My 2024 Travel Christmas Ornaments!
You guys! Oops! Sorry, let me restart. Hi friends! Happy Blogmas.🎄 I honestly have no idea what day we’re on, but I’m so excited to show off my 2024 Christmas ornaments! This year, I get to add some very special ones to my tree—each a treasure from my travels. Every ornament holds a piece of my heart, tied to a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Last year’s collection was just as special, thanks to all the Christmas markets I visited (and maybe went a little overboard at!). Looking at those ornaments brings me just as much joy. But now, let’s dive into my new favorites from 2024!
My 2024 Travel Christmas Ornaments!
Scotland
I realized I never shared this one last year! I picked it up at Edinburgh Castle after exploring the Crown Jewels and revisiting the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her time seeking sanctuary there. This ornament feels like the perfect keepsake, especially after exploring the Scottish Highlands and soaking in all the beauty of Scotland.
If you can’t tell, I’m already dreaming about going back. More than anything, I’d love to rent a car and spend a whole month traveling from one charming little town to the next.
More on Scotland: The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Edinburgh, Scotland
Winthrop, WA
This one’s from our annual family vacation this year. My sweetheart of a nephew spotted it and pointed it out, so it became my keepsake for the trip! We loved Winthrop so much that we’ve already booked the same cabin for next year. I can’t wait!
York, UK
Surprisingly, many places I’ve visited didn’t have ornaments, but they sure had plenty of magnets! York, with its rich Roman Empire history, is a small but magical town. Fun fact: Diagon Alley in Harry Potter is based on The Shambles, a medieval street in York’s heart.
This tiny treasure reminds me of my two-night stay there. I loved every moment and would go back in a heartbeat!
Auckland & Queenstown, New Zealand
Oh, New Zealand! This country completely charmed me. My only regret is not buying any yarn (they have more sheep and cows than people!). My main ornament is a Kiwi plushy keychain from Auckland, but when I found a magnet in Queenstown, I turned it into another ornament.
Two keepsakes, two amazing memories!
Sydney, Australia
Somehow, Sydney only gave me one ornament—but it’s from my most unforgettable experience: climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Looking at it brings back all the memories of my solo trip.
I’d love to visit Sydney again someday. There’s even a part of me that dreams of living there, but that 18-hour flight is rough!
More posts on Australia: Around the World in 5 Weeks: Adventures, Highlights, and Home Sweet Home
Ireland
This was my second time visiting Ireland, and both trips were made even more special by having my cousin along. Last year, I got a Guinness pint ornament after taking a class on pouring the perfect pint. This time, I picked up a gold Claddagh, inspired by my cousins’ Claddagh rings (they’re half-Irish!).
More on Ireland:
- HI! My Name is Alli, and I Quit My Job to Travel: A Re-Introduction
- The Best 7 Things To Do Solo In Dublin
Bath, UK
Bath! Oh my goodness, this was my second time there, but this trip was extra special because I got to explore with my dear friend Shanna. We hit all the highlights: the Jane Austen Museum, the Roman Baths, and the stunning Royal Crescent. Such a dream of a trip!
Lisbon, Portugal
Another ornament I forgot to share from last year! Like many places, Lisbon didn’t have ornaments, but it did have magnets. I bought two, plus a beautifully painted bird I meant to turn into an ornament…but it still lives on my windowsill. Oops!
Portugal has my heart—both Lisbon and Porto. I hope my parents get to visit someday. I know they’ll love it just as much as I did.
More on Portugal: The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Lisbon, Portugal
Cancun, Mexico
How could I almost forget about my trip to Mexico with my friend J this year? It was such a highlight! We had the best time—eating like queens, indulging in one of the best massages I’ve ever had, and soaking up some much-needed friend time.
Next time I visit Mexico, I’m hoping to explore Mexico City or Tulum. I can already imagine the adventures waiting there!
Well, darlings – writing this post has reminded me how many travel blog posts I still need to write about for 2023 and 2024. Making time for those will definitely be a 2025 resolution—especially since I don’t know how much traveling I’ll be doing next year. My priorities are shifting and I’m excited to share more lifestyle posts.
I hope you had as much fun seeing these ornaments as I did collecting them (and hanging them up!). Each one holds a special place on my tree—and in my heart.
Other posts you might enjoy:
- 24 Positive Affirmations for Solo Travelers
- Solo Traveler Gift Guide for the Holiday Season
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