35 in 35 – Travel around Europe

Today is my birthday. What does one tend to do on the day that they turn 36 you might ask? I am, in fact looking back to this time last year. To the realisation that one of the items on my “Bucket List” had an expiry date that was now, all of a sudden looming; just twelve months away. I remember writing “I want to visit 35 countries by the end of my 35th year” in my Bucket List book like it was no big deal. But sitting there last February 10th with just 14 countries under my belt, I began to think I’d overshot slightly, and also that I’d be needing Tip-ex. However, if you know me well, then you’re already aware that I’m a stubborn little thing and I don’t like to be beaten. So instead of sulking, I summoned my inner “Challenge Aneka” and set about turning a dream in to reality. Let’s do the maths. The continent of Europe is made up of 51 countries. So, in theory, let’s say you got a van and basically just planned to travel around Europe……?? That way you could easily get crossing off those countries right? And that’s where the Van Life/European Adventure began.

I’ve made that sound like a really easy and spontaneous decision, I know. Just pack up your entire life, throw it in to a van and travel around Europe why don’t you? Of course, it didn’t happen that way at all and it was something I’d been thinking about on the back burner for a very long time. I suppose I just never really thought that it would ever come to fruition. I promise to write a much more in depth post about how it all came together. I’ll also answer all of your VanLife questions and get in to the DOs and DON’Ts in the hope of helping out anyone else who embarks on a similar endeavour. But for now, and purely to celebrate what an incredible year my 35th one was, here is a snapshot/highlight reel of the trip; a photograph from each of the 29 countries that took my grand total up to a whopping 39!! (Do your own country checklist here). So that’s just 161 more to go then. I mean it could happen….. My thirst for adventure is nowhere near quenched.

To everyone who has followed along on this adventure, thank you so much for being here. If you’ve been inspired to travel around Europe yourself, then be sure to stay tuned because there will be plenty more information and tonnes more photos to come. (If you aren’t following me on Instagram yet, come find me here).

So what does 36 have in store? Well, I’m quite certain it won’t be as eventful as the past year but I’m not seeing that as a negative thing. I’ve got my fingers in quite a few exciting pies and I’m looking forward to seeing how things pan out. Plus, if my 35th year taught me anything, it’s that you don’t need to plan meticulously or way in advance. Spontaneity can be a beautiful thing and it can lead to the most incredible and life changing decisions and moments.

Much love, as always

Beth Anne xoxo