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How do I sum up 2024 in journey? Busy. Possibly a bit too busy. 4 new international locations visited (Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Panama), a lot of exploration in much-loved international locations, and a few extremely enjoyable street journeys near house.
This was additionally the yr that I did a yr of recent Czech exploration — visiting a brand new vacation spot every month of the yr. From Liberec within the mountains to Valtice in South Moravia, I acquired to know my adopted nation SO a lot better this yr!
However as all the time, some locations are higher than others. Let’s check out the perfect of the perfect.
So what made the listing of my favourite new locations of 2024?
In 2012, I selected locations like Iceland, Montenegro, and South Africa.
In 2013, I selected locations like Japan, Berlin, and the Scottish Highlands.
In 2014, I selected locations like Sri Lanka, New Orleans, and Skellig Michael, Eire.
In 2015, I selected locations like Nicaragua, Albania, and Chicago.
In 2016, I selected locations like Puerto Rico, Alsace, and Western Australia.
In 2017, I selected locations like Ukraine, the Florida Keys, and St. Petersburg, Russia.
In 2018, I selected locations like Antarctica, Hokkaido, and St. Croix.
In 2019, I selected locations like Newfoundland, Georgia, and Lake Orta, Italy.
In 2020, I selected locations like Mexico Metropolis; Viñales, Cuba; and Vis, Croatia.
In 2021, I selected locations just like the Aeolian Islands, the Berkshires, and Valle d’Aosta, Italy.
In 2022, I selected locations like Naples, Martha’s Winery, and Guanajuato, Mexico.
In 2023, I selected locations like Ischia, Patagonia, and Perast, Montenegro.
As regular, I’m solely together with locations that I visited for the primary time in 2024 — in order that excludes locations that I’ve visited earlier than, together with Florence, Paris, and Korčula. One exception: the Second Time Round award.
Bhutan
There is no such thing as a place on this planet fairly like Bhutan — of COURSE I needed to put it on the high of my listing! I’ve been so inquisitive about this tiny Himalayan nation sandwiched in between India and Tibet, which stored itself remoted from the world for thus lengthy. It’s like going again in time in so some ways.
I really like how sustainability-minded Bhutan is, prioritizing the well being of the nation and the happiness of its residents earlier than chasing cash. Bhutan is such a peaceable vacation spot, the sort of place that makes you’re feeling extremely secure and relaxed all through your go to.
What stood out essentially the most for me in Bhutan was the gorgeous mountain surroundings — particularly attending to climb to Tiger’s Nest monastery — and the unimaginable fantastic thing about the standard Buddhist temples, which sadly I used to be not capable of {photograph}. I’ll keep in mind these rainbow colours eternally, although.
Easy methods to get to Bhutan: Fly one of many two nationwide airways, Druk Air or Royal Bhutan Airways, into Paro. I flew from Kathmandu, the closest main metropolis because the crow flies. You may also fly from New Delhi, Bangkok, or Singapore.
Smartest thing to do in Bhutan: Hike to Tiger’s Nest in your last day, when you’ve had loads of time to acclimatize to the altitude and get to know Bhutanese tradition. You’ll admire it way over in case you did it early on.
The place to remain in Bhutan: There are many resorts to remain in Bhutan at quite a lot of value factors. My private favourite was the Thimphu Deluxe Lodge, which had SUCH a snug mattress and a pleasant toilet.
Learn Extra: What’s it actually prefer to journey to Bhutan?
Loire Valley, France
I’m not a fortress individual — I get bored fairly shortly on fortress excursions. And maybe that’s what stored me from visiting the Loire Valley, the castle-filled area southwest of Paris, till this yr. However it seems that I completely beloved this place!
For those who’re on the lookout for small city allure in France, the Loire Valley has it in spades. That is the sort of French vacation spot you dream of, with tiny bakeries, fairly gardens, conventional properties, and lovely surroundings all through. And the truth that it’s so near Paris makes it tremendous accessible.
We primarily based in Amboise, a city with a number of castles and a few wealthy historical past involving Leonardo da Vinci, who truly died right here.
One other night time was spent in a chateau resort, which was so enjoyable (particularly since we had been the one visitors!). I discover that the Loire Valley is an efficient place for a calming itinerary, moderately than a busy journey.
Easy methods to get to the Loire Valley: You’re finest off flying into any of the Paris airports (although Orly is closest) and renting a automobile. There are some routes you will get there by prepare, however it’s actually useful to have a automobile there.
Smartest thing to do within the Loire Valley: Spend your day visiting completely different castles within the countryside and having fun with the gorgeous nation roads at a pleasant, languid tempo, having fun with loads of French delicacies all through your journey.
