Monday newsletters at all times function high 10 journey lists to encourage.
Right now: My 10 greatest journey experiences of 2024
First, I wish to want all of you a Merry Christmas and Pleased Holidays with a great deal of pleasure and festive cheer.
Because the yr 2024 is coming to an finish, it’s a superb time to replicate on the headlines and tales that formed the previous yr. I’m not positive about you, however in some ways that is yr I’m blissful to depart behind. 2024 was a yr marked by world unrest, growing tensions, and disinformation, typically fueled by authoritarian strongmen and poisonous alpha male personalities. The continued brutal wars in Ukraine and the Center East saved sending shock waves around the world in 2024 (the mindless violence in each conflicts leaves me with out phrases). 2024 was additionally a yr of historic elections, with folks in additional than 60 international locations – representing nearly 50 p.c of the world’s inhabitants – going to the polls. Nature additionally confirmed itself from its most merciless facet in 2024, most notably with hurricane Helene within the USA and the flooding in Spain. One would nearly overlook that good issues occurred as properly in 2024, such because the Paris Summer time Olympics (which extraordinary athletic performances), some progress within the battle towards local weather change (e.g. some species stepped again from the brink and EU emissions shrank) and a few shimmers of hope for the folks of Syria.
Since it is a non-political weblog that tries to offer you some enlightening journey inspiration, I wish to concentrate on hope, positivity, and my private journey tales, providing an escapism for the avalanche of unhealthy information that always dominates the world media. Listed here are my ten unbelievable journey highlights of 2024. Early 2025, I’ll share what to anticipate from me within the subsequent yr.
There may be extra data (with journey experiences & YouTube movies) under the slideshow. You’ll be able to share your personal ideas on 2024 or your personal 2024 journey highlights within the feedback part under.
10. A FLIGHT IN THE QUEEN OF THE SKIES (BUSINESS & FIRST CLASS)
A flight within the Boeing 747 – dubbed the Queen of the Skies – is at all times an epic expertise. The Boeing 747 has been a bestseller with airways: between the primary 747 flight on February ninth 1969 and the top of the 747 manufacturing line in 2022, Boeing has constructed 1,560 B747 plane. The Boeing 747-8 is the newest, quieter, extra economical, and extra environmentally pleasant model of the well-known plane kind; it’s also the world’s longest airplane with a fuselage size of 251 ft (77 m). Lufthansa is without doubt one of the final remaining airways on the earth that also flies this plane kind, with 27 Boeing 747s in its fleet. However whereas the Boeing 747 is a marvel of expertise (I at all times really feel privileged to fly in a 747, particularly when seated on the higher deck), Lufthansa’s Enterprise and First Class doesn’t match the grandeur of its flagship plane. The Enterprise Class cabin configuration (2-2-2 on the decrease deck and 2-2 on the higher deck), the shortage of privateness in each Enterprise and First Class, in addition to the mediocre facilities are disappointing and lightyears behind the Enterprise and First Class merchandise provided by the service’s opponents. The excellent news is that Lufthansa has now launched a brand new Enterprise and First Class, known as Alegris – though the roll-out of the product could be very sluggish.
9. A BEACH HOLIDAY AT MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA
Mexico is without doubt one of the world’s most stunning international locations, with a various cultural scene, spectacular nature, a wealthy historical past, and a vibrant society. The sunny nation can be recognized for its gorgeous white-sand seashores and turquoise waters, that are the playground of Europeans and People throughout the northern hemisphere’s colder winter months. Mexico’s privileged location permits it to be “bathed” by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which make the nation a paradisiacal vacation spot for vacationers looking for solar and sand. The marine wildlife additionally make Mexico a magnet for guests from all around the world. In spring 2024, I visited the Riviera Maya, the well-known resort district south of Cancun within the japanese portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya options fantastic seashores, turquoise waters, archeological websites, freshwater lagoons, and underwater caves and cenotes. The Riviera Maya can be well-known for its lodges – together with giant scale all-inclusive resorts, – and through my 2024 journey, I stayed on the three greatest resorts within the space: the Belmond Maroma (which had simply reopened following a large refurbishment), the Rosewood Mayakoba, and the model new St Regis Kanai.
