For passionate world travelers, 2020 was not an easy year. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought travel and tourism to a near-standstill. My plans to explore Senegal, Crete, Suriname, Algeria and the Dominican Republic have been cancelled by airlines where I’ve bought the tickets or other countries do not issue visa for some time.

Since my home base is located in Belgium, I took the advantage to make several trips to nearby countries such as France and Holland. Only once in 2020, I was able to travel outside Europe. Turkey was a kind of celebration, because exactly 25 years ago Turkey was my first destination by plane.  During December my wife and I have spent a lovely time at four of the Canary Islands.

I’m curious about how travel will look like in a post-COVID-19 world. No one knows when the coronavirus pandemic will end. No one knows when authorities will lift travel bans but still my hunger to explore the world is big. I keep planning new travels but no one knows when I’ll actually be able to take them. There’s only one thing that I should expect in 2021 with any certainty: It’s uncertainty.

Travel is still the most intense mode of learning and there is still lots to learn so here is my blog where 2020 brought me.

JANUARY 2020 : THE BAHAMAS

MAY 2020 : EAST-BELGIUM

JUNE 2020: BRITTANY – FRANCE

JULY 2020: VERSAILLES – FRANCE

JULY 2020: CONDROZ- BELGIUM

JULY 2020: ALSACE & VOSGES- FRANCE

AUGUST 2020: WADDEN ISLANDS- HOLLAND

AUGUST 2020: THE VOER REGION- BELGIUM

SEPTEMBER 2020: POPERINGE & The Hop – BELGIUM

SEPTEMBER 2020: FLEMISH ARDENNES- BELGIUM

OCTOBER 2020: TURKEY

DECEMBER 2020: THE CANARY ISLANDS

The year 2020 has arrived—and with it, the beginning of a new decade.

Now, i’d like to look back to another amazing year with interesting trips.

Travel is still the most intense mode of learning and there is still lots to learn so I hit the road in 2019 to 12 countries!

March: Overlandtour YvoryCoast-Ghana-Togo- Benin

We went first to Yvorycoast. It was a great journey! Côte d’Ivoire, also usually known as Ivory Coast is a country located in West Africa with its south facing the North Atlantic Ocean coast. It is shares its borders with Ghana to the east, Liberia to the west, Guinea to the northwest, Mali to the north, and Burkina Faso to the northeast.

After crossing the border we ‘ve explored Ghana. It’s of the most popular tourist destinations in West Africa. I love the diversity of the country.From its cosmopolitan capital to historic cities. On the coast, beautiful beaches with forts that serve as a reminder of Ghana’s tragic role in the slave trade.

Next was Togo

I love to travelling off the beaten track, Togo was a rewarding destination. Its great diversity of landscapes ranges from lakes and beaches along the Atlantic coastline to the rolling forested hills in the centre; we’ve headed further north, aswell to visit some traditional villages.

Benin, the last destination during this big tour is without doubt the most fascinating country i’ve been to in West-Africa. There was Voodoo and much more!

April: Lebanon

The Middle Eastern nation of Lebanon is a country of stark contrasts: beautiful Mediterranean beaches and high mountain ranges, Christianity and Islam, ancient history and modern lifestyles. However, what makes Lebanon even more special are the locals with their warm hospitality, generous food culture as well as both love and respect for their own country.

June: Peru

Lima, home of Katia. We went for the wedding of the year and we’ve catched up mainly with family and friends. Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru.The food is fantastic. There are few cities in Latin America that pride themselves on cuisine as much as Lima.

July: Brussels ( Concert Rammstein)

Probably the biggest and most impressive show in the history!

July: Ibiza         

SUMMER ROCKS @ IBIZA
we’ve explored the island during the daytime and nighttime.

September: Amsterdam

Visiting friends in the capital of The Netherlands.I have been there many times but Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals and always a pleasure to come back.

Oktober: Berlijn

Once again visiting friends was our main goal in the capital of Germany. Berlin is rich with history and culture. Badly fractured during World War II and the cold war, Berlin has recreated itself into an international city with diverse cultures and architecture.

November: Gambia

Back off to West-Africa! Known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa”, the West African country The Gambia is officially Africa’s smallest mainland country but a country with one of the most unique identities and spirit. The destination is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, hospitable people, three UNESCO heritage sites and year-round sunshine. The Gambia, with its capital Banjul,. is bounded by Senegal with a narrow Atlantic coastline of around 80 kilometers.

December: USA- Florida & the Keys

My first real US journey. Since we have relatives living in Tampa we went to Florida and spent Christmas.Florida has miles of beaches, tons of activities, an diverse wildlife, and of course theme parks! I drove all the way to Key West, pearl of the Florida Keys.

The Bahamas

Since Miami is close to The Bahamas, It is not difficult to come up with the idea to visit the wonderful Caribbean nation of the Bahamas.The archipelago’s geographical location, its 700 unique islands, the weather,  and the Junkanoo Carnival Parade was the perfect place for ending this great year of traveling.

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