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One motive why I’m so glad I’ve my month-to-month recaps is that I can look again and see the very best journey moments of my yr !
This yr took me to 13 international locations: Czech Republic, UK, France, Italy, Vatican Metropolis, Germany, US, Canada, Spain, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, and Panama. I named a number of locations my favourite new locations of 2024.
It was a terrific yr, and I really feel so grateful to have the ability to do that for a dwelling, 14 years after quitting my job to journey and weblog full-time.
Let’s check out the very best journey moments of 2024!
Throwing the fortieth Birthday of a Lifetime in Korčula
With regards to my birthday, I’ve performed it small so many instances. For my fortieth this yr, I made a decision to take a giant swing — and invite a number of of my closest associates to considered one of my favourite locations, the island of Korčula in Croatia.
And YES. It paid off. My associates got here in from the Czech Republic, the US, Canada, and Germany. We booked two locations to remain, together with a home proper on the water.
We spent a lot of the week hanging out on our tiny seashore, having meals collectively, going out for drinks, watching bizarre occasions on the Olympics on the iPad.
Charlie and I organized a wine tasting bike journey to Lumbarda for everybody, we went to a standard Moreška sword dance, we climbed into the previous metropolis wall for cocktails, and we ended up in an area wine competition one evening. Plus there was loads of exploration of Korčula city — although we didn’t discover a lot past that!
And on my birthday itself, we had the very best day ever — a ship journey across the islands, docking in peaceable bays, snorkeling round a shipwreck, diving off the boat, blasting music, and ingesting loads of my favourite Grk wine from Bire Vineyard.
It was the very best birthday I ever might have dreamed of, and I’m so grateful to my associates for making the journey. I’ll always remember it!
Assembly Elizabeth Gilbert in Berlin
The furthest I’ll go for a day journey? Round 2.5 hours every means. Perhaps a bit longer if it’s for one thing actually particular. However as quickly as I noticed that Elizabeth Gilbert was coming to Berlin — with a meet-and-greet!! — I knew this may be value spending 9 hours on a bus in a single day!
The meet-and-greet was earlier than the present. I wore a brand new Sézane outfit: this purple prime and these matching pants. I greeted her and he or she the very first thing she instructed me was, “You look glamorous!” I’ll be taking that go with eternally!
I can barely keep in mind what we talked about, however we talked about serving to solo feminine vacationers and the way the whole lot adjustments nevertheless it’s nonetheless the identical.
As for her speak — it was unbelievable. It was about mercy, and the way she discovered it from her late associate Rayya, who appeared like an unbelievable girl. She left our complete room enthralled, and I really determined to stroll 40 minutes to the bus station quite than hop on public transit afterward, simply so I might hold ruminating on what she mentioned.
So many individuals unfairly malign her as a result of she traveled the world and wrote a phenomenally profitable guide about it. However the motive she was in a position to get that guide advance within the first place and the explanation why the guide turned a large hit is as a result of she is a tremendously gifted author.
In the event you get the possibility to see her communicate, do it. Even in case you don’t know something about her. You gained’t remorse it.
Opening the Vatican Museums at 6:30 AM
Some journey actions are actually once-in-a-lifetime, and I don’t assume something I’ve completed is extra once-in-a-lifetime than taking the Key Grasp’s Tour of the Vatican Museums. On an early March morning — Charlie’s birthday! — we entered the darkened Vatican Museums with a information and small group, and opened every room for the day.
The Vatican Museums are residence to a few of the most gorgeous and priceless artwork on the earth, and they’re often mobbed with vacationers. Attending to expertise them empty, and seeing the magic as the sunshine switches had been turned on? Simply unbelievable. Individuals on the tour take turns opening the doorways, and also you’ll by no means guess what’s behind the subsequent one!
As a result of it was Charlie’s birthday, I requested the information if he might open the Sistine Chapel — and he or she mentioned sure. It was so cool that he bought to do this, and even cooler that we bought to expertise the Sistine Chapel with simply our small group, no big crowds or guards chanting, “Silencio.” You possibly can even purchase duplicate keys within the reward store, and we did!
We bought to expertise this tour totally free due to Walks comping Charlie by means of his work — however this can be a very costly tour. A number of hundred {dollars} per particular person. However I feel that if you’re a giant Italy fan or artwork lover, that is merely a once-in-a-lifetime expertise that you’ll always remember. I do know I gained’t. Save up for months if it’s essential. It’s value it.
Taking a Experience in a Self-Driving Automotive
When my associates and I had been in Scottsdale, we found that there have been self-driving vehicles choosing up passengers throughout city. Then one evening, we ordered an Uber and bought a message — “Would you want a self-driving car?”
Um, certain! Let’s attempt it!
