If you’ve been keeping up with my travels on Twitter and Instagram recently, you’ll know I’ve made it to Hungary, my 30th country. I’m currently sat at the Budapest Terrace bar, working my way through a celebratory bottle of Boszorkány white wine, watching the sun go down over this beautiful city.
I’m not sure if my fellow terrace drinkers can tell by the expression on my face, but I’m sat here feeling slightly smug and immensely proud. I’m not smug because the wine only costs £13 for the whole bottle (with views this spectacular, I’d easily expect to pay £25/bottle in London). Or smug because I’ve reached a whopping 1,700 followers on my Instagram account over the last few weeks – though obviously I’m elated by that.
It’s because this trip is a special one for me: Hungary is the 30th country I’ve visited, signifying the end of my “30 before 30” challenge. I’ve been to 30 different countries around the world, and I’ve managed to visit them all before reaching my third decade on this planet.
The bottle of wine isn’t the only thing I’ve treated myself to though: I have used the majority of my Avios points to pay for my 4 star hotel in Budapest. And last night I pushed the boat out and munched my way through a packet of Haribo gummie bears from the mini bar in my hotel room (though not before checking the price using my trusty XE currency conversion app – they were only £1.66, so not too much of a splurge). Having previously worked for MoneySavingExpert, this is something I’d never normally do, and the money-saver in me did say “no way, put them back this instant”, but my heart said “fuck it, you’ve earned this”.
Because I made it. And I made it a whole 13 days before my 30th birthday, too. I’ve managed to complete my self-set challenge to visit a whopping 30 countries before I turn 30, despite everything that’s happened in recent months and my sudden return to Reading.
How does it feel to complete my mission?
Well, as I walked through Budapest airport at 8am yesterday morning, I won’t lie, I felt a little downbeat. There was no fanfare, there were no banners or balloons and/or confetti coming down from the ceiling to congratulate me on reaching this massive travel milestone. Not that I expected any of those things, but I think I expected to feel them metaphorically, inside.
Instead I just felt extremely tired, annoyed and worried that I’d get a bad rating for my first experience with Airbnb (which is another story for another post). It was raining, I was wearing shorts and a vest, so feeling very inadequately dressed – and I really couldn’t be arsed with carrying my heavy hand luggage across the city, negotiating a bus, a train, a tram and then another bus from the airport. Travel was cheap though – the equivalent of just £4 for a whole 24 hours of public transport.
It was 10am when I arrived at my hotel, and though the check-in wasn’t until 3pm, the receptionist Jonathon took pity on me and let me have the room early for free (I can only imagine how bad I looked, as I’d avoided mirrors at all costs after about 3am). But after a few hours sleep on one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept on, I woke up feeling much more positive. If I get a bad Airbnb review, so what? It’s not the end of the world. I’ve made it to 30 countries.
Over the last 30 years I’ve travelled around the planet, ticking off countries from my bucket list (and those that weren’t), seeing some incredible sights, making some fabulous friends and experiencing things that some people could only only ever dream of.
Last night I took some time out from exploring. Instead of rushing straight out into a new city, I took some time to relax and rest, reflecting on everything that’s happened and all the places I’ve been since starting my challenge back in January 2016.
Feeling nostalgic, I flicked through my Instagram feed looking at pictures from my recent travels to Jordan, Mexico and Cyprus, and then further back to my first solo travel escapade to Oslo in Norway, then Colombia where I fell in love with Cartagena, and Puerto Rico where I let all inhibitions go and just ziplined my way into the Guinness Book of Records.
I was suddenly overcome with a huge feeling of privilege. How many people can say they’ve been to 30 countries before they’re 30 years old? Well, according to research by Hostelworld.com, the average UK adult has travelled to just 10 countries, with the majority of these being European countries. But I’ve tripled that, and am only really an adult on paper (my friends will definitely agree that I act much younger than my 30 years).
So what’s next, now I’ve completed my challenge?
I’m really not sure. I have a trip booked to Iceland in December – so I’ll be ticking that off my bucket list. But for now, I’m happy to just relax, go with the flow and see where my travels take me. After all, some of the best trips I’ve had have been those that are unplanned…
Congratulations on your challenge Becca! You’ve done some amazing things and taken some brilliant photos. Much respect for your adventurous spirit! xx
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Thanks so much Jodie! :-* hope to see you soon xx
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Oh my goodness well done! Yay for managing to do your 30 before 30 that is such an achievement and how beautiful does Hungary look!
