Just before 2025 begins, I’m looking back at a year that changed everything. To begin with, 2024 in review was a year when I took the risk and packed my bags to fly to a new chapter. As a result, I left behind the stability of employment to become a freelancer; a decision that didn’t only transform my professional life. Furthermore, with this newfound independence, freedom and room for creativity, I explored new countries and crossed continents. In summary, I recount my adventures, challenges, and triumphs that made 2024 unforgettable!
The seven-year-rhythm of change: my fifth chapter
Every seven years, I seem to reach a turning point. It’s a rhythm that feels almost destined. While it’s rooted in Jewish tradition, for me, it’s become a personal truth. Each cycle marks the start of a new chapter, guiding my life’s trajectory in unexpected and transformative ways. At 35, I embraced my fifth chapter with one of the best decisions I’ve ever made: leaving traditional employment to create my own business. I’ve always loved building and contributing to meaningful growth, but I’ve never liked being held back. Now, I have the freedom to pursue diverse opportunities, on my terms.
The freedom and challenges of freelancing
Today, I help non-profits and businesses grow, pivot, or thrive in new directions. The variety in my work fuels me, and I particularly enjoy the ability to set my own pace. This freedom comes with its challenges, of course. Most notably, financial uncertainty. A steady salary as a permanent employee offers stability, but it also comes with limitations. Employment can confine your development and flexibility. I’ve never liked having to align my personal goals with someone else’s schedule. Why shouldn’t I decide for myself if I want to support another non-profit, or spend a weekend helping out at my favorite music hall while earning some extra pennies?
Exploring our beautiful world: 15 new countries
Meaningful connections in 2024
Looking back on 2024, I am deeply grateful for the connections I made along the way. Both my professional and personal networks have grown more than I ever expected. What makes this truly special is how meaningful these relationships have been. I’m hopeful that I’ll have the chance to meet many of these incredible people again and, in some cases, return the kindness they’ve shown me.
Couchsurfing: rediscovering the good in people
One of the most rewarding rediscoveries this year was Couchsurfing. During travels, accommodation and transportation are often the biggest expenses. Luckily, staying with locals not only saved us hundreds of euros but also enriched our experiences in ways no budget could buy.
For instance, John hosted us spontaneously in Mtunzini, a city we might have missed. He even connected us to his brother’s family in East London. Subsequently, they welcomed us warmly after tough days on the road. Ultimately, these acts of kindness reminded me of the goodness in people and how travel fosters connections across borders.
With Martin in Montevideo, Uruguay 
With German and Hernan in San Bernardino, Paraguay 
With our hosts Alessandra and Lucas, and the other hosted Couchsurfing couple Simon and Emma at a pizzeria in São Gonçalo, Rio, Brazil 
With Thiago in Florianopolis, Brazil 
With Florent and Juliana in Sao Paulo, Brazil 
With Gerda and her family in Port Elizabeth, South Africa 
With Andrea and James in East London, South Africa 
With Jean on her farm in Underberg, South Africa 
With William and Helen in Durban, South Africa 
With John in Mtunzini, South Africa 
With Ian in Johannesburg, South Africa 
With Gerald from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 
With Rohit in Lusaka, Zambia 
With Allen in a Maasai village, Tanzania 
Stefano and Mazin in Muscat, Oman 
With Islam in Najaf, Iraq 
With Osamah and Ali in Baghdad, Iraq
A reminder of my roots: Christmas in Buenos Aires
Of course, not every experience was perfect, but even challenges came with unexpected blessings. For instance, take our Christmas in Buenos Aires: we booked a small apartment in the Palermo neighborhood for two weeks to create our little holiday home far from our families. Unfortunately, our start in Buenos Aires was quite bumpy with a not 100% ready apartment and restaurants refusing us because we didn’t have cash at hand yet. Naturally, we felt frustrated and initially dismissed Argentinians as indifferent and not very hospitable. Yet, to our surprise, especially our host turned out to be incredibly helpful and welcoming, resolving issues and even refunding part of our payment. As a result, what began as a disappointing situation ended with an unexpected Christmas gift. Finally, it set a positive tone for the end of 2024 and the new year ahead.
What has this journey taught me? That I’m someone who thrives on calculated risks. I adore traveling, am not overly attached to places, yet deeply value the people who define my “home.” This Christmas was a poignant reminder of that balance. It was my first Christmas away from family since my humanitarian mission in the Philippines in 2017-2018 (you can find my Filipino adventures here). I spent it under the sun of Buenos Aires, the capital of tango, with one of the most important people in my life. Yet, without my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my nephew, something fundamental was missing. It reminded me that no matter how far I travel, my roots remain a vital part of who I am.
My 3 favorite blog posts
5 surprises I didn’t expect in Iraq became my favourite blog post in 2024. Iraq was the start of my world trip and it’s exactly that kind of destination I treasure most: not on the radar of mainstream tourism, but an absolute pearl for adventure lovers and totally underrated.
My interviews have again been so much fun this year. Especially my conversation with Anna and Chris about their holiday from Istanbul to Munich by bike finely tuned my ears for stories about cycling the world. That’s what lead me to one of my first interviews for 2025.
Even though this post is from 2023, it’s received lots of attention this year. How to easily travel Sicily by train transports me back into my South Italian explorations, which were perfectly complemented by a group hike to this beautiful mount Etna trekking trip.*
Isito’s 2024 in figures
- Countries visited: 18 (Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, eSwatini, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lesotho, Oman, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
- Blog posts published: 15
- Blog comments: 19
- Instagram followers: 689
- Facebook followers: 60
- Pinterest followers: 23
New goals for 2025
More blog posts from my world trip 2024-2025: This year, I’m determined to bring my world trip stories to life on the blog. Looking back, traveling across countries and continents in 2024 was an incredible adventure, but I underestimated how physically demanding it would be. Amidst the constant movement, sitting down to document my journey digitally often took a backseat. Therefore, in 2025, I’ll prioritize sharing these memories, turning my travel diaries into inspiring blog posts for you to enjoy and perhaps plan your own adventures.
Meaningful non-profit support: One of my aspirations this year is to connect with more impactful and sustainable non-profit initiatives. A great example is the German child rights organization Kinderhilfswerk Eine Welt e.V. It’s a small but energetic team that makes a positive difference in children’s lives worldwide. With their 50th anniversary coming up in 2025, it’s the perfect opportunity to volunteer, support their mission, or even make a donation here. Ultimately, organizations like these prove that meaningful change starts with people who care.
Traditional christmas in Germany: After our 2024 Christmas under the Argentinian sun, I’m craving for a cozy, traditional Christmas holiday in Germany again. From festive markets to family gatherings, 2025 is the year for me to reconnect with my roots and create new memories steeped in tradition.
How you can support me in 2025: The greatest gift you can give this year is supporting a non-profit initiative that resonates with you. In today’s world, which sometimes feels increasingly individualistic, small acts of kindness and generosity can create ripples of change. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, your support can make a difference, just as it has for me. So, let me know in the comments below which non-profit initiative you’re supporting this year!
Do you wanna follow me on my adventures in 2025? 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 #jahresrückblog2024 initiative, which connects hundreds of German bloggers in the process of reviewing 2023.
Hi Isi,
I just read your year in review! It’s incredible how much you travel, and it’s amazing to see you living out the passion you carry within you. So impressive!
I’m more of a homebody myself, but maybe I can gather a little inspiration from your blog.
Thank you so much.
Tamara