We laughed the entire time we had been within the automobile, having fun with the expertise as we drove throughout Previous City Scottsdale, making dialog with our nonexistent driver! And truthfully, a brief five-minute drive was excellent — I don’t assume we’d be comfy taking this on the freeway!
Waymo is the self-driving automobile firm working in just a few US cities in the meanwhile (presently the metro areas of Phoenix, Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco). In addition they associate with Uber, therefore us getting the choice of a Waymo once we ordered an Uber. In the event you’re curious, give it a attempt! It’s enjoyable!
Reacquainting Myself with Florence
It’s exhausting to imagine that TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY, I used to be learning overseas in Florence. And I can’t imagine I wrote my retrospective about my semester overseas TEN YEARS AGO. My god.
I’ve returned to Florence just a few instances since then, however all of them had been for comparatively fast journeys. This time, I needed to return for a number of days and completely analysis the town to create my most detailed Florence information.
And truthfully, it felt SO good to be again in such a well-known metropolis, but with such a unique mindset 20 years later. I visited all my previous favorites, from the Uffizi to the Medici Chapels, in addition to locations I had by no means made it to, just like the Bargello and Casa Buonarroti.
And I made certain to go to my favourite sorts of locations. The Gucci Museum, with its superior shows of baggage and movie star outfits. The best cocktail bars, like Manifattura, serving completely Italian-made spirits, and Procacci, with its tiny truffle sandwiches.
That is what I like about journey — you’re attending to know a vacation spot, however you’re additionally attending to know your self and who you might be as we speak. I liked my newest Florence go to a lot.
Visiting the Umbrella Cowl Museum
Essentially the most shocking, pleasant, and enjoyable place I visited in 2024? Simply the Umbrella Cowl Museum of Peakes Island, Maine, simply off the coast from Portland!
This place is an absolute gem. Initially — who would ever determine to make not an umbrella museum, however an umbrella cowl museum? A wonderful girl named Nancy, that’s who. She is all about celebrating the mundane!
There are umbrella covers from all around the world right here, in every kind of classes. I imply, there’s even a show of “attractive umbrella covers” behind closed doorways! And Nancy even performs the accordion and teaches you a music about umbrella covers!
My good friend Beth and I laughed the complete time we had been right here. Really a joyful place. It’s solely open between Memorial Day and Labor Day — so in case you’re in Maine, it’s so value hopping on the ferry to verify this place open for your self!
Profitable Blogger of the 12 months on the TravMedia Awards
Earlier this yr, after years of collaborating in TravMedia occasions, I made a decision to lastly apply for considered one of their awards — Blogger of the 12 months. A couple of months later, I discovered I used to be nominated, and would attend the ceremony in London.
And that evening, I gained the award! I used to be happy about it, particularly since I submitted my weblog put up about Greenland as my entry. I’m glad that put up resonated with folks.
For any of the journey trade kind individuals who could be studying this — know that in case you settle for your nomination, you might be committing to attend the awards in London. In the event you apply, win, and don’t attend, they offer your award to another person.
So don’t apply except you’re able to make the journey. For that motive, I feel I’ll let this be my one and solely award from them, and can cheer on whoever wins subsequent yr.
Getting My Eyebrows Microbladed
This could be an odd factor to placed on a “finest journey moments” listing, however it’s the smartest thing I did for myself this yr — and has made a giant distinction in my routine throughout my travels! I bought my eyebrows microbladed — it’s mainly getting a semi-permanent tattoo of your eyebrow hairs.
My eyebrows have gotten thinner and patchier through the years, and for the previous couple of years I’ve been filling them in with a forehead pencil earlier than leaving the house. However after getting them microbladed, my eyebrows are good to go, on a regular basis. Have a look at the earlier than and after within the image above!
It has made a HUGE distinction in my each day routine, and that features throughout my travels. These days, I solely fill them in when I’ve a full face of make-up. Only a swipe of mascara and a few concealer and I’m good to go.
Simply know that it’d take you a number of periods. My first session didn’t stick, however the touch-up from my second session nonetheless seems to be nice, eight months in. It ought to final round a yr.
The Lunch of a Lifetime in San Sebastián
When planning our journey to the Basque Nation — and our treasured few nights in San Sebastián — I did a lot analysis on the place to eat. One place that saved exhibiting up was Bar Nestor, with the caveat that getting in is a little bit of a problem.
You see, solely the primary 12-16 folks in line at Bar Nestor get the tortilla, which is supposedly probably the greatest tortillas within the Basque Nation. And if you wish to be one of many first 12-16 folks in line, it’s essential get there early. Like, a minimum of two hours earlier than opening.
The primary evening, we confirmed up 60 minutes early and it wasn’t sufficient. The following day, we confirmed up two hours early — and also you solely wait one hour, as a result of they begin taking names one hour earlier than opening. The three of us bought the final two tortilla spots.