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Budapest is a really beautiful city – I’m so pleased that I ended on Hungary for my 30 countries before 30! Now for the next challenge… x
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So glad you got to see all 30, but I also totally understand the deflated feeling after you have accomplished your goals.
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Yeah, I’m glad that I managed all 30 – but I did feel a little underwhelmed when I reached Hungary 😦 those feelings soon faded when I began exploring the city though! It’s such a beautiful place x
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30th country – wow! What a fab achievement and Hungry is gorgeous too 🙂 x
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Thank you – it really is a beautiful country x
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Congratulations! And if I don’t see you online before, have a wonderful 30th birthday! Hungary, and that wine, and that view, look incredible 🙂
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Thank you so much! Not long til the big day – I’ll be spending it in Bournemouth with my besties, so I’m sure they’ll be a few pics on Insta 😉 x
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Happy birthday! Budapest is a wonderful city to spend your birthday in! I have turned 30 a week ago as well but I have completed my 30 before 30 countries list long time ago, and I didn’t even noticed 🙂
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Thanks Joanna! It wasn’t actually my birthday while I was there (that’s this coming weekend) – but well done on also completing your 30 before 30 travel list x
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Congrats on reaching your 30 countries, I actually need to add up everywhere I’ve been and see how many I’ve been to. Budapest is one of my favourite cities so I am so glad you got to experience it x
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Budapest is one of my favourite cities too now! I’d love to know how many countries you’ve been to Rhian 🙂 and any suggestions for my next travel challenge? x
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Congrats on reaching your milestone! What an amazing achievement and I have to say Budapest is one of my favourite cities in Europe x
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Thanks Stephanie – it’s an incredible city, I can’t wait to go back 🙂 but there are so many other places I want to visit first! x
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Well done on completing the challenge, so exciting! I might do one for myself like this, but I’m not sure I could achieve 30 before 30!
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Thanks my lovely! Definitely set yourself some goals to work for – just be realistic x
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Your trip looks amazing! Congratulations on your Instagram milestone! xx
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Thanks Stephanie! Here’s to the next big milestone, 2,000 followers! Have tasked myself with reaching that by the end of July – hopefully that’s achievable! x
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Congratulation on your Milestone and It looks that you had a great time there has fun!
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I had so much fun Angela – thank you! x
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Woo woooo! 30 countries is an amazing achievement, and you are so lucky to have been able to do it! Maybe your next challenge can be 60 before 60? (And take me with you.)
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We should definitely go on a trip together somewhere, it would be so fun! xx
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Yes!!! xxx
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Congratulations on achieving your goal! Definitely worth a smug smile and a bottle of wine. Budapest looks fantastic, would love to visit!
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Thanks so much Jemma! I’m so pleased I managed it! x
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Congrats for making it to 30 countries. I went to.hungry for 24 hours a few years ago and have always wanted to go back. We went in November and all I remember is the cold and the stunning views from the statue of liberty x
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Thanks so much Steph – I definitely think you need to go back there, it’s such a beautiful city x
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Wow! Your 30th country- this is awesome! Congratulations! Budapest is a beautiful city. You took lovely pictures.
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Thanks so much Lauretta – it is such a beautiful city, I’ll definitely be going back soon x
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Amazing! My mum and dad have been and absolutely loved it. I am hoping to do a weekend in late September. That is an awesome achievement, think I am on 26!
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Ooooh nearly at 30 Annie! I hope you make it to Budapest, it’s an amazing city x
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A big congratulations to you! Most of us only make lists and plans and never achieve even half what you have. Good for you! I can’t wait to see where the next decade takes you. x
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Ahhh that’s so sweet, thank you Yaya! :-* I’m so pleased I managed it – I was so close to giving up, but I’m glad I can say I achieved it! xx
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A huge congratulations love, I turn 30 next week and for the 30th country on my birthday I will be off to dubai to celebrate in style. I am glad to have done this challenge and though technically I have been to 35 countries I removed a couple as I didnt experience anything in some of them.
