**2023: HoneyTrek’s Most Extraordinary Year of Travel to Date**
For more than ten years, HoneyTrek has been transforming the idea of long-term travel, and 2023 turned out to be their most bold year so far. With an impressive tally of over 4,363 days of uninterrupted exploration, Mike and Anne Howard set off on a remarkable adventure that took them through 26 U.S. states, 7 Canadian provinces, and 10 nations across three different continents. Their 2023 journeys ranged from road trips across North America to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, showcasing a wide array of experiences that were both diverse and motivational. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their extraordinary year filled with exploration, sustainability, and community support.
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### **North American Journeys: From Baja to the Most Isolated Road**
HoneyTrek commenced 2023 with an epic road trip that spanned 20,209 miles throughout the U.S. and Canada. Key moments included:
– **Baja, Mexico by Yacht**: Navigating the Sea of Cortez with UnCruise, they discovered the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Islas del Golfo de California, engaging in kayaking, snorkeling, and whale-watching in an enchanting desert-and-sea landscape.
– **The Most Isolated Road in America**: Nevada’s Highway 50 provided a blend of historical depth and tranquility. From Great Basin National Park to significant Native American sites, the Howards revealed the hidden treasures of this historic transcontinental pathway.
– **Cross-Canada Expedition**: A 7,831-mile trek through 7 provinces, featuring Newfoundland and Labrador as the highlight. From iceberg kayaking to delving into the French domain of Saint-Pierre, their Canadian escapade was rich with cultural and natural wonders.
– **Saskatchewan Discoveries**: Often neglected, this prairie region unveiled boreal forests, glacial lakes, and the threatened Grasslands ecosystem, exemplifying Canada’s varied landscapes.
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### **European Journeys: From Urban Breaks to Ski Resorts**
HoneyTrek put a significant emphasis on Europe in 2023, with adventures across various nations:
– **Berlin to Bulgaria**: Kicking off with a travel conference in Berlin, they ventured through Prague, Bratislava, and Vienna before taking an 18-hour bus journey to Bulgaria. Highlights included skiing at UNESCO-listed mountains and exploring ancient Roman landmarks in Plovdiv.
– **Romania’s Transylvania**: A housesitting opportunity in Bucharest led to a road trip across the mythical Transylvania region, featuring visits to Dracula’s Castle and picturesque Saxon towns.
– **Greece’s Eco-Friendly Islands**: The Dodecanese Islands excelled with their sustainability practices, from renewable energy projects to electric vehicle integration. HoneyTrek’s three-week exploration encompassed kayaking to historical ruins and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters.
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### **Africa’s Essence: Rwanda and Uganda**
2023 marked HoneyTrek’s long-anticipated visit to Africa, where they engaged deeply with the continent’s natural wonders and cultural richness:
– **Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills**: From Kigali to the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s evolution into a frontrunner in conservation and sustainable tourism left a profound impact. Participating in the Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony was a memorable experience.
– **Uganda: The Pearl of Africa**: Despite its difficulties, Uganda provided unforgettable moments, including big-five safaris, cultural engagement, and community-driven tourism initiatives that uplifted local communities.
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### **Contributing Back: Tourism for a Better Cause**
HoneyTrek’s dedication to sustainable travel stood out in 2023. They contributed $4,250 to environmental and social nonprofits and volunteered extensively in the locales they visited. From aiding the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda to supporting the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, their initiatives illustrated how travel can promote positive change.
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### **Glamping and Consulting: A Growing Passion**
As authors of *Comfortably Wild*, HoneyTrek has emerged as a prominent voice in the glamping sector. In 2023, they intensified their consulting efforts, assisting both new and established glamping enterprises in enhancing guest satisfaction and embracing sustainable methods. Their participation at the Glamping Show Americas further established their leadership within the industry.
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### **2024: What Lies Ahead for HoneyTrek?**
The Howards are already preparing for another thrilling year. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits them:
– **International Media Marketplace in NYC**: An opportunity to engage with tourism boards and strategize for their 2024 journeys.
– **Travel Texas & Outside TV**: Shooting a mini-series in San Antonio, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
– **Exploring Sweden, Germany, or Switzerland**: One or more of these nations might secure a spot on their list of the most romantic destinations worldwide.
– **Malaysia and Southeast Asia**: A fortunate win has them set to visit Malaysia, with plans to extend their exploration in Southeast Asia for two additional weeks.