After a fast chew at one other bar, we returned for our lunch. And this meal ASTOUNDED us in its simplicity. What do you eat at Bar Nestor? The aforementioned tortilla, which is among the finest I’ve ever had in Spain. Up subsequent, blistered padron peppers and a tomato salad lined with numerous sea salt.
Then got here the xuleta — an absolute monumental slab of beef, cooked to uncommon perfection, topped with much more salt. It was elegant. Charlie and Nick had been really gnawing on the bones by the top, it was so good.
Of all of the locations I ate in San Sebastián, Bar Nestor was my favourite — and sure, ready in that line was SO value it.
Getting Everlasting Residency within the Czech Republic
I’m extremely grateful that the Czech Republic has been so welcoming to me and my enterprise. From what I’ve heard from my associates, it looks as if such a better course of right here in comparison with many different international locations. And it’s far simpler than what any immigrant from a growing nation goes by means of.
This summer season, I obtained my Czech everlasting residency! That is just like a inexperienced card within the US — the best to remain eternally, no extra visas.
Most individuals have to dwell within the Czech Republic for 5 years and cross a language check to be able to get everlasting residency — however in case you’re married to an EU citizen, you may skip the language check and apply after two years of residency and one yr of marriage.
Charlie continues to be thought-about an EU citizen within the Czech system as a result of he utilized for everlasting residency earlier than Brexit went by means of. And so I utilized for everlasting residency shortly after our anniversary and bought it just a few months later.
I’m already having fun with the advantages — my new medical insurance card is sweet for 10 years (!!), I now not should go to the international police once I renew my house lease, and after so many visits to the Ministry of the Inside this yr, I don’t want to go to once more till it’s time to resume my US passport.
The following step? Studying Czech so I can turn into a Czech citizen!
Climbing to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan
In the event you’ve seen anyone picture of Bhutan, it’s in all probability Tiger’s Nest — a small monastery advanced constructed right into a rocky cliff. “In the event you don’t hike to Tiger’s Nest, your journey to Bhutan is incomplete,” my information Sonam instructed me.
I used to be a bit nervous in regards to the hike as a result of I wrestle lots in altitude. Bhutan guides have you ever do the hike in your final day as a result of it provides you extra time to regulate to the skinny oxygen within the air. I had been in Bhutan for six days, plus two days earlier than that at altitude within the mountains surrounding Kathmandu.
Tiger’s Nest is a reasonable hike, not likely technical in any respect — however the altitude can simply knock you sideways. So Sonam and I huffed and puffed as we climbed to the highest, taking frequent breaks to gulp air.
My purpose was to make it to the perspective in two hours. I made it in 1:36. From there it was a hike down after which up once more to go to Tiger’s Nest itself! Then we did the entire thing in reverse, stopping at a restaurant to chug an orange Fanta earlier than heading all the way in which down.
I LOVE a hike with a giant payoff, and this was such a rewarding payoff. It was the right approach to finish my journey to good Bhutan.
Cheering on the Arsenal Ladies’s Crew in London
My husband is a giant fan of Arsenal soccer membership, however I had no concept till just lately that the Premier League golf equipment have ladies’s groups, too! So on considered one of our journeys to London this yr, Charlie and I made a decision to go to a ladies’s recreation at Emirates Stadium.
That is one thing I had no concept I wanted till I skilled it. Ladies’s soccer (let me make clear that that is soccer, simply in case that goes over any Individuals’ heads) has had an enormous resurgence within the UK over the previous couple of years.
However what I liked essentially the most is that this recreation didn’t really feel like tokenism — it really felt like equality. Certain, it was nice seeing the youngsters, each girls and boys, with selfmade indicators for his or her favourite gamers. It was good seeing the teams of ladies of their matching group scarves and hats.
However you recognize what I REALLY liked? Teams of gruff middle-aged males fixated on the pitch, beers in hand, yelling and moaning, taking the sport simply as significantly as they’d a males’s recreation. THAT is what instructed me that girls’s soccer is getting taken significantly within the UK.
(Additionally: on the tube experience to the stadium, there have been two drunk women having the slowest, most inane dialog in regards to the recreation. After all it was on a stretch of tube with no cellphone sign. However that’s additionally equality — the truth that drunk ladies sports activities followers on the bathtub could be simply as annoying as drunk males sports activities followers!)
So I’m simply very glad that we’re at this level nowadays. I hope to attend a WNBA recreation quickly within the US to proceed supporting the resurgence in ladies’s skilled sports activities!
In the event you’re planning a visit to the UK subsequent yr, I extremely suggest seeing if you may get tickets to a ladies’s recreation. It’s surprisingly reasonably priced (we paid one thing like 12 kilos, or $15, per ticket for the seats pictured above).
What had been your favourite journey moments of 2024? Share away!
