What's on deck for 2024

Hello and welcome back to Travel Onist — the travel letter where I share the best travel experiences from around the world.

I enjoyed the change of pace last week along with the opportunity to reflect, so while the timing is still appropriate, this week I’ll be sharing what’s on my travel wishlist this year.

Happy traveling to you all this year! 🤗 

Argentina 🇦🇷 

My first trip of the year will be to Argentina. I have never been to the continent of South America. As the years go on and my affinity for Spanish culture grows, I find that more and more unacceptable…so as of this evening, that will change!

Argentina is a country I consistently hear great things about — from the food (meat in particular), to the incredible volume of natural wonders, this country has far more than can be explored in one trip.

Over the course of two weeks, we’ll be visiting Buenos Aires, San Carlos de Bariloche, and Mendoza. I am trying to keep my expectations in check, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve been successful. I’m incredibly excited to share the experience with you all.

Andalusia, Spain 🇪🇸 

I have been to Spain once before. In the words of Anthony Bourdain “Any reasonable, sentient person who looks to Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they're gonna fall in love. Otherwise, there's something deeply wrong with you.”

I agree; so I’d like to go back to see more of this beautiful country.

My first visit hit Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian. Next time, I’d like to explore Andalusia — the enchanting Spanish region known for its tapas culture, Moorish architecture, great weather, beautiful beaches, olive oil, and some of Spain’s most charming cities.

Netherlands 🇳🇱 

One of the flattest countries in Europe, the Netherlands is known for its canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes.

For the last year or so I’ve had this vision of riding my bike through the Dutch countryside. I truly cannot tell you where that comes from, but if I want to get to the root of it, there’s only one way to find out!

Of course, I’ve heard of the charm of Amsterdam, but this is a country that seems full of charm. From the intricate and colorful buildings in Zaandam to the city of Gouda, yes the cheese, there is much to see in Holland. Maybe this will be the year I have a stroopwafel straight from the source.

Baja California Sur, Mexico 🇲🇽 

As I’ve mentioned once before in this travel letter, Baja California Sur, Mexico was the trip that almost was. I had it booked, and then our plans changed. Since I usually plan trips fairly far in advance, I haven’t had the window yet to circle back to this bucket list trip.

I love the desert and I love the beach. BCS just happens to put the two together with style. La Balandra, voted as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, sits roughly 30 minutes north of the lively city of La Paz. The region is known for its marine biodiversity and you may even have a chance to see whale sharks!

If I’m being honest, I likely won’t get to all of these this year. But hey, a man can dream 😌. I didn’t even include Japan, which is also at the top of my wishlist. Since I’ll be going all that way I’ll need to devote the proper amount of time to it, so you’ll likely see 🇯🇵 pop up on next year’s list.

Thanks for reading and check back next week for a return to your regularly scheduled programming.

Cheers ‘til next week,

T.O.