The year is like an open road – with winding turns, unexpected detours and breathtaking views that remain forever in our minds. Whether we got lost in ancient alleys, dared under the starry sky or discovered magic in ordinary moments, every journey leaves a mark on us. Now, when I look back on my experiences, I realize how many memories I have collected in 2024.
With this article, I will try to collect the pieces of this map of memories and tell the stories that enriched me. What did I learn, what did I love and where will the next horizon take me? It’s time to travel the adventures of the year together!
Table of Contents
January: Portugal
My year has begun again in the most beautiful city in the world to me – Lisbon, where I forget about everyday life and immersed myself in nostalgia and love. January in Lisbon is like the unfolding of a novel – each page reveals a new story, wrapped in light and charm. With its hilly streets, paved with sparkling stone mosaics, and cozy cafes, smelling of freshly baked pastel de nata, the city invites you to forget the cold and immerse yourself in the warmth of its soul. Lisbon in January is quieter, but just as magnetic – the perfect time to explore Alfama, enjoy a sunset from the Belem Tower or hear the melancholy of fado in a small, hidden corner of the city. This is the month when Portugal reveals its gentle and dreamy face. Find more about Portugal here.
February: Italy, India and Nepal
February was a whirlwind of contrasts and cultural treasures – from the catwalks of Milan to the sacred temples of India and the snow-capped peaks of Nepal. The Italian capital of style welcomed me with elegance and grace, where art galleries and the Duomo Cathedral seemed to compete for my attention. Then I headed to India’s Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – a true symphony of colours, aromas and ancient history, illuminated by the majesty of the Taj Mahal. But the apogee of this month was in Nepal, where Kathmandu told tales of ancient dynasties, and the trek to Poon Hill rewarded me with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. February was not only a month of travel, but also of inspiring encounters with the spirit of the world.
March: Italy, Colombia and Portugal
March brought with it a triple dose of magic – from the eternal city of Rome, to the picturesque magic of Colombia, to the raw beauty of the Azores. In Rome, time seems to stand still – as you walk through the ancient Forum or admire the majestic Colosseum, you can feel history pulsating in every wall. From Italy, I found myself in a completely different world – the colorful streets of Cartagena and the green hills of Colombia reminded me of how wild and diverse nature is. I finished the month in Portugal, amidst the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Azores, where ocean and land meet in perfect harmony. March was a true journey through time and space, revealing the unique beauty of every corner of the world.
April: Spain
April in Tenerife is like discovering a lost treasure hidden in the heart of the Atlantic – a place where nature seems to have painted a picture. This volcanic island in the Canary archipelago welcomed me with black sand beaches, crystal clear waters and landscapes that remind me of another planet. The majestic Teide volcano, enveloped in clouds, is the symbol of Tenerife – a challenge for adventurers and inspiration for dreamers. April is the perfect time to get lost among the banana plantations, immerse yourself in the lively streets of Santa Cruz or enjoy the sunset over the Los Gigantes cliffs. Tenerife is more than a destination – it is a promise of sun, freedom, and endless magic. Find more about Spain here.
May: Portugal and Spain, Morocco, North Macedonia and Kosovo
May became a journey without pause – a tour that connected cultures, people and sensations. In Portugal and Spain, I discovered the contrast between the bustling streets of Porto and Toledo and the tranquility of hidden coastal towns that invited me to enjoy life at a slower pace. North Macedonia and Kosovo told their stories through beautiful mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries and the hospitality of the people who turned every stop into a celebration. And in Morocco, I was enchanted by the chaotic energy of the medinas, the exotic aromas of the markets. May was not just a month of travel – it was an experience that combined so many different worlds into one unforgettable adventure.
June: Germany, Great Britain and Canada
June took me on an urban adventure that brought together two continents and many cultural universes. Berlin showed me its extraordinary energy – a mix of avant-garde culture, historical relics and lively streets, while Dresden captivated me with its baroque elegance and impressive views of the banks of the Elbe. In London, the cosmopolitan atmosphere enchanted me with the contrast between the majestic palaces and the avant-garde districts, where every moment was a spectacle. And Canada welcomed me with warm embrace and left me breathless. Montreal and Quebec were overflowing with French charm, Ottawa impressed with its political grace, and Toronto was bubbling with energy and multiculturalism. The final chord of the month was Niagara – a natural show that leaves every visitor speechless. June was a month that showed once again how vast and diverse the world is.
