After one of the busiest and and stressful years of my life, I’m taking off on a true bucket-list journey that will see me crossing four continents: Asia, Europe, the Americas, and (my home base in Australia), completing the set! This trip will take me back to some familiar favourites — Malaysia, Thailand, Finland, Switzerland, Turkey, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil — while also adding two exciting new countries: South Africa and Botswana.
I am working in a couple of spots and then vacationing but what I am most excited about are the “pinch myself” moments ahead:
- Seeing Christ the redeemer and Cocabana in Rio de Janeiro
- Exploring innovative Curitiba
- Searching for elephants and giraffes on safari in Kruger National Park
- Soaking myself into Cape Town
- Roaming South Africa’s garden route
- Experiencing the majesty of Iguazu Falls
- The Stoosbahn, also known as the Schwyz–Stoos funicular railyway, steepest in the world
- Crossing into the wild heart of Botswana and catching up on some detective agency nostalgia
As always, I’d love to hear your tips — if you’ve been to these places, what can’t I miss?
This trip is very much a points-powered adventure! Thanks to my Qantas, Lifemiles, and Turkish balances, most of the long-hauls and a couple of short hauls are covered. Many of my dates have fitted around frequent flight seat availability with lots of juggling between the three programs.
I have my fingers crossed on a First Class upgrade with Qantas back to Sydney on their Airbus 380 which I have yet to hear about. I may find out days before or even at the gate. Wish me luck!
A patchwork of short paid flights will fill the gaps.
Along the way, I’ll be riding with some familiar friends: Avianca, Copa, Finnair, Gol, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Turkish, and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Into the mix will be some first-time experiences: Azul in Brazil, plus a fascinating array of South African carriers: Airlink, FlySafair, Lift, and South African Airways. I had hoped to tick off Air Botswana, but my scheduled flight was unfortunately cancelled. No trip is ever predictable…..
Stories from the road
I’ll share stories from the road — airports, airlines, cities, safaris, waterfalls, and everything in between. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
That sounds absolutely incredible ✈️! What an amazing way to reward yourself after such a busy year. Revisiting old favorites while adding South Africa and Botswana to the mix makes it the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Can’t wait to hear how it all unfolds!
that is NOT going “Round the world”