As the end of 2024 nears, i’d like to look back to another amazing year. This is my traditional look back at the most beautiful trips of the past year. Which destinations did I visit in 2024? Which places surprised me? What were the great moments? I will take you back with some nice photos.

Travel is still the most intense mode of learning and there is still lots to learn so I hit the road to 7 countries!

JANUARY: Cadiz – Andalucia- Spain

We have spent the last days of 2023 and the first days of the new year 2024 in Andalucia with Cadiz as a base.According to archeological founds, Cadiz is not only the oldest city in Spain but in all of Europe. We have rented a car and explored further south aswell. We fell in love with the charming town of Barbate, on the Costa de la Luz, 40km north of Tarifa.

APRIL & MAY HAWAII – 4 island trip

After much preparation, we headed to this beautiful state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and discovered the islands of Kauai, Big Island, Maui and Oahu.

Oahu

We started and ended our trip on Oahu, the main island of Hawaii. Here you will find the capital Honolulu and the popular Waikiki. We explore a large part of the island with our rental car.We did aswell the Jurrasic Park movie tour on Kuala Ranch. Oahu also offers fantastic snorkeling and hiking. There is great shopping on Oahu and there are also plenty of good restaurants.

Kauai

This island is the greenest island in Hawaii and is therefore also known as the Garden Isle. We thoroughly enjoy the many waterfalls, the green interior, the impressive Waimea Canyon, the beautiful beaches and the rugged Na Pali coast. Kauai is absolutely one of the most beautiful destinations I have ever been to and if I have to recommend one Hawaiian island, it is it’s definitely Kauai.

Big Island

From Kauai we fly to Kona on the Big Island, also known as Hawaii. This is the largest island and it is also known as the Orchid Isle. This island is extremely varied: from bounty beaches on the south coast to the impressive Volcanoes National Park and the tropical interior in the north. Here you will really find something for everyone. You can snorkel on the Big Island, including with sea turtles.

Maui

The third island we visit is Maui, one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii. The island is also known as the Valley Isle, or the island of the valleys. In addition to valleys, you will find many other special places on Maui. The best-known example of this is the Road to Hana, a beautiful coastal road full of beautiful sights in the east of the island. You should also not miss the Pipiwai Trail, a beautiful walking route through the impressive and tropical interior of Maui.Another highlight of Maui is the Haleakala volcano, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see from the top.

JUNE – ANGOLA

I love travelling in Africa and one of my favourite destination is Angola. It is a country that took me completely by surprise. I did not expect the natural beauty we encountered or the serenity I experienced while touring this country. While Angola has a turbulent past, I was humbled by the beautiful culture of the people and the story that this country had to tell.

AUGUST – BUDAPEST

10 year’s ago Katia and i ‘ve met first in the city of Budapest. A good reason to go back to the capital of Hunagry. Budapest is at its most alive and popular during the summer.In general, summer in Hungary is warm and welcoming. The summer months are the perfect time to go on a holiday if you like sunshine, cooling down with ice cream, and spending time in open-air baths and beaches!

OCTOBER – TURKMENISTAN

Turkmenistan, one of Central Asia’s most mysterious and under-visited destinations, offered me an unforgettable journey through its majestic deserts, ancient ruins, and modern wonders. I had the opportunity to explore unique natural phenomena such as the Karakum desert, Yangykala canyon and the Darvaza crater, known as the “Gates of Hell”, to immerse myselves in the history of the ancient cities of Nisa and Merv, and to enjoy the contrasts of the capital Ashgabat. With my guide and driver’s amazing stories and unforgettable views and potholes on the roads that took my breath away, this adventure of traveling in Turkmenistan will stay in my heart forever.

NOVEMBER- MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique is a country located in south-eastern Africa and is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and diverse wildlife. My trip to Mozambique took me to beautiful tropical beaches, I tasted delicious seafood, and experienced some nice diving.The country has so much to offer, from its rich history and culture to its stunning beaches and wildlife. I would highly recommend Mozambique as a travel destination for anyone looking to explore one of Africa’s less obvious destinations.

