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Looking back at a year of travels (2025)

December 29, 2025 / 57 Comments

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.

John Steinbeck

While travelling is always a wonderful treat, part of the pleasure lies in having the memories of the sights seen and experiences lived to look back on later. And the photos of course; always photos!

At the end of the past few years, I’ve enjoyed compiling a summary of my travels, so here is this year’s version.

A travel year in numbers

In 2025 I had seven trips within the UK, five in Europe and just one long-haul. That’s three more than last year. But they were shorter on average, as I spent a total of 68 nights away from home compared with 79 last year.

I visited eight countries in addition to the UK (one of them, Italy, twice), slept in 24 different beds, took 14 flights and made 12 journeys by train, seven by road and one by ship. Here’s where they took me:

JANUARY

Newcastle

Starting the year in Newcastle, the second half of a week that had begun in the previous December. We’ll be finishing the year there too, as a New Year visit is one of our traditions.

Street art in Newcastle
FEBRUARY

Abu Dhabi

A couple of nights stopover and a chance to show Chris some of the sights that had impressed me on my work visit back in 2018.

Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi

Memorable times: a delicious but rather too large meal on the terrace of a nearby hotel.

Memorable sights: the wonderful architecture and exhibits of the Louvre Museum.

Philippines

Touring several of the islands including Luzon with the capital Manila and stunning rice terraces; and Bohol, home to cute tarsiers.

Rice terraces and village of Bangaan, Luzon Island, Philippines

Memorable people: Jezzy, our amazing guide on Luzon; Edwin, our friendly driver; and Conchita, who welcomed us to her home in Bangaan.

Memorable times: enjoying good food with Jezzy and Edwin; meeting Conchita’s family in Bangaan; exploring the streets of colonial Vigan; learning about Filippino history, especially the Marcos family.

Memorable sights: the rice terraces of Banaue and hanging coffins near Sagada; dancing fountains show in Vigan; cute tarsiers on Bohol.

MARCH

Philippines

Our last few days, spent at Miniloc Island Resort off Palawan.

View from Miniloc Island Resort, Philippines

Memorable times: snorkelling with a sea turtle.

Memorable sights: karst outcrops among the islands off Palawan.

Newcastle

A weekend visit to see the parade celebrating Newcastle United’s victory in the Carabao Cup, their first domestic trophy in seventy years!

Newcastle United Carabao Cup victory parade

Memorable people: the football players and manager Eddie Howe, of course!

Memorable times: celebrating with friends; watching the parade and being among the thousands who turned out for the occasion (said to be about 300,000).

Memorable sights: the team bus and players; fans climbing up lampposts while others draped a host of flags from a multi storey carpark.

MAY

Sicily

A few days in Sicily with friends from Virtual Tourist, exploring the east side of the island by car and staying in two friendly B&BS.

Mount Etna and lemon groves, Villa Laura, Sicily

Memorable people: my VT friends, always good company; our hosts at the two B&Bs where we stayed, Davide at the Villa Laura and Stefano in Le Saline near Syracusa.

Memorable times: revisiting Taormina where I holidayed with Chris back in 1989; exploring sleepy Randazzo and beautiful Noto; a wonderful Sunday lunch in a family-run trattoria in Randazzo; wandering the streets of Ortigia in Syracusa.

Memorable sights: Mount Etna viewed from the terrace of our first B&B; the cathedral in Ortigia.

JUNE

Malta

The annual Virtual Tourist meet in Malta, with organised outings, ad hoc explorations alone and with friends, and lively meals together.

Palazzo Ferreria, Valletta, Malta

Memorable people: again my Virtual Tourist friends from all over the world.

Memorable times: good food and good company; a photo walk in Sliema with a couple of my closest VT friends; a boat ride around the three harbours of Sliema and Valletta.

Memorable sights: traditional balconies; the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta; the awesome Neolithic subterranean Hypogeum; the beautiful architecture of Mdina.

Winchester

An overnight stay in one of my favourite English cities to catch up with old friends over lunch.

Jane Austen’s grave, Winchester Cathedral
House where Jane Austen died, Winchester

Memorable people: our good friends Mike and Barbara (Mike was Chris’s Best Man at our wedding).

Memorable times: paying my respects to my favourite author, Jane Austen, outside the house where she died and by her grave in the cathedral; an excellent meal outside a pub with a great view of the cathedral while listening to the bell-ringers practice.

Memorable sights: the cathedral with a special exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.

AUGUST

Svalbard

The travel highlight of the year, our expedition cruise to Svalbard on board the Ocean Explorer.

Polar bear on sea ice, Svalbard

Memorable people: the expedition team who guided, educated and entertained us throughout the voyage, with special mention to team leader Ryan, photographer Kris and historian Ian.

Memorable times: falling asleep to the motion of the (gentle) waves and waking to see glaciers and icebergs from our picture window; landing in various and varied sites on Spitsbergen; zodiac cruises among the bergy bits, hearing the popping of ancient air emerging as they melted; mooring in the sea ice north of the archipelago to be visited by a polar bear.

