A Year of Travel: 13 Unforgettable Trips of 2024

As I sit down to write this blog on the 2nd of February, it still feels as though I am living in 2024, a year of travel. The year was a whirlwind. Busy, eventful, and filled with both cherished moments and challenging experiences. Looking back, it was a year of growth, adventure, and unexpected turns. Some journeys brought joy, while others tested patience, but each trip left behind memories that will last a lifetime. Now, as 2025 begins to unfold, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the places visited, the lessons learned, and the incredible moments that made 2024 truly unforgettable. 2024 came with its fair share of chaos, but it somehow passed by smoothly. Through it all, I continued my journey, much like I always have, traveling and embracing the experiences along the way.

When a year comes to an end and a new one begins, we often don’t think twice about the shift. The most immediate change for many of us? A new calendar to mark the months ahead. But aside from that, the world around us adjusts on its own. Our digital devices automatically switch over, keeping pace with time effortlessly. We’re living in an age where the tangible and traditional markers of memories are fading into the background. Physical photo albums, once treasured for holding snapshots of our lives, have now been replaced by smartphones and cloud storage, where our memories are neatly tucked away, out of sight but always accessible. The art of printing photos has shifted too. What was once a way to preserve memories for the long term is now more often a decorative element, carefully curated and framed to complement our homes rather than to hold a story. It’s a reflection of how the act of memory-keeping has evolved in this digital age, where instant access and convenience are the driving forces. Do you also have a year of travel? 

2024 was truly a year of travel, packed with countless memories. My phone, overloaded with photos and videos, reached its limit, forcing me to transfer all the data to an external drive multiple times. It happened every time I returned from a trip. Unlike previous years, where I focused on documenting every moment, this time, I made a conscious effort to immerse myself in the experience itself. I prioritized soaking up the vibes of each place I visited, rather than constantly capturing and recording, letting my devices fill up with every little detail. It was a refreshing shift, focusing more on the present and less on preserving it all digitally. Most of the trips of 2024 were solo trips.

Traveling through 2024 taught me many things. Lessons from a year of travel which I’m not entirely sure I’ll carry with me forever. It was a journey of self-discovery and growth, a realization of how fleeting moments can shape us in ways we never expect.

I kept up with my weekend travels throughout 2024, but the highlight came at the very end. December arrived, and I took a long trip, 10 to 11 days in Goa. What did I do there? Absolutely nothing. No plans, no agendas, just pure spontaneity. It was a break from the usual, a time to let go and embrace doing nothing for once. And honestly, it was exactly what I needed.

I kicked off January by embarking on the voyage of journeys that was 2024, a year of travel. My first trip of the year took me to Prini, a charming village nestled near Manali. From there, I ventured to Jana Waterfall, a serene spot that offered a peaceful escape. After soaking in the beauty of nature, I spent a day in Naggar, where the quaint vibes of the village captured my heart. I revisited the famous Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery. But it was in Sharan, a handloom village, where I had one of my most memorable experiences. An elderly local man, full of warmth and generosity, invited me to his traditional Himachali home for lunch and tea. It was a moment of connection, a true taste of Himachali hospitality, and an unforgettable start to the year.

Snow had painted Himachal white, and I couldn’t resist exploring a small village on the way to Solang Valley called Kulang. I booked a cozy Airbnb, and the views from there were absolutely breathtaking. From Kulang, I decided to take a walk to Solang Valley, yes, I just walked. The journey was peaceful, and upon reaching Solang, I checked into a room and roamed around, soaking in the crisp, fresh air. The next day, I ventured to Rohtang Pass, and then, in true spontaneous style, I walked up to Mall Road from Solang, enjoying every step of the way.

After a long time, I decided to return to Triund, a place I trekked to back in 2018, and had visited Mcleod Ganj quite a few times since, like the Sept 2019 trip to Bhagsu Nag waterfall. I booked a cozy 1BHK Airbnb in Dharamshala, cooked my meals, and spent my days roaming around the town. From there, I headed to Mcleod Ganj, checked into another property, and prepared for the trek to Triund. It was a group trek, and I made a few friends along the way (though, sadly, we’re no longer in touch).

Things took an unexpected turn when I accidentally dropped my wallet at the property I stayed in, and despite their efforts, it couldn’t be found. I called the café I had visited earlier, but eventually, I had to file a missing report at the police station in Forsyth Ganj. After returning to Delhi, I received a call from the property owner, informing me that they had found my wallet. By that time, I had already blocked all my cards. Since I had made a friend who was staying next door to the property, I contacted him, and he kindly picked up the wallet for me. I later retrieved it from him when he came to Gurgaon.

My quest for offbeat places led me to a tiny, remote village called Phunkyar, near Tandi, in April. Situated on top of a hill, it offered incredible views of the surrounding valley. This hidden gem is so remote that there’s no public transport, meaning the only way to reach it is either by trekking or taking a cab. The homestay I booked was a true find, an absolutely beautiful place with delicious, home-cooked meals that embodied the essence of perfect hospitality. The views from my bedroom were nothing short of breathtaking, and with snow still lingering around, the homestay felt like a hidden gem in the area, offering peace and tranquility like no other.