NOVEMBER – GERMANY

A road trip along the the Moselle Valley from Trier to Koblenz.

The rolling hill slopes along this part of Moselle River is very beautiful and particularly suitable for vineyards. Bernkastel-kues offer amazing views alongside the river. The whole area is stunning and relaxed.The Mosel Valley follows the Mosel River and is wine country.Each and every small town along the way from Trier to Koblenz is charming and offers picturesque surroundings. Good wine, great food and friendly people all over. The real gems are castles located high on the hills – the view over the vineyards is really breathtaking

DECEMBER – PERU

Back to Peru, my second home. Main reason to spent xmass with my family.But to discover new places aswell. Peru is the third largest country in South America. It consists of a variety of landscapes, including the world’s second highest mountain range, the Andes, deserts, beaches and of course the Amazon rainforest, covering half the country. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean where the capital, Lima, is located.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is a land-locked country to the east of South Africa. 

The name of the country is now officially eSwatini, and this is a reflection of the literal translation of the country’s name in Swazi language. ‘Swaziland’ is a name used by colonisers and was not chosen by the country itself, therefore really, it should be referred to as ‘eSwatini’. The King of eSwatini chose the name personally, and wishes it to be used officially.

Interestingly though, in the country itself, the name ‘eSwatini’ is rarely used and almost all of the local people still refer to themselves in English as ‘Swazi’ and to their country as ‘Swaziland’. We even asked several people which they preferred and they all said ‘Swaziland’.

It is almost entirely surrounded by the larger country, but also shares a border with Mozambique. I visited Eswatini as a extra exursion during my Mozambique trip. My first plan was to visit Maputo National Park in Mozambique. But if, like me, you don’t have your own transport, it’s the easiest way to see some of Africa Wildlife is to take a game drive in Hlane NP in Eswatini. If you’re renting a car, you can just drive there and pay your $25 for a game drive, along with the $3 entrance fee, and head back again or stay the night.

Swaziland, it’s a beautiful country full of friendly locals.

Hlane Royal National Park. It’s incredibly inexpensive compared to the cost of drives in its neighbouring countries, and as a bonus, you’ll most likely have the entire car to yourself.

The park constitutes the largest groups of big games in Swaziland, including lions, leopards, elephants, white rhino, as well as an astonishing birdlife including the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in Africa. Other large mammals in the park include giraffe, hippo, zebra, marabou stork and antelope.

Mozambique is a south-east African country with a long coastline bordering the Indian Ocean. I have visited Maputo, the Bazaruto Archipelago, Vilanculos and Hlane Royal Park. One of the main reasons of my Mozambique trip was scubadiving.

Nestled on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique is a country of natural beauty and cultural richness that has remained largely undiscovered by visitors. With its long stretches of pristine coastline, breathtaking marine life, and diverse wildlife, I saw how Mozambique offers a unique and unforgettable African experience .

Mafalala visit

Mafalala is a Maputo suburb that accentuates that differences between the old and the new Mozambique, the pre and post-colonial Mozambique, the Christian, Muslim and Animist Mozambique, the foods, the dances, the hardships and the joy. In these spiralling laneways many of Mozambique’s most famous and influential people were born and then nurtured. Together with guide Derson we have spent half a day in this unique Maputo suburb.

Mozambique is home to some of the most stunning beaches and islands in Africa. Many islands are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming, and are home to an array of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.Unfortunately i did not get to see any whale sharks on my days of diving. So,despite the whaleshark season has started, we did not encounter any, but we saw lots of alive coral and many colorful fish.

HONEYMOON WEDDING CEREMONY
For the honeymoon usually the groom and the bride spend their honeymoon at their “new” home or in a hotel.
They usually need to go the church because Mozambique has a very strong religios community.
Its part of the Mozambican traditions that on the wedding day the husband is not allowed to see the bride until they meet at church, as it is considered to be bad luck to see the woman before. The botanical garden is a popular photoshoot location.
After that they have a big party with family and friends.

