This is a post I write every year, but I didn’t plan on writing it in 2021. We spent the first half of the year in lockdown, most of our travel plans were cancelled, and it was a difficult and stressful year all around account!
But this year has also been a really great year, so I don’t want to write that I’m completely off.
Creating these posts with my highlights is a great way to bring it all together and make me smile for years to come.
A snowy winter lockdown
Winter lockdown wasn’t so bad, right? It was snowing, there were lots of winter walks, and it was very photogenic!
Starting to garden and grow veggies
Thanks to the lockdown, I started a new hobby in 2021 (yes, something good came from the lockdown!)
I started gardening!
I bought my own greenhouse and Sam built two raised beds in the garden. I made a huge colorful flower bed filled with vegetables. Having this lovely garden was also great at the beginning of summer when it seemed like the kids would be isolated for weeks on end. They spent the first three weeks of summer vacation in quarantine. Although it was a nightmare for me, I think the kids actually loved spending the day in the wading pool and playing among the flowers.
Gardens have brought me so much joy in 2021. I’m sure this will be a lifelong hobby. I’m already planning my flowers and vegetables for 2022 and can’t wait to plant them!
Read more: Check out my monthly garden updates here
The Travel Hack Tote
The third suitcase to join the Travel Hack collection in 2021 is the Travel Hack Tote. This is a very exciting addition and great to see the range expanding!
Read more: Learn more about the Travel Hack Luggage series here
We bought a boat…and a hot tub!
These are two big purchases we’ve been considering for years and just finally made in 2021.
Buying a boat was a dream come true for Sam. We had a lot of fun running around Abersoch’s beautiful waters and we hope to have even more fun this year!
The hot tub was a Christmas present for my family, so I was very happy to receive it. Soaking in hot water on a cold night and enjoying the bubbles is so nice!
Lots of lovely weekends on the Llyn Peninsula
Never have I appreciated owning a caravan more than in 2021. We couldn’t go abroad for most of the year, and our villas were fully booked all summer. We ended up spending most of the weekend in a caravan in Abersock as it was very difficult to find one to rent and very expensive. It was bliss!
Waterfall hikes and my favourite brand campaign
My favorite brand campaign of 2021 was the collaboration between KEEN and SportsShoes. They provided the family with hiking sandals and we hiked to Aber Falls, a beautiful waterfall in Snowdonia.
It was our first time hiking as a family of five, and it was a very fulfilling day.
I’m a big fan of KEEN and always wear their shoes, so I was very happy to work with them this time!
Family membership to Portmeirion
This year I bought a family membership pass for Portmeirion. It’s halfway between home and caravan, so it’s the perfect place to take a break during your journey. This has also become a popular place to visit on rainy days and we spent the weekend wandering through the woods and admiring the gardens!
Read more: Visit Portmeirion, an Italianate village in North Wales
Glamping in a wigwam
At the end of our long isolated summer, I took the boys glamping in Yorkshire and stayed in a wonderful wigwam hut.
Read more: Wigwam Vacation Reviews
Glamping in a motorhome
After a successful first glamping trip, we headed to west Wales to stay in an old campervan. This was a lot of fun and we had a great time exploring the local area.
Read more about our favorite day out during our stay in the campervan: Visiting Llangranog in Ceredigion
Booking our wedding!
After being engaged for a very, very long time, Sam and I finally booked our wedding!
We got engaged in 2015, but due to a series of major life events, we didn’t have the time, money, or headspace to plan a wedding.
But we have finally booked a tipi wedding near Delamere Forest in Cheshire for summer 2022!
A cruise!
In October, I was invited on my first international press trip, sailing with Celebrity Cruises. This amazing cruise from Athens to Greece to Spain was a dream come true. It was also great to be able to travel again with my fellow bloggers and influencers, which I had missed so much during lockdown.
A trip to Krakow
I took a quick and cheap trip to Krakow in November and had a great time in this beautiful city.
Read more: Krakow weekend getaway: Best itineraries for a cheap weekend in Krakow
A trip to Vilnius
After that, I took a second cheap trip and went to Vilnius at the end of November. This is another beautiful and affordable destination and we absolutely loved it!
Read more: Vilnius prices, how much does a 3-day trip to Lithuania cost
So many Christmas experiences
I overbooked my Christmas experience this year! We rode the Polar Express, visited Santa’s underground grotto at Zipworld, saw the lanterns at Chester Zoo, had a Santa experience at Gulliver’s World, did the light trail at Magical Woodlands, and enjoyed a festive evening at Bolsworth Castle. I spent.
Read more: Gypmas review: Santa’s underground grotto in a Victorian slate mine
Ending the year at Dylan Coastal Retreat
And finally, I shared all the experiences I haven’t written about yet on my Instagram stories!
In collaboration with Luxury Lodges, we visited the Dylan Coastal Resort in South West Wales and stayed in the most beautiful lodge. There were views that lasted for days, a hot tub, a great swimming pool, and there were plenty of beaches and beautiful coastal towns nearby.
It was a peaceful end to the year!
