Top Travel Adventures of 2023 - Exploring the Globe

2023 began in Sydney, Australia, and will end in Thailand. Over the past year, I ventured to 22 countries, which led me to spend the last two months resting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Reflecting on my travels fills me with gratitude for the world’s beauty and diversity.

People often say I’m “fortunate” to travel for a living, but that undermines the dedication and sacrifices I made to achieve this lifestyle. (If you’ve read my book, you know I was juggling three jobs in 2010, barely earning $20-30K annually.) A friend recently put it perfectly: I am indeed lucky, but it’s because I had the courage to work hard, leave jobs that didn’t fit my goals, and make sacrifices—like renting a friend's living room for $230 a month to save for my first trip to South America. Bravery is frequently mistaken for luck.

Each year, I share highlights of my favorite travels and photos. I consider myself lucky for having been brave enough to embark on these journeys. From Laos to Corsica, here are my top travel photos from 2023!

I’ll be traveling to three new and exciting destinations in early January. Stay tuned for updates!

Luang Prabang, Laos

Left: A roadside shop on the way to Wat Xiang Mine across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang. Right: A woman prepares pancakes at the morning market in Luang Prabang.

Located on a peninsula along the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been one of my favorite cities since my first visit in 2009. My return in January, after nearly a decade, reminded me of its charm. The city is walkable and offers numerous attractions. As a former French colony, it boasts the finest wine and croissants in Southeast Asia. I love capturing street photography at the local morning market. For more insights about Luang Prabang, check out the Instagram highlight.

Cibolo Creek Ranch, Texas

The view from one of the highest points at Cibolo Creek Ranch outside of Marfa, captured during a trip for a travel story.

In March, I embarked on a West Texas road trip, stopping for two nights at Cibolo Creek Ranch for a travel piece. This five-star resort spans 30,000 acres across the Chinati and Cienega mountains, positioned 32 miles south of Marfa. My favorite moments involved meeting llamas and soaking in the scenery. The vastness of the West Texas landscape is breathtaking. Explore my Instagram highlight for more details about my visit.

The Wave Hike, Arizona

One of the hardest permits to secure is for The Wave (Coyote Buttes North) in the U.S. There are 48 advance permits and 16 daily permits available.

It took five years for my hiking group to finally win the lottery to hike The Wave, an incredible sandstone formation in Coyote Buttes North, Arizona. With only 64 daily permits, we managed to do the 6.4-mile roundtrip hike in May, surrounded by stunning scenery. We initially worried about crowds, but we enjoyed a peaceful half-hour alone. The effort to obtain permits was absolutely worth it; this adventure reunited friends from around the world—I even flew back from Italy for this hike! Check out my Instagram highlight for additional details!

Azores Islands, Portugal

Miradouro da Vista do Rei offers breathtaking views of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul on São Miguel island in the Azores.

I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Azores twice this year. In April, I traveled for work, and in July, I returned with friends for a hiking adventure. This archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal, comprises nine islands, just a five-hour flight from Boston. We explored São Miguel and Terceira, the easiest islands for flights and rentals. Known for its mild climate year-round, the Azores feature lush hiking trails. Book accommodations and rentals at least four months in advance! For insights into our hikes, see my Instagram highlight.

London, England

A view of Big Ben from across the River Thames.

After a three-year restoration, scaffolding was removed in 2022. This summer, I returned to see Big Ben for the first time since its restoration, getting up at sunrise for a memorable shoot. It was a nostalgic moment, as my first visit in 2002 was during my study abroad. Shooting with my film camera back then, I was excited to capture it again!

A view of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean from the fortified citadel of Bonifacio, Corsica.

This summer, I fell in love with Corsica. Bonifacio, a coastal town known for its medieval clifftop citadel, was a highlight. The island is a hiker’s paradise, and I can’t wait to return for more trails!

Dunstanburgh Castle, England captured on Kodak Portra 120 film (ISO 400) using a Hasselblad.

Whenever I visit my friend in Northern England, I borrow her dad’s Hasselblad film camera. During our road trip to Northumberland, I captured the stunning landscape on three rolls of Kodak Portra film. Northumberland, once the largest kingdom in the British Isles, is renowned for its castle ruins. My favorite was the 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle, accessible via a two-mile walk through picturesque fields. I adore the public footpaths that crisscross the countryside, providing a unique adventure. Explore my Instagram highlight for more about my visit.

Left: The colorful port of Tobermory on the Isle of Skye. Right: The Tobermory Lighthouse, just a short walk from town.

In early August, I explored the Scottish Highlands and islands, including the vibrant Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. This charming town features delightful shops and the best homemade ice cream on the waterfront. The lighthouses throughout the islands provide breathtaking photography opportunities.

Sand drawing on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu.

The sand drawings in Vanuatu are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage. These intricate designs tell stories through continuous tracing with one finger. It’s one of the most remarkable forms of communication I’ve encountered.

Ëtëtung, Vanuatu’s women’s water music.

Another captivating aspect of Vanuatu is the women’s water music, known as Ëtëtung. The women combine their vocals with rhythmic splashing, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience.