This year was so busy that I get mixed up between what happened in 2012 or 2011. I launched a new website, some new live blogging functionality and a new travel blogging conference (Traverse).
On the travel front it was equally busy. I had the opportunity to visit some places I’d never been before and return to places I love.
January
Brussels/Bruges
The New Year started in Brussels where myself and my girlfriend somehow managed to miss most of the fireworks, I’m blaming the super strength Belgium beer (we visited the much talked about Delirium Cafe). Nevertheless it was an interesting break from London.
Oh we also made it to Bruges too, stunning place.
February/March
York, UK
Cliffords Tower, York
At the end of February I returned to York (sponsored by Vist England and Visit York), one of my favourite places in the UK. It’s a city that is full of history, charm and plenty of attractions.
I deployed the first real live blogging project in York and attempted to capture, check in and tweet about the whole weekend. We got amazing feedback from locals, the hotel, restaurants and people thinking about visiting the city.
Chamonix, France
Later in March I got the opportunity (Sponsored by Expedia) to revisit my favourite ski resort, Chamonix. The place is not only stunningly beautiful but also a top ski resort, my boarding skills improved and we even had time to put this video together.
– The best ski/snowboard runs for intermediates in Chamonix
– How to get back into snowboarding
Stratford upon-Avon
We also went away for the weekend to Stratford upon-Avon thanks to VisitEngland. I was keen to see the birth and resting place of Shakespeare.
April
Poland
Market Square, Wroclaw
April meant a trip to Poland (thanks to the Polish Tourism Board), a place that I’d never really thought of visiting but really impressed. I learnt how quickly they down vodka there and how it doesn’t really give you much of a hangover if you don’t mix it with other drinks.
A side trip to Auschwitz was as shocking and saddening as expected, but important and interesting at the same time.
– Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
May
Land’s End, UK
Awaiting the Olympic torch
In May I had the fantastic opportunity to visit Land’s End (thanks to Visit England) to welcome the Olympic torch to the UK. It was a dramatic entrance from the RAF Sea King helicopter carrying the Olympic flame as dust flew everywhere. It was the start of its long winding journey around the country before the start of the Olympic games. Along the way back to London I visited the intriguing Eden Project as well as cheer the Olympic torch through the streets of Plymouth.
– The Olympic Torch Arrives at Lands End
July
Copenhagen
We scheduled our trip to Copenhagen to coincide with the jazz festival in the city. There were some great events on around the city and we were lucky enough to be given tickets to the Brad Mehldau Trio at Det Kongelige Teater by the event organisers.
– The Copenhagen Jazz festival
Also in July I launched a new website, WorldTravelist.com. The website aim is to allow users to share the best travel content on the web. Think reddit, for travel.
Newquay
We headed to the beach… in the UK. Yes, you read correctly. Thankfully (and luckily) the weather was perfect and our surfing lesson was fun rather than torture.
August
Ghent/Antwerp
I took a flying visit to Ghent (with Visit Flanders), wandered around the stunning bell tower and cathedrals before moving onwards to Antwerp. It was a busy few days sight seeing in a heatwave.
Prague
I finally got the chance to visit Prague after hearing so many good things about the city. Justin from 48 hour adventure suggested a weekend trip to the city to sample the local beer, culture and nightlife. It didn’t disappoint (Apart from the masses of tourists!).
September
Porto
I flew out to Porto in Portugal for the TBU Conference and a short weekend. I was speaking at the conference about adding value to blog trips but got to see some of the city and it’s nightlife.
November
I had a very busy October but finally got around to announcing the launch of a new travel blogging conference, Traverse 2013. The conference is aimed at those bloggers who work full-time and are looking to learn new skills hands-on. – Uniting the full time workers that blog
December
Egypt
After a busy year and suffering some strange burn out like symptoms we had booked a all-exclusive holiday to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. The plan was to sit in the sun, do some snorkeling and avoid sunburn. It all went according to plan.
Dublin
Having little in the way of holiday time the New Year’s trip to Dublin was a perfect fit. I’ll be ending the year in a country I’ve never been to and you can follow it all here as I live blog from Dublin.
Enhancements include added foursquare data, Street View, larger map, faster maps (upgraded to V3 gmaps) and better Instragam integration with Foursquare navigation.
It’s been a hectic yet great year in so many ways so much to luck forward to for 2013, including trips to Madrid and South Africa.
