As has become traditional at this time of year I am looking back on my travel year and forward to travels to come.

2024

Innsbruck

I started 2024 with a solo short break to the Tyrollean Alps. 36 hours gave me enough time to explore the small city and take the train/cable car high up into the mountains, specifically Nordkettenburg.

I would return to Innsbruck later in the year but here are a few images from my February visit.

Malta

March saw us take to the beautiful Mediterranean island to see some friends.

Malta is wonderful, especially Valletta, Mdina and the ‘3 Cities’ (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua).

Japan

The big trip of the year happened in March/April, perfect timing for cherry blossom viewing. I went with Mrs Wilbur and her niece. Just brilliant.

We started in Tokyo before visiting Hakone, the Five Lakes & Fuji region, and on to Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka & Nara.

It was a wonderful tour with plenty of bullet trains along the way.

Highlights included the amazing bustle & neon of Tokyo, the wonderful Geisha Districts of Kyoto, the harrowing memorials of Hiroshima and of course Mount Fuji.

The Sakura (cherry blossoms) were spectacular, especially the further south we travelled. Miyajima, an island close to Hiroshima, Nara & the area around Osakajo were particularly marvellous.

Shanghai

On the way home from Japan we stopped off in Shanghai, taking the maglev and metro to the completely surreal and crazily manic Bund waterfront.

Crete

In July we travelled to Xania, followed by a wedding in Rethymno. Xania has a lovely harbour, noted for beautiful sunsets, whilst a Cretan wedding is an amazing experience. Lots of Greek dancing until 6 a.m.

East Africa

In September I took off with my buddy Hamish for a trip taking in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Kenya. Unexpectedly we flew Rwandair via Kigali to get to Lusaka. I breathed Rwandan air but it doesn’t constitute a visit!

I have blogged recently about my trip so take a look around. Highlights included Victoria Falls, Chobe river safari, Nairobi safari and a return train from Nairobi to Mombasa. Ordering a tuktuk on Uber in Mombasa was also a memorable first.

Austria

Finally in 2024 it was back to Innsbruck, this time with Mrs Wilbur. Up the mountain once more for snowy landscapes.

After two nights we took a train to our beloved Salzburg for its Christmas markets. Wonderfully festive.

We enjoyed some culture too, an organ recital at the cathedral, marionette theatre to see Nutcracker and a classical concert at the amazing Mozarteum.

2025

East Caribbean

I have always kept cruising at an arms length despite working in the sector for eight years (in payments & strategy). However, with a landmark birthday in January and a desire to go somewhere sunny, we have taken the plunge (metaphorically only!).

I wanted to go island hopping by ferry but soon determined that this was not possible. So cruising it is on a relatively small ship for two weeks taking in the likes of Barbados, Trinidad, Antigua & St Lucia.

Cologne

April should see us heading by train to Germany via Brussels. My third visit to the magnificent cathedral but Mrs Wilbur’s first.

North America

New York, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Niagra Falls, Amtrak, Via Rail. Enough said.

Paris

We have booked tickets for a November concert in Paris. No plans laid yet but it will be our first chance to see the rebuilt and revamped Notre Dame following the devastating fire the great building suffered.

That’s it for plans up to now. Watch this space.

I wish all my readers a very happy 2025 with lots of exciting travels.

Wilbur.