From the Outback to the Orient

Beyond 12 Months: The Non-Stop Adventure Continues

Each year, I've done a post on a look ahead to the following year's adventures. But the more I travel, the more I've discovered that life is not a calendar year. It's about connecting places and themes. I've just completed 16 months focusing on the wonders of the world. I promise I will get back to those posts. However, I'm super excited about the next 12 months, that I couldn't wait to share.

November 2026 - Singapore and Tasmania - I'm writing this from my hotel room in Singapore. A place I've wanted to travel to for a long time. A modern, vibrant, global city known for its food, technology and shopping. This multicultural city with amazing Indian, Chinese and Malay influences and abundent garden and greenways. I wish I had more than a week. Alas, I fly out on Nov 8 to Australia, my 89th country and where I will spend most of next year. First up is Tasmania, Looking forward to its rugged wilderness, national parks and food and wine scene. I'm spending seven days touring the island and couple weeks settling into its capital, Hobart. Super 7 Day Tasmania Tour: A Week of Tasmanian Wonders

December 2026 - Melbourne and Adelaide - I continue my trip around Australia with stays in Melbourne and Adelaide. Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, Famous for its art scene, world class dining and wineries centered in the Yarra valley. I take a 3-day bus trip along the great ocean road arriving in Adelaid where I spend three weeks. 3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Original Overland Tour. Adelaide, the capital of south Australia is rich in arts, festivals, world renowned vineyards and a laid-back lifestyle.

January 2027 - Sydney - Famous for its breathtaking harbor, iconic Opera house and the world-famous Bondi Beach. The city blends amazing parks, beaches and coastal walks with a thriving dining and cultural scene. I can't wait to spend a month in Australia's largest city

February 2027 - Hong Kong - I say goodbye, for now, to Australia and take a flight to Southeast Asia for the next three months. Hong Kong with its towering skyscrapers surrounded by mountains and its busy waterfront. This is foodie heaven with its Cantonese heritage. And I will be here for Chinese New Year. I'll also cross the harbor for a 4-night stay in Macau. It rivals Las Vegas with its casinos. On February 22, I board the NCL Jade for 11 night cruise to Japan with stops in Taiwan. Hong Kong to Tokyo, 11 nights, on board Norwegian Jade

March 2027 - Japan - I arrive in Tokyo and spend the month chasing cherry blossoms on an epic journey across Japan with stops in Hakone with iconic views of Mt. Fuji, Shibu Onsen home of Jipokudani Snow Monkey Park, street food of Osaka, the imperial capital of Kyoto and ending in Kanazawa a city known for its well preserved Edo-period heritage. Looking forward to experience everything Japan has to offer. From street food to temples and torii gates to soaking in onsens. A blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology.

April 2027 - Vietnam - Maybe, I saved the best for last as I spend three weeks in Vietnam to end my Southeast Asia journey. I fly into Hanoi and spend a week exploring the capital city where centuries old temples and markets vie with a 21st century modern city. I join an 11-day tour to explore more of central Vietnam with cruises along Ha Long Bay, Mekong Delta, Hoi An and ending in Ho Chi Minh City. Solo-ish Vietnam | G Adventures I was just entering grade school when Saigon fell ending the Vietnam War. Looking forward to learning a different perspective with a 5 day stay in HCMC to end the month.

May - Mid June 2027 - Western Australia - Back in Australia for 6 weeks where I'm exploring the west coast. Starting in Perth with a 24 day tour ending in Darwin. 22 Day Perth to Darwin Tour - westadventuretours.com.au Think rugged outback and desert, an amazing coastline where you can swim with whale sharks. And the Bungle Bungle Range with deep gorges, towering cliffs, waterfalls and sandstone domes. Aboriginal rock formations and the occassional wallaby, kangaroos and crocs. What an adventure this will be.

Mid-June - Mid-August 2027 - South Pacific I leave Australia behind, but not for long, as I embark on an adventure of a lifetime exploring four South Pacific Islands. Vanuatu, a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, lush rainforests and some of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Island hopping through Fiji, an idyllic island chain with turquoise lagoons teeming with manta rays and reef sharks. Relaxing on white sandy beaches and exploring traditional villages. What a way to celebrate my birthday. Samoa with its dramatic waterfalls, lava fields and deep-rooted Polynesian traditions. Tonga with its unspoiled beaches and rich cultural heritage. A highlight will be swimming with humpback whales and calves.

Mid August - Mid October 2027 - Queensland. The stunning beaches and tropical setting don't end when I leave the South Pacific as I head to my last Australian stop, Queensland. From the vibrant city of Brisbane to the ancient rainforest of the Daintree this do it myself adventure will be unforgettable. Sailing in the Whitsundays, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, Sunbathing along the Sunshine coast, and coastal walks along Byron Bay.