as 2016 comes to a close [i still can't believe how fast this year flew], we're reminiscing on some of the places we've been in the last couple of years. the following 6 came to mind as favorites... in no particular order, really. there is something for every traveler in this list – if you're on a budget or looking to splurge, if you love the mountains or prefer beaches, if big cities are your thing or small tiny villages. for more trip planning, you can also check out our full list of travel guides or browse our post archives. happy holidays! 

1. EMERALD LAKE, YOHO NATIONAL PARK, Canada

PHOTO LOCATION: emerald lake lodge, canada
WHEN WE VISITED: june, 2016
WHAT WE LOVED: the cozy hotel, the endless hikes available, the crystal blue lakes
OUR TRIP DETAILS: see our travel guide for tips on how to make this trip happen, and our travel video here 

2. PORTUGAL

PHOTO LOCATION: lagos, in the algarve
WHEN WE VISITED: august & september, 2016
WHAT WE LOVED: the incredibly cool city vibes in lisbon, the quaint and charming feel of porto, the fresh fish, fair prices and arguably world's best beaches that sweep the algarve region
OUR TRIP DETAILS: see our lisbon travel guide for tips on how to make this trip happen, and all of our portugal blog posts can be found here

3. LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY

PHOTO LOCATION: reine, norway
WHEN WE VISITED: august, 2016
WHAT WE LOVED: the raw untouched beauty, the peaceful and remote feeling of the many islands, fresh fish everywhere, endless hiking/adventure options and the unique surf culture
OUR TRIP DETAILS: see our travel guide for tips on how to make this trip happen, and our travel video here 

4. THE PHILIPPINES  

PHOTO LOCATION: dedon island, siargao
WHEN WE VISITED: november, 2015
WHAT WE LOVED: the mix of adventure and beaches, extremely friendly locals, delicious food and dreamy sunsets
OUR TRIP DETAILS: see our travel guide for tips on how to make this trip happen, and all of our posts here

5. THE ITALIAN ALPS [DOLOMITES]

PHOTO LOCATION: tre cime di lavaredo hike
WHEN WE VISITED: october, 2016
WHAT WE LOVED: the off-the-beaten path feeling of these trails, striking mountain skyline, warm locals and delcious {italian <3} food
OUR TRIP DETAILS: see posts from our trip here

6. SLOVENIA

PHOTO LOCATION: lake bled, from the top of the ojstrica hike
WHEN WE VISITED: october, 2016
WHAT WE LOVED: the preserved slovenian culture, geographic diversity and appreciation of their beautiful natural landscape. some locals say this is the new zealand of europe...which seems like a fair comparison.
OUR TRIP DETAILS: travel guide coming soon, but see our posts here