# **HoneyTrek’s 2023 Yearly Travel Overview: A Voyage Across Continents**
2023 turned out to be HoneyTrek’s most thrilling year to date! Since embarking on their global expedition 4,363 days ago, Mike and Anne Howard have tirelessly roamed the globe in pursuit of the most romantic and sustainable destinations. This year, they journeyed across 26 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, and covered over 20,209 miles throughout North America alone. Their escapades didn’t end there—they also ventured into 10 more countries, stretching from Germany to Rwanda, immersing themselves in a myriad of cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
From hitting the slopes in Bulgaria to paddling alongside icebergs in Newfoundland, sailing through Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and trekking with gorillas in Rwanda, HoneyTrek’s 2023 was filled with unforgettable experiences. They made a commitment to give back, volunteering in many locations they traversed and donating $4,250 to local environmental and social organizations.
Let’s delve deeper into their remarkable travel year and what awaits in 2024!
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## **Discovering North America: Road Trips, Wildlife, and Surprising Experiences**
### **Baja, Mexico by Water**
After previously road-tripping through Baja California, HoneyTrek opted for a nautical adventure this time with UnCruise Adventures. Their expedition through the Islas del Golfo de California, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, was packed with kayaking, snorkeling, whale-watching, and hiking. The fusion of desert scenery and marine ecosystems made for an extraordinary journey.
### **Southern U.S. Border Road Trip**
Before venturing to Europe, they set off on a road trip along the southern borders of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Highlights included observing 40,000 sandhill cranes in Arizona, hiking in Chiricahua National Monument, and kayaking through Big Bend National Park, where they even made a brief entry into Mexico for a quick stop at Boquillas.
### **Trans-Canda Expedition**
Their two-month expedition across Canada saw them traverse seven provinces, with significant emphasis on Newfoundland and Labrador. They delved into the area’s distinct culture, pursued icebergs, and navigated the isolated Trans-Labrador Highway. Their travels continued through Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, where they appreciated the splendor of Canada’s prairies.
### **Navigating the Loneliest Road in America**
While driving Nevada’s Highway 50—dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America”—HoneyTrek explored historic towns, geothermal springs, and Great Basin National Park. This road trip highlighted the beauty of Nevada’s desert landscapes and its rich heritage.
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## **European Discoveries: History, Culture, and Outdoor Thrills**
### **Urban Escapades: Berlin, Prague, Bratislava & Vienna**
A travel conference took them to Berlin, where they spent two weeks discovering the city’s vibrant culture. From there, they proceeded to Prague, Český Krumlov, and Slovakia, where they connected with a HoneyTrek enthusiast who provided them with a personalized tour of Bratislava. Their city-hopping adventure concluded with a brief stop in Vienna before heading to Bulgaria.
### **Skiing in Bulgaria & Road Tripping in Transylvania**
Bulgaria impressed them with its rich history, budget-friendly ski resorts, and breathtaking landscapes. They explored ancient monasteries, Roman ruins, and geothermal springs. In Romania, they took on a house-sitting role in Bucharest before embarking on a road trip through Transylvania, touring Dracula’s Castle, and visiting medieval Saxon villages.
### **Dodecanese Islands: Greece’s Eco-conscious Gems**
Greece’s Dodecanese Islands are at the forefront of sustainable tourism, with places like Tilos operating entirely on renewable energy. HoneyTrek devoted three weeks to exploring Rhodes, Chalki, and Karpathos, gaining insights into eco-tourism projects and relishing the stunning landscapes.
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## **Africa: Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation Efforts**
### **Romantic Rwanda & The Mountain Gorillas**
Rwanda, known as the “Heart of Africa,” charmed them with its conservation initiatives and rich culture. They participated in the Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony and explored the nation’s national parks, lakes, and communities. Rwanda’s dedication to sustainability secured its position on HoneyTrek’s list of the world’s most romantic and sustainable travel spots.
### **Uganda: The Pearl of Africa**
Despite worries about Uganda’s political situation, HoneyTrek chose to visit and back ethical tourism projects. They collaborated with local organizations to traverse Uganda’s varied landscapes, from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Bunyonyi, and learned about community-based tourism initiatives.
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## **Contributing: HoneyTrek Cares**
Throughout their travels, HoneyTrek actively sought to uplift local communities and environmental causes. They made contributions to organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Five Valleys Land Trust, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla