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How do I sum up 2024 in journey? Busy. Perhaps a bit too busy. 4 new international locations visited (Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Panama), a number 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 latest Czech exploration — visiting a brand new vacation spot every month of the yr. From Liberec within the mountains to Valtice in South Moravia, I obtained to know my adopted nation SO a lot better this yr!
However as at all times, some locations are higher than others. Let’s check out one of the best of one of the best.
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 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 saved 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 are 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 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 ceaselessly, although.
The best way 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. It’s also possible to fly from New Delhi, Bangkok, or Singapore.
Neatest thing to do in Bhutan: Hike to Tiger’s Nest in your ultimate day, when you’ve had loads of time to acclimatize to the altitude and get to know Bhutanese tradition. You’ll recognize it way over when you did it early on.
The place to remain in Bhutan: There are many motels to remain in Bhutan at a wide range of value factors. My private favourite was the Thimphu Deluxe Resort, which had SUCH a snug mattress and a pleasant rest room.
Learn Extra: What’s it actually prefer 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 saved me from visiting the Loire Valley, the castle-filled area southwest of Paris, till this yr. However it seems that I completely cherished this place!
In the event you’re in search of small city appeal 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 based mostly in Amboise, a city with a number of castles and a few wealthy historical past involving Leonardo da Vinci, who really died right here.
One other night time was spent in a chateau lodge, which was so enjoyable (particularly since we have been the one visitors!). I discover that the Loire Valley is an efficient place for a soothing itinerary, reasonably than a busy journey.
The best way to get to the Loire Valley: You’re finest off flying into any of the Paris airports (although Orly is closest) and renting a automotive. There are some routes you may get there by prepare, however it’s actually useful to have a automotive there.
Neatest thing to do within the Loire Valley: Spend your day visiting totally different castles within the countryside and having fun with the attractive 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: In the event 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 cherished 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 significant precedence of mine — and this yr, I lastly made it occur. Charlie and I, together with our mates Nick and Jack, road-tripped all around the Basque Nation and the adjoining Rioja area for 10 days.
I cherished how totally different that is a part of Spain is to different elements I’ve visited. A lot greener, extra mountainous, and a bit extra wet. Elements 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 among the finest 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 surprising pintxos and having fun with them whereas standing up, consuming loads of crimson wine. Although truthfully, I used to be most likely the most important fan of the ever present anchovies and scorching peppers skewers!
There may be a lot to like within the Basque Nation, and I discovered it so refreshing — such a distinct and attention-grabbing tradition. It additionally helped that Bilbao was a direct flight from Prague!
The best way to get to the Basque Nation: It’s finest to fly or take a prepare or bus to Bilbao; as soon as there, you’ll be able to 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.
Neatest 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 exceptional, however be sure to get a spot the place you don’t need to stroll to the opposite aspect of 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 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 appeal 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 truth — they maintain a lot of the great things for themselves. And Mikulov is a wonderful place to strive so lots of the wines, with loads of fantastic eating places and wine bars.
The city is capped off by a beautiful fortress, and also you received’t consider how lovely it will get at golden hour! I used to be simply so greatly surprised by all of the appeal Mikulov needed to provide.
And when 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 when you’re driving from Prague to Vienna, or have a driver taking you that route, I might positively advocate stopping right here to discover a bit.
The best way to get to Mikulov: In the event you’re flying in, Vienna is the closest airport. In the event you’re coming by public transit, you’re finest off taking a bus from Brno, which takes a bit over an hour. Whereas there’s a prepare station in Mikulov, this prepare line runs between small cities.
Neatest 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 advocate strolling the grounds of the fortress within the golden gentle of late afternoon.
The place to remain in Mikulov: We stayed at Resort Tanzberg, which I actually cherished and advocate. And the restaurant right here served one of the best 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 mates from highschool and I to rejoice our fortieth birthdays collectively, we knew we needed a enjoyable metropolis that was totally different from our regular 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’s SO rather more to discover right here. I used to be impressed by the wine scene and the art-oriented actions particularly.
Briefly, I might completely love to return again and see extra!
The best way 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!).
