2024 in Travels – Where These Heels Went

Knock knock! Yes, we are really back in business! Every year (well aside from the last 2 years where I fell off the face of the blogosphere), I share a recap on where I went over the last 12 months. Some years involve more travel than others. 2024 was my first full year living in Japan so I had quite a bit of life transition. Despite all of that I’m thankful to have had all the experiences that I had. Want to check out my previous recaps? See 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

Highlights From My 2024 Travels

I wanted to explore more of Asia and also take in some local sights in Japan. When I look back, I feel like I actually accomplished quite a bit even though I feel behind on my Japan exploration goals. Isn’t that how we tend to be hard on ourselves in life in general? Without further ado, let’s get into it!

January to March Travels

I rang in the new year in Singapore. For over a decade, I have fantasized about seeing the fireworks over the Bay in Singapore. It was more crowded than I envisioned, (I guess that dream might be more popular than I thought) but it was beautiful. My cousin warned me that walking by the bay with the lights and skyline would give romantic vibes. He wasn’t wrong, and I look forward to coming back here with Bae. Later on New Years’ Day, I hopped on a flight to Langkawi, Malaysia, where I spent an amazing 4 more days on my annual new year retreat!

In Malaysia, I split my stay between two boutique hotels on the island of Langkawi and took things a little slow. I had my own private pool in both hotels, and let me tell you, I could get used to that life! One was moderately priced at about $250 a night, and could fit 3 people comfortably. It was excellent value for money, and the other was luxurious and cost more than 2x the first one. Both were excellent but I’m learning that the best luxurious hotels have an edge when it comes to service. They go above and beyond and make you feel like the only guest they’ve ever had! On this part of the trip, I took the time to reflect on my year, I enjoyed my surroundings and honestly just paused from the rollercoaster that was my life in 2023. I happened to miss a big earthquake in Japan while I was on this trip but I’ve experienced more than 10 smaller earthquakes since I moved to Japan.

February came with my very first guests of the year and my youngest guest (14 months). I enjoyed having my college roommates and friends in town. In fulfillment of a promise, some of us went on a long weekend trip to Seoul. I might be the first person ever to go to Korea and not buy a single skin care product. It was a fun trip, and a highlight for me was getting dressed up in Hanboks (traditional outfits and getting professionally photographed by a photographer I booked on Airbnb experiences). We were freezing but we looked fabulous! I would love to return in the fall or summer and I now know a bit more about skincare. Who knows, maybe I’ll even have a beauty treatment done!

March was all work travels – London, USA, with a mini stop in 2,Canada. To be honest, March left me jetlagged and exhausted! My sister and her family also visited and it was wonderful seeing Tokyo through my niece’s eyes. My 6 year old niece exploring Japan was definitely a highlight in my year. I struggle to find the words to describe what it means to see her explore the world at such a young age, something I could only dream of at her age. I love how she paid such close attention to the little things, from riding the trains, to the toilets, to Tokyo Tower. However, the poop museum was a favourite of hers! What a time!

Spring & Early Summer

Vacation time!!!!! I almost always take a trip in April, and this year was no different! I took a week-long trip and split my time between Cambodia (a new country for me) and Vietnam (a repeat destination). I shared about my horrible visa on arrival experience in Cambodia (read more on Instagram here) but also shared about my amazing hotel! Hoi An Vietnam was such a delight and I had some clothes custom made in 48 hours! I highly recommend!

In May, my friend visited and I went along to Kyoto!! It was my first Shinkansen (high speed train ride) in Japan. I definitely need a proper trip to Kyoto but we did quite a bit on my overnight trip.

July to September

Summer in Japan is hot hot hot! After hitting my massive work deadline in June, it was time to go on another trip within Japan. This time, I headed to Hokkaido and July was the perfect time to visit. While Hokkaido is generally a winter destination (great skiing), it was the perfect getaway from unbearably hot and humid Tokyo. I didn’t love my hotel in Sapporo though, it was small and old, and over priced. I’m very particular about where I stay but I booked the hotel super late and didn’t do as much due diligence as I usually do. Regardless, Hokkaido’s weather was perfect and I didn’t get to do everything. That trip left me wanting to explore more of Japan!

August is when we get a big break at work and most of my colleagues were all OOO for a two week period. We lost my grandma earlier in the year so I headed off to Lagos, Nigeria to pay my last respect and give her the burial she’d have wanted. Nigeria was not in my plans for 2024 but life happens! On my way to Nigeria, I spent 22 hours in Doha Qatar playing tourist. I did quite a bit and this trip was a bit redemptive (in 2016, on my way to the Philippines, Qatar refused to approve my transit visa application and I spent 17 agonizing hours at the airport).

After Nigeria, I flew to the US to see my people but it was so short. 5 days in all. Oh well!!

My annual birthday trip in September did not happen this year because my visa didn’t get approved but delay is not denial, it was only postponed!

The Final Quarter

A friend’s expected visit to Japan was cancelled at the last minute due to visa issues. #Nigerianpassportproblems. However, on the bright side, my Hong Kong Visa was finally approved in October and I spent 48 hours in Hong Kong in early November. This was my last trip of the year. 

I’m spending Christmas in Tokyo as I take a breather and prepare for my last set of visitors for the year. I want to thank you for riding with me and I look forward to being back and to sharing my experiences in long form via my blog again. To say I have missed doing this is a major understatement.

Countries and Cities Visited: Malaysia (New), Singapore (New), South Korea (New), USA (thrice), Canada, Cambodia (New), Vietnam, Kyoto (Japan – new), Hokkaido (Japan – new), Nigeria, and Hong Kong (New)!

Happy New Year!