2014 was a great year for The Travel Hack. This year was the year I started getting serious about blogging. It’s really great to be able to call this my job!
In that year my readership doubled and The Travel Hack was named one of the top 10 travel blogs in the UK. Oops, can I have an oops?
Finally, all my hard work is starting to pay off and I couldn’t be happier.
We have big plans for 2015, but first, here are some of the most popular blog posts from The Travel Hack of 2014…
10 things you didn’t know about Ljubljana
My trip to Slovenia in June was one of my amazing highlights of the year. I had been to Ljubljana the previous November and liked it, but I didn’t like it. Visiting in the summer was like visiting a completely different place. This trip made me realize that a little sunshine, good company, and a flexible itinerary can mean the difference between a good trip and a great trip.
Lonely Planet ranked Ljubljana second on its list of Europe’s best places to visit in 2014, so interest in this little-known city has grown tremendously. I also loved getting outside and exploring Slovenia’s beautiful countryside and small coastline.
How to survive living in a campervan…for a year…with a boy
This is always a popular post on this blog, about the ups and downs of living in a campervan in Australia. Sam and I lived here for over a year and it was one of the best times of my life. We were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, and without a care in the world.
But to be honest, living in a camper is a little disgusting. Read this and you’ll understand!
What women should wear when travelling in India
India was one of the highlights of my trip in 2013, but it’s not an easy country to travel to. I’m so happy to be able to write this article and help so many other women who are struggling with what to bring like I was.
You should dress modestly in India, but it is a very hot country. What can I do without ending up in a pool of sweat?
10 reasons to love Barbados
As if I need to tell you why I love Barbados. This is a dream destination for almost everyone and I was lucky enough to visit it not once but twice in 2014 and once in 2013.
There are so many reasons to love Barbados: gorgeous beaches, sunshine, rum, delicious food, and amazing people.
My favourite travel vloggers
I haven’t mastered Vlogging yet. I find it very awkward and weird to talk to the camera. This doesn’t mean I don’t like watching other people’s video blogs, just that I find myself watching them more than I read them. Unlike fashion, beauty, and family vlogs, I don’t think there are many truly great travel vloggers out there, but these guys are all rocking it.
Quirky and unusual weekend escapes in the UK
It seems I’m not the only one who loves the amazing places we have in the UK.
The UK is full of quirky accommodation options. Many of us Brits are guilty of traveling halfway around the world and ignoring what’s right in front of us. Why not travel more around the UK in 2015 and stay in some of these amazing places!
My secrets to packing light
A few years ago, I was a serial overpacker. I ended up using all my baggage allowance and he often had to take 3-4 clothes just to get all his clothes onto the plane. I never understood why some people travel light. If you have baggage allowance, why not use it?
And a few times I traveled with just hand luggage and it changed my life forever!
Yes, that’s an exaggeration, but I suddenly realized the benefits of traveling light. It’s that easy! Free and no need to worry about losing your luggage. It’s cheap, and you don’t have to wait in the baggage drop area.
Packaging light is an art form and takes years to master. I am gradually getting there and this post contains my top tips.
Sex and drugs in Amsterdam
I don’t think I need to explain why this post is so popular. Blog post titles that include the words “sex” or “drugs” always work well. Add “topless” and you have a near-perfect post.
I thought this post was really good so I left it on my list. It’s all about the liberal Dutch attitude towards sex and drugs, what prostitutes earn, what’s actually legal, and my take on it.
Where to find the best sunset views in Paris
Ah, Paris. One of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. And what could be more romantic than watching the sunset and then watching the stars appear and the Eiffel Tower come to life with twinkling lights?
As you can see, I really enjoyed my time in Paris and really enjoyed watching the sunset.
Review: The Caribee Fast Track Wheeled Backpack
Not the most exciting post in the world, but if you’re looking for a new suitcase, definitely check this out.
I’m a cross between a backpacker and a suitcase person. I like adventurous and exciting travel, but I also like the luxury and simplicity of wheels. I tried a lot of luggage and the Caribee Fast Track was by far the best. This will make traveling so much easier!
I’m eyeing a smaller version for short trips. I think it would be perfect for future trips with a baby.
Thank you very much for following The Travel Hack last year. We hope 2015 is just as exciting!