I reached Sissu like this, taking a local bus from the Old Manali bus stand, with nothing on my mind. I had no set plans, just a vague idea of exploring the place. After having lunch, I searched for a place to stay within my budget, but found nothing. So, I kept walking. Just walking, one step after another. I had traveled this road before on a scooty and in cabs, but this time, I was on foot. It was such a peaceful yet thrilling journey, passing through villages and soaking in the vibes of the area.

As I continued walking, the weather took a turn, and it started to rain. I had to find shelter quickly, so I knocked on a few doors, but they were all shut. Finally, I stumbled upon a small homestay, tucked away from the main road and located in a field. I called the owner, and he offered me a room at a good price. It was a traditional Himachali-Lahauli home, with a shared washroom. I crashed there for the night, grateful for the warmth and comfort, and the next day, I headed back, feeling like I had truly discovered something special.

It was my third trip to Jibhi and second time trekking to Serolsar Lake, this time with a friend. After completing the trek, we decided to relax at Café Enzo in Jibhi, where fate had something special in store. There, I met two people I had previously crossed paths with in Shangarh, and we became Instagram-connections. It turned out that one of them had opened a homestay near Shoja (Ailyak), and they invited us for lunch. The gesture was so warm and genuine, we couldn’t resist.

The next day, we made our way to their homestay, and it was perhaps the most beautiful homestay I had ever visited. It was on the way to Shoja. Although still under construction, most of it was already finished, and they were open for bookings. We bathed in a freshwater stream, enjoyed a delicious homemade lunch, and soaked in the serene atmosphere before heading back. It was such a beautiful experience that I even sent a close friend there for a stay later on. The warmth of the people and the stunning surroundings made it unforgettable.

I had always visited Old Manali as a stopover for my trips to places farther beyond. It had always been a one-night halt for me. However, this time, I decided to dedicate an entire trip just to Old Manali. I’ve never been fond of the chaos that comes with Manali, but this part of the town has always been different, slow, calm, and peaceful. Sadly, it seems like even this tranquil part is starting to pick up the chaotic energy of the Mall Road.

Still, this trip offered me the chance to finally visit Kharma Valley, a place I had only heard of but never set foot in. Kharma Valley turned out to be a serene paradise, where the noise of the world fades away, leaving only peace behind. It’s the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch the river flow by or enjoy the sight of a waterfall nearby. The stillness and beauty of the valley make it the kind of place that feels like a secret, untouched by the outside world.

I was back in Kyelang in August. Yes, back because I had visited Kyelang in August 2022 as part of my birthday trip. Last time, I only stopped here for a night before heading towards Jispa the next day. This time, however, I decided to stay in Kyelang and explore the small town, which is situated in the Spiti Valley and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Lahaul district.

The highlight of this trip was the visit to Shashur Monastery, located just a small hike away from Kyelang. Well, it wasn’t exactly a short walk, but the journey was worth it. The serene atmosphere of the monastery and the stunning views from the hike made it a truly special experience. Kyelang, with its quiet charm, provided a refreshing break from the more tourist-heavy spots I had visited.

I returned to the old-world charm of Spiti Valley after two years. My last visit was in October 2021, when I spent about a week in Kaza. I stayed in a local homestay, as I prefer immersing myself in authentic experiences rather than seeking out commercial luxury. This time, I booked a cab and visited the iconic villages of Langza, Hikkim, and Komik.

The landscapes of Spiti are like nothing else, vast, barren, yet beautiful in their own rugged way. Each of these villages has its own unique charm, from Langza’s panoramic views to Hikkim, home to one of the world’s highest post offices. Komik, with its serene atmosphere, felt like the perfect spot to pause and soak in the tranquility of the valley. Staying in a local homestay gave me a chance to connect with the people and culture of Spiti in a way that no hotel could replicate.

I returned to Bir after exactly one year. My first visit to Bir was in October 2023 when I tried paragliding for the first time. It was then that I also explored the famous Bangoru Waterfall, both of which were thrilling experiences. Revisiting these places felt incredibly warm and nostalgic, like reconnecting with old friends.

I met my guide from the Bangoru Waterfall trek, but he didn’t recognize me, which made me smile. I also visited a café I used to frequent during my previous trip and had a wonderful conversation with the owner, reminiscing about old times. The next day, I headed to Barot, a quiet village nestled in the Barot Valley, where I spent some time soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

I visited Tosh in 2017 and returned after such a long time. Though I had been to Kasol a couple of times since then, like during my visit to Kasol and Chhalal in April 2022, and my December 2022 trip to Kalga, Kheerganga Trek had always remained on my list. For some reason, it just couldn’t make it to the top until November rolled around, and I finally decided to trek to Kheerganga.

I booked a cozy homestay in Tosh, offering extremely beautiful views that set the perfect tone for the journey. Early in the morning, I set off on the trek to Kheerganga, hiking through the serene landscape and immersing myself in the natural beauty. I returned by night, feeling accomplished and happy that I had ticked off this long-awaited adventure.

