The Good, Bad & Ugly Of Travel In 2023
As friends recap their year, I’m reminded how I differ. For it’s not boys, babies or career highlights that come to mind when evaluating the past year, but travel. The most cherished moments of my year are all intertwined with travel. Yet, as exciting and wonderful as travel is, it’s not always rainbows and on time departures so here is the good, the bad and the ugly of 2023 in travel which will ignite your wanderlust and serve as inspiration for your 2024adventures.
👍 The Good - Albania
Visiting my 50th country this year I thought would be a highlight in itself but ended up being a disappointing entrance when passport control refused to stamp my passport despite my asking (several times). I’d been warned about Albania so didn’t push my luck. Albania was incredible and despite these warnings and the look on people’s faces when saying it was next on my list, I never once felt unsafe. Our accommodation in Sarande was not only cheap, but held stunning panoramic views of Corfu from our infinity style pool where we had daily cocktails overlooking the ocean below. Albanian food proved to be a perfect mixture of Greek, Italian and Turkish, accompanied with a 6 Euro (less than $10), for a carafe of cold local white wine.
If you are fortunate enough to set foot in southern Albania, ensure you visit The Blue Eye. A beautiful, natural spring, vibrant blue in colour and so deep they are still unsure of the exact depth despite many divers taking the plunge! The water is only 10 degrees all year round which is ice cold for swimming, from personal experience I can confirm this is very true!
Tip – don’t watch Taken the night before leaving as I did!
👎 The Bad - Wildfires in Greece
Being in Corfu, one of Greece’s many islands, when the wildfires spread mid 2023 caused a degree of apprehension. Due to leave the same day they stopped flights coming in, we had many concerned friends and family back home. We were severely delayed but made it back to London safely. Unfortunately, that meant I didn’t make my flight home to Australia as planned, however, a small price to pay considering the situation. Taking off, we watched the black smoke look as though it was swallowing up the island and the hero fire fighters in helicopters attempting to get the blaze under control.
As an Australian we know how devastating bushfires can be and my heart goes out to the loved ones of those who didn’t make it, or lost pets or property. ABC radio interviewed me upon my return and asked if I’d ever go back? Absolutely – Corfu is stunning, the people are generous and caring, the food is delicious and the coastline is beyond picturesque.
👍 The Good - Business Class Experience
Flying Qatar to Doha I managed to bid and receive a business class upgrade on their Boeing 777 in one of their luxurious Qsuites. Reward facing meant taking off backwards which was an experience in itself, accompanied by a glass of Bordeaux, scented refreshment towel and a Diptyque amenities bag. After a perfectly presented 3 course dinner and movie, the flight attendant made my ‘bed’ which was a fully lie flat bed with mattress and multiple pillows. Quicker Wi-Fi than my own house and over 100 movies meant I didn’t get the good night’s sleep I could have, but it was certainly the best flight to date.
👎 The Bad - Lost Luggage (again)
I’m renowned amongst colleagues for my luggage not making the destination, but in 2022 when it took my two suitcases 3 weeks and hours on hold to the airline and a-round the world trip to return to me, I decided to finally invest in Air Tags. The following year, when returning home from London, instead of not making the flight, my bags continued to travel on without me. I stayed in Perth a night and knew almost immediately they had continued without me thanks to the clever tracking device. Unfortunately the baggage staff didn’t trust the new technology as much as I did, so I was told to wait until all bags were taken and submit a lost baggage report. Staying in the same clothes I’d travelled in for 24 hours wasn’t ideal, but my bag was waiting for me when I returned home as the app showed.
Tips- Remove all old airline tags and stickers, keep your baggage receipt and don’t check your bag in too late!
👎 The Bad - Delays for Days
It takes about 9 hours to drive from Melbourne to Sydney. Air travel is (usually) the quickest way to get from A to B, however, our scheduled flight was cancelled due to weather. Finally rescheduled for 3 hours later before being fully cancelled again. With queues out the door and passengers told to come back tomorrow, many passengers eventually gave up and went home. Bar hoping through the airport and politely begging to be put on standby for any possible flight, we finally scored ourselves two seats that evening. This flight was delayed a further 3 hours but we did eventually take off. I foolishly commented to the flight attendant the weather didn’t seem bad enough to have 12 cancelled flights that day – she agreed and only seconds later our plane was struck by lightning, safe to say I won’t be changing professions to a meteorologist anytime soon! We landed safely in Sydney 12 hours after we left home and had a fantastic trip. The upside is I can now tell you how much a glass of wine costs in every airport bar at Tullamarine
👍 The Good - To Sua Ocean Trench
On the main island of Upolu in Samoa, this stunning ocean trench is a natural phenomenon. Whilst it was terrifying to climb down this 30M ladder, my apprehension quickly turned into excitement as I swam in the turquoise waters below. It’s one of the few places in the world where even the best Instagram pictures just don’t do it justice! Meaning ‘Giant Swimming Hole’, To Sua Ocean Trench is connected to the ocean via an underwater cave, although Samoan Tourism make it clear this is for experienced divers only!
Tip – if you have reef shoes this would make the final steps feel less slippery.
👍 The Good - Litchfield National Park, Darwin
Litchfield is a must see if you are fortunate enough to find yourself in the Top End. The park is home to several stunning waterfalls that cascade into clear pools, iconic magnetic termite mounds and an array of flora and fauna. At the time we visited in May, we were encouraged not to swim in Wangi Falls as the locals believed there was still a crocodile lurking (shortly after the news informed us someone was attacked so I’m glad we listened)! Hours were spent walking among the various water holes and falls, swimming and relaxing at Buley Rockhole which was supposed to be named Bluey, but it was spelt incorrectly and never corrected. Ended our day at the far busier, but equally beautiful, Florence Falls.
Tip – Check for closures prior to your visit and only swim in designated swimming areas.
