🦩 4 Places You Have to Visit in 2024

Everyone needs this friend that calls and says, “Get dressed, we’re going on an adventure.”

Hello there. This is Vasco da Mingo (yes, like the great explorer, but with a twist), your guide to travelling better, smarter, safer.

A few great things in store today:

• 4 Countries worth considering for your next trip

• The story of Jérémie, whose “kidnapping” ended up being a weird turn of events

• Few highlights to avoid messing up your next trip (especially if you plan on going to the Bahamas)

4 PLACES WORTH CONSIDERING FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Let’s get straight to it, Vasco’s best picks for 2024 are:

• Bora Bora, French Polynesia: the tropical paradise

• Seoul, South Korea: get to see what the future looks like

• Tanzania: nothing better than a safari to realize that the animals of the National Geographic are much bigger in real life

• Peru: to explore landscapes, ruins (feel a bit like Indiana Jones), but also try some of the best restaurants in the world

Just in case you need further reasons to get those tickets booked, you’ll find a few below. After you’ve been or if you’ve already been and experienced amazing/weird experiences you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to tell us more and who knows, you may be featured in the next travel diaries.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

From clear blue waters, to stunning beaches, to overwater bungalows, to the wide blend of activities. Bora Bora could be considered as a one fits all tropical paradise. Whether you want to spend your days swimming, snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying the serenity of the island, the choice is yours there.

Still not convinced and looking for inspiration to convince your partner, friends, or your wallet; here you go:

• Unparalleled natural beauty: abundant jungles, towering volcanic peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, pristine beaches, Bora Bora has it…

• Unique accommodations: by now you’ve probably seen it on social medias, but these bungalows are definitely unique (as long as you get the weather that goes with it)

• Activities for all enthusiasts: snorkeling, diving, hiking, exploring, spa treatments… A program for each and everyone

• The perfect romantic gateway (scrap that one if you’re single, or maybe keep it for later): secluded, luxurious in its own way, breathtaking scenery… Great place to ask someone’s hand, go on a honeymoon, or go on a romantic getaway

• Tranquility and serenity: for those who want to escape the daily hustle and bustle of big cities

Seoul, South Korea

When it comes to vibrant cities, difficult to omit Seoul. Seamlessly blending ancient traditions with modern technology, the city offers such diversity that you’ll probably have to go a few times before experiencing it all.

For a few additional reasons to go:

• History & Culture: Seoul is a treasure trove of historical and cultural gems. From Gyeongbokgung Palace, to Bukchon Hanok Village, the city is full of grandiose and charming spots

• Delicious cuisine: some call it the foodies’ paradise… Bimbimbap, Kimchi, Dakgangjeong, BBQ, you name it!

• Retail therapy (best name I found for it): the Lotte World Tower, the Galleria Department Store, neighborhoods of Myeongdong and Hongdae; whether you look for trendy boutiques, quirky shops, or bustling street markets, Seoul has what it takes to get your debit card red hot

• Experience the K-Pop Phenomenon: live performances, idols, themed cafes, dedicated shops, whether you are a fan, an enthusiast, or simply curious, no better place than where it’s from

• Vibrant nightlife: both electrifying and diverse. From astonishing rooftop bars, to hidden  underground clubs, whatever kind of partying you are into, Seoul has options

Tanzania

Boasting breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture, Tanzania is a destination that's sure to capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.

There could be so many reasons to go there, but let’s stick with a few of the key ones:

• Experience the Thrill of the Great Migration: Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes embarking on their annual migration across the Serengeti National Park

• Embark on a Safari Adventure: if you like safaris, Tanzania is a paradise. From the unique opportunities to encounter the big five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes – in their natural habitats, to exploring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park; Tanzania safaris are captivating

• Off-the-beaten path food: You’ve probably never heard of 'nyama choma' (grilled meat), 'ugali' (cornmeal porridge), or refreshing 'sukuma wiki' (collard greens)? There it is, another reason to go challenge your taste buds

• Cultural immersion: from learning about different tribes, to exploring some of the villages, to discovering news customs and ways of life, Tanzania is amazing if you like to connect with people and learn about completely different cultures

• A condensate of geographic gems: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mafia Island, Selous Game Reserve, Arusha National Park, Zanzibar and its ancient stone town; there is so much to explore in Tanzania

Peru

Captivating, culturally rich, and diverse, if Peru had to be described in a nutshell. If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure blending thrilling landscapes, culture, people, activities, food, you should consider Peru.