The Jaipur trip in December had become more of a ritual than a vacation. It was a tradition that had grown over the past two years, as my mother and I made the journey together to celebrate her birthday. Each year, we would take a flight from Delhi, where my sister and her family live, to join them for the birthday celebration and family gathering.

There’s something truly special about these moments spent in Jaipur. The city, with its vibrant colors and rich history, feels like the perfect backdrop for these family gatherings. We would spend our days visiting our favorite spots, soaking in the royal charm of the Pink City, exploring its markets, and enjoying family time over delicious meals. 

Finally, the time came for what turned out to be the highlight trip of a year of travel, 2024, Goa! I know so many people who have been planning their trips to Goa but just couldn’t make it happen, and here I was, embarking on my second trip to this coastal paradise. It was a long weekend, lasting about 10-11 days, and I was initially wondering where to go. I had plans to visit Kathmandu, a city I had been to back in November 2013, but for personal reasons, it didn’t work out.

That’s when I decided to call up a friend who had recently moved to Goa. He was kind enough to invite me, and I stayed with him for a few days. It was such a warm reunion after months of not seeing each other. After catching up, I set off on my own to explore the beaches, unwind, and soak in the serene vibes that Goa offers so effortlessly.

As I was roaming around, I also ran into an ex-coworker. We connected through their Instagram story, which revealed they were just half an hour away from where I was staying. It was a lovely surprise!

The trip was nothing short of refreshing, spontaneous, unplanned, and filled with an incredible sense of freedom. I had no agenda, no packed itinerary, just the open road ahead and a heart ready to embrace whatever came my way. There’s something so liberating about letting go of expectations and allowing each day to unfold on its own terms. The days in Goa were a blur of unhurried moments, quiet beach walks, impromptu conversations with strangers, and sun-drenched afternoons. It was the kind of trip that reminded me how important it is to embrace the present, to simply be.

What made this trip even more magical was how organically everything came together. I didn’t need a strict plan, and the universe seemed to take care of the rest. From reconnecting with old friends to running into a former coworker by sheer coincidence, every encounter felt like a serendipitous gift. The freedom of not having a set schedule allowed me to fully immerse myself in the rhythm of Goa. Some days, I’d wander through vibrant markets, on others, I’d find myself lost in quiet corners, watching the waves roll in or enjoying a peaceful sunset with a cool breeze in my hair.

It reminded me that the best experiences often come when we loosen the reins and allow ourselves to be led by the moment. By stepping away from the rigid structure of typical vacations, I found the time and space to rediscover the beauty of simply being. And that’s exactly what made this trip so unforgettable, embracing spontaneity, welcoming the unknown, and trusting that the journey itself would be enough.

2024 truly was a year of travel, but what made it even more special was that many of the trips I took were revisits, places I had been to before, but this time, the experiences were different. Whether it had been six years since my last visit or just a year or two, revisiting spots like Kaza, Goa, Shoja, Jibhi, Bir, Kyelang, and Triund brought back a flood of old memories. The joy of returning to these familiar places was unparalleled. It felt like reconnecting with old friends, where every corner seemed to whisper stories from the past, and every sunset felt like a familiar embrace.

While the places hadn’t changed much, I had. The version of myself that traveled in 2024 wasn’t the same one who had visited these locations in years gone by. Each revisit came with a different perspective, new insights, and a deeper appreciation for what those places had once meant. The nostalgia was rich, but so was the discovery, the way these places had shaped me and how I had evolved in response to them. Every return trip felt like a personal journey, a chance to relive cherished moments while creating new ones.

Revisiting these places was like a time capsule, each trip unlocking a chapter in my life, reminding me how far I had come and how much I had learned along the way. Whether it was soaking in the serene vibes of Goa or hiking through the mountains of Triund, these revisits were more than just travel. They were meaningful reconnections with my own past, with the places that had shaped me, and with the memories I had made.

Revisiting the same places multiple times (and in my case, even thrice or more) might seem like a risk to your quest for exploration, especially when you’re on a tight budget and limited schedule. When every moment of your travel is precious, it’s natural to want to make the most of it by exploring new destinations rather than returning to places you’ve already been. The pressure to check off new locations from your travel list is always there, especially when you’re trying to maximize your time and resources.

However, despite the apparent “risk” of revisiting, there’s something uniquely enriching about returning to a place you’ve already experienced. It’s not just about ticking off new spots on the map; sometimes it’s about revisiting what’s already been imprinted on your heart, embracing the comfort and familiarity of the past, and seeing it through the lens of where you are in your life now. Sure, new experiences have their charm, but revisiting a place you love or one that holds special memories can reveal new layers, emotions, and perspectives you might have missed the first time around.

Even with a tight budget and limited schedule, I found that revisiting a place offered its own kind of richness, often in unexpected ways. It allowed me to slow down, experience it at my own pace, and really absorb the essence of what had originally made it special. Sometimes, the comfort of familiarity is more rewarding than the thrill of discovery. It’s not about the number of places you visit, but about the depth of the experience you have in each place, whether it’s new or old. And that was my 2024, a year of travel and stories…