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unexpected overview: 2017 in a nutshell

2017 has been a whirlwind of a year! Here are the numbers, the behind the blog, and the next plans! See how many kilometers I’ve travelled, how many nights I’ve spent in a tent, and my favourite memories. It’s all here.

This year has been one of the best thus far.

The Numbers

Mongolia

Total Kilometers Travelled: 52,209 km

In the Air (by plane): 41,928 km

On the Tracks (by train): 5,447 km

On the Road (by bus): 4,460 km

On foot (trekking/hiking): 374 km

Days on the Road: 192 – 52% of the year

and the same as last year!

China Food

Countries Covered: 8

New ones: 2 (Myanmar & Mongolia)

Cities: 31

Plane Rides: 20

Train Rides: 20

Long Distance Bus Rides: 17

Beds Slept In: 67

Mongolia trekking

Nights in a Tent: 14

SIM Cards: 9

Blog Posts: 110

The Behind the Screen

It’s been a year full of highs and lows, blog-wise. I’ve been working so hard at improving the quality of my content, SEO, domain authority, and using social media to bring more views to my posts. It’s been really time-consuming, and sometimes I felt that my work wasn’t paying off. On the other hand, when you compare my stats from last year and this year, there’s a big difference. I’ve also invested more into this blog than ever before, and at the end of the day, I’m really proud of where it’s going. I still have loads of work to do and milestones to hit before I get to where I want to be, but I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made in 365 days.

The Changes

This year has been so full of change! I mean, let’s start with the big one: I’m finally in school. I’ve also moved from Asia to Europe, made tons of new friends, and become really really happy.

I learned to love China and to be curious about where I come from.

I’ve surrounded myself with the people I want to be friends with. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I’ve lost friendships that weren’t too good and strengthened the really strong ones. I also made some really wonderful friends travelling. The friendships I’ve made on the road this year have been some really close ones.

The Highlights

It’s been a great year with SO many highlights. Here they are in chronological order.

E-Biking with my mother in Bagan

Hilarious, a little frightening, and a day that brought us closer together. I loved this day (and trip) because it was the first time I felt like I wasn’t travelling with my mom, but with a friend. My mom’s an awesome lady.

Nepal

Can you really be shocked? This country is magical. I interned here and learned incredible lessons; I made Nepal a home; I trekked in the Himalayas; I met some inspiring, wonderful people, and I found direction in regards to what I want to do with my life.

China

I was surprised by this country. I didn’t want to go for the longest time, and it ended up being possibly the biggest highlight of the year. Studying Chinese, going on weekend trips with my friends, and falling in love slowly with and within this place… it was a great time.

Finally starting university!

I am 2 years late to the game, but I’m finally a fresher. Last year, when applying to schools, I was sending out an application to study biomedical engineering, but it didn’t feel right. 40 minutes later, I had sent out an application (with a totally different personal statement) to study international relations. My most impulsive decision to date, and lucky, a decision I’m still glad I made.

The Next Adventure

I’ve got some exciting trips planned for 2018. I’ll be in the UK for the majority of this next year (only downside to starting school- you’re stuck in one place!), but I’m planning some getaways that I’m SO excited for. Stay tuned; there are lots of adventures coming.

The Blog Posts

Here is EVERY. SINGLE. Blog post I’ve written this year.

Lifestyle: My 2017 Resolutions, Book Review: The Beach, Gobdigoun Skincare, Travel  Memories, Cancelling My Dream Trek, 20th Birthday, Reflections, Ruby Moon Swimwear, Making Chicken Rice, 9 Instagrammers You Need To FollowHoliday Break

How To: Travel on a Budget, Be Productive When Travelling, Safely Explore as a Solo Female Traveller, Set Goals & Achieve Them, Have a Positive Mindset, Dress for Temples, Dress/Pack for a Day Hike

Health/Fitness: Stay Healthy when Travelling, Dream Fitness Vacation, How I Got into My Best Shape While Travelling, Healthy Holiday Destinations for EVERY Budget

General Travel: Travel While Young, Open Letter to First Time Solo Travellers, Must Haves, Things Only Travellers Love, Best Hiking Gear, How NOT to Look Like a Tourist, Must Haves- SummerOne Thing that’s ALWAYS in My First Aid Kit, 10 Quotes, Kinds of People You’ll Meet in Hostels, Places to Spend Christmas, Trips to Take with Your Best Friend, What I Wish I Knew Before Travelling Solo, Last Minute Travel, Apps, Bringing Travel Back Home, Best Cities to Visit for New Years

Wanderlust Watchlist: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six

Asia: Signs You’ve Backpacked in SE Asia, Eating/Drinking Around the WorldBest Cities for Solo Travellers, Best Activities in SE Asia

China: First Week, Shangri La, Western Hills (Xi Shan), Tiger Leaping Gorge, DaliWanderlust: Yunnan, Kindness in Taiyuan, Experiences you MUST HaveKeats Chinese School

Thailand: Monkey Beach, Two Week Itinerary

Singapore: Haw Par Villa, Expat Wife, Kampong Glam, Harry Potter Cafe,                        Backpacking Guide, Eating Healthy, ULTIMATE Guide, Bucket List

Mongolia: Trekking in the Altai Mountains, Naadam/Fermented Mare’s Milk, What I Wish I Knew Before Going, What Trekking in Mongolia is REALLY Like

Myanmar: Teatime, Train Ride, Mandalay, Boat Ride, Inle Lake, Bagan, Photos that Will Inspire You to Go

Nepal: Wanderlust: Trekking in Nepal, Australian Camp, Kathmandu, Nepali WeddingWomen of the World Conference, World Peace Pagoda, HoliAnnapurna Base CampBest Restaurants in Pokhara, Everest Base Camp Series: (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6), Bardia National Park, Is it Safe For Solo Females?, Food Guide, Pokhara Itinerary

Vietnam: 10 Photos to Inspire You to Go

USA: Backpacking in NY, Treats in Boston

Europe:

Switzerland:  Badenfahrt, Oeschinesee (Mountain Roller Coaster)

Germany: Bad Sackingen

UK: Exploring Christmas in the UK

Scotland: First Week in Edinburgh, Loch Ness/Isle of Skye

England: Dover & Canterbury, Lake District


Thank you for following and supporting my adventures! I hope each and every one of you has had an incredible 2017, and are getting ready to have an even better 2018.

What were the highlights of your year? Share them in the comments!

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