Another must-visit destination is Bazaruto Archipelago, located in the southern part of the country. The islands offer a mix of luxury and adventure, with activities ranging from island-hopping, horseback riding, and dhow cruises to scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. The archipelago is also home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

The lively seaside town of Vilanculos is ideally located for exploring the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque), lying just off the mainland of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique’s premier travel destination – a tropical beach paradise with clear turquoise waters and palm fringed islands. As a protected area, the reefs are pristine and the sea life here is spectacular. This cluster of five unspoiled tropical islands is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Mozambique’s only marine reserve, Bazaruto is world-renowned for its superb diving and snorkelling given the abundant sea creatures inhabiting its intact reefs. Marine life includes an impressive variety of tropical fish, whales and dolphins, as well as the rare Dugong (sea cow) and Nile crocodiles. Some of the aquatic creatures sighted on dives include whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, lobsters, barracuda, clown fish, Moorish idols and mackerel. Antelopes, Samango monkeys and around 180 bird species also inhabit the Bazaruto islands.

The Beach of Tofo is one the best of southern Mozambique. It is picturesque and a great place to relax. I unfortunately have only 1 day here to spent before i will head back to the capital.

Back in the capital of Mozambique: Maputo.
Because of the election results, the country is facing a difficult situation.
We will not going to Maputo National Park, 2 hours south, as planned, but we will choose for an alternative to Swaziland, tomorrow.
My guide explains:

Hi Mr. how are you? I am worried, the actual biggest opposition leader of Mozambique has announced 7 days march starting from 31st October to 7th November. He is calling people from all the provinces of Mozambique to come to Maputo city to march for power and those who can’t come to march in Maputo should do in their own provinces. Maputo is at risk of being the most unsafe place in the country during the 7 days. On the other hand It is unbelievable that it will happen because we have never experienced anything like this in history. But something is true, he has closed the country, first for 1 day and second for 2 days, He is the most followed politician at the moment although being also the most wanted person by Mozambican authorities. If it happens, the roads will be closed, I hope it doesn’t happen….

Mozambique is not just about its beaches and islands. The country is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural habitats. Gorongosa National Park is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Mozambique, but difficult to reach. I love wildlife and now i am in Africa! My plan was to visit Parque Nacional de Maputo.
Due het current situation in Mozambique, and the risique of blocked roads there was a proposal to visit Hlane Royal National Park in Eswatini.
3 hours driving from Maputo.Hlane is an affordable lowveld destination with exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife.This 22,000 ha park, once the region’s rich hunting grounds, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom with speciality species being lion, elephant, vultures and marabou stork. So i can recommend Hlane Royal Park in the kingdom of Estwatini (Swaziland).

Mozambique is a country with a rich cultural history, influenced by Portuguese, African, and Arab cultures. The capital city, Maputo, is a hub of cultural activity, with art galleries, museums, and markets. I explored the historic Maputo Central Market, known for its fresh seafood, spices, and handicrafts, i visited the National Art Museum aswell, which showcases the country’s contemporary art scene. Together with my friend Derson we aswell to the Fortress, the Central Market, and the railway station,the Maputo City Hall, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Iron House…

I love to visit trainstations when i am traveling.
Maputo railway station is one of the most gorgeous buildings in Maputo built in 1895. Mostly known as CFM by Mozambicans, Maputo railway station represents the heart of Maputo because it was thanks to the existence of this building that Maputo (named Lourenço Marques during colonialism) picked up its development pace. Soon after it was built, it started attracting people from all over the world, businesses, infrastructure projects, jobs among many other things. It was because of the railway station that Maputo eventually became, THE CAPITAL OF MOZAMBIQUE

The island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage site is further north. The island was a trading hub for the Portuguese in the 16th century and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere.

Mozambique is a hidden gem in Africa that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The locals are friendly.From its stunning beaches and islands to its diverse wildlife and rich cultural history, Mozambique has something for everyone. The country is the perfect destination to explore. I might come back one day.