Happy New Year! Where did you explore/enjoy/experience in 2024? I had a phenomenal 2024, visiting 28 countries throughout the year, including five new ones. This brings the total number of countries I have ever visited to 90. I also explored 15 new cities, and flew my 100th Boeing 747! From ancient ruins to vibrant festivals and serene lakes to bustling markets, my journeys spanned a massive range. Here’s a look back at my top 20 travel experiences and some fascinating stats to wrap up the year. My Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2024 2. Enjoyed…
Skyward No More: The Airlines We Lost in 2024
Each year, I reflect on the airlines we lost over the past 12 months. While I much prefer writing about thriving airlines, examining closures offers insight into the industry’s harsh realities. Most airlines that ceased operations in the past year were small-scale ventures. Some, like ČSA Czech Airlines, LIAT, and Air Malta, carried historic names and legacies, while others were new players with big ambitions. Several carriers sought to disrupt markets or introduce unique business models. For instance, HumoAir dreamed of connecting 60 destinations within a year, and Bonza promised affordable airfares tailored to Australians.…
Flying Around the World for “Free”: A Frequent Flyer Adventure
Flying around the globe is the holy grail of travel. In August and September 2024, I flew 29,099 miles (46,622 km) around the world, mainly in Business Class. My aiming was to use frequent flyer points to cover most of the journey. Many people have been curious about how I managed it, so here we go… My journey started and finished in Sydney, Australia and took me to: Paying outright for a similar round-the-world itinerary in Business Class would have cost between $14,986 and $16,545 USD, not including taxes and fees. For Business Class tickets,…
2024 Recapped: Best and Worst Airports in the World
Over the last week, I have reviewed my 2024 destinations and rated the best and worst airlines. Today, I want to focus on the best and worst airports after flying to or from 65 airports in 2024 and 289 in my lifetime. Whether you’re starting your journey or connecting at an airport, several factors can significantly shape your experience. Are you a regular flyer, a new flyer, or an occasional traveller? Do you prefer driving to the airport and parking or other transport options? How much time do you need to spend at the airport,…
Why Flights Get Delayed, Who is Better and How to Stay One Step Ahead
I had settled into my seat and the plane was fully boarded. A woman behind me told the crew she felt too unwell to fly. Medical staff boarded, and she left the aircraft with them 20 minutes after our scheduled departure. Retrieving her luggage took another 20 minutes, and with our takeoff slot lost, we faced another 25-minute delay. Over an hour later, we finally took off. This scenario is all too familiar for frequent travellers. The consequence of such delays is far-reaching. The next flight will likely be late, too, and the passengers won’t…
Two weeks in the Air: My Best and Worst Airlines
Last year, I spent almost two weeks of the 366 days in the air with 29 different airlines. My 99 flights covered 124,000 miles (ca. 200,000 km), taking me to 65 airports across 28 countries. Some trips were memorable for their exceptional service that was so good, I (almost) didn’t want to get off the plane. Others highlighted air travel “challenges”. In my life, I have now logged 3.8 million kilometres in the air (2.4 million miles) with 128 airlines. As I have logged everything, including a rating of every airline, flight, and aircraft I…
Planning, Packing, and Exploring: My 7 Tips for Better Travel
As I reflect on 2024, these are the key observations and learnings I have picked up: 1. Prioritising “Real” Experiences Seek both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. Sure, visiting iconic places like the Acropolis or Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing is a must, but it is so for 1,000,000 other people. Be prepared for that and track down opportunities that might not be featured in the top ten visit spots on Instagram. Discovering hidden gems like Colombia’s San Antonio Church or Croatia’s Maksimir Park added depth and richness to my journeys. My goal is to see a…
Helsinki: The Northern Jewel of the Baltic
Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki has grown into a stunningly beautiful and highly enjoyable city, celebrated for its great quality of life. Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki spans 715 square kilometers (276 square miles) and overlooks the Baltic Sea. The city’s coastal setting, with over 300 islands dotting its archipelago, combined with lush green spaces, offers a striking contrast that defines its unique character. Comparable in size to other European capitals like Oslo and Dublin, Helsinki is divided into several districts, each with its unique charm, from…
Get me out of here: Guatemala City: Where History and Gangs Collide
Founded in 1776 on the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Kaminaljuyu, Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City) was established as the new capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala after a series of devastating earthquakes destroyed the former capital, Antigua Guatemala. It has been capital of a fully independent Guatemala since 1847. The country of Guatemala is bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the east. Guatemala City is located in the southern part of the country within the Valle de la Ermita…
Panama’s Special Bocas del Toro- another world
The Bocas del Toro archipelago, is an enchanting group of islands approximately 35 km off Panama’s Caribbean coast, located at latitude 9.35° N and longitude 82.25° W. The archipelago consists of nine major islands and over 200 smaller cays and islets Summary Getting There by Air To reach this idyllic destination, most visitors fly into Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport (BOC), also known as José Ezequiel Hall International Airport. Air Panama and Flytrip offer direct flights from Panama City (Allbrook Airport) and SANSA from San Jose, Costa Rica. Getting There by Ferry and…
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