2020 was meant to be filled with exploration—hiking in the Southwest, adventures in Scotland, and visits to South America. But instead, it became a year of staying home. Despite the challenges, I'm sticking to my tradition of sharing my favorite moments from the year, including some incredible trips before the pandemic hit!
I welcomed the New Year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, then traveled to Singapore and spent three weeks in New Zealand's North Island until early February. My journey continued to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where I led a photo trip through Cambodia and Vietnam. The trip was fantastic, though COVID did complicate logistics. Thankfully, I avoided connecting flights through China, so my return home via Japan in late February was smooth, albeit wearing a mask for 28 hours. I thought I'd left COVID behind, but I was mistaken.
After visiting my parents, I headed to Austin for SXSW photoshoots, which quickly unraveled as COVID spread—SXSW was canceled, and 80% of my work vanished. No travel meant no work for me.
With my 95-year-old grandma's health declining (unrelated to COVID), I returned to South Carolina after less than a week in Austin. Her nursing home had closed, but we had a final visit on the patio. She passed away a month later during lockdowns. Funerals are tough, but lockdown made it even harder.
Staying with my parents, I remodeled their house for most of the year. I even crawled under the house to fix a toilet pipe! We updated a bathroom, hallway, and two bedrooms, including my old room. For the first time in years, I unpacked furniture I built with my dad—a bookcase and a mahogany chest.
Being grounded in my hometown was tough after a life dedicated to travel. I no longer had a home in Austin, and staying with friends felt unsafe. This situation led to anxiety and low-level depression due to COVID and being stuck at home. The hardest part of travel is always coming home. I usually manage my health care abroad (as I discussed here), but I was left with a basic medical plan for emergencies when I returned to the U.S. Sorting out health insurance during a pandemic was a nightmare.
Most of my family contracted COVID, with mild cases except for one relative hospitalized for two weeks. A Halloween gathering, which my parents and I skipped, led to many of these cases. I've been avoiding people since March, grocery shopping at 6 a.m. in a mask and goggles. I'd rather look back and chuckle at my caution than regret not being safe. Arguing with friends and family about safety protocols has also been a struggle, especially with those who disregard CDC guidelines. Let my family's Halloween gathering serve as a warning—stay safe!
Strangely, I find myself nostalgic for 2008. Back then, despite losing all work due to the economic collapse, I could still travel. The lessons learned then, which I detailed here, helped me navigate 2020. The key takeaway: your savings can save you. They certainly did this year.
One positive from this year was the unforgettable experiences I had before the pandemic struck. Reflecting on my New Zealand trip fills me with gratitude, and I wish I'd stayed longer, as they managed COVID well. I also began contributing to the Washington Post this fall! Looking ahead, I've accepted exciting travel jobs for summer and winter 2021—hopefully, they will happen!
Once I'm vaccinated and it's safe to travel, I'll resume my adventures, hopefully by summer. Although travel will look different with masks, I'm eager to get back on the road!
Wellington, New Zealand
On my first visit to New Zealand in 2009, I only explored the South Island. This year, I spent three weeks on the North Island, starting in windy Wellington to visit a friend from a hiking trip on Kilimanjaro. Wellington quickly became a favorite city of mine—great food, craft beer, and the best peanut butter ever! (Make sure to stop by the Fix & Fogg peanut butter window!) The city boasts numerous craft breweries and outdoor spaces, including stunning views of the cable car over the botanic gardens. Wellington is known for its unpredictable winds, so flights often get diverted. I was lucky with the weather, as flights were canceled the day before my arrival due to fog!
Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand
The iconic Tongariro Crossing hike was top of my list while on the North Island. This roughly seven-hour trek spans 19.4 km (12 miles) through stunning landscapes featured in Lord of the Rings. I met a Dutch traveler at the hostel who joined me on the hike. Even solo travelers aren't really alone! I stayed in Taupo and arranged a shuttle for drop-off and pick-up, which I recommend. Check the weather and choose a clear day to avoid the wind and fog.
Cathedral Cove, New Zealand
To save money, I took buses initially and rented a car for the last week to reach remote areas. Cathedral Cove, a popular spot on the Coromandel Peninsula, requires an hour hike from Hahei. Visiting during low tide is best for walking through the cave to the beach with the iconic Te Hoho rock. We chose to catch the sunrise at low tide to escape crowds. Other highlights include Hot Water Beach, Waihi Beach, and kayaking to Donut Island from Whangamata. Hiking the old railway trails at Karangahake Gorge was fantastic too! I'll share more on these in future posts.
Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand
Visiting New Zealand without a photo at Hobbiton, the filming site from Lord of the Rings, was not an option! I recommend booking the first tour of the day to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting. The morning sun hits the hillside beautifully! I stayed in charming Matamata, the closest town to Hobbiton. Day trips from larger cities can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly!
Muriwai Gannet Colony, New Zealand
On a day trip to Thailand two months before my New Zealand visit, I met a lovely couple, Cherie and Nick, from Auckland. They invited me to stay with them during my trip, and we explored the west coast. One highlight was the stunning gannet colony at Muriwai, perched on high cliffs. I would have missed this gem if not for them! Locals always know the best spots!
Alpaca Farm, New Zealand
As an alpaca enthusiast, I booked an Airbnb on an alpaca farm near Otorohanga, just 15 minutes from the Waitomo glowworm caves. Upon arrival, I was greeted by an adorable one-week-old baby alpaca right outside my window! I spent hours photographing these charming creatures—definitely a highlight of my year!
Chau Doc Market, Vietnam
I love photographing local markets, especially in Asia. They're perfect for street photography and capturing everyday life. I spent an hour wandering the Chau Doc market near the Cambodia border, focusing on candid shots of locals. I prefer not to take posed portraits, aiming to be respectful and unobtrusive.
Beng Mealea, Cambodia
Having previously visited Angkor Wat, I arrived in Siem Reap two days early to explore lesser-known temples. One memorable day trip took me to Koh Ker, a pyramid temple reminiscent of Mayan ruins, and Beng Mealea, my favorite. Unlike many Angkor Wat temples, Beng Mealea remains in its natural state, with platforms allowing visitors to walk over the ruins. Built in the 12th century, it shares the same layout as Angkor Wat. I recommend booking a tour through Klook; I usually dislike day tours, but this was the most efficient way to visit due to the distance.
Homemade Biscuits
Food is a vital part of travel, so I wanted to share my biscuit creation! I enjoyed a safe, solo Thanksgiving in Austin, making homemade biscuits from scratch. I layered them with Tumble 22 hot chicken and slaw for a delicious meal. I even did a little photoshoot before enjoying my feast. [While I mostly helped my parents throughout the year, I returned to Austin for a freelance project that was postponed from March. I self-isolated for 14 days and got tested before seeing my parents again.]
Blue Ridge Parkway
This year, I made it a priority to experience fall, normally missed due to my travels. I took a solo road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park in mid-October, inspired by a story I wrote for the Washington Post. I turned around to capture a shot in a field near Fancy Gap, Virginia. Everyone should experience the Blue Ridge Parkway at least once! For more details, check my blog post about the trip.