Memorable sights: that polar bear, naturally; the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with sixty thousand breeding pairs of guillemots; glaciers calving; bearded seals and kittiwakes resting on the icebergs; walrus haul-outs on remote island beaches; historic trapper and prospector huts.

Helsinki

A couple of nights exploring a new city on our way home from Longyearbyen.

Oodi, Helsinki’s central library

Memorable sights: the striking architecture of Oodi, the central library, and Temppeliaukio, the Church of the Rock.

Masham

A few days in Yorkshire meeting up with friends in Grinton, the village where my father-in-law was evacuated and which he loved so much.

Thorpe Perrow gardens, Yorkshire

Memorable people: our friends, the daughters of my father-in-law’s hosts in Grinton; it’s always nice to see them and share stories about the past as well as current travel adventures.

Memorable sights: beautiful gardens at Thorpe Perrow and the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park; a birds of prey flying display at Thorpe Perrow.

SEPTEMBER

Paris

Our by-now regular short break to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Inside Notre Dame de Paris

Memorable times: a walk in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his last days and painted some of his most famous works; excellent meals, especially our anniversary dinner in Comme Chai Toi. on the Left Bank quai almost opposite Notre Dame.

Memorable sights: an excellent Robert Doisneau exhibition at the Musée Maillol; the interior of the almost-restored Notre Dame, looking stunning; a dramatic sunset over the Seine.

OCTOBER

Liverpool

An overnight trip with Virtual Tourist friends from Yorkshire (the same ones I toured Sicily with), helping them to plan next year’s Euromeet in the city.

Beatles statues, Liverpool

Memorable people: I’m aware I’m repeating myself but I have to mention my VT friends again as it’s always a pleasure to spend time with them.

Memorable times: a delicious meal in Chinatown (I hadn’t eaten good Chinese food for some time).

Memorable sights: the Three Graces (historic buildings on the waterfront).

Florence

A surprise trip arranged by Chris to celebrate my seventieth (gulp!) birthday in a city I had long wanted to visit.

View of the Duomo from the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, Florence

Memorable people: Chris, for planning and booking so well, especially his choice of accommodation.

Memorable times: walking the city’s streets; a walk on the far side of the Arno with spectacular views over the city; evening aperitivi in the Piazza di Santa Croce.

Memorable sights: the Duomo exterior; the Basilica di Santa Croce, especially at night; the sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatelli and others in the Bargello and Medici Palace.

NOVEMBER

Newcastle

A flying visit (by train) for a friend’s seventieth birthday party, held in the city’s Irish Club.

At Newcastle’s (small) Christmas market

Memorable people: our friend and his family, some of whom we hadn’t seen for years.

DECEMBER

Cologne

A few days in Cologne with friends to see Newcastle United play Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, and take in the Christmas Markets.

Shola Ameobi in Peters Brauhaus, Cologne

Memorable people: our friends Pete, Dominic (who got us tickets for the match), Barry, Peter and Joanne, naturally; also meeting friendly ex-player Shola Ameobi in one of the bars.

Memorable times: the match, with a great atmosphere between home and away fans and a respectable 2-2 draw (though we should have won had we not conceded a disappointing late goal); visiting the Christmas markets by day and night; enjoying the local beer, Kölsch, and tasty Schnitzels and Bratwurst; drinks in our ‘local’, a welcoming and quirky bar next to our hotel.

Memorable sights: the cathedral, especially lit up at night; the Bay Arena, an impressive football stadium.

Newcastle

I’m posting this from Newcastle on our regular New Year trip up north, which brings me full circle. We only arrived yesterday so photo opps have been limited so far, but I can never resist a traditional carousel.

Carousel in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle
And what about 2026, you ask!

We’re going to Sri Lanka in February with a few days’ stopover in Doha, and I’ll be at the Virtual Tourist Euromeet in Liverpool in May. The rest of the year is as yet unplanned, but we have lots of ideas!

57 Comments

  • ourcrossings

    January 22, 2026 at 16:49 Reply

    Wow, it looks like you had an amazing year filled with many incredible adventures. Seeing a polar bear in Svalbard must have been an amazing, humbling, and iconic Arctic experience. I very much love your photo of Oodi, Helsinki’s central library, as it looks like a stunning example of modern Nordic architecture. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Wishing you a 2026 filled with incredible adventures, good health, and unforgettable moments. Aiva xx

  • Natalie

    January 21, 2026 at 02:11 Reply

    Hi Sarah, Although I’m late to comment, I greatly enjoyed reading your “Looking back at a year of travels” post. Happy belated birthday! You’ve had wonderful trips in 2025. I love the polar bear photo. Sri Lanka in February sounds great. I look forward to reading about your experiences there.

  • FluffyBrownWolf

    January 14, 2026 at 14:51 Reply

    No problem. But I have one question. If you wanted to take a picture with yourself in it how will you do it? And do you travel alone or who do you travel with? Whatever they are fantastic!

    • Sarah Wilkie

      January 14, 2026 at 16:46 Reply

      I almost always travel with my husband but usually once a year with friends. I’m not into selfies – I prefer to record the places I visit as they are, without inserting myself into them. But my husband and I do sometimes find a willing person to take a photo of us here and there, just for the record!

