2023 Travel Highlights and a Look Ahead to 2024
Happy New Year! 2023 has been a remarkable traveling year, marked by journeys that spanned across the globe, from the shores of Palawan Island to the bustling streets of European cities and the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Each destination, with its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, has been a source of inspiration and adventure. Here, I share the highlights and unique experiences from each place, reflecting on a year filled with discovery and personal transitions.
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Kauai, Hawaii: A Natural Wonderland
Na Pali Coast.
The year started with an unforgettable adventure to Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, with our family friends. We were fortunate to stay at Koloa Landing in Poipu, which gave us easy access to stunning beaches and incredible local attractions. One of the highlights of our trip was a 6-hour expedition raft tour of the Na Pali Coast. This tour showcased the island's lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs, and also allowed us to delve into the deep cultural roots and rich history of Kauai. During the tour, we had the chance to stop at Nualolo Kai, a remote beach where we learned about the island's fascinating flora and fauna. While we couldn't hike the muddy trail at Waimea Canyon State Park due to recent heavy rains, we made the most of our time by driving to various lookout points to soak in the scenery and learn about the area's history. We also explored charming towns like Hanapepe, with its historic feel, and Koloa - Poipu Beach with its stunning coastline. We also took a horseback riding tour, which allowed us to witness the island's diverse landscapes up close. And, of course, we couldn't miss the opportunity to visit Lihue, the main town, where we encountered the bustling heart of Kauai. Another highlight of our trip was Shipwreck Beach, where the kids enjoyed the crashing waves and invigorating swim. Our adventure to Kauai set the tone for an incredible year of exploration.
Palawan Island, Philippines: Where Inspiration Struck
Then we followed Kauai with an unforgettable trip to Palawan Island in the Philippines. This amazing island, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life, was the catalyst for Forever A Traveler. The tranquility of the island, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of its people, made this journey a profound experience, inspiring the creation of my travel website. We stayed in Lio Beach, an up and coming village, a few miles north of the main town in the El Nido area, filled with beachside restaurants and amenities. There, we enjoyed a stay in Huni Lio Hotel. To learn more about our trip to El Nido, read our blog here or our Destination Guide (including best hotels to stay in and recommendations of things to do). This trip to Palawan Island left me with a desire to explore more breathtaking destinations around the world.
A Summer in Europe
We spent the summer of 2023 traveling through Europe. It was a journey through cultures, history, and landscapes. We have so many highlights, that I’m sure they will all find their way to my blog posts (some already have). But here are a few more highlights, in no particular order.
Lisbon: Lisbon, with its seven hills offering spectacular views, is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. One of my vivid memories is the beautiful light shining off the bay, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed to envelop the city. The historic tramways, snaking through narrow streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, provided a charming and nostalgic way to explore Lisbon's charm. We enjoyed the aquatic world at the Oceanario de Lisboa. However, among the many highlights of our trip, visiting Sintra was truly unforgettable. We marveled at the grandeur of Pena Palace and wandered through the beautiful Parque de Pena, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Lisbon truly leaves a lasting impression, leaving us eager to return and discover even more of its wonders.
Algarve and the Fisherman’s Trail: In the Algarve, we embarked on a portion of the renowned Fisherman’s Trail, a coastal trek that offered some of the most spectacular views of Portugal’s southern coastline. This journey was a true adventure, taking us along rugged cliffs and secluded beaches. We stayed in a small quaint fishing village, Salema, providing us with insight into the traditional fishing culture of the region. The experience was both invigorating and humbling, as we traversed the natural beauty of the Algarve coast.
Barcelona and the Eixample: Barcelona's Eixample district was a highlight, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution. This area, known for its grid-like layout and modernist buildings, provided a fascinating insight into urban planning and architectural innovation. Exploring the Eixample, we admired the works of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia, which stood as a symbol of Barcelona’s artistic heritage. The district's wide avenues and vibrant squares were a testament to the city's dynamic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Seville: Seville was a dive into Andalusian culture. From the grandeur of the Alcázar to the lively Flamenco performances, Seville was a city that danced to its rhythm, making it a memorable stop on our European tour.
There are so many highlights since we spent an entire summer in Europe, but truly the best part is spending time with my family.
Followed by New York City and Washington D.C.
As soon as I got back to the US from a long summer of traveling Europe, I decided that I wanted to include two iconic cities to my yet to be launched website that would be Forever A Traveler. Hence, a trip to the east coast, places we’ve frequented often, to visit some hotels and research everything I needed to make a guide. Make sure to visit our Destination Guides to New York City and Washington D.C. to check out the outcome.
Ending the Year in Waikiki, Hawaii
The year ended in Waikiki, a tropical paradise that offered a relaxing end to a year of extensive travels. The lively beachfront, the iconic Diamond Head, and time with girlfriends were highlights. Waikiki's natural beauty and vibrant city life was the perfect way to reflect on a year filled with extraordinary travel experiences. Read my Waikiki adventure in my blog here.
Reflecting on a Year of Travel
The travels of 2023 have been a journey of growth, discovery, and inspiration. From the exquisite beauty of Palawan Island to the rich histories of European cities and the tropical allure of Kauia and Waikiki, each destination offered unique experiences that enriched my perspective and deepened my passion for travel. These adventures have not only been a source of content for my website but have also been a personal journey of learning and connection. As I look back on this incredible year, I am grateful for the experiences and look forward to what future travels might hold. The journey continues, and I am excited to share more adventures with you, here, on Forever A Traveler, in our blog or in our Destination Guides.
Looking Ahead: Anticipating 2024 with Forever A Traveler
As we wrap up an incredible year of travel in 2023, our sights are already set on the adventures planned for 2024. In the coming year, we aim to bring more exciting content, new destination guides, and an enhanced presence on social media platforms. Here's a glimpse into what 2024 holds for Forever A Traveler.
A significant focus for the first half of 2024 will be the expansion of our Destination Guides. We plan to dive into some of the world’s most engaging cities - Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and London. We hope to follow those amazing cities with Boston and Orlando, Florida. These guides will provide practical travel information, including hotel recommendations that we have personally visited. For more information on how we select our Hotels, please go here.
After the inspiration that Palawan Island sparked in me, I would love to delve deeper into this majestic region by covering Coron, the group of small islands just off the northern tip of Palawan . Known for its stunning limestone cliffs, world-class diving spots, and pristine beaches, Coron is definitely in the bucket list for 2024. The aim is to provide our readers with a comprehensive guide that captures the essence of this breathtaking destination.
Forever A Traveler will also be expanding its digital footprint. We launched our official Pinterest account, which will serve as a platform to share captivating images, travel tips, and engaging content - I invite you to follow us! We also invite you to sign-up for our newsletter and be the first to know about travel insights and opportunities. Through these channels, we hope to connect more closely with our community, share real-time updates, and provide visual inspiration for travel enthusiasts.
As we embark on this new chapter, we hope to keep you inspired and engaged, whether you're planning your next big adventure or just dreaming about future destinations.
I am excited to see what 2024 has in store for all of us and look forward to sharing these experiences with you. Let’s continue to explore the world together, with curiosity and wonder.
Happy Travels!
Zellie, your forever a traveler.