Neatest thing to do in Scottsdale: Go to Taliesin West! That is one among 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 Resort Valley Ho, which I completely cherished 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 puzzled if Ponza might even maintain a candle to the others.
My take? Ponza is a stunning island when you’re seeking to calm down. Not fairly as attention-grabbing 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 massive 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 situated within the area of Lazio and is a well-liked getaway for Romans. In the event you’re in search of getting from Rome to Naples the enjoyable method, I recommend you island-hop from the mainland to Ponza to Ventotene to Ischia to Naples!
The best way 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 may get to all of them by prepare from Rome. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the ferry that goes from Naples to Ischia, then Ventotene, then Ponza.
Neatest thing to do in Ponza: Take a ship journey! There are such a lot of totally 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 Resort Santa Domitilla is one among my favourite locations I’ve stayed in Italy lately! A brilliant pretty boutique lodge with a wonderful restaurant and a stunning pool space, together with a personal spa with a cave that it is advisable 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 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 folks.
To get right here, it is advisable 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 just drew as a child, tiny and flat with tall palm bushes protruding of it.
Relying in your program, you’ll most likely get to discover a number of islands — some which can be extra native, some that really feel like seaside golf equipment. You’ll most likely go to at the very least one pure swimming pool, the place the water is all of the sudden shallow and you may stroll round with ease! And when you’re actually fortunate, you’ll spot a starfish or two.
The Guna folks additionally take advantage of lovely artwork — historically embroidered items of cloth known as molas. I picked up just a few to carry house, and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my wall!
It is a excellent 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.
The best way to get to the San Blas Islands: You should 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.
Neatest thing to do within the San Blas Islands: You’re right here to CHILL. Get pleasure from it! However when you’re in search of 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 ambiance with chairs to take a seat in across the island, although Aroma Island had ensuite loos and higher cellphone sign.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit concerning the San Blas Islands in my November 2024 recap.
Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland
Enjoyable truth: neither of those areas are a part of Switzerland the nation — they’re areas alongside the Czech-German border that have been named by an explorer who thought the area reminded him of Switzerland. In truth, 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 here are the Tisá Rocks, pictured above, the place The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed. It makes an ethereal ambiance year-round (I’d like to see it beneath a lightweight dusting of snow!).
One other excellent spot to go to is Wild Gorge, which requires a climb out and in, however is a splendidly inexperienced paradise the place you’ll be able to take a ship experience alongside the river.
On the German aspect (don’t overlook your passport, the Germans usually examine on the crossing however the Czechs by no means do), you’ll be able to go to the Bastei Bridge — a lovely stone bridge that served no objective past aesthetics, however boy, is it fairly to have 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 fantastic Northern Hikes — and I hope extra guests take at the present time journey.
The best way 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 cherished their straightforward tour; it was an ideal time out.
Neatest 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 would skip Wild Gorge when you needed to.
Learn extra: I wrote a bit about Bohemian Switzerland in my October 2024 recap.
The Second Time Round Award: Portland, Maine
Annually, 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 method. This yr, it’s Portland, Maine! When my mates moved to Portland just a few 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 significant tourism juggernaut in itself?! It ought to be SO rather more standard than it’s!! Individuals ought 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 folks’s minds as a vacation spot you go to for seashores and rural life. Portland is handled like a gateway reasonably than a standalone metropolis.
However I really like this place. I believe that Portland is house to among the nicest folks 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 principal vacation spot!
The best way 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.
Neatest thing to do in Portland, Maine: In the event 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 go away you so completely happy for visiting!
The place to remain in Portland, Maine: I’m fortunate sufficient to have mates to crash with right here, however there are a handful of cool motels — I received’t converse 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 publish now, however for now you’ll be able to examine it in my June 2024 recap.
My Journey Needs for 2025
So, what am I hoping for in 2025? Thus far I’ve three journeys to new locations deliberate.
Charlie and I and our buddy 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 will likely 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 will likely be heading on a really adventurous journey — to Madagascar! I’ll be becoming a member of a bunch journey, and it appears 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 the rest 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 yr. Okinawa can be new to each of us.
And truthfully, 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 yr unfolds!
What have been your favourite new locations of 2024?