s due to a train (that I swear was a mile long) breaking down and blocking all ways to get there. I will make it to Billy Bob’s one day, and I will see Josh Turner live one day (I had another failed attempt this year in Mississippi).

Houston, Texas

Only spent a rainy weekend in Houston, but we shopped at some amazing places like the jewelry store above complete with champagne and delicious espresso.

Lockhart, Texas

The Martins take on the Texas BBQ Capital! We were in a brisket coma…. in fact I don’t think I have eaten brisket since.

South by Southwest, Austin, Texas

Experienced my first SXSW in my home city complete with a Soul Cycle class at the Spotify House and many, many live music performances. I think I ate enough Chi’lantro this week to last me a liftetime #freetacos.

Atlanta, Georgia

My first trip to ATL was a cold one, but I got to see Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Call me an official Southernern, because I got to experience my first low country boil at the Beau Rivage.

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REVISITING OLD FAVORITES

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Maui, Hawaii

Soaked up the sun at the Four Seasons at Wailea in Maui. I used to sneak into their pool as a kid, and now I finally got to stay there! Oh and I may have propelled down a waterfall.

Athens, Greece

I got to stay in the capital of my favorite country for 3 and a half weeks. It brought back so many memories from when I visited Greece for my spring break while studying abroad!

Blog post about Athens here and here.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

I have only been to Jamaica via cruise ships, so it was nice to spend a few days of quality time on this island.

Blog post about my all-inclusive Jamaican vacation here.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Growing up in San Diego, I have definitely spent my fair share of time in Cabo. Things I learned this time around: staying in a hotel that’s not actually open yet definitely has its pros & cons and despite my parents’ opinions on The Office, I actually love it… a lot.

Blog post about the Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort here.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Experienced beignets, Vieux Carre, live jazz music, and a whole lot of Southern hospitality in the vibrant city of New Orleans… haven’t been there since I was 10 years old!

Blog post about happy hours in New Orleans here and healthy food at their airport here.

Washington, D.C. / Alexandria, Virginia

This time around I stayed in Alexandria which I can officially deem as America’s cutest city.

Cancun, Mexico

Visited Cancun…. quite a few times this year.

San Francisco, California

Visited San Francisco… quite a few times this year as well.

Blog posts about San Francisco here, here, and here.

San Diego, California

Oh and San Diego… quite a few times this year as well (hometown, whattup).

Outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Endured -20 degree temperatures (yep, that’s a negative sign) but hey, I got to re-live my 12 year old obsession of the Mall of America.

Chicago, Illinois

Came here twice. Bought my first North Face puffy jacket in preparation for this city, ate a lot of deep dish pizza, experienced the incredible Eataly, and witnessed first-hand Obama land outside of my hotel. Successes all around in this windy city.

San Antonio, Texas

Only an hour and a half drive from Austin, I walked the Riverwalk a few times this year and discovered hidden gems like Ocho at Hotel Havana.

Dallas, Texas

My second Texan home, I made an appearance in this city often this year. I-35 Freeway and I have a love/hate relationship at this point.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Attended ACL for the second year in a row. Highlights include being serenaded by my dear Leon Bridges, spending time with old college friends and late-night chicken & waffles.

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What a wonderful year, and I cannot wait for 2016! Where were your favorite places you traveled this year?

Safe travels y’all!

Best,

Chelsea Rose Martin