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I’m actually 30 this coming Saturday, and will be spending it with my besties in Bournemouth for a night of drunken debauchery 😛 but a massive yay to us for managing to complete our 30 before 30s x
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Well done for completing your 30 before 30 goal! We’d love to visit Budapest so no wonder you were feeling smug x
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It’s a beautiful city Isabella – I hope mummy gets to take you there sometime x
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I have absolutely loved reading about your travels! And Budapest is a perfect one to end on, I visited last Sept and found it to be a beautiful and amazing place. Congratulations for reaching your milestone…. why not extend it further and do 40 before 40?? 😀
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Awww, thank you for the support Tanya 🙂 as you know, it’s not been easy the last few months, but I’m so glad I made it 🙂 I think 40 before 40 would be too easy though – that’s only a new country every year… I want a more difficult challenge 😛 x
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Incredible! Travel is the best education 🙂 Budapest is on my bucket list…thanks to your post it has moved up a couple of notches.
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I agree – travel is totally the best education! In fact I even wrote an article about that here: https://alwayscarryon.com/2017/07/08/what-travelling-has-taught-me/ and Budapest is a beautiful place, I definitely recommend it! x
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Oh super! I will definitely check out your article. Thanks for the link 🙂
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No problem – enjoy! 👍🏻
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Wow what a great achievement. I’m sorry you didn’t feel the fan fare at first but that you finally got the feeling of accomplishment. I’m so jealous, and feel like I need to give myself a challenge before my 30th as I have 14 months till that milestone. And happy birthday for the day itself
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Thanks so much Tanya – my actual birthday is this coming Saturday, so I’m pleased that I managed to finish my challenge ahead of time. The fanfare feeling didn’t come straight away, which I was a bit surprised by – but by the end of my trip to Hungary, I was feeling massively elated 🙂 x
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So lucky! What has been your favourite country out of all of the 30? And your least favourite?
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Portugal was probably my least favourite, but then it was a family holiday when I was 15 and we didn’t explore much. My most favourite is hard, as I liked so many of them for lots of reasons. Colombia is amazing, and I’d love to go back. Similarly, Mexico – I feel like there’s still so much tp see in both countries. Jordan and Morocco are mesmerising places, so different to others I’ve been to… It’s so hard to chose just one! x
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Congrats on country #30 and not a bad place to celebrate! I LOVE Budapest!
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It’s a fabulous city isn’t it?! I’m already making plans to go back in August x
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Congratulations, Becca! I am only at country #16 hahaha. Are you excited for Iceland? Have you made plans yet?
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Thanks so much Justine! I’m so proud of myself for smashing my target 🙂 16 is still a great number – that’s double what most people see in a lifetime.
And yep, super excited for Iceland, though it’s not until December. I haven’t even begun to make plans for it yet, other than book the flights and hostel 😛 any recommendations? x
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Congratulations! 30 countries by 30 is a lovely achievement, I have only been to 5 so far
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Thanks so much! There’s always time to visit more Melissa 🙂 x
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Definitely something to be proud of 🙂 Think I’m gonna have to aim for 35 countries by the time I’m 35 😉 I’m 32 already and still have a long way to go! Great going girl!
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35 by 35 would be good! 3 years to cram how many more in though? It’s definitely achievable I’m sure, especially if you’re travelling through Europe x
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Well done Becca for completing your challenge, it always feels good to achieve a big goal! I also totally agree that some of the best trips are the ones that are unplanned. Happy travels 🙂
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Thanks so much Lisa! Yep, the unplanned, impromptu trips always seem to be the best – I think because you have no expectations so aren’t let down by anything x
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Now I need to list out all the countries I have been to!
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How many do you think it totals Gigi? x
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Oops I haven’t been to any country, but I always love when people say about thier travels and how fun it was. Thanks for sharing this
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I hope you will travel soon!
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Thanks.. I hope so too🙂
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wow well done for completing the challenge 🙂 I really wanna visit Hungary!
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Thanks Kristina! I know I’ve only just got back, but I’m already making plans and want to go back! X
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Oh my goodness – your 30th country!! That’s amazing. I’m travelling at the moment and I love it. There is nothing better! x
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Thanks Amy! Ooooh exciting, where are you, where are you going next, and what have you been up to? I love a good travel chat 😊 x
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OMG that’s amazing! 30 countries! so great! I have never been to Hungary but I bet it’s amazing! xx corinne
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I’d definitely recommend it as a country worth visiting! x
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What fun photos! I’d love to go here. I’m impressed that you’ve been to 30 countries before 30.
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Thanks Amber – I hope you make it to Hungary at some point! x
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these are all really fun photos, wow your 30th country how exciting. now I need to figure out where i have been and where i need to go soon!