The place to remain within the Loire Valley: For those who’re trying to discover the Loire Valley for a couple of days, I like to recommend basing within the city of Amboise. However if you wish to keep in a chateau resort, I beloved our keep at La Borde en Sologne!
Learn extra: I wrote a bit in regards to the Loire Valley in my April 2024 recap.
Basque Nation, Spain
Visiting the Basque Nation of Spain has lengthy been a serious precedence of mine — and this yr, I lastly made it occur. Charlie and I, together with our associates Nick and Jack, road-tripped all around the Basque Nation and the adjoining Rioja area for 10 days.
I beloved how completely different that is a part of Spain is to different elements I’ve visited. A lot greener, extra mountainous, and a bit extra wet. Components of the Basque Nation seem like Scotland or Austria or Colorado. It’s a far cry from the desert of Andalusia.
And the FOOD. This is among the finest culinary areas on the planet, with cutting-edge dishes and a world-class pintxos tradition. The nights out listed below are about grabbing all types of bizarre pintxos and having fun with them whereas standing up, consuming loads of purple wine. Although truthfully, I used to be in all probability the largest fan of the ever-present anchovies and sizzling peppers skewers!
There may be a lot to like within the Basque Nation, and I discovered it so refreshing — such a unique and fascinating tradition. It additionally helped that Bilbao was a direct flight from Prague!
Easy methods to get to the Basque Nation: It’s finest to fly or take a prepare or bus to Bilbao; as soon as there, you may hire a automobile or discover by bus. San Sebastián has a small airport however is most simply accessed by a bus direct from Bilbao or Bilbao Airport.
Smartest thing to do within the Basque Nation: Eat, eat, eat. It’s all in regards to the pintxos crawls right here, particularly in San Sebastián.
The place to remain within the Basque Nation: Nowhere we stayed was significantly outstanding, however be sure to get a spot the place you don’t need to stroll to the opposite aspect of town to select up the keys, as we did in San Sebastián.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit in regards to the Basque Nation in my September 2024 recap — extra coming quickly!
Mikulov, Czech Republic
This yr I made a decision to go to one new place within the Czech Republic each month of 2024. And my favourite vacation spot by far was Mikulov! This small metropolis in South Moravia, a stone’s throw from the Czech border, has a lot of the allure of Český Krumlov, but with a fraction of the vacationers, almost all of them Czech.
South Moravia is wine nation, and right here’s a enjoyable reality — they hold a lot of the good things for themselves. And Mikulov is a wonderful place to attempt so lots of the wines, with loads of great eating places and wine bars.
The city is capped off by a stunning fortress, and also you received’t imagine how lovely it will get at golden hour! I used to be simply so stunned by all of the allure Mikulov needed to supply.
And in case you’re exploring the area, I additionally loved visiting Lednice Fortress (the uncommon fortress that I completely LOVED) and the city of Valtice with its wine cellars. And in case you’re driving from Prague to Vienna, or have a driver taking you that route, I’d positively suggest stopping right here to discover a bit.
Easy methods to get to Mikulov: For those who’re flying in, Vienna is the closest airport. For those who’re coming by public transit, you’re finest off taking a bus from Brno, which takes just a little over an hour. Whereas there’s a prepare station in Mikulov, this prepare line runs between small cities.
Smartest thing to do in Mikulov: This isn’t a city with a giant to-do listing: it’s all about having fun with the sensation it provides you. However I positively suggest strolling the grounds of the fortress within the golden gentle of late afternoon.
The place to remain in Mikulov: We stayed at Lodge Tanzberg, which I actually beloved and suggest. And the restaurant right here served the perfect meal we had in South Moravia.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit about Mikulov in my August 2024 recap.
Scottsdale, Arizona
When it got here time for my three finest associates from highschool and I to have fun our fortieth birthdays collectively, we knew we needed a enjoyable metropolis that was completely different from our regular New England haunts — and so we went to Scottsdale!
This was the right vacation spot for a four-day getaway — sure, even in June, when Scottsdale is at its hottest and most scorching. We spent our days museum-hopping, pool partying, and consuming SO a lot good meals!
Whereas lots of people assume that Scottsdale is for wealthy individuals, or primarily a spa-and-do-nothing vacation spot, there’s SO far more to discover right here. I used to be impressed by the wine scene and the art-oriented actions specifically.
Briefly, I’d completely love to come back again and see extra!
Easy methods to get to Scottsdale: Scottsdale is only a 20-minute drive from Phoenix’s airport. We discovered it straightforward to get round by Uber (and the occasional driverless Waymo!).