8. A WINTER GETAWAY AT ALPINA GSTAAD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a small landlocked nation proper within the coronary heart of the Alps, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. The nation’s ravishing mountain surroundings, rural villages, glitzy ski resorts, pristine lakes, and inexperienced rolling pastures supply unbeatable winter adventures and summer time out of doors experiences. The number of totally different sights to see in Switzerland is unbelievable, starting from big glaciers, epic mountains and wild rivers, to vibrant cities, world-class museums, and scenic prepare journeys. Luxurious lodges are in considerable provide in Switzerland, and embody Alpine retreats and trendy lakeside resorts. I’ve beforehand stayed at The Dolder Grand (Zurich), The Chedi Andermatt (Alps), and The Gstaad Palace (Alps), and early 2024, I went again to Gstaad village to check out one other elegant lodge that has single-handedly redefined luxurious journey and alpine stylish: The Alpina Gstaad. The Alpina Gstaad is a discreet, unique icon and a singular institution the place authenticity combines with Swiss refinement to create an alpine expertise like no different. The property is dwelling to 55 rooms, a Six Senses Spa, and three eating places, together with a Michelin starred restaurant.
- Assessment: learn my evaluate of The Alpina Gstaad right here.
7. SPENDING A WEEKEND AT AMAN NEW YORK
It’s no secret that I’m a devoted ‘Amanjunkie’ (along with being a Soneva addict). Aman is understood because the world’s most unique lodge model, working uberluxurious resorts and lodges in 21 locations. Early 2024, I stayed at Aman New York, which opened its door three years in the past contained in the Crown Constructing on Fifth Avenue constructing and ranks among the many greatest lodges in New York Metropolis. The constructing is designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of a few of New York’s most influential buildings, together with Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Constructing. Previously the primary dwelling of the Museum of Trendy Artwork, the 100-year-old constructing has undergone a monumental transformation, which has seen it totally restored to its authentic splendor, marking its subsequent chapter as an city Aman sanctuary. With 83 suites and 22 residences, the Aman group has lastly brough the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived title to the guts of Manhattan. The lodge is the second in a brand new, pioneering technology of Aman properties in city settings, following within the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and taking the model to 34 properties worldwide.
- Assessment: learn my evaluate of Aman New York right here.
6. TRYING OUT SOME NEW BUSINESS CLASS PRODUCTS
Flying Enterprise Class is a good privilege. With Enterprise Class, the journey itself turns into a enjoyable expertise: you don’t have to attend in line on the airport; you get entry to airport lounges; you work together with attentive personnel; you’re handled to gourmand meals and high quality wines; and you may sleep in a cushty flat-bed for whole leisure. For me, the principle benefit of Enterprise Class is that the cabin gives a much less claustrophobic surroundings, with enclosed suites the place I can quietly and discretely deal with my worry of flying with out being disturbed and watched by others. From a nervous flyer’s perspective, flying Enterprise Class is so a lot better and totally different in comparison with Economic system Class, because the latter brings up the worst in a single’s habits, considerably decreasing the stress and nervousness thresholds of everybody in that cabin. Previously yr, I attempted out Enterprise Class merchandise that I had not traveled on earlier than, together with some brand-new merchandise and/or airways, such because the Condor A330neo, Beond A319 and the brand new KLM Enterprise Class product on the Boeing 777.
5. A ROAD TRIP IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
In spring 2024, I went on a street journey within the American Southwest (Arizona, Utah and Nevada). The intention was to go to a number of the main Nationwide Parks within the Colorado Plateau, such because the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion Nationwide Park. En route, I stayed at a number of luxurious lodges, together with two very thrilling properties. The primary one was Ambiente, a Panorama Lodge, a brand new property uniquely designed to mix in with the paranormal pink rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Ambiente is comprised of 40 cubed-shaped visitor Atriums which are elevated above the bottom by metal piers and constructed utilizing floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass and matte-charcoal and rusted steel. The second (and much better) property I stayed at was Amangiri, the long-lasting Aman resort tucked right into a protected valley with sweeping views in direction of the Grand Staircase – Escalante Nationwide Monument. Constructed round a central swimming pool with spectacular views, the stunningly stunning resort blends into its dramatic surrounds the place deep canyons and towering plateaus create a uncooked panorama of immense energy. Amangiri additionally encompasses a high-end ‘glamping’ website – known as Camp Sarika – which is linked to the principle resort.