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Haha thanks Andrea! x
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Congratulations on 30 countries! I bet Hungary is beautiful! I’d love to go there one day!
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Maybe you’ll make it to Hungary one day Jessica 🙂 x
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What an amazing experience for you! I personally (and sadly) have yet to travel anywhere outside the US.
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I hope you get to travel one day! x
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Congrats! You have done a great thing to accomplish you mission. It also sounds like a great experience.
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I feel so proud of myself that I have accomplished it! x
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Congratulations on making it to your 30th country! This seems like such a fun place!
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Thanks Nicole – I had a great time in Hungary 🙂 x
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Wow. What a great milestone and what great memories you must be making. So glad that you are sharing your journey with the world.
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Thanks! I hope you’ll continue to follow my travels 🙂 x
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30 before 30? That’s amazing! I doubt most adults in the US could match the 10 countries most adults in the UK have visited. That must be a benefit to living in the UK. I’ve been to 6, and I think I’m one of the lucky few in my area. Many of my friends have never left the US. That’s cool that you’ve been able to travel so much!
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It’s true, but you have so many states that you can explore! And the US is so huge! I’d love to see more of it 🙂 x
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Congrats on visiting 30 countries before your 30th birthday. Hungary seems like it was fun to celebrate in and you have to be proud to have completed your challenge to yourself. Thanks for sharing all your amazing experiences.
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Thanks Rebecca – I am massively proud of my achievement, and Hungary was a beautiful country! x
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Congratulations for reaching Hungary! 30 countries and more of your adventures. Where is your next stop?
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Well… I shouldn’t have, but I’ve actually just booked a hotel in the Dominican Republic for October! Eeeeek! x
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Congrats on hitting 30!!!! I am currently on number 32 and am gunning for 40 🙂 Keep up your travels I cant wait to hear more about them ❤
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Oh wow, a big congrats to you too! Will start following your travels too 🙂 x
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30 countries! I love to travel, and need to set a similar goal for myself. Maybe I can hit 40 by 40. Can’t wait to see where you end up next!
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Do it Melanie, it’s so much fun to have a target to work towards! x
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Congrats on achieving your 30 before 30 challenge! I’m impressed. It’s so cool that you’ve travel to so many countries. Budapest looks like a beautiful place to visit. So much fun!
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Thanks so much Sharon – I’m so happy I achieved my target! x
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Congrats on achieving your goal! I’ve only been to two foreign countries.
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Thank you – I’m so proud of myself for smashing my target! x
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Looks like a beautiful place to visit. 30 countries that is amazing.
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Thanks Cynthia – I got there in the end 😉 x
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Are you on a Euro tour? If so, how cool! I haven’t been to Hungary yet.
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Not on a Euro tour, no – have never really “toured” anywhere except a week doing the Golden Triangle in India. Hungary was my 30th country in my challenge to visit 30 countries before I turned 30…
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I’ve been to Hungary!! I love it ah! So so beautiful. Glad you had such a nice trip!
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Thanks Nicolet – I agree, it’s a great country 🙂 x
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I love what you do. I am also a wanderlust, hoping to see the whole world before I get old.
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Thank you!
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Hungary looks like such a beautiful country! It is somewhere I would love to travel to and hopefully soon I will be planning more international travels.
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wow great for you, on wards to your next goals and dont worry the deflated feeling will abate
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Wow, 30 countries?!?!?! That’s amazing and so exciting that you get to travel so much. Budapest is on my bucket list too. I want to visit even more after reading about your trip!
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This is such a life goal! I hope that someday I could tick off the countries on my bucketlist under places to visit! Congratulations on your 30th country!! You’ve come a long way!!
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This is such an amazing accomplishment. Thirty countries is definitely something to brag about!
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Congradulations on visiting 30 countries! I need to explore more around the world.
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I love the fact that there is a 24-hour travel card for Budapest. There are so many places to visit and so many places to eat at that time!
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We went to Budapest when my little girl was 6, she is nearly 9 now and it remains one of her favourite cities to visit
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Congrats on making it out to Hungary, your thirtieth country. That is very impressive. I would love to be able to travel like that. Besides, the wine and that great view are worth it for the trip alone. Very cool.
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Well done on managing your 30 before 30, what a great thing to say you’ve done! Seems like a wonderful trip x
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