Christmas is knocking at the door. Doesn’t that call for a post about 2023 in review? Luckily, after three years of serious travel and social restriction, COVID finally doesn’t seem to matter much anymore in most countries. As a matter of fact, I finally felt the urge to explore completely new destinations again in 2023. This has gone hand in hand with my enjoyment of writing down my independent travel experiences again, and so was my blog reborn. In a nutshell, I let the adventure begin again in 2023…
My travel adventures: off to new destinations
2023 started with my return to Southeast Asia. What a joy to be back to street food and street chaos, and being in the middle of it all on a scooter! My backpacker spirit gave me wings to explore beautiful Cambodia and Vietnam in 21 days.
Then, my mom invited me to a 2-week adventure in Kenya. First, we experienced The Big 5 up close on safaris in Maasai Mara and Amboseli. We even sighted Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. Second, we marvelled at the underwater world of the Indian Ocean and relaxed on Diani Beach.
However, I haven’t neglected Europe either this year! Especially Italy and Cyprus received a special place in my heart. I spent my birthday in one of Italy’s most romantic cities. And I also chose Bella Italia for my first official two-week workation this year. When you combine leisure with work, that’s called workation. It was a wonderful experience during a very busy season at work.
Moreover, thanks to some friends’ wedding invitations, I enjoyed the advantages of shoulder season in Albania, Hungary and Slowakia.
Last but not least, I discovered some new destinations close to home in Germany: Alpaka Beach Alling with barbecue, volleyball and other fun offers near Munich, and the outdoor heaven of the Bavarian Forest.
My 3 favorite blog posts
I dedicated one blog post to my 12-day itinerary to Bulgaria. It’s especially important to me because my family has origins in this beautiful Eastern-European country. Unfortunately, it’s still a totally underrated travel destination.
My trips always include local food discoveries. This blog post summarizes my unique discoveries in food heaven Sicily about a year ago. When I read it now, I immediately wanna go back. However, not doing so is probably better for my shape!
An interview with my inspiring colleague Manna about Filipinos in Austria and cultural differences marked the relaunch of my blog in April this year. It was so much fun talking about cultural differences and how a Filipina experiences life in Austria!
My year 2023 in figures
My goals for 2024
More inspiring points of view: My interviews this year have been so much fun. Blog readers also seem to like them. That inspires me to actually write down more of my conversations with diverse people from all around the world.
More in-depth and personal blog posts: This year has been quite busy from a professional point of view. While my handwritten travel diaries were full of humour and punch, my blog articles after the trip were often quite neutral and factual due to time constraints. That’s gonna change in 2024!
Isito explores branding: I’m working on my blog’s own colours. Stay tuned and let me know what you think about them next year!
Workation in Bella Italia: I wish to go on Italian workation again. Last time in Rome, the weather was not good enough and last-minute trains too expensive to realize some plans. Hopefully, I’ll be able to visit for example Naples one of the next times in Italy.
Do you wanna follow me on my adventures in 2024? Then subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on Instagram or Pinterest, and you won’t miss a single step.
This blog post was inspired by Judith Peter‘s #jahresrückblog initiative, which connects hundreds of German bloggers in the process of reviewing 2023.
Hi Isi,
what an amazing travel experience you’ve had this year. I’m curious about your next year’s travels. I subscribed to your newsletter straight away.
Best wishes
André
Thank you, André. It’s a pleasure to know you in my little travel community.
Can’t wait to read about allll the things you’ll put out there in 2024. I always enjoy reading your blog. Half the time it makes me remember great trips, and half the time it gives me itchy feet to explore more places on this beautiful planet of ours. Happy traveling Isito!
Thank you, Bine! Maybe we can even realise another long-distance trip together. Our adventures are always breathtaking! 😉