Smartest thing to do in Scottsdale: Go to Taliesin West! That is one in all Frank Lloyd Wright’s most well-known buildings, and it’s so cool to see the way it was constructed into the pure panorama. Get brunch and make-your-own Bloody Marys afterwards at Hash Kitchen.
The place to remain in Scottsdale: We stayed on the Lodge Valley Ho, which I completely beloved and would keep at once more in a heartbeat.
Learn extra: The Excellent Scottsdale Women’ Journey in 16 Steps
Ponza, Italy
After falling in love with so many Italian islands — like Ischia and the Aeolian Islands — I questioned if Ponza might even maintain a candle to the others.
My take? Ponza is a beautiful island in case you’re trying to chill out. Not fairly as fascinating or filled with issues to do as the opposite massive hitters, however a pleasant place to spend a couple of low-key days. The island is small, and you may discover by bike, or simply hand around in Ponza city.
Boat journeys are the large factor to do right here, and you may take them to one of many outlying islands — Palmarola or Zannone — or only a boat experience to essentially the most well-known seashore, Spiaggia di Frontone, which is simply accessible by water.
Ponza is positioned within the area of Lazio and is a well-liked getaway for Romans. For those who’re on the lookout for getting from Rome to Naples the enjoyable approach, I counsel you island-hop from the mainland to Ponza to Ventotene to Ischia to Naples!
Easy methods to get to Ponza: You possibly can take a ferry from the Lazio mainland: the cities of Anzio, Formia, and Terracina have frequent ferry departures to Ponza, and you will get to all of them by prepare from Rome. Alternatively, you may take the ferry that goes from Naples to Ischia, then Ventotene, then Ponza.
Smartest thing to do in Ponza: Take a ship journey! There are such a lot of completely different boat journey choices, however all of them contain swimming and seashore time! We took one to Palmarola.
The place to remain in Ponza: Grand Lodge Santa Domitilla is one in all my favourite locations I’ve stayed in Italy lately! A brilliant beautiful boutique resort with a superb restaurant and a beautiful pool space, together with a personal spa with a cave that it is advisable reserve upfront.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit about Ponza in my July 2024 recap.
San Blas Islands, Panama
After we appeared towards Panama for our pre-USA vacation spot this yr, there was one place I particularly needed to go to: the San Blas Islands. Also called Guna Yala, these islands are an autonomous area run by the Indigenous Guna individuals.
To get right here, it is advisable ebook a visit — and when you arrive, you’ll be shuttled between essentially the most photogenic little islands, which seem like one thing out of a cartoon. The sort of island that you just drew as a child, tiny and flat with tall palm bushes protruding of it.
Relying in your program, you’ll in all probability get to discover a number of islands — some which are extra native, some that really feel like seashore golf equipment. You’ll in all probability go to a minimum of one pure swimming pool, the place the water is all of the sudden shallow and you may stroll round with ease! And in case you’re actually fortunate, you’ll spot a starfish or two.
The Guna individuals additionally take advantage of lovely artwork — historically embroidered items of cloth known as molas. I picked up a couple of to carry house, and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my wall!
It is a good spot to get off the crushed path and benefit from the easy life for a couple of days. I’m so glad that we determined to prioritize San Blas when visiting Panama.
Easy methods to get to the San Blas Islands: You should ebook a tour: both a day tour, in a single day tour, two-night tour, and even longer. Excursions embrace transportation from Panama Metropolis, leaving round 5:00 AM and coming again both within the morning or afternoon.
Smartest thing to do within the San Blas Islands: You might be right here to CHILL. Get pleasure from it! However in case you’re on the lookout for any island specifically, we loved Nugnudub, which felt a bit like a seashore membership.
The place to remain within the San Blas Islands: More often than not, you might be put the place they ship you. We stayed on Flamingo Island and Aroma Island, which each had very primary huts. Flamingo Island had an general higher environment with chairs to take a seat in across the island, although Aroma Island had ensuite bogs and higher cellphone sign.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit in regards to the San Blas Islands in my November 2024 recap.
Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland
Enjoyable reality: neither of those areas are a part of Switzerland the nation — they’re areas alongside the Czech-German border that had been named by an explorer who thought the area reminded him of Switzerland. In reality, Bohemian Switzerland (the Czech aspect) and Saxon Switzerland (the German aspect) make an ideal day journey from Prague!
A number of the most well-known websites listed below are the Tisá Rocks, pictured above, the place The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed. It makes an ethereal environment year-round (I’d like to see it beneath a light-weight dusting of snow!).
One other good spot to go to is Wild Gorge, which requires a climb out and in, however is a splendidly inexperienced paradise the place you may take a ship experience alongside the river.
