In November 2023, at age 29, I found myself enchanted by the beauty of Kotor Bay in Montenegro. Nestled just a short walk from the Old Town, our Airbnb welcomed us with hospitality and a stunning view. Exploring the ancient streets led us to hidden staircases reminiscent of adventures from Tolkien's tales. Climbing to ancient fortress ruins rewarded us with breathtaking views over the bay, inspiring further explorations and late-night revelries in the vibrant streets of Kotor. Our journey continued to Budva, where stormy weather added drama to the coastal views before serene boat tours and wine tastings completed our unforgettable Montenegrin experience.

In October 2023, I reunited with two old friends, Charley and Lucinda, for a memorable trip to Madeira. Our past was filled with youthful misadventures, but this time we planned a trip full of laughter, adventure, and reflection. From driving through Madeira's stunning coastline and hiking to picturesque waterfalls to indulging in delicious meals by the sea, the trip had it all. Lucinda's advice sparked a major life change for me, and soon after, I sold my business. Our off-road adventures and exhilarating paragliding experience brought us closer to the island's beauty, while also offering plenty of time for self-reflection. The trip was filled with moments of joy and connection—an unforgettable experience in the magical landscape of Madeira.

In July 2023, I embarked on an unforgettable trip to Slovenia with a group of old friends, including Dom, Felix, Jon, Tim, and the maverick Andy. We started in Lake Bled, where we explored the beautiful landscape, rowed across the lake, and got caught up in a hilariously chaotic night out that escalated into an impromptu "Battle for Britain." After the madness, we sought a peaceful retreat in Piran, where we relaxed by the sea before heading to Ljubljana for our last night. The capital’s vibrant old town, lively cafes, and unexpected encounters made for a perfect conclusion to a trip filled with misadventures and laughter. Slovenia proved to be stunning, and despite the chaos, I’m already thinking about returning—once I’ve recovered from the emotional scars of the battle!

In October and November 2021, I embarked on a transformative journey to Portugal, seeking a fresh start after a five-year relationship. I spent a week in Porto, indulging in the local wine at Graham's winery and soaking up the relaxed vibes at Base Bar while diving into books ranging from philosophy to fantasy. The highlight of Porto was an evening with friends, enjoying great wine and even better company. Next, I headed to Lisbon, one of my favorite cities, where I explored the beauty of Sintra and Belem, indulged in local delights like Nata tarts, and ventured through Bairro Alto's bustling nightlife. From a sunset boat tour on the Tagus River to unforgettable nights out, Lisbon left me with memories and a longing to return. My journey concluded in Palermo, which I'll cover in my next segment.

In April 2022, I visited France to run the Paris Marathon, a healing journey following the end of a five-year relationship. The marathon was a tribute to friends Billie Wood and Thomas Parsons, with proceeds going to Mind and BEWT. Paris was an incredible experience, despite the exhaustion of running 42 kilometers—perfect for letting loose afterwards. I also returned to Paris in January 2024 for a family celebration, enjoying the classics and a once-in-a-lifetime private tour of the Louvre. Between these trips, I squeezed in a lads' getaway to Nice, skiing in Huez, and a memorable stag in Marseille with old friends. France, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable memories, continues to be a place I cherish deeply.

In November 2023, I joined my brother Charlie on an unforgettable adventure in Jordan, combining archaeological research with exploration of some of the country’s most iconic sites. From the bustling streets of Amman to the quiet desert expanses around Quesir Amra, the trip was filled with history, self-reflection, and fascinating encounters. We explored Jerash, with its stunning Roman ruins, and spent two days at Petra, where the ancient site’s breathtaking beauty lived up to every expectation. Wadi Rum offered us a memorable balloon ride, and our evenings in Petra were highlighted by incredible thunderstorms. From the challenging drives through the desert to quiet moments of introspection, Jordan was one of my most enriching and adventurous experiences yet.

In October 2023, I embarked on an unforgettable road trip through Albania with my adventurous friend Clemmie. We started in Tirana, exploring the city’s vibrant streets, museums, and galleries, and marveled at the Pyramid of Tirana during a stunning lightshow. But the real beauty of Albania lay beyond the city, where we braved perilous roads with breathtaking coastal views. We drove to Himare, a peaceful beach town where we spent rainy days playing Monopoly Deal and bonding with friendly locals. Our journey continued with a stunning drive to Kotor Bay in Montenegro, a road trip filled with picturesque stops, road snacks, and plenty of podcast entertainment. Albania's unique charm and wild landscape left a lasting impression—one of the most memorable adventures yet.

In August 2023, I embarked on a relaxing long weekend in Malta with friends, including the elusive Marco who finally made it onto one of our hobbit trips. The weekend was all about sunshine, poolside lounging, and indulging in the local food and drink. We spent our days at a sunny lido, enjoying drinks and conversation, while one particularly attractive woman provided a bit of unspoken intrigue. Nights were filled with live music in Sliema and late-night exploration of Valletta's vibrant streets. We capped off the trip with a visit to a rooftop bar, embracing the sun (and shade) before returning home. A perfect getaway to recharge and reset.

In July 2023, I took a trip to Split, Croatia, with my brother, which turned out to be a great experiment despite our differing interests. While I’m more about the laid-back vibe and a good party, he’s all about delving into philosophy and classical antiquities. Split itself is picturesque, with a charming old town and a lively atmosphere. We explored museums, took a boat trip around nearby islands, and snorkeled near Trogir, though it felt a bit rushed. The highlight of the trip was Krka National Park, with its breathtaking waterfalls and serene beauty. While you can’t swim in the waters anymore, it’s still a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. Croatia offers so much, and while Split was fantastic, I’d love to explore other parts, like Dubrovnik, next time.

