Around the World in 5 Weeks: Adventures, Highlights, and Home Sweet Home

Hello, my Tripsider friends! 💕 Can you believe I just wrapped up a whirlwind 5-week journey around the globe? From soaking up the sights to logging serious outdoor time, it’s been an adventure for the books!

Sure, I’ll be sharing my top 7 Best Things post for each place, but why not start with a quick rundown of the charming towns I visited and the unforgettable experiences I had along the way? And let me tell you, as much as I loved every minute, there’s something extra special about being back home—nothing beats your own bed, your favorite café’s coffee, and a stack of library books waiting for you, am I right?

Table of Contents

Around the World in 5 Weeks: Adventures, Highlights, and Home Sweet Home

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Kicked off my journey with a hop across the pond, landing in London before taking the train to Cambridge! Though the university grounds were off-limits, the rumors are true and the university is exceptionally beautiful. The canals are wonderful and if you want a unique experience of the grounds, definitely book a gondola tour.

Favorite Moment: The Fitzwilliam Museum! Beautiful paintings, that I’d only seen in books, by Jan Davidsz de Heem and Gerrit Dou. Get your coffee and snacks at Market Street Coffee and Cake, (located here)!

London, England, United Kingdom

London is always calling! From iconic landmarks to divine tea at Fortnum & Mason, my friend Shanna’s birthday bash was an absolute blast. Tea, honey cakes, and a royal palace—we did it all. Maybe too much. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Totally.

Favorite Moment: Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason! We went all out and everything was delicious. Did I mention bottomless too? I will also forever recommend visiting Kensington Palace. It’s my favorite place in London. 💖

Bath, United Kingdom

Going to Bath was a highlight of this trip. Finally got to see the Royal Crescent homes where so many classic movies have been filmed. We also explored the Jane Austen Museum, and the Roman Royal Bathhouse, and got a steak and ale pie for dinner.

Favorite Moment: Laughing uncontrollably at running into poor Shanna’s lovely videos. She was laughing so hard she was crying! Also, dining at Coppa Club (one of the best Caesar salads of my life) and getting a Victoria Sponge cupcake from Sweet Little Things.

Sydney, Australia

22 hours of travel? Worth it! Sydney stole my heart with its koalas, kangaroos, and that epic bridge climb. And let’s not forget the TimTams—a true Aussie essential!

Favorite Moment: It’s, honestly, between the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb and the Wildlife, Waterfalls, and Wine tour I took. Both were amazing. Add eating-my-weight-in-sushi and you’d have the holy trinity!

Auckland, New Zealand

Ohhhh sweet and beautifully green New Zealand. I thought the Scottish Highlands was the greenest place I’ve ever been … until I went to the Northside of New Zealand. I almost cried multiple times by just its beauty alone. Plus, I got to experience one of my biggest bucket list items: visit Hobbiton!

Favorite Moment: The Waitomo Caves! Since it’s on sacred aboriginal land, you are not allowed to take pictures or video so I was forced to be present the entire time… I loved it. I thought “omg, are we really in a cave in New Zealand, on a boat, looking at glowworms?!” I desperately wish my family would have been there to experience it with me.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown might be my favorite place in the world which is a surprise, considering – I almost didn’t go. I made the most friends, had the best experience of my life, and was the most beautiful place I’ve ever explored. I’m determined to go back someday!

Favorite Moment: Without a doubt, it’s conquering my fear of flying in small planes and going to the Milford Sound. Did I mention I was co-pilot on the flight?! I feel so blessed to have been put on that plane with those amazing people. 🛫

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

I think this is my 6th or 7th time in Oahu and I’m happy to report, all of my favorite spots are still there. My cousin joined me so I rented a car. I’m convinced my heart belongs on the North Shore.

Favorite Moment: A night out at Maui Brewing Company – they had amazing live music all night. My second favorite was just lying at the beach with my cousin laughing. 💖

I do have some exciting news to share in the next few weeks. If you’re already subscribed to my newsletter, you should be getting a sneak peek into that this coming Sunday. If not, you should consider subscribing below!