  • Rose

    January 3, 2026 at 01:00 Reply

    What a wonderful year of travels Sarah. You do a fantastic job of sharing your photos and stories, taking us right along with you. Thank you so much!

  • Rebecca

    January 1, 2026 at 03:11 Reply

    Although you say you traveled less this year, I’d say you still did a lot! I remember your Svalbard series, and your photos look absolutely epic! Happy (belated) birthday as well, and I wish you another wonderful and fruitful year of adventures around the world. Can’t wait to see what you get up to in Sri Lanka. Happy 2026, Sarah!

    • Sarah Wilkie

      January 1, 2026 at 12:36 Reply

      Oh yes, we did a lot – plenty of trips even if they did tend to be shorter and closer to home! Svalbard was definitely the highlight 😀 Happy New Year to you too Rebecca 🥂

  • the eternal traveller

    December 30, 2025 at 00:36 Reply

    There are plenty of happy memories and experiences in this post. And isn’t it exciting to have new adventures to look forward to. Friends of ours went to Sri Lanka in September and had a great trip.

    • Sarah Wilkie

      December 30, 2025 at 09:53 Reply

      Thank you Carol 🙂 We’re really looking forward to Sri Lanka – we originally planned to visit in 2021 but Covid limitations and then later civil unrest delayed our plans, so we’re pleased to be finally going!

  • Suzanne

    December 29, 2025 at 23:22 Reply

    Wonderful highlights, Sarah. One of the positives of living in the Northern Hemisphere is the short distance to immerse yourself in a totally new culture. Sicily and Helsinki look amazing and places I would visit. Happy New Year.

  • Teresa

    December 29, 2025 at 21:38 Reply

    Another year that was fun and busy. I could see you doing lots more for next year. Excited to hear more about your future travels. I hear that Sri Lanka is a fantastic place. I usually just go twice a year, I don’t think my body can do more. Have a great 2026, Sarah!

    • Sarah Wilkie

      December 30, 2025 at 09:49 Reply

      Thank you Teresa 🙂 We’re fortunate that living so close to Europe we can easily do several short trips in between longer ones, but like you we find two substantial trips (long-haul and/or long) is probably about right for the year. Wishing you and all your family all the very best for 2026 🥂

      • Teresa

        December 30, 2025 at 12:07 Reply

        So unlike us. After 4 hours of flight from Melbourne and we are atill in Australia. 🤣🤣🤣
        Hoping for the best to you and your family in 2026.

  • Marie

    December 29, 2025 at 19:36 Reply

    A wonderful round up and a lovely tribute to those who added to the pleasure of your travels –
    here’s to a great year ahead Sarah
    XXXMarie

  • Egídio

    December 29, 2025 at 19:25 Reply

    What a terrific year! I love these photos and had a hard time picking a favorite. I must say, though, that the Philippines and Italy were tied at the top. Gorgeous photos, Sarah.

    • Sarah Wilkie

      December 30, 2025 at 09:45 Reply

      Thank you very much Egidio 😊 Picking favourites is never obligatory but always much appreciated! Italy is my favourite European country but the Philippines and even more so the Arctic were the standout trips for me this year.

  • restlessjo

    December 29, 2025 at 17:49 Reply

    I have Sicily on my hit list for this year, Sarah (it’s been there for the last couple!) Can’t decide whether April/May or October/November (birthday trip). I fancied Malta for late in the year too, and Jude pointed out to me that I can ferry from one to the other. You didn’t do that? Anyway- give my love to Newcastle. We have some special friends there too and haven’t seen them for a couple of years. Wishing you a healthy, happy 2026 xx

    • Sarah Wilkie

      December 30, 2025 at 09:43 Reply

      We originally planned on the ferry, it was one reason we chose Sicily as a prequel to the Malta meet. But we were hiring a car at Catania Airport and there was a high additional cost to returning it elsewhere, and there was also the complexity (and further cost) of getting from the car drop-off to the ferry port, so in the end, somewhat reluctantly, we decided we would need to drive back to Catania from Syracusa to drop off the car and fly to Malta. But if you can get the logistics right, starting and finishing in the south of Sicily, it could be a great option. And I found the May weather perfect – warm and sunny but not too hot.

      Your love has duly been passed on to Newcastle 😀 If you do get to visit your friends in the future maybe that could be an opportunity to finally get together?! Meanwhile wishing you, Michael and all your family all the very best for 2026 Sx

  • margaret21

    December 29, 2025 at 17:10 Reply

    As ever, and action packed year, Though your Arctic visit remains the one that made the most impression on me, much as I enjoy all your posts about your travels. I’m looking forward to finding out what 2026 brings you … apart from Sri Lanka … and Liverpool.

  • Sue

    December 29, 2025 at 16:38 Reply

    Well, another brilliant year of travel adventures! I have to say, I totally agree that part of the pleasure lies in having the memories of the sights seen and experiences lived to look back on later….keeping me sane now

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