Savoring culinary culture in Southern California. One of my favorite venues was Wilma and Friedas Cafe in Palm Desert, serving made-from-scratch grandmother approved-style comfort foods done in a farm-to-fork fashion in a cozy urban farm space. Read more about this and other delicious SoCal restaurants .

Hiking Indian’s Nose in Guatemala at sunset was my favorite experience from entire trip. You can partake in this from San Pedro on Lake Atitlan.

A dreamy day on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, an amazing place for travelers wanting to get away from it all, especially with the beautiful backdrop of volcanoes.

Bushwick, my home neighborhood in Brooklyn, is full of amazing street art, most sponsored by the Bushwick Collective. Every week I discover more colorful works near my home. The best place to explore street art in Bushwick is down Troutman near the Jefferson L subway stop. Exploring this area is one of the many avant-garde things to do in Bushwick .

One of my favorite beach trips for 2014 was the Cayman Islands, specifically Little Cayman and Cayman Brac — away from the more popular Grand Cayman. One of my favorite parts of the trip was learning about the lionfish epidemic on the islands , and what locals are doing to stop it. This photo was taken at Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman, a major player in the fight to defend native marine habitats from invasive lionfish.

In December 2014, I finally conquered my bucket list item of visiting Arizona’s Grand Canyon, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. In terms of natural beauty and hiking opportunities , the site lived up to the hype and then some. This photo was taken on the South Rim, near to the Bright Angel Trailhead.

Hiking and cycling my way through Kerala, India was an amazing experience. It was a highlight of my year, not only because I love active travel, but because it was a type of travel I didn’t know was possible in the country. This photo was taken in Athirapally, walking down the road near the Rainforest Hotel.

November 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution in Leipzig, one of the catalysts that led to the falling of the Berlin Wall (whose 25th anniversary was December 2014). To mark the anniversary, Leipzig held their biggest annual Festival of Lights yet, with people walking the same route protestors did in 1989. Art, music and light installations helped tell the story of the event in inspirational and creative ways.

E xploring Portland, Oregon, through the palate was a highlight of 2014 — especially for my Instagram. I could barely keep up with the all the aesthetically-pleasing dishes brought out to me at eateries like Salt & Straw, Clyde Common, Blue Star Donuts, The Driftwood Room and Ned Ludd. The above photo is of Bim Bop, Tasty & Adler’s take on the Korean Bi Bim Bap.

Part of the above-mentioned hiking and cycling trip through Kerala, India was summiting Meesapulimala , the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats at 2640 meters (1,640 feet). The panoramic mountain, rainforest and town views from the top gorgeous. Moreover, the hike led me to the world’s highest organic tea garden. Called the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, it sits at an altitude of 6,500 to 8,000 feet (1,981 to 2,438 meters).

A sunset view from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in California. The Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram cars, offering a 10-minute, 2.5-mile trip that takes you to an elevation of 8,516 feet. At the top, sip a cocktail or nosh on tapas at their restaurant and bar and enjoy views of California ‘s Coachella Valley.

Sipping a Schlenkerla Doppelbock from Bamberg, Germany with the Sommelier Society of America in NYC. It’s a smoked beer, made with malt killed with oak wood for a multi-layered smoke flavor. To me, it’s like drinking bacon — in a good way! Note: For those who don’t know, I became a certified sommelier this year!

My magical hammock hut on the water in Colombia’s Tayrona National Park . This was our view at the end of a 2-hour hike to Cabo San Juan, the popular camping beach spot in the park. Highly recommended, especially as the aerial hammocks are only $12 USD per night!