Fernweh (The Love of Traveling)

Friends, it seems I have come down with a major case of Fernweh.

What is Fernweh, you ask? Basically, it’s the German equivalent of wanderlust. And I’ve got it bad.

I’ve always loved to travel, but ever since my trip to Europe in October, it’s become a passion. So much so that I would label it as being only one tiny step below an obsession.

Now I find myself constantly planning adventures. Last month, my boyfriend and I spent four days in Portland, Oregon exploring the city and the fabulous local cuisine. This, of course, included sampling several breweries. The beer and elk burger at Deschutes Brewery? To die for. At Rogue Distillery and Public House, I ate what may as well have been a heart attack on a bun. My burger consisted of a juicy quarter pound beef patty topped with pulled pork, bacon, and BBQ sauce.

I regret nothing.

Later this week, I’ll be heading to Las Vegas with two of my best friends from high school. We are planning on enjoying some much-needed girl time by the pool. And we’re seeing Britney Spears in concert. I am not ashamed to admit I am stupidly excited for that!

This summer, I’m hoping to head to Glacier National Park for a camping trip. That’s a must. It’s my favorite place in the whole world.

And I’ll cap off what’s sure to be a fantastic 2015 with a 12-day adventure to Hawaii and New Zealand in December. I can’t wait! Almost two weeks of snorkeling, hiking, camping, zip lining, canoeing, Lord of the Rings fangirling, and whatever other shenanigans I can come up with. It shall be Meredith’s Second Solo Travel Adventure! Just me and my brand new 75-liter backpack exploring new places and soaking up some of that southern hemisphere winter gloriousness. To channel my inner Cheryl Strayed, I think I need a name for my backpack… stay tuned for that.

2015, here I come!