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How do I sum up 2024 in journey? Busy. Possibly a bit too busy. 4 new nations visited (Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Panama), numerous exploration in much-loved nations, and a few extremely enjoyable street journeys near house.
This was additionally the 12 months that I did a 12 months of recent Czech exploration — visiting a brand new vacation spot every month of the 12 months. From Liberec within the mountains to Valtice in South Moravia, I bought to know my adopted nation SO a lot better this 12 months!
However as at all times, 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 normal, 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 isn’t a place on the earth 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 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 probably the most for me in Bhutan was the gorgeous mountain surroundings — particularly attending to climb to Tiger’s Nest monastery — and the unbelievable great thing about the standard Buddhist temples, which sadly I used to be not capable of {photograph}. I’ll keep in mind these rainbow colours endlessly, although.
Tips on how 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 as well 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 excess of if you happen to did it early on.
The place to remain in Bhutan: There are many accommodations to remain in Bhutan at quite a lot of worth factors. My private favourite was the Thimphu Deluxe Lodge, which had SUCH a snug mattress and a pleasant lavatory.
Learn Extra: What’s it actually wish to journey to Bhutan?
Loire Valley, France
I’m not a fortress particular person — 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 12 months. However it seems that I completely liked this place!
Should you’re searching 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 houses, 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 lodge, which was so enjoyable (particularly since we had been the one company!). I discover that the Loire Valley is an efficient place for a soothing itinerary, quite than a busy journey.
Tips on how to get to the Loire Valley: You’re greatest off flying into any of the Paris airports (although Orly is closest) and renting a automotive. There are some routes you will get there by prepare, nevertheless it’s actually useful to have a automotive 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: Should you’re seeking to discover the Loire Valley for just a few days, I like to recommend basing within the city of Amboise. However if you wish to keep in a chateau lodge, I liked our keep at La Borde en Sologne!
Learn extra: I wrote a bit concerning 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 12 months, I lastly made it occur. Charlie and I, together with our buddies Nick and Jack, road-tripped everywhere in the Basque Nation and the adjoining Rioja area for 10 days.
I liked 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 appear to be Scotland or Austria or Colorado. It’s a far cry from the desert of Andalusia.
And the FOOD. This is without doubt one of the greatest culinary areas on the planet, with cutting-edge dishes and a world-class pintxos tradition. The nights out listed here are about grabbing all types of bizarre pintxos and having fun with them whereas standing up, consuming loads of crimson wine. Although actually, I used to be in all probability the most important fan of the ever present anchovies and scorching peppers skewers!
There’s a lot to like within the Basque Nation, and I discovered it so refreshing — such a special and fascinating tradition. It additionally helped that Bilbao was a direct flight from Prague!
Tips on how to get to the Basque Nation: It’s greatest to fly or take a prepare or bus to Bilbao; as soon as there, you may lease a automotive 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 concerning the pintxos crawls right here, particularly in San Sebastián.
The place to remain within the Basque Nation: Nowhere we stayed was notably outstanding, however be sure to get a spot the place you don’t must stroll to the opposite aspect of the town to choose up the keys, as we did in San Sebastián.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit concerning the Basque Nation in my September 2024 recap — extra coming quickly!
Mikulov, Czech Republic
This 12 months 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, practically all of them Czech.
South Moravia is wine nation, and right here’s a enjoyable reality — they preserve many of the good things for themselves. And Mikulov is a wonderful place to attempt so most of the wines, with loads of great eating places and wine bars.
The city is capped off by a stunning fortress, and also you gained’t consider how lovely it will get at golden hour! I used to be simply so shocked by all of the allure Mikulov needed to supply.
And if you happen to’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 if you happen to’re driving from Prague to Vienna, or have a driver taking you that route, I’d undoubtedly advocate stopping right here to discover a bit.
Tips on how to get to Mikulov: Should you’re flying in, Vienna is the closest airport. Should you’re coming by public transit, you’re greatest off taking a bus from Brno, which takes slightly 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 undoubtedly advocate 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 liked and advocate. 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 greatest buddies from highschool and I to have fun our fortieth birthdays collectively, we knew we needed a enjoyable metropolis that was completely different from our normal New England haunts — and so we went to Scottsdale!
This was the proper 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 folks, or primarily a spa-and-do-nothing vacation spot, there may be SO way more to discover right here. I used to be impressed by the wine scene and the art-oriented actions particularly.
In brief, I’d completely love to come back again and see extra!
Tips on how to get to Scottsdale: Scottsdale is only a 20-minute drive from Phoenix’s airport. We discovered it simple to get round by Uber (and the occasional driverless Waymo!).
Smartest thing to do in Scottsdale: Go to Taliesin West! That is considered one of 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 liked and would keep at once more in a heartbeat.
Learn extra: The Good 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 may even maintain a candle to the others.
My take? Ponza is a stunning island if you happen to’re seeking to calm down. Not fairly as fascinating or stuffed with issues to do as the opposite large hitters, however a pleasant place to spend just a few 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 probably the most well-known seaside, Spiaggia di Frontone, which is barely accessible by water.
