1. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Sadly we got our timings wrong - thanks to a heavy night the day before - and missed our time slot to go inside the cathedral. But even just seeing it from the outside completely blew my mind. It's probably the most stunning building I've ever seen. The intricate detailing is mesmerising and the sheer size just takes your breath away. I'm gutted I never got the chance to make it inside but I'm definitely going to be visiting Barcelona again so will no doubt cross it off my list soon.
2. A lot of people had recommended the Top of the Rock to me before my NYC trip so it was put top of our list when we were planning out trip. There's a reason why its so highly rated! It was a wet and windy night but when we stepped out on the viewing platform and saw all the twinkling lights of the Big Apple below us, I got all chocked up. And nearly blown away by the gale force winds... There's just something unbelievably special about being above such an iconic city. You feel almost insignificant as you look out over the skyline. It's one view I won't ever forget.
3. The Skydeck, Chicago
On the top floor of the tallest building in the western hemisphere, the Ledge is a glass box extending out about four foot from The Skydeck. Looking below at the sprawling city is such a surreal feeling. With wobbling jelly legs, it's a heart-in-the-mouth moment as you soak it all up. Something I won't ever forget and something I'm not even sure I enjoyed doing... But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
4. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C
I'm still not quite sure if I was a fan of Washington DC but seeing the Lincoln Memorial was the highlight of the trip. It's so imposing and iconic - pretty special to see something in the flesh you've seen numerous times in films. I couldn't get Forrest Gump out of my head...
5. The Highlands, Scotland
The Highland has been on my bucket list for year and to finally tick them off was fantastic. It's such a stunning part of the world and standing on some rocks, watching the sun go down, listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks and seeing seals playing in the water is one of my favourite memories. I don't think I never felt as much at peace as I did that moment.
6. Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
The biggest thermal baths in the city, the Szechenyi Baths should be on everyone's list when they go to Budapest. Yes they are tourist central and yes they are extremely busy, but they're amazing. Over a 100 years old, it's pretty special sitting in 38 degree water in one of the 18 baths and thinking back to all the people who have passed through these doors.
7. Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
Ballintoy is a place where I feel like I can sit for hours and block out the world. Sometimes Mother Nature is just so bloody amazing isn't it? Clambering over the rocks trying not to fall into the Atlantic Ocean made me feel like a kid again and without a care in the world. Gosh Ireland has completely stolen my heart - I knew there was a reason why I found a boyfriend with Irish heritage.
8. Arc D'Triomphe, Paris
I'd been to Paris a handful of times yet still had never made it to the top of the Arc D'Triomphe. So when I went back to the city in January, it was top of my list of things to do during my whistle stop tour. After a long slog to the top, this view made it all worth it and it fast became my favourite place in Paris.
9. Galena, Illinois
During my Illinois road trip we stopped off at in Galena, a all-American town that feels like a movie set. I love all the big cities but to me, this is the real America. These is the small towns that you hear about with the iconic water towers, where everyone has known each other since the day they were born and where you go in a shop to buy a bag of crisps and come out two hours later knowing the shopkeeper's life story. It's laid back, picturesque and so unbelievably different from home. I could have stayed for a month.
10. Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Oh how I wish I was Danish. Surrounded by multi-coloured houses, the harbour is the perfect place for a wander, soak up the city and people watch for hours. Despite being overrun with tourists, it was my favourite place I visited during my trip.