July: Italy and China
July was like a bridge between two worlds – one timeless and one ancient, yet so different and beautiful. I returned to Rome as old friends to rediscover its magic. Morning walks by the Trevi Fountain, sunsets over Trastevere and the aroma of authentic espresso turned the city into a scene of personal romance. And then I found myself in China – a country that absorbs you with mystery and scale. Beijing told me the stories of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, while Shanghai shone with its futuristic skyline and seething energy. Meanwhile, I lost myself in the silence of ancient temples and got acquainted with the millennial tradition of tea culture. July reminded me that even when we return to the familiar, the new is always waiting around the corner.
August: Portugal, Great Britain and Greece
August was a month of returns and new discoveries, where every moment brought a feeling of endless summer. Lisbon welcomed me back with the warmth of its golden hills; the trams slowly climbing the ancient streets, and the sunsets over the Tagus River that made me feel like I was part of a poem. Edinburgh welcomed me with dramatic beauty – the medieval castle built on a volcanic rock and the liveliness of the Fringe Festival, which easily created a unique atmosphere. At the end of the month, Santorini gave me the magic of the Aegean Sea. White houses, painted with blue domes, seemed to flow with the sky and water, while the views of the caldera (a volcanic formation formed when the crater collapse inwards) made me fall more and more in love with this place. August reminded me that even the most familiar places can reveal new beauty, and new destinations can captivate us forever.
September: Portugal and the Czech Republic
September was like a picturesque painting, painted with shades of natural and urban magic. In the Azores, São Miguel greeted me with lush greenery and lakes nestled in craters that seemed to tell ancient stories of fire and water. The fumes of geothermal springs and the aroma of tea plantations created a feeling of tranquility and closeness to nature. And from there I was transported to Prague – a city where every street told a fairy tale. The Gothic towers of Charles Bridge, the golden reflections of the astronomical clock and the cozy cafes by the Vltava River turned the capital of the Czech Republic into a scene of magic. September was the month in which I discovered how perfectly wild nature and human culture intertwine, when you dare to explore them.
October: Italy, Portugal and Cyprus
October brought me an autumn of warmth and surprising beauty, with trips to Italy, Portugal and Cyprus. In Rimini, I discovered the pearl of the Adriatic – a mix of golden beaches and Renaissance heritage, where every street tells a story of ancient times and cultural flourishing, while Bologna welcomed me with the aroma of fresh pasta and the grandeur of its medieval architecture. The Azores island of Terceira transported me to a world of volcanic wonders and colorful cities – a walk through Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO site, was like traveling back in time. And Cyprus impressed me with its complex history – the tranquility of the beaches of Larnaca, the historical depth of Nicosia, divided in two, and the mythological charm of Paphos, where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the foam of the sea. October was a true symphony of nature, culture and history, interwoven into unforgettable adventures.
November: Italy – Sicily and Tuscany
November was like a journey through the heart of Italy – from sunny Sicily to the golden hills of Tuscany. Sicily welcomed me with the volcanic power of Etna, the bustling streets of Catania and the ancient ruins of Taormina. The island was a mix of wild landscapes and warm hospitality. In Tuscany, time slowed down – between vineyards soaked in sun rays and medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano. Not a single sunset went by without a glass of wine and a sense of timelessness. November in Italy was like a warm embrace – with the taste of pasta, the scent of cypresses and a beauty that remains deep in the heart. Find more about Italy here.
December: Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE and Oman
December was the month that showed me the magic of winter and the exoticism of the desert, combining snowy landscapes, historic cities and Arabian splendor. In Helsinki, the winter fairy tale came to life – the frozen shores of the Baltic Sea, cozy cafes with the aroma of mulled wine and modern architecture created a feeling of peace and comfort. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, I walked through the streets of Sarajevo, where every building told a story about connections between cultures, and we reached Mostar with its majestic Old Bridge – a symbol of endurance and beauty. Visegrad immersed me in the world of the “Drina Bridge”, where the spirit of the Balkans was felt. And at the end of the month, Abu Dhabi and Oman gave me warmth and grandeur – from the modern splendor of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, to the harsh beauty of the Omani deserts and the ancient markets of Muscat and Nizwa. December was the end of a magical year and the beginning of new dreams.
The year was like a map of memories – filled with new horizons, inspiring meetings and moments that reminded me why travel is not just movement, but a way of life. From the silence of the snow-capped peaks to the noise of the bustling streets, from the tranquility of the azure seas to the chaos of the exotic markets, each stop added color and meaning. Each place taught me to see the world through new eyes, to appreciate the beauty in differences and to look for magic even in the smallest details. Now, as I close this chapter, I look forward with even greater impatience – because the world is big, dreams are endless, and adventures are yet to come.