Adventure Awaits, But First…

Here’s some of the latest

• Lonely Planet has released their Best in Travel 2024 list and wow this got me excited. Think Spotify Unwrapped but for global exploration! Before I start rambling about this list just check it out for yourself here. This group of destinations is broken down by country, regions, cities, sustainable {travel}, and value. One, the photographs used for each destination are spectacular and make you want to jump right in. Two, the destinations are really well thought out. Many places featured are not your typical destination you’d see if you googled top places to visit. These are destinations for true adventure seekers looking to get out of their comfort zone.

• It’s been a year since the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown which resulted in about 16,000 flights being canceled. The US department of Transportation recently fined Southwest 140 million for this debacle (SW revenue for 2022 was 23.8 billion dollars). This year went a lot smoother with just 293 Southwest flights canceled. Not perfect, but quite an improvement.

• Ukraine celebrated Christmas day on December 25th for the first time in its history. Originally, Ukraine celebrated Christmas on the same date as Russia, January 7th. This change comes at an attempt to distance Ukraine from Russia as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. It is also a strategic move to tie itself closer to its Western supporters.

What was the most visited city in 2023?

Try this, Not that

Over tourism is really becoming a problem for many sites around the world. Here are some suggestions for places that I think are worth visiting so we can give their counterpart a break.

Split or Zadar instead of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a picturesque city so it’s no wonder why so many people have been flocking here. However, in the past few years the small city has become overrun with tourists which is negatively impacting the residents, infrastructure, and environment. The city even released a video to raise awareness.

Croatia has far more destinations than Dubrovnik that are worth visiting. Both Split and Zadar are nestled right on the Adriatic Sea offering tons of adventures and gorgeous views.

How do other cultures celebrate the new year?

Many around the world gather on December 31st in remembrance of what happened and to celebrate what’s to come. Here’s how others from around the globe celebrate their New Year.

Ethiopia - Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash which translates to “gift of jewels.” Enkutatash falls on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar which is what most of us use. The Ethiopian New Year places emphasis on family and appreciating those around you.

Persian New Year - Iran and many other regions celebrate the Persian New Year or Nowruz which means “new day” in Farsi. This celebration is based on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar and falls on the spring equinox (usually March 21st). This holiday marks new beginnings and reinforces family and community.

Japan - The Japanese New Year or Shogatsu falls on January 1st. Shogatsu places emphasis on a number of traditions to help ring in the new year. Many take part in Hatsumode which is the first shrine visit of the year. Families gather to pay their respects and wish for a healthy year.

Travel Trends

US Domestic flights are expected to drop as much as 16% in 2024.

Booking eight months in advance for international flights seems to be the goldilocks time period. Those that book 8 months out save between 8 and 18%.

Sustainability is the goal! In a Booking.com survey 76% of respondents stated they will place more emphasis on sustainable travel.

Trivia Answer:

B) Hong Kong (23.7 million tourists)

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