🌍 13 Years of Full-Time Travel: Highlights of HoneyTrek in 2024 & What Awaits in 2025
After spending 13 years traveling, one might think Anne and Mike Howard of HoneyTrek would seek some stability. However, their enthusiasm for discovery only intensifies. In 2024, this dynamic duo continued their worldwide adventures, exploring eight countries on five continents, featuring in a national TV program, releasing a new edition of their glamping guide, and receiving a prestigious industry accolade. Here’s a recap of their remarkable year and a preview of what 2025 holds.
🏝️ Baja Wellness & Medical Tourism
The year kicked off with a health-oriented getaway to Baja California, Mexico. Renowned as the global dental capital, Los Algodones provided the Howards with affordable, top-notch healthcare—including a $125 crown. Their adventure transformed into a comprehensive medical tourism experience, which included appointments with a dermatologist and a general practitioner. Following an unexpected basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and successful cryosurgery, they unwound along the Gulf of California, demonstrating that health and adventure can coexist.
🎥 Featured in Outside TV’s “Texas State of Mind”
HoneyTrek’s travel prowess landed them a lead role in Outside TV’s “Texas State of Mind.” While filming in San Antonio, they spotlighted the city’s diverse cultural legacy. Despite the challenges posed by a nine-person film crew, their passion for genuine storytelling radiated.
🌏 Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Borneo, Brunei, Singapore & Timor-Leste
The couple delved into Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry, from Kuala Lumpur’s towering skyscrapers to the UNESCO-listed sites in Penang. In Borneo’s Sabah region, they hiked through rainforests, explored coral reefs, and encountered orangutans. Their ground journey to Brunei revealed unexpected warmth and friendliness, while Singapore’s multicultural neighborhoods deepened their appreciation for the city-state’s diversity.
A standout was their trip to Timor-Leste, the least-visited destination in Southeast Asia. With its Portuguese colonial allure, rugged coastlines, and vibrant local culture, it emerged as a highlight of the year.
🎬 Creating a Travel TV Pilot in Indonesia
Taking storytelling to new heights, HoneyTrek filmed a pilot for a regenerative travel TV series in Sumba, Indonesia. At Ngalung Kalla Retreat, they highlighted sustainable tourism and the remarkable individuals involved. Keep an eye out for the sizzle reel!
🏡 Returning to Roots in New Jersey & Exploring Richmond
Making their way back to Hoboken, NJ, where their romance began, stirred up a flood of nostalgia. They revisited their old residence and reminisced about their early days. Meanwhile, Richmond, Virginia, astounded them with its lively arts culture, historical significance, and outdoor escapades—earning a cherished spot in their hearts.
🎤 Keynoting at Camp Indie
At Camp Indie in the Berkshires, Anne and Mike motivated budding digital nomads with their keynote address. The event combined workshops, summer camp excitement, and a community of fellow adventurers.
🚗 California Gold Country Road Trip
Their three-week journey along Highway 49 in California led them through historic Gold Rush towns, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and exhilarating river rafting experiences. It was a nostalgic adventure for Anne, a California native, celebrating the state’s natural beauty and history.
🌴 Puerto Rico Glamping Consulting
As glamping advisors, HoneyTrek assisted a new camp owner in Puerto Rico in achieving his vision. Their on-site visit sparked innovative ideas for sustainable development, and they even attended the ISA World Surfing Championships while there.
🌿 Miami’s Wild Side
Collaborating with Visit Miami, HoneyTrek highlighted the city’s hidden natural treasures—national parks, coral reefs, and tropical farms—demonstrating that Miami’s wild side goes beyond nightlife.
🏜️ Tunisia: North Africa’s Hidden Treasure
Tunisia, their 80th country, enchanted them with a mix of Roman ruins, Berber traditions, Mediterranean shores, and Sahara explorations. Traveling with Tunisia Ecotourism, they immersed themselves in local customs, from baking bread to desert camping.
🗻 TBEX Alaska
At TBEX in Anchorage, they connected with fellow travel creators and immersed themselves in Alaska’s wilderness—kayaking, biking, and glamping in the Chugach Mountains.
🏔️ Colorado Homecoming
In between projects, HoneyTrek made a return to Colorado, where family and community awaited. Housesitting in Denver allowed them to recharge and enjoy local happenings like Denver Fashion Week and the Mile High Tree Lighting.
💚 HoneyTrek Cares: Giving Back Through Travel
In 2024, HoneyTrek committed 5% of their tourism board project budgets to local nonprofits and volunteered with organizations such as Wetlands Institute, Debris Free Oceans, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Their goal: to make travel a catalyst for positive change.