On the German aspect (don’t neglect your passport, the Germans typically verify on the crossing however the Czechs by no means do), you may go to the Bastei Bridge — a gorgeous stone bridge that served no objective past aesthetics, however boy, is it fairly to take a look at.
So many individuals come to Prague and don’t see any of the character that the Czech Republic has to supply. I’m so glad I got here right here this yr — on a tour with the great Northern Hikes — and I hope extra guests take at the present time journey.
Easy methods to get to Bohemian Switzerland: I don’t suggest doing it independently, because it’s a bit sophisticated and also you’ll want a automobile. I like to recommend reserving a tour with Northern Hikes! I completely beloved their straightforward tour; it was an ideal day trip.
Smartest thing to do in Bohemian Switzerland: Truthfully, it’s all good. However I believe the Tisá Rocks and the Bastei Bridge have the best payoff for photographers, and I wouldn’t skip both of these. You can skip Wild Gorge in case you needed to.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit about Bohemian Switzerland in my October 2024 recap.
The Second Time Round Award: Portland, Maine
Every year, I like to provide an award to a vacation spot that I’ve visited earlier than however that I grew to like in a a lot higher approach. This yr, it’s Portland, Maine! When my associates moved to Portland a couple of years in the past, I began visiting extra recurrently, and this yr I deliberate a extra research-heavy journey so I might write about it.
Okay, so right here is my unfettered opinion about Portland: Why isn’t this metropolis a serious tourism juggernaut in itself?! It needs to be SO far more well-liked than it’s!! Individuals needs to be doing weekend journeys right here from New York and Boston!
So, what provides? Truthfully, I believe it’s for 2 causes — the opposite Portland in Oregon is extra well-known, and Maine is categorized in individuals’s minds as a vacation spot you go to for seashores and rural life. Portland is handled like a gateway moderately than a standalone metropolis.
However I really like this place. I believe that Portland is house to a few of the nicest individuals ever (equally to Asheville, NC, everyone seems to be SO DAMN NICE!), and there’s an amazingly inventive meals scene right here. Plus, the truth that town is plunked down in the course of some attractive nature is a bonus.
Give Portland some actual consideration. Make it your primary vacation spot!
Easy methods to get to Portland, Maine: You possibly can fly instantly into Portland, Maine. If coming from Boston, I like to recommend taking the Downeaster Amtrak (FYI, it leaves from North Station, in contrast to the opposite trains!), which takes 2.5 hours. The drive from Boston takes an hour and 45 minutes. Uber’s an effective way to get across the metropolis.
Smartest thing to do in Portland, Maine: For those who’re visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, take the ferry to Peakes Island and go to the Umbrella Cowl Museum, a pleasant tiny museum that may go away you so joyful for visiting!
The place to remain in Portland, Maine: I’m fortunate sufficient to have associates to crash with right here, however there are a handful of cool resorts — I received’t communicate to any as I’m not up for researching proper now, however I’m positive I’ll keep at one sometime.
Learn extra: I’m engaged on my Portland submit now, however for now you may examine it in my June 2024 recap.
My Journey Needs for 2025
So, what am I hoping for in 2025? Up to now I’ve three journeys to new locations deliberate.
Charlie and I and our good friend Nick are returning to Mexico subsequent yr! We’ll be revisiting a few of our favourite spots, together with Mérida, Bacalar, Mexico Metropolis, and Oaxaca. After, we’ll be visiting the US and attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans (I haven’t been to Mardi Gras since 2014) and Austin for SXSW (first-time go to to town!).
In June, Charlie and I shall be going to Athens and Crete for a couple of week. I’ve barely visited Greece — simply fast visits to Santorini and Corfu — so I’m excited to be exploring in additional depth.
And in September, I shall be heading on a really adventurous journey — to Madagascar! I’ll be becoming a member of a gaggle journey, and it appears to be like INCREDIBLE, visiting so many cool locations from the Tsingy stone forest to the Avenue of the Baobabs to the tropical islands off Nosy Be. I’ll even be visiting the French island of Réunion for a couple of days alone.
Is there anything I’m hoping for? Inside Europe, there are a couple of locations on my listing. Svalbard. Gdánsk. Extra of the south of France. Extra of Piemonte in Italy, particularly the Langhe area. The Egadi Islands or Pantelleria in Sicily.
Additional afield, Charlie and I’ve talked a bit about visiting Japan and Taiwan a lot later within the yr. Okinawa could be new to each of us.
And truthfully, a part of me feels stress to go to NEW COUNTRIES in order that I can get nearer to 100, my massive purpose (I’m at the moment at 89). I’d additionally like to go to extra of Africa, since I’ve been to shamefully little of Africa in comparison with different continents.
However we are going to see how the yr unfolds!
What had been your favourite new locations of 2024?