Still not convinced? The below may help:

• Inca citadel of Machu Picchu: an architectural masterpiece that embodies the brilliance of the Inca civilization. Intricate stonework, grand plazas, sacred temples, the place has something mystical to it, like a sort of aura. If you like to explore ancient and history-rich places, no doubt it is already on your bucket list if you haven’t already been

• Vibrant culture: Peru boasts a rich cultural diversity, with a blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish influences, and Afro-Peruvian influences. If you are curious and willing to connect with locals, there is a high likelihood you’ll experience the uniqueness of the Peruvian heritage and culture

• Thrilling outdoor adventures: from hiking the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest, to trekking through the Colca Canyon, to rafting the rapids of the Urubamba River, Peru provides an abundance of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts

• Culinary delights: very rich and diverse, Peruvian cuisine and its variants offer so many flavors. No wonders the country has restaurants (with an ‘s’) ranked in the World’s Best Restaurants Awards, including the number #1 of the ranking

• Great if you like to go off the beaten paths: land of hidden treasures, Peru is amazing if you enjoy venturing beyond turistical destinations to discover nestled villages, ancient ruins, and connect with locals

TRAVEL DIARIES

The story of Jérémie, whose “kidnapping” in Thailand took a weird turn

 “It was ten years ago, I'd been on a four-month trip to Thailand with a friend. On the day of departure, we go to the airport and I realize that I forgot to pick up a suitcase from my uncle who lives on the other side of Bangkok. I'm originally Thai and have family there. As we were so early, we still had time.

We get out of the airport, look for a cab and then see a guy wandering around the cabs asking us where we're going. I give him my uncle's address. He says: "Okay, no worries". We then see him walking towards a cab and talking to a driver. Shortly after, he waves at us signaling it’s okay. My friend and I get into the car along with the guy. He sits in the passenger seat. We thought it was weird, but we assumed he was one of the cab people and that the driver was going to drop him off a little further on.

The cab starts driving. After a few kilometers, my friend says to me, "Why don't you look up on Google Maps where we're going?”. I do so and then see that we're not at all going to the address I'd given. I'm speaking a bit of Thai, so I try to communicate with the pseudo-manager, because the driver wasn't saying a word. I ask him: "Where are we going, because it's not the direction I gave". He says: "Don't worry, it's a shortcut. With the evening traffic, you have to avoid certain areas". His explanation was very flimsy. Right away, my friend and I stare at each other knowing something is going on; but we couldn’t go anywhere as the car was already on a quasi-motorway.

After fifteen minutes of driving, I tell the two guys that this isn't where we're going at all. Neither of them replied, ignoring us. My friend and I start laughing nervously, although starting to be extremely worried/ scared (a bit of both to be honest). Then we leave this semi highway and find ourselves on a dirt road with no lights. My friend and I are thinking, "What the hell have we got ourselves into?”. All of a sudden, the car stops and the passenger gets out. No clue what crossed my mind then, but I got out of the car right away and gave the guy all the money I had in my pockets. I told him we didn't want any trouble. I even put the money directly into his hand asking him to leave us alone. But very weirdly, the guy didn’t react, although he looked very surprised and not sure of what’s going on.

Meanwhile, my friend was trying to explain to the driver that we had to get back to the airport. I was really nervous, plus I was in flip-flops, so if I had to run, I was in deep sh*t. As you can only imagine, tension was palpable, like it’s hard to explain in writing, but for a few split seconds, you start to envision all possibilities. But then, the guy leaves his own way without saying a word. I was baffled, I must admit I had never felt such an emotional rollercoaster.

Getting myself back together, I got into the cab and gave the driver my uncle's real address. The cab turned back to get on the main motorway and I started asking him who the guy was. He says: "Well, I've no idea, I thought he was with you, he gave me this address so I went there". In fact, it was all a trick. The pseudo-manager hangs out in front of the cabs and manages to get where he wants to go. The cab driver, from what I understood, thought I was talking to the other guy and that we were all together.

The irony is that we'd been traveling for four months without any problems, and on the last day we thought we were going to die, get kidnapped or robbed, and end up in our underpants in an alley in Bangkok.

Moral of the story; when you go to Bangkok, always pick up a ticket at one of the airport’s cab stand. Unless you want to see your whole life flash before your eyes.”

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