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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 one of the best journey moments of my yr abruptly!
This yr took me to 13 nations: 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 an important yr, and I really feel so grateful to have the ability to do that for a residing, 14 years after quitting my job to journey and weblog full-time.
Let’s check out one of the best journey moments of 2024!
Throwing the fortieth Birthday of a Lifetime in Korčula
In terms of 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 mates to certainly one of my favourite locations, the island of Korčula in Croatia.
And YES. It paid off. My mates 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 seaside, 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 conventional Moreška sword dance, we climbed into the previous metropolis wall for cocktails, and we ended up in a neighborhood wine pageant 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 one of the 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 one of the best birthday I ever might have dreamed of, and I’m so grateful to my mates 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 method. 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 price 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 she or he the very first thing she informed me was, “You look glamorous!” I’ll be taking that flatter endlessly!
I can barely bear in mind what we talked about, however we talked about serving to solo feminine vacationers and the way every thing adjustments but it surely’s nonetheless the identical.
As for her discuss — it was unimaginable. It was about mercy, and the way she realized it from her late associate Rayya, who appeared like an unimaginable girl. She left our whole room enthralled, and I really determined to stroll 40 minutes to the bus station reasonably than hop on public transit afterward, simply so I might maintain ruminating on what she stated.
So many individuals unfairly malign her as a result of she traveled the world and wrote a phenomenally profitable e book about it. However the motive she was capable of get that e book advance within the first place and the explanation why the e book turned an enormous hit is as a result of she is a tremendously gifted author.
Should you get the prospect to see her converse, do it. Even if you happen to 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 accomplished 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 this planet, 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 unimaginable. Folks on the tour take turns opening the doorways, and also you’ll by no means guess what’s behind the following one!
As a result of it was Charlie’s birthday, I requested the information if he might open the Sistine Chapel — and she or he stated sure. It was so cool that he received to do this, and even cooler that we received 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 present store, and we did!
We received to expertise this tour without cost because of Walks comping Charlie by way of his work — however this can be a very costly tour. A number of hundred {dollars} per individual. However I feel that in case you are 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 that you must. It’s price it.
Taking a Experience in a Self-Driving Automotive
When my mates and I had been in Scottsdale, we found that there have been self-driving automobiles selecting up passengers throughout city. Then one evening, we ordered an Uber and received a message — “Would you want a self-driving car?”
Um, positive! Let’s attempt it!
We laughed the entire time we had been within the automobile, having fun with the expertise as we drove throughout Outdated City Scottsdale, making dialog with our nonexistent driver! And truthfully, a brief five-minute drive was good — I don’t assume we’d be snug taking this on the freeway!
Waymo is the self-driving automobile firm working in a couple of US cities in the intervening time (at present 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 after we ordered an Uber. Should you’re curious, give it a attempt! It’s enjoyable!
Reacquainting Myself with Florence
It’s arduous to consider that TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY, I used to be finding out overseas in Florence. And I can’t consider I wrote my retrospective about my semester overseas TEN YEARS AGO. My god.
I’ve returned to Florence a couple of instances since then, however all of them had been for comparatively fast journeys. This time, I wished to return for a number of days and completely analysis town to create my most detailed Florence information.
And truthfully, it felt SO good to be again in such a well-recognized metropolis, but with such a distinct 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 positive to go to my favourite sorts of locations. The Gucci Museum, with its superior shows of baggage and superstar outfits. The good cocktail bars, like Manifattura, serving solely Italian-made spirits, and Procacci, with its tiny truffle sandwiches.
That is what I really 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 in the present day. I beloved 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. To start with — who would ever resolve to make not an umbrella museum, however an umbrella cowl museum? A wonderful woman 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 track about umbrella covers!
My buddy Beth and I laughed your entire time we had been right here. Actually a joyful place. It’s solely open between Memorial Day and Labor Day — so if you happen to’re in Maine, it’s so price hopping on the ferry to verify this place open for your self!
Successful Blogger of the 12 months on the TravMedia Awards
Earlier this yr, after years of participating in TravMedia occasions, I made a decision to lastly apply for certainly one of their awards — Blogger of the 12 months. Just a few 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 submit about Greenland as my entry. I’m glad that submit resonated with individuals.
