As you all know, I can never sit still. Not only do I move around at least once a month because of medical school, but I also have the bad case of the travel bug.

2016 has taken me to many new places, places I never thought I’d ever be able to see. Places I never had even imagined, meeting new friends for a lifetime and making of course unforgettable memories. I thought 2015 was going to be hard to beat, but 2016 raised the bar even higher. 2017, where will you take me this year?

Click here to see My 2015 year of travel.

All photos are from my Instagram.

1. Ended 2015 singing for the Pope at the Vatican, and so began 2016

On the last day of 2015, we had the honour of singing for the Pope 😊 #papa #vivaelpapa #papafrancisco #Vaticano #vaticancity #Vatican #salanervi #salanervivaticano #pope #popefrancis #Rome #puericantores

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Dec 31, 2015 at 11:01am PST

 

2. Exploring the cold, cold Chicago with my newly-met relatives

If you plant this bean, would Chicago grow out? Hohoho #Chicago #bean #giantbean #mileniumpark

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jan 21, 2016 at 5:41am PST

 

3. Started my new life in a new medical school in a new city, Linköping, Sweden

So here is a somewhat recognizable silhouette of my photo on the water tower in Linköping, with my Instagram @fileea on the side with #linköpinglive! Thank you @visit_linkoping for choosing my photo and making my first month here definitely a memorable one! 😊 If anyone has/can get a clearer photo of the water tower please let me know 😂

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Feb 20, 2016 at 12:47am PST

 

4. Weekend escapade with friends to Tallinn, Estonia

Until another epic weekend Tallinn ✌🏽️ #tallinn #siljaline #tallink #tallinksilja #oldtowntallinn #overcamemyfearofheights #weekends

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Apr 10, 2016 at 8:55am PDT

 

5. As usual, I always seem to come back to Hong Kong

During my aimless walk around Hong Kong central, I notice a cute blonde guy holding a map doing the same in front of me. I continue walking and end up at Man Mo Temple. While exploring the temple, I notice the same guy taking photos in a corner. Now curious, on his way out, I decided to follow him a bit to see where he was going. I pass him and continue walking on the other side of the street. After a while, I look at the other side of the street and notice him walking directly parallel to me. I smiled, and turned to a side street of antiques. I reach a crossing by a main road and as I stop to turn around, I notice that he was directly behind me. We exchange smiles but unfortunately our eyes met for a final time, as the business of Hong Kong beckons one to always continue… If only I had the courage to say hi, perhaps I wouldn't be sitting all alone in Starbucks right now. I have 2h left here, maybe I'll see him again. But in a busy city like Hong Kong, one can only dream right? #solotravelatitsbest #manmotemple #hongkong #hk #solottravel #temple #samcation

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jun 19, 2016 at 10:22pm PDT

6. Explored the country of my birth Philippines solo for the first time in my life

Dear future husband, even though you're taking your sweet time, I've saved a seat for you right here beside me. 😊 #panglao #virginisland #bohol #beach #insearchofmrperfect #philippines #vacation #islofrancesco #ladolcevita

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jul 8, 2016 at 9:09am PDT

 

7. Oh, and I also learned how to surf in Baler, Philippines

If medschool fails I have a new plan B: retire to the beach with a surfboard and spread love to the world with my ukulele. Surfers are my new favourite type of people. 🌊🏄🏻 Photo and video creds to @lexyquevedo 😁✌🏽️#surfsup #philippines #balersurfschool #itsmorefuninthephilippines #waves #aurora #surf #surfing #baler

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jun 30, 2016 at 9:20am PDT

 

8. …and celebrated 20+ years of friendship with my childhood best friend Chy in Bohol, Philippines 🙂

Hello from Chy and I on our 20+ friendsary trip to Bohol! Can you spot Jesus and his apostles behind us? 😛 #panglao #bohol #isoladifrancesco #padrepio #padrepioisland #beach #philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #banka #vacation #jesus #apsotles #friendsary #BFF

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jul 8, 2016 at 12:40am PDT

 

9. Celebrated my sister’s 25th birthday in Iceland

Midnight swimming at the Blue Lagoon ❤️

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jul 23, 2016 at 6:18am PDT

 

10. Met the Pope together with 2 million other Catholic youths during the World Youth Days in Krakow, Poland

Best way to meet people in WYD? Just put out a selfie stick. #WYD2016 #selfiestick #WYD #krakow #honduras #catholic #sweden #worldyouthday

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Jul 26, 2016 at 3:47pm PDT

11. …and met the Pope again during the Swedish Papal visit in Malmö

My moment to shine during the Papal visit – waving a fish during the procession in Malmö Arena 🎣🐟🐠 #togetherinhope #elpapa #papafrancisco #bigfish

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Nov 1, 2016 at 12:48am PDT

 

12. Getting lost in translation in Tokyo, Japan

Getting lost in yet another city, another country. Sayonara Japan, until next time 🇯🇵✌🏽️#tokyo #japan #meiji #samsolotravel #samcation

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Nov 20, 2016 at 12:38am PST

 

13. Living the tropical paradise dream in Guam, USA

Looking out into infinity 🇬🇺🌊 #disviewdoe #dispooldoe #whenyoureasurgeonintheUSA #guam

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Dec 3, 2016 at 3:09am PST

 

14. Where I really did make memories and connections worth a lifetime

Ending my stay in Guam on a high note. Thank you guys for showing me around and giving me a sample of the real Guamanian island life. Big thank you to Jesse for being my loyal chaperone all the way. You da real MVP. ✌🏽️Next stop Sweden yes? 😁👌🏽#aguecove #whenyourfriendsarehotaf #guam #🇬🇺 #whydoihavetoleave #cryinginside #youguysbettervisit

A post shared by Sam (@samvsworld) on Dec 8, 2016 at 5:17am PST

 

I knew 2015 was going to be hard to beat, but 2016 delivered. But now comes 2017, my final year in medical school (if all goes as planned). Even though I know I’ll have a tough final year ahead, I have a feeling I’ll still end up getting lost in translation in a new city or on another beach in another tropical paradise. Or well, I hope so anyway.

To kickstart my 2017 year of travel, New York, see you in less than two weeks! 😀