Ponza is positioned within the area of Lazio and is a well-liked getaway for Romans. Should you’re searching for getting from Rome to Naples the enjoyable manner, I counsel you island-hop from the mainland to Ponza to Ventotene to Ischia to Naples!
Tips on how to get to Ponza: You may 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 seaside time! We took one to Palmarola.
The place to remain in Ponza: Grand Lodge Santa Domitilla is considered one of my favourite locations I’ve stayed in Italy in recent times! An excellent pretty boutique lodge with a wonderful restaurant and a stunning pool space, together with a non-public spa with a cave that it’s essential to reserve prematurely.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit about Ponza in my July 2024 recap.
San Blas Islands, Panama
Once we regarded towards Panama for our pre-USA vacation spot this 12 months, 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 folks.
To get right here, it’s essential to e book a visit — and when you arrive, you’ll be shuttled between probably the most photogenic little islands, which appear to be one thing out of a cartoon. The sort of island that you simply drew as a child, tiny and flat with tall palm timber protruding of it.
Relying in your program, you’ll in all probability get to discover a number of islands — some which might be extra native, some that really feel like seaside golf equipment. You’ll in all probability go to at the least one pure swimming pool, the place the water is abruptly shallow and you may stroll round with ease! And if you happen to’re actually fortunate, you’ll spot a starfish or two.
The Guna folks additionally take advantage of lovely artwork — historically embroidered items of material known as molas. I picked up just a few to carry house, and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my wall!
This can be a great spot to get off the overwhelmed path and benefit from the easy life for just a few days. I’m so glad that we determined to prioritize San Blas when visiting Panama.
Tips on how to get to the San Blas Islands: You might want to e book a tour: both a day tour, in a single day tour, two-night tour, and even longer. Excursions embody 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’re right here to CHILL. Get pleasure from it! However if you happen to’re searching for any island particularly, we loved Nugnudub, which felt a bit like a seaside 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 fundamental huts. Flamingo Island had an total higher environment with chairs to take a seat in across the island, although Aroma Island had ensuite loos and higher telephone sign.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit concerning 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!
Among the most well-known websites listed here 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 great 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 usually examine on the crossing however the Czechs by no means do), you may go to the Bastei Bridge — a gorgeous stone bridge that served no function 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 12 months — on a tour with the great Northern Hikes — and I hope extra guests take this present day journey.
Tips on how to get to Bohemian Switzerland: I don’t advocate doing it independently, because it’s a bit sophisticated and also you’ll want a automotive. I like to recommend reserving a tour with Northern Hikes! I completely liked their simple tour; it was an ideal day trip.
Smartest thing to do in Bohemian Switzerland: Actually, 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 could possibly skip Wild Gorge if you happen to 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 larger manner. This 12 months, it’s Portland, Maine! When my buddies moved to Portland just a few years in the past, I began visiting extra commonly, and this 12 months I deliberate a extra research-heavy journey so I may 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 way more in style than it’s!! Folks needs to be doing weekend journeys right here from New York and Boston!
So, what provides? Actually, I believe it’s for 2 causes — the opposite Portland in Oregon is extra well-known, and Maine is categorized in folks’s minds as a vacation spot you go to for seashores and rural life. Portland is handled like a gateway quite than a standalone metropolis.
However I like this place. I believe that Portland is house to a number of the nicest folks ever (equally to Asheville, NC, everyone seems to be SO DAMN NICE!), and there may be an amazingly artistic meals scene right here. Plus, the truth that the town is plunked down in the course of some beautiful nature is a bonus.
Give Portland some actual consideration. Make it your essential vacation spot!
Tips on how to get to Portland, Maine: You may fly immediately into Portland, Maine. If coming from Boston, I like to recommend taking the Downeaster Amtrak (FYI, it leaves from North Station, not like the opposite trains!), which takes 2.5 hours. The drive from Boston takes an hour and 45 minutes. Uber’s a good way to get across the metropolis.
Smartest thing to do in Portland, Maine: Should you’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 can depart you so completely satisfied for visiting!
The place to remain in Portland, Maine: I’m fortunate sufficient to have buddies to crash with right here, however there are a handful of cool accommodations — I gained’t communicate to any as I’m not up for researching proper now, however I’m certain I’ll keep at one sometime.
Learn extra: I’m engaged on my Portland put up 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? To date I’ve three journeys to new locations deliberate.
Charlie and I and our pal Nick are returning to Mexico subsequent 12 months! 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 the town!).
In June, Charlie and I can be going to Athens and Crete for a few 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 can 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 just a few days alone.
Is there anything I’m hoping for? Inside Europe, there are just a few 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 12 months. Okinawa can be new to each of us.
And actually, a part of me feels strain to go to NEW COUNTRIES in order that I can get nearer to 100, my large aim (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 12 months unfolds!
What had been your favourite new locations of 2024?