4. A FLIGHT IN THE RESIDENCE (ETIHAD A380)
Final spring, I flew in The Residence onboard an Etihad Airways Airbus A380 from Abu Dhabi to London. The Residence is a step past First Class and the one three-room suite on a passenger plane, that includes a personal bed room, ensuite lavatory (with bathe), and a front room. The Residence was first launched by Etihad in 2014, with one-way tickets between London and Abu Dhabi beginning at $20,000 USD. Moreover a flight on the earth’s most unique cabin, passengers of The Residence additionally loved facilities like non-public butler service, custom-made menus by onboard cooks, and entry to unique airport lounges. When the pandemic hit the world, Etihad saved its A380s and the way forward for The Residence appeared unsure. Nonetheless, with the resurgent journey demand, Etihad introduced again a small variety of its A380 plane in 2023, The Residence together with them. The spectacular exhausting product of The Residence stays intact, however these days, the three-room suite is bought as an improve to First Class passengers (both to be paid by miles or money).
3. EXPLORING PERU
In summer time 2024, I traveled by way of Peru, a rustic which I had already visited as a pupil 20 years in the past. With none doubt, Peru’s best attraction is the mist-shrouded Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Website which was solely found in 1911 and is believed to have been utilized by the Incas as a secret ceremonial metropolis. Regardless of what number of instances you’ve gotten seen {a photograph} of the long-lasting Inca ruins, nothing prepares you for the sense of awe that this magical place elicits in its Andes mountain setting, clinging because it does to rock and jungle. And there’s nothing just like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu by ft, which is why the extremely scenic Inca Path was the spotlight of my journey. After all, Peru is a lot extra than simply Machu Picchu and I included the next stops in my Peru itinerary: Lima (the culinary capital of South America), the Colca Canyon (the world’s deepest land canyon), the attractive metropolis of Arequipa, historical Cusco with the Sacred Valley, and magical Lake Titicaca (the best navigable lake on the earth).
2. AN ULTRA-LUXURY HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES
Glamorous overwater resorts, pristine white-sand seashores, and a spectacular underwater world make the Maldives one in every of my favourite vacation locations on the earth. The archipelago – positioned within the Indian Ocean southwest of India – consists of 1192 coral islands and sandbanks, that are the seen ideas of an oceanic volcanic mountain vary whose periphery at some factors plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The tiny islands are encircled by magnificent seashores and extremely stunning lagoons, blessed with crystal clear waters and guarded by reef constructions. Every resort within the Maldives is positioned by itself non-public island, and the highest resorts supply world-class eating places and wellness facilities. Throughout my 2024 Maldives journey journey, I returned to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, my favourite resorts within the archipelago. Moreover the Soneva properties, I additionally stayed on the following resorts within the Maldives: One&Solely Reethi Rah, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Patina Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, and SO/ Maldives. Whereas I used to be tremendously impressed by the One& Solely and Cheval Blanc properties, I used to be not a fan of the Ritz-Carlton, Patina and SO/ lodges since they’re constructed on fully synthetic, man-made islands.
1. A PHENOMENAL SAFARI TRIP IN BOTSWANA
My greatest journey expertise of 2024 was with none doubt my unbelievable safari vacation in Botswana final summer time. The Southern African nation is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from the sandy plains of the Kalahari Desert within the south to the plush oasis of the Okavango Delta within the north. Celebrated as one of the vital unique and wilderness-rich year-round African safari locations, Botswana boasts limitless areas of protected pure terrains, epic landscapes and numerous wildlife, seemingly tailormade for essentially the most discerning traveler. Unequalled for its wilderness and privateness, the nation can be dwelling to a few of Africa’s most luxurious safari camps. I booked my safari vacation with Wilderness, Africa’s award-winning, main eco-tourism firm. I stayed at three of Wilderness’ high lodges within the nation: Wilderness Jao Camp, Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp, and Wildernness DumaTau. My precise itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana might be discovered right here (this website additionally permits you to e book the identical journey).
