
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!

Amsterdam and a return to your south of France hone sounds like a good start to 2023 June. Do also try and visit Porto as it’s so beautiful with other interesting towns to visit close by.
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Yes, you’re right, Marion! Those trips are an excellent start to 2023, and who knows what might happen next? I’m enjoying short breaks more and more these days. Having Zeph does impact our travel plans, but I wouldn’t want to be without him!
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Some place that makes your heart flutter with excitement!
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There are so many of those! Where would you go?
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Places that make my heart flutter! Not enough time to list them all!
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Understood! 😉
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It sounds like you have made up for lost time since the start of the pandemic. It almost feels like it never happened now, don’t think we will ever forget that very first lockdown though! As for travel, I am so glad it has opened up again! I travelled to Warsaw last year and had the best time, definitely on my list of places to return to as soon as I can! Sim #PoCoLo x
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I love to travel and I have tried to make up for lost time, since the start of the pandemic, when I can. It does feel sometimes as if the lockdowns never happened but I agree that we’ll never forget. I would love to visit Poland.
I enjoyed your Lighthouse Clothing review! #PoCoLo
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I’de like to explore/revisit more of London. I’ve spent half my childhood in the Gower and the other half in Brighton (we were there last weekend). I’d love to visit Rome and we have friends in Bavaria we should visit more to explore further afield.
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I love the Gower and imagine it was a wonderful place to spend your childhood. I first went there when I was a teacher in London and we took our students there for residential visits. I’ve been going back ever since.
Brighton & Hove must have been another great place to be a child but for totally different reasons! We are still considering moving to that area. Watch this space! Thanks for commenting #pocolo
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