2024: Year of Travel Break (or Probably a few Wins)

Oh, 2024. The year that started with such promise… I still remember those New Year’s resolutions when I declared, “Travel more for this year!” and got visions of the Northern Lights and bustling Nordic cityscapes dancing in my head. But did reality live up to my hype?

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Now, before we dive headfirst into this travel recap, let’s get one thing straight: this is a travel blog. So, while I totally acknowledge that 2024 was a whole rollercoaster of emotions, relationships, career moves, and maybe even a questionable makeover or two, we’re going to focus on the globetrotting side of things here.

Don’t get me wrong, I know life throws some serious curveballs. Some of you might be reading this thinking, “Travel? Dude, I just survived the year from hell!”…

And to that, I say, you’re amazing! Each of us faces unique challenges, and often, simply making it through the day is a significant accomplishment. For me, I was also faced with the challenge of losing one of the most important people in my life this year. But even amidst the chaos, I believe there’s always a little space for wanderlust within ourselves, even if it’s just dreaming of that future getaway while waiting for the bus.

For some, it might have been a year of glorious adventures. Perhaps you successfully completed your African safari tour or explored Southeast Asia like an experienced traveler. And for a few, you might have gone through postponed flights, cancelled trips, and the ever-present “budget constraints” that have kept you closer to home than you’d hoped.

If you feel that pang of travel envy as you scroll through Instagram or Facebook, take a deep breath. You’re not alone! Whether you conquered the globe or barely made it to the next town, this year was a testament to our resilience and adaptability.

Jepoi’s 2024 Travel Adventures (or “Missed” adventures?)

Personally, I managed to squeeze in some fun trips. After getting hooked on many K-dramas, Jeju Island was one of my dream destinations, and I got to spend one weekend there at the start of the year. Our winter Japan trip was also a whirlwind of culinary delights and cultural experiences.

And Bangkok… well, Bangkok was its usual chaotic, charming self.

I also returned to Hong Kong after twelve long years, and this time, I managed to enjoy Disneyland without worrying about the lack of time.

I had a few hops back to Manila and some relaxing weekends in the Philippines’ “not so” countryside (Pampanga, Batangas, and Davao). These rounded out my year.

Was it my most adventurous year? No, it wasn’t. I was actually hoping to be back in the US late this year, but I need to postpone it due to a tight work schedule. I was supposed to attend a business conference in Portugal (with some plans to extend and explore the country for a week), but processing my EU visa took a bit longer.

Still, did I create some unforgettable memories? Absolutely… And staying closer to my “base” had its perks too. Like, Hello! Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars! I got to witness how talented and amazing these artists are! Not to mention the countless weeknights and weekends I spent perfecting my volleyball and tennis skills (still working on that killer serve, though).

At the end of the day, travel isn’t just about racking up passport stamps and bragging rights. It’s not about the number of countries you’ve visited, the fancy hotels you’ve stayed in, or the perfectly curated Instagram feed. It’s about challenging yourself, welcoming the unexpected, and exploring fresh perspectives. Even a short trip to a nearby town can reignite your sense of wonder and remind you of the beauty that exists in the world.

So, as 2024 draws to a close, let’s celebrate our travel wins, big or small. And for those dreams that got deferred? Don’t give up! There’s a whole new year of adventures waiting just around the corner.

What about you? Share your 2024 travel highlights (or lowlights!) in the comments below. Let’s commiserate, celebrate, and inspire each other to keep exploring!