Hoping for another year of adventures in 2024. I always attempt to go to 5 new countries but every year it is more of a struggle as the ones left are either dangerous or a difficult journey. Malawi, Turkmenistan, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Bolivia have made the list for 2024. We’ll see, it’s a good thing I enjoy the planning.

This past year I found the following new destinations: Tahiti, Mauritius, Benin, Togo and Saudi Arabia. My trip to Bolivia was cancelled due to Latam but I needed to renew my passport anyway and wasn’t sure about getting it back in time due to the backlog and a possible government shutdown. My new one is here but currently EMPTY!

Two of these destinations helped me celebrate in a personally delightful way. When making my hotel reservation in Mauritius I happened to mention that it would be my 150th country. I was trying to share my excitement but turns out they were excited too! When in Benin I disclosed one day that it was my birthday and how fortunate I was that they served complimentary tea and cake every afternoon. The surprises were overwhelming!

I hope you have some exciting adventures this next year as well!