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If we journey back to 2020, this would have been a hypothetical question, as we were experiencing a worldwide pandemic and living in lockdown. The notion of travelling anywhere was a dream. When we would be able to travel again didn’t even seem that important. The emphasis was on staying safe and remaining positive in very challenging times.

I have been looking at some of the posts I wrote during the pandemic. One was entitled: ‘My travel list’ and outlined places I would like to visit once we were able to travel. These were all, except one, places I had visited previously. They weren’t aspirational.

In no particular order, here’s the list:

  • London – specifically the South Bank

  • Brighton and Hove

    • Stockbridge – in Hampshire, not Edinburgh

    • The Gower – South Wales

    • Castelnaudary – France

    • Gran Canaria

    • Lisbon and Porto – Portugal

    Since the lockdowns ended, I have been fortunate to visit four of the places on the list: London, Stockbridge, Gran Canaria, and France. We haven’t made it back to the Gower or Brighton and Hove – yet!

    Although not on the list our first trip away, after lockdown, was to Penzance, Cornwall. This was a mini-break with the family and was Zeph’s first holiday. It was marvellous to be able to get away at last.

    Our first flight after the lockdown was to Belfast. I had never visited Northern Ireland and I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit. The city inspired three blog posts!

    We returned to France, after two years of not visiting our house. It was wonderful to take Zeph!

    Lisbon and Porto remain high on my list of places I would like to visit.

    Our first trip this year will be to Amsterdam in March. I have visited several times before but never with my husband. I’m a fan of a mini break so it will be exciting to rediscover this vibrant city.

    We will return to France in April if all goes to plan, but I would love to know your recommendations for where I could travel next!