In May 2023, I traveled to Vilnius for my friend David’s stag weekend, and it was easily my favorite of the three cities we visited. Vilnius is stunning, with a charming old town, welcoming locals, and a vibrant nightlife scene. While the stag was mostly a non-stop bar hop, we did manage to enjoy some of the city’s hidden gems, including a riverside spot where we listened to David’s “Mister and Misses” answers as the sun set. The most memorable moment, however, was David confidently strolling towards us in his maid outfit after a park pit stop. A brief but intense go-karting session with ten hungover lads was a mistake we’ll never forget. All in all, Vilnius is great for a weekend away or a stag—though it’s probably not top of my list for a return visit.

In January 2023, I went on my first family trip in six years to Vienna, and it turned out to be a perfect experience. Vienna’s culture and history are unparalleled, perhaps even rivaling London in terms of beauty. The food was a highlight, especially the traditional cakes and, of course, the famous Sacher Torte. We saw Die Fledermaus at the Vienna Opera House, an unforgettable experience that made me a fan of opera. The real highlight was hearing a string quartet perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at St. Charles Church for my brother’s birthday. Vienna’s architecture is breathtaking, from stunning churches to museums, with a visit to Rodin’s garden and Schonnbrunn Palace rounding out the trip. Despite my love for the sun, Vienna’s beauty makes it a place I’d happily call home. It was such a success that we followed it up with a family trip to Paris in 2024, and Milan is on the horizon for 2025.

In October 2022, I embarked on an unforgettable trip to North Macedonia with the hobbits, and it quickly became my favorite of a back-to-back adventure across Sofia, North Macedonia, and Granada. Lake Ohrid, an absolute hidden gem, blew me away—it’s destined to be the next Lake Bled. After a brief stay in Skopje, we made our way to the lakeside paradise, driven by the charming Elfat in his old sports car. The views of the lake were stunning, and the off-season tranquility only added to the magic. We stayed in a lakeside villa for just £20 a night and spent our days paddle boarding, enjoying sunsets, and soaking in the local culture. With the property prices still low, I’m seriously considering an investment. This place is a peaceful haven that I hope stays under the radar for years to come.

In October 2022, I headed to Sofia for a lads’ trip with the AGM crew. While we only scratched the surface of Bulgaria, the city offered a mix of local charm and tourist traps. Highlights included a wine-tasting, where Bulgarian wine impressed (though I’m still a lager fan at heart), and a visit to the stunning Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We also stumbled upon the rustic Hambara bar, where the locals were having a jolly old time. A shooting range experience was a first for me—exhilarating, but definitely a one-off. Despite encountering some troubling right-wing groups, the trip was a solid mix of history, fun, and good food. Sofia is a great weekend getaway, though I’m unlikely to return—next time, I’ll be hitting the slopes elsewhere.

In September 2022, I traveled to Israel for my friend Tammy’s wedding, though the journey started with a dreadful experience with Wizz Air that nearly made me miss the rehearsal dinner. Once I arrived, the trip turned into a whirlwind of beauty, history, and culture. Tel Aviv, with its vibrant nightlife, wasn’t quite my scene, but Jerusalem was captivating—its mix of religious cultures and rich history left a lasting impression. From exploring Masada to floating in the Dead Sea, the adventure was filled with unforgettable experiences. The highlight was attending Tammy’s wedding on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the Dome of the Rock at sunset—truly one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed. Despite Wizz Air’s continued chaos, including another canceled flight home, I found solace in a chance encounter with a fellow passenger, leading to a night in an executive suite. A trip full of contrasts, unforgettable moments, and some serious highs and lows.

In June 2022, I returned to Palma de Mallorca for some much-needed relaxation. The island remains one of my favorite spots—gorgeous weather, fresh seafood, vibrant nightlife, and calm seas perfect for snorkeling. It’s my go-to for recuperation, and I’ve visited a couple of times over the years. But this year, my travels took a more meaningful turn with a trip to Costa Brava in September 2024. After a year of personal growth, including selling my business and realizing I was in love with my best friend Bex, we ventured to the Zel hotel retreat. The retreat was a mix of recuperation and celebration, complete with tennis matches, healthy food, and quality time together. Bex’s best friend, Paulina, had her birthday there, and I had the pleasure of connecting with her inspiring partner, Diego. The trip was full of beautiful moments, from exploring the mountains to partying late into the night, and it ended with a peaceful drive to Girona airport, feeling blissfully content and excited for more adventures with Bex.

In May 2022, I visited Istanbul with my mates Cam and Nick M, and the city quickly became one of my top five favorites. From the moment we experienced a Turkish breakfast with coffee, to exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia mosque, Istanbul never stopped impressing. The Blue Mosque was under construction, but glimpses of its beauty left me eager to return. We also took in a mesmerizing display from the whirling dervishes and explored the diverse neighborhoods by ferry. One of the most unforgettable experiences was attending a Besiktas football game— the atmosphere was electric. Though we didn’t shop much at the Grand Bazaar, the vibrant aromas stayed with me. Istanbul’s unique mix of cultures, stunning architecture, and the prevalence of friendly stray dogs made it a truly special trip. I can’t wait to return to explore more, with Cappadocia on my list next.

In March 2022, I returned to Barbados for a lads trip, revisiting the paradise island where I’d first traveled as a child. From beachside relaxation and volleyball to experiencing the thrill of test cricket at Kensington Oval, the trip was filled with unforgettable moments. Despite a couple of near-death experiences, including a wild jet ski adventure and a terrifying car crash, the laid-back vibe of the island—along with its welcoming people and the spirit of "chibing"—was the perfect backdrop for healing and making memories. Highlights included getting high on weed cookies and enjoying a night out with friends, a memorable reminder of the carefree joy that Barbados brings.