We’re in that quiet period between the Christmas festivities and the fresh beginnings of the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, to think about the adventures and challenges, the excitement of discovering new places, and the cherished moments spent with loved ones. Here’s a look back at my travels in 2015.

We kicked off the year with a weekend at Red Doors Farm in Devon, staying in charming 500-year-old thatched cottages. My teenage son and his friends enjoyed the indoor swimming pool and feeding the farm animals. We also explored a nearby hill fort and took a refreshing walk along the beach at Lyme Regis, where we spotted fossils on the ammonite pavement at low tide.

In February, I flew to India with Jet Airways for a week off the beaten path. I spent some time in Bangalore but mainly visited a local charity in Andhra Pradesh that I support. I experienced Bollywood-style dances in local schools, shared countless cups of tea with nuns, inaugurated a new water purification plant, and presented new sewing machines to a women’s tailoring class. This trip reinforced the idea that giving to those in need enriches your own life.

We spent a magical weekend with friends at the Dreamcatchers house from St Mawes Retreats in Cornwall, overlooking the Fal estuary. From our bedrooms, we watched tankers pass St Anthony’s lighthouse and the St Mawes ferry head to Falmouth. We explored the harbor and enjoyed a Cornish pasty and ale in Falmouth’s quaint streets.

I won a stay in an apartment with Go with Oh through a fundraiser and chose to spend a few days in Venice with my family. We visited tourist spots like the Doge’s Palace but found the quieter neighborhoods more enjoyable. We loved the modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim and took a boat tour with Walks of Italy, climbing the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore for stunning views. The food was a bit disappointing, but I have tips on how to avoid bad meals in Venice.

For the Social Travel Britain conference, I stayed at Sarum College inside Salisbury Cathedral. The weekend included a walking tour of the cathedral, a private viewing of Magna Carta, and a visit to Edward Heath’s old residence. The highlight was a sunrise visit to Stonehenge, where we were allowed to walk within the stone circle, a privilege not available to most tourists.

In Lloret de Mar, Spain, I spoke at the TBEX conference and explored the town’s history. I enjoyed walking around the older squares and along the rocky coast path. The Museu del Mar revealed the town’s connections to Cuba, and I tasted Daiquiri cocktails, a local favorite. The Santa Clothilde gardens, overlooking the sea, were a peaceful retreat.

I returned to Copenhagen in June with my daughter for the opening of the newly renovated Absalon Hotel. We interviewed Tricia Guild, Creative Director of Designers Guild, and tried new restaurants and cocktails. We also stayed at the spa hotel Kurhotel Skodsborg, enjoying the pools and cooling off in the sea after saunas.

In the summer, I participated in Alpine Sports Week in Austria’s Wilder Kaiser region, trying out various mountain sports like high rope walking, canyoning, and mountain biking. It was a great opportunity to push my limits and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

We made our annual visit to Zakynthos, Greece, in July to see my sister, who runs two hotels there. We spent the week visiting beaches, swimming, and catching up on family news. My niece had opened a new Mediterranean restaurant, Anadalis, by the sea, which I highly recommend for a sunset dinner.

In August, we went on a cruise with Azamara Club Cruises, traveling from Athens to Istanbul with stops at Santorini, Mykonos, Patmos, and Kusadasi. The luxurious small ship experience focused on unique destinations, including a magical evening concert among the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

September took me back to Austria for a walking holiday with Headwater Holidays. Despite injuring my ankle, I enjoyed less strenuous walks and the beautiful mountain scenery. We watched a rifleman’s parade, explored the Leutasch Gorge, and admired the painted houses in Mittenwald.

We spent a few days in Luxembourg, discovering its charming, walkable city with great food, museums, and history. We also toured the Moselle wine region, enjoying delicious white wines and sparkling Cremant.

In November, we visited Heidelberg, Germany, for the Christmas Markets. We explored the town, visited the Neuburg Abbey Christmas Market, climbed to the castle, and enjoyed hearty German food and hot Glühwein.

My final trip of the year was to Le Havre with Brittany Ferries. The city, rebuilt after WWII, features modern 1950s architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights included a 1950s show flat, an 18th-century mansion, and the MUMA modern art museum with its impressive collection of Impressionist paintings.

Reflecting on the year reminded me of all the wonderful experiences I had. There’s much more to come in 2016, and I wish you Happy Travels for the year ahead.