I first found out about the #Take12Trips challenge on Twitter when Mel at Footsteps on the Globe posted her plans for 2017. What a great idea to encourage us to go ahead and make those plans we’ve been struggling to get around to, or to realise the value in even just doing a day trip somewhere new. I know there are a bunch of places even close to home in London that I’ve just never been to!

The #Take12Trips challenge was started by Clare from Need Another Holiday. Clare is a working mum with a young family and a thirst for travel, so she started the #Take12Trips challenge in 2013 as a way to make the most of holidays and weekends. Since then it’s really taken off and I’m excited to be joining in this year!

So here’s how I’m getting on with planning my 12 trips for 2017…

1. Skiing in Garmisch, Germany

So my first trip has already happened! Mark and I went skiing with some friends earlier in January in Garmisch, Germany. It was my first skiing trip and I had such a fantastic time and can’t wait to go again. Perhaps that will be one of my 12 trips in 2018…

2. Spa weekend

Mark and I were planning to visit the Spa at Clivedon House which we’ve heard is meant to be really lovely, but it looks like it’s currently closed for renovation so we’re going to look for an alternative.

3. Harrogate, Yorkshire

In April I’m going to be at a conference in Harrogate and will be staying at the Old Swan which looks like a really lovely old hotel. I’m not sure how much of Harrogate I’ll be able to see as I’ll be busy with the conference, but this challenge should help me make time to mooch around and it’s such a lovely place I’m sure I’ll have photos to share.

4. Japan

My good friend, Tomomi, is Japanese and lives just outside of Tokyo. In May she’s getting married and Mark and I are so excited to be going to her wedding! The plan is to be in Tokyo for a few days for the wedding before heading south and stopping off at a few places along the way. So far we have our flights booked to Tokyo and back from Fukuoka so we now need to decide where we want to stay in between! Any recommendations welcome!

5. Newry, Northern Ireland

Another couple of our friends are getting married in June in Warrenpoint near Newry, Northern Ireland. I’ve never actually been to Northern Ireland before so this will be a first and the location for their wedding looks gorgeous!

6. Naples, Italy

Also in June, we’re going away to Naples with my parents. We went to the Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition together a couple of years ago and now we’ve decided to go and see them for real! And this time there will be pizza!

7. New Forest, South East England

I found out about the New Forest Shepherd Huts when browsing Instagram where I came across a post from Caroline from All That I’m Eating. They looked so charming and cosy so I’m going to take Mark there for our anniversary and for his Christmas present. I’m expecting a cosy hut with a log fire, lovely walks (weather-permitting of course) and spending some time in the lovely pub nearby.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Mark and I went to Iceland a couple of years ago in winter and it was so magical! The volcanic landscape is stunning all year round so this year we’re hoping to see what it’s like in the summer.

9. Atlanta, USA

In August I’ll be going to another conference, this time in Atlanta. It’ll be my first time visiting the city so, again, any recommendations welcome!

10. The Cotswolds, England

In August, we’re planning to head to a nice cottage in the Cotswolds with my family including my nephew and, by then, his little brother which will be loads of fun.

11. New York, USA

New York has been on my bucket list for quite some time now and since I’ve started travelling to DC more with my job it’s crazy that I’m often soooo close! Mark and I are planning to go this year and I can’t wait! I’ve seen so many blogs and Instagram posts with all of the amazing things to see and places to eat. It’s going to be incredible!

12. Warwick, England

I’m probably going to be at another conference in September, this time in Warwick, which will be really nice as I haven’t been in years. I’m not sure I remember doing any of the central sights so it’ll be nice to have a wander around if I get some spare time.

So that’s my #Take12Trips challenge – are you going to join?