Hitting January can often be difficult: those 6:00am wake up calls (after long lie ins over the Christmas period) are a shock to the system; the month usually involves some form of abstinence after the weeks of festive excesses, which can be a bit demoralising; and it’s almost guaranteed that the weather will be cold, wet and miserable. However, the one thing that always gets me through January and is guaranteed to put a smile on my face, is the thought of the travels I have planned for the year ahead. The one resolution I always make each year is to travel (even) more than I did the year before and that is always a resolution that’s fun and exciting to achieve!
So, what travel experiences am I looking forward to in 2024?
Trekking the Perito Morena Glacier
Another way of getting through January is to be away travelling! As you read this, Julian and I will be in Argentina trekking one of the most iconic glaciers in Patagonia, the Perito Moreno in Los Glaciares National Park.
From there we will do the land transfer over the border into Chilean Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park, before heading north past the Villarrica Volcano in the Chilean Lake District to edgy and hip Valparaíso and finally taking in a few days in Buenos Aires. There will be more about this trip in the coming months.
Enjoying a girls road trip to South Africa
Sharing a few weeks with two of my best friends, I will be showing them the highlights of Cape Town and why I love the city. From hiking Table Mountain to paddle boarding with the penguins at Boulders Beach and horse riding amongst the vineyards of the Winelands, before heading to the coastal areas around Hermanus and Paternoster for walks on the beach, swimming and chilling. Good food, wine and company are guaranteed with quite a few laughs along the way.
Heading to Indonesia
One thing that is still unticked on my travel bucket list is seeing with my own eyes Borobudur. So finally, I am going to make this dream a reality with a trip to Indonesia to see the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
I will then head to the island of Sumba to indulge in a stay at one of the fabulous resorts, where I will swim with the Sumba sea horses, explore uncharted waterfalls, stand-up paddle board on rivers that wind through picturesque local villages and watch world class surfers ride the world’s most coveted waves.
Taking plenty of shorties
In between my longer adventures, I have plenty of short-breaks arranged including luxuriating in the new Peninsula Hotel on the Bosphorus in Istanbul before enjoying the sights of this vibrant city and then heading up to Argos in Cappadocia to see Pigeon Valley, Mount Erciyes and the fairy chimneys. Relaxing amongst the vines and the stunning views of the Douro Valley at the Six Senses. Then checking in at Passalacqua on Lake Como, which was recently voted Number #1 in this year’s Top 50 Best Hotels and for good reason. It is like staying with the most warm, generous friends on the lake who also have the best taste in interiors and food!
Travelling vicariously…
….Through many client trips. Japan is proving popular and there is nothing I like better than sending clients on a similar path as the one I took on my own fabulous journey in this fascinating country. For one couple who are doing Japan as a honeymoon, they will be combining it with the beaches of Vietnam.
I will be creating lots of happy memories in intoxicating India and showing clients the diversity of Colombia and the laid back charms of Laos.
Whilst one lucky multi-generational family will be enjoying the safari of a lifetime. Starting at the private four tent Angama Safari Camp in the Maasai Mara. They will have each day crafted around them and they will get to enjoy incredible Big 5 game viewing, as well as witnessing the migration from above with a balloon ride over the Mara.
Then the family will fly up to the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia by private charter. Here they will be staying in their own private house, Lengishu, which is one of the most spectacular private houses in East Africa with all its activities - rhino tracking on foot (the Borana Conservancy is big on rhino conservation and has over 200 black and white rhinos), incredible horse riding, great Big 5 game viewing, visiting Pride Rock where the Disney team got the inspiration for Lion King, enjoying incredible views of Mount Kenya and helicopter adventures to off grid northern Kenya.
Where will 2024 take you?
I certainly urge you to get your travel plans for the year ahead in progress as it’s a great antidote to the January blues! If you’d like some ideas on what to do and where to go this coming year then please do get in touch and let’s get some of your travel bucket list ticked off.