My Incredibly Loose Travel Plans for 2023
A filler year before 2024
For all my many faults, indecisiveness proves to be the most annoying. From standing in the chocolate aisle of my local grocery store for an unreasonable amount of time (before deciding I would actually rather have cookies instead). To endlessly searching the internet, bouncing from location to location trying to figure out my next adventure.
It is a trait born not of pickiness, but of greed. I want to go everywhere.
So after Anne Bonfert put out this month’s writing challenge, I figured I best make my bloody mind up. Or at least have a loose idea of where I’m actually going this year.
Italy or Greece?
My girlfriend is a huge Italophile, even though she has never actually been to the country. So I figured we best quench that thirst and see if the hype lives up to her expectations. I have visited Italy once before, during a family holiday to Lombardy and the Northern Lakes. I thoroughly enjoyed the country and I have been longing to revisit it ever since.
Rome seems the most likely destination. I love Roman history, so Rome has been on my bucket list for quite some time.
Our backup is Greece, or more specifically Athens. Despite hearing that the city is a bit rough around the edges (I quite like gritty cities anyway), I would still love to visit such an ancient and characterful city.
Plus I have a slight addiction to gyros.
That being said, I think Adrienne Beaumont’s story on Athens may sway me toward the Greek capital anyway.
India, Jordan or Turkey?
Despite having two great trips to Europe last year, I have been itching to go somewhere truly different. A push outside my lockdown-induced comfort zone, to a land far from my own.
I come from two countries with significant Indian heritage (UK and Trinidad) so I would say that the many cultures of India aren’t completely foreign to me. There is a certain vibrancy to India that has me spellbound, I could only imagine the exquisite cuisine, fascinating customs and colourful celebrations.
However, I believe it is time to stop imagining and start experiencing. With Kerala being my first Indian adventure.
However, I like to have backups. Jordan seems really cool (not just because we share the same name), but because Mark Wiens made it look fantastic. There is something about Arabic culture that I warm towards, whether it be their warm hospitality or their incredible cuisine.
My backup’s backup is Turkey, specifically, Istanbul. My father had spent a lot of time travelling in Turkey in his day and always spoke fondly of the country. With Istanbul being one of his favourite cities.
We would likely aim to visit Kerala in November, which I believe is when Diwali takes place. From what I’ve read, Keralans (?) don’t go all in for Diwali and prioritise their own unique celebrations, but it’d still be cool.
Check out Darren Weir’s story on Kerala. He gives a great insight into local life on the backwaters. His pictures are awesome too.
Anywhere Else?
Bar maybe a quick week away to visit my parents in Andalucía, Spain and maybe a weekend hiking trip with my mate in the UK, I think that will be it for 2023.
In 2024 my girlfriend and I are planning on completing a TEFL Internship for 3–6 months so I need to save for that.
If anyone has visited these destinations I would love to hear their thoughts and recommendations.
Anyway, best get booking. Happy Travels!
Here are a couple of stories from 2022: