**HoneyTrek’s 2023 Travel Highlights: A Voyage Through Continents and Cultures**
2023 was a landmark year for HoneyTrek, the travel blog documenting the escapades of Anne and Mike Howard, who have been on an extraordinary global honeymoon for more than 4,363 days. This year, the couple undertook their most daring travel itinerary to date, covering 26 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, and 10 countries across Europe, Africa, and North America. From driving along the U.S.-Mexico border to trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, HoneyTrek’s 2023 adventure embodied celebration, sustainability, and global connectivity.
### **North America: Road Adventures, Icebergs, and the Isolated Highway**
HoneyTrek’s North American adventures commenced with an extensive 20,209-mile road journey through the U.S. and Canada. Notable experiences included:
– **Baja, Mexico by Water**: Navigating the Islas del Golfo de California, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Howards delved into the blend of desert and ocean through kayaking, snorkeling, and whale-watching.
– **Southern Border Expedition**: Covering Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, they uncovered hidden treasures such as Chiricahua National Monument and Big Bend National Park, kayaking along the Rio Grande.
– **Trans-Canada Adventure**: A two-month exploration across seven provinces, highlighting Newfoundland and Labrador, where they kayaked amongst icebergs and immersed themselves in the unique culture of Canada’s easternmost region.
– **America’s Loneliest Road**: Highway 50 in Nevada provided a blend of history, thermal springs, and sacred Native American sites, demonstrating that solitude can be its own type of adventure.
### **Europe: Urban Getaways, Skiing, and Eco-friendly Islands**
Europe presented a mix of city exploration, cultural experiences, and outdoor fun:
– **Berlin to Vienna**: The couple visited iconic cities like Berlin, Prague, Bratislava, and Vienna, engaging with locals and discovering off-the-beaten-path sites.
– **Bulgarian Ski Adventure**: From skiing on UNESCO-recognized mountains to visiting Roman ruins and natural hot springs, Bulgaria offered a blend of history and outdoor excitement.
– **Transylvanian Road Trip**: After house-sitting in Bucharest, the Howards explored Romania’s Saxon villages and ventured to Dracula’s Castle, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of the area.
– **Greek Dodecanese Islands**: These environmentally friendly islands highlighted Greece’s dedication to sustainability, featuring renewable energy projects and electric vehicle initiatives. HoneyTrek explored Rhodes, Chalki, and Karpathos, merging adventure with a commitment to promoting sustainable tourism.
### **Africa: Rwanda and Uganda**
Africa stood out as a pinnacle of HoneyTrek’s year, filled with life-changing experiences in Rwanda and Uganda:
– **Rwanda**: Dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda enchanted the Howards with its conservation programs, equality initiatives, and sustainable tourism. They attended the Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony and explored the country’s national parks and cultural sites.
– **Uganda**: Although initially hesitant due to the country’s contentious laws, the Howards collaborated with community-focused tourism projects to uncover Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, from mountain gorillas to local traditions.
### **Contributing Back: HoneyTrek Cares**
In 2023, HoneyTrek intensified its dedication to sustainable travel by volunteering and contributing $4,250 to local nonprofits. Their contributions supported environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and community enhancement worldwide. Organizations such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Surfrider Foundation, and Five Valleys Land Trust were among those that benefited from their generosity.
### **Glamping and Consultancy: Broadening Horizons**
As the authors of *Comfortably Wild*, the first book about glamping in North America, the Howards continued to expand their glamping consultancy. They participated in the Glamping Show Americas and led workshops to assist camp operators in improving guest experiences and embracing sustainable practices.
### **2024 Travel Preview: What’s Next for HoneyTrek?**
Looking onward, HoneyTrek has an exciting itinerary planned for 2024, which includes:
– **International Media Marketplace in New York**: Networking with tourism boards and preparing for future travels.
– **Travel Texas & Outside TV**: Filming a mini-series in San Antonio, recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
– **Exploring Europe and Asia**: Possible journeys to Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia, aiming to add destinations to their collection of “The World’s Most Romantic & Sustainable Destinations.”
– **North Africa**: A road trip through Tunisia to investigate its Roman ruins, coastline, and Berber traditions.
### **An Invitation to Adventure**
HoneyTrek’s 2023 expedition was a powerful affirmation of the transformative impact of travel. By merging adventure with sustainability and