For any of the journey business kind individuals who may be studying this — know that if you happen to settle for your nomination, you might be committing to attend the awards in London. Should you apply, win, and don’t attend, they provide your award to another person.
So don’t apply until 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 may be an odd factor to placed on a “finest journey moments” listing, however it’s the neatest thing I did for myself this yr — and has made a giant distinction in my routine throughout my travels! I received 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 few years I’ve been filling them in with a forehead pencil earlier than leaving the residence. However after getting them microbladed, my eyebrows are good to go, on a regular basis. Take a look at the earlier than and after within the image above!
It has made a HUGE distinction in my day by 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 appears 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 individuals in line at Bar Nestor get the tortilla, which is supposedly the most effective tortillas within the Basque Nation. And if you wish to be one of many first 12-16 individuals in line, that you must get there early. Like, no less than two hours earlier than opening.
The primary evening, we confirmed up 60 minutes early and it wasn’t sufficient. The subsequent 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 received the final two tortilla spots.
After a fast chunk 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 without doubt one of the finest I’ve ever had in Spain. Up subsequent, blistered padron peppers and a tomato salad coated with a lot of sea salt.
Then got here the xuleta — an absolute huge slab of beef, cooked to uncommon perfection, topped with much more salt. It was chic. Charlie and Nick had been really gnawing on the bones by the tip, 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 price 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 mates, it looks as if such a better course of right here in comparison with many different nations. And it’s far simpler than what any immigrant from a growing nation goes by way of.
This summer season, I obtained my Czech everlasting residency! That is much like a inexperienced card within the US — the appropriate to remain endlessly, no extra visas.
Most individuals must stay within the Czech Republic for 5 years and cross a language check with the intention to get everlasting residency — however if you happen to’re married to an EU citizen, you possibly can skip the language check and apply after two years of residency and one yr of marriage.
Charlie continues to be thought of an EU citizen within the Czech system as a result of he utilized for everlasting residency earlier than Brexit went by way of. And so I utilized for everlasting residency shortly after our anniversary and received it a couple of months later.
I’m already having fun with the advantages — my new medical insurance card is sweet for 10 years (!!), I not should go to the international police after I renew my residence 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 subsequent step? Studying Czech so I can change into a Czech citizen!
Climbing to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan
Should you’ve seen anybody picture of Bhutan, it’s in all probability Tiger’s Nest — a small monastery advanced constructed right into a rocky cliff. “Should you don’t hike to Tiger’s Nest, your journey to Bhutan is incomplete,” my information Sonam informed me.
I used to be a bit nervous in regards to the hike as a result of I battle rather a lot in altitude. Bhutan guides have you ever do the hike in your final day as a result of it offers 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 point of view 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 best way down.
I LOVE a hike with a giant payoff, and this was such a rewarding payoff. It was the proper method to finish my journey to good Bhutan.
Cheering on the Arsenal Girls’s Staff in London
My husband is a giant fan of Arsenal soccer membership, however I had no concept till lately that the Premier League golf equipment have ladies’s groups, too! So on certainly one of our journeys to London this yr, Charlie and I made a decision to go to a ladies’s sport at Emirates Stadium.
That is one thing I had no concept I wanted till I skilled it. Girls’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 few years.
However what I beloved probably the most is that this sport didn’t really feel like tokenism — it really felt like equality. Certain, it was nice seeing the youngsters, each girls and boys, with home made indicators for his or her favourite gamers. It was good seeing the teams of girls of their matching workforce scarves and hats.
However what I REALLY beloved? Teams of gruff middle-aged males fixated on the pitch, beers in hand, yelling and moaning, taking the sport simply as critically as they might a males’s sport. THAT is what informed me that ladies’s soccer is getting taken critically within the UK.
(Additionally: on the tube journey to the stadium, there have been two drunk women having the slowest, most inane dialog in regards to the sport. 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 might be simply as annoying as drunk males sports activities followers!)
So I’m simply very glad that we’re at this level as of late. I hope to attend a WNBA sport quickly within the US to proceed supporting the resurgence in ladies’s skilled sports activities!
Should you’re planning a visit to the UK subsequent yr, I extremely suggest seeing if you may get tickets to a ladies’s sport. 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!
