Despite having this blog for a couple of years, I’ve never written a year in review before. So this is a first for me! I’m hoping that these posts will make more regular appearances on the blog (well, annually anyway).
So let’s get into it!
2022 was an eventful and newsworthy year, but not always for the right reasons. In the UK, 2022 marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth; frequent political changes and uproar; yet another Coronavirus variant (Omicron); the hottest heatwave on record; the cost of living crisis, and strikes galore. While globally, Russia invaded Ukraine; floods devastated Pakistan; and the Supreme Court turned over women’s constitutional right to abortion (not so supreme after all…).
On a personal level, there were trials and tribulations along the way too. Cancelled plans; financial troubles; career difficulties; (many) job rejections; and loved ones tackling tough times, to name a few.
Thankfully, the negatives were balanced out by plenty of positive moments which I would much rather focus on! I think it’s important to recognise life’s lows, however, these posts are an opportunity to look back and shine a spotlight on some of my fondest memories of the year. Including little things like days out exploring food stalls in my hometown, or taking my mum to her first-ever concert!
London
Enjoying the little moments was a theme throughout the year. Since I didn’t have many trips planned for the early months of the year having returned from Iceland in the backend of 2021, I wanted to make the most of an amazing city that I already have access to!
I spent a good amount of time cycling around the city to check out photo spots around London and on the outskirts of London. Having treated myself to a camera, I was excited to test it out as much as possible!
I also made it my mission to try foods from as many different places as possible! Some of the highlights included markets in Shoreditch, Tooting Market, Borough Market, and Mercado Metropolitano. While some of my top restaurants in 2022 included Dishoom, Bancone, Brasserie Zedel, Bao Noodle Shop, and Amaya.
In terms of entertainment in London, music played an important part (as always). I predominantly followed house, techno, and drum and bass music at the likes of Brixton O2 Academy, Electric Brixton as well as visiting Printworks, Alexandra Palace and KOKO Camden for the first time. Though the highlight was taking my mum to her first-ever concert at Wembley Arena and watching her have an amazing time.
I also tried out some new activities, including going to the theatre for the first time in over 10 years and exploring galleries and art exhibitions. Unfortunately, I think it will probably be another 10 years before I revisit a theatre, but the art I enjoyed!
Travel in 2022
My 2022 numbers looked like this: 4 flights, 1 Eurostar, 1 ferry, 1 road trip, and 2 new countries (Ireland and the Netherlands).
It was perhaps a quieter year for travel than I would’ve hoped, but nonetheless filled with some amazing adventures! Particularly since I made the decision to save up my annual leave to take an extended trip to Central America in January 2023.
NC500 in Scotland
April marked my first trip of 2022. It felt like a lifetime since my previous escape. Two close friends and I ventured to Scotland to take on the Northcoast 500. This had been something we were all eager to do for a long time, but never got around to organising. If you’ve checked out any of the photos from the trip, you will see that it didn’t disappoint!
We rented a converted van from our starting point in Aberdeen and hit the road. It was a jam-packed adventure spent hiking, kayaking, and taking in the sights that the Scottish Highlands have to offer. The trip also included the best pie I’ve ever had in Lochinver. We were lucky enough to see puffins, seals, and plenty of highland cows and SOMEHOW it only rained once!
Our NC500 adventure was full of laughs, with unexpected cycle races, ‘shatterproof surfaces’ shattering into a million pieces, snowy tumbles, and soggy packed lunches. It turned out to be a trip that we all really needed!
Peak District
In May, I spent a few days in Birmingham as well as holidaying in the Peak District.
I’ve found that sometimes the best way to catch up with friends that you don’t see regularly is to organise a short getaway together. It saves anyone from the pressure of hosting and becomes a more memorable experience for everyone!
After one friend got the dates wrong and turned up a day late (don’t ask…), we took on some great walks. Hiking to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District was stunning, while almost getting blown off Chrome Hill by the wind was an experience!
The Netherlands
In July, I visited the Netherlands for the very first time! When planning, the trip was initially meant to be a long weekend. However, after getting carried away, 3 days somehow turned into 10… I don’t regret it though!
I enjoyed exploring Amsterdam on my own for a few days. It reminded me of how much I enjoy solo travel and the freedom that comes with it. I went on a boat tour of the canals, visited the Rijksmuseum, and wandered wherever I wanted.
After that, I took the train to Maastricht to meet up with an old travel friend. We initially met in Thailand in 2019, so it was great to catch up and have a local’s insight into the city! The transport system in the Netherlands is infinitely better than the UK, and I felt like a kid when I saw their double-decker trains!
The trip concluded with Liquicity Festival in Geesterambacht which I can only describe this as 3 days of fun in the sun! Unfortunately, the July heatwave caused our Eurostar home to be cancelled meaning we caught the 18-hour overnight ferry to Newcastle instead. Though frustrating, we made the best of the situation and it was a fitting end to another great trip.
Ireland
In September I visited Ireland, spending a few days in Dublin followed by a few more in Kilkenny.
We visited the classic sights of the capital including the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar. I soon realised that I couldn’t keep up with the pace of my Irish counterpart.
Kilkenny wasn’t the most exciting place I have ever visited, but it had a quiet and homely atmosphere which I appreciated. After my time in Dublin, it was good to have some time to relax by wandering around, exploring the independent cafes, and learning about their history.
The Blog
In terms of Matt’s Next Steps, the latter half of 2022 has been really pivotal for me. After an extended hiatus from writing, something clicked and I decided to get back into it! I don’t recall exactly what pushed me over the edge and back into writing again, but I’m glad it happened.
I had always intended to return to the blog as I like having an ongoing project to work towards. But unfortunately, there was always something stopping me or getting in the way.
Since I’ve overcome the hurdle, the number of both visitors and pageviews on Matt’s Next Steps have reached their highest figures yet. Following a drop in pageviews in 2021, this was really good to see. Plus, it has given me more motivation now I know that something is working (even if the number of views isn’t very high).
Looking forward to 2023
As mentioned, I will be heading to Central America in January. I’m planning to visit Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, none of which I have been to before!
Money and leave dependent, I would also like to visit a few other countries in Europe. My mind will probably change again before I book anything, but currently Belgium, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Georgia are all strong contenders!
Whatever happens, 2023 sounds like it will be one to look forward to!
Before you go
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Thank you for reading and wishing everyone a fantastic 2023! Let me know your highlights from this year and if you have any travel plans for 2023 in the comments section.
No Comments