I can’t believe it but I am back in Holland for more than a year now. And from the day that I am back my feet are really itchy about traveling again. But I can’t effort to go away for a year again, so I am trying making plans for a normal 3 to 4 week holiday this year.

Now there are many things I am thinking about, like which country to go to and what kind of activities I want to do. I know that I am a very active person that love multiple day hikes, climbing and bouldering, nature, big cities with great architecture but also a nice beach to relax.

With so many interests, so many beautiful countries that I haven’t been to, but also with many things to consider like traveling by my self and a limited budget I really have to make choices.

For a while the idea of climbing the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is in my head. It’s the highest mountain in Africa and also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. And it’s only 5895 meters high. Man I have been on 6088 meters so this should be much easier right?

But I also read that it takes multiple days to get up there and that you shouldn’t take it too easy. Or I do this hike with an organization – including all meals, sleeping places, people carrying gear up and down, a good guide, etc – or maybe I can find enough people around me who also want to climb Kilimanjaro and try to find a guide for us. This way it would be less organized but still save. Right?

Anyway, that’s just one of my ideas for this year. Another one is Japan. No special reason for this country other than exploring the country, do some trekkings and maybe some climbing. The last thing is kinda difficult given the aspect that I am traveling by my self. So I need to find a climbing partner that I trust or find a local climbing organization.

Another country on my top list is South Africa. I really would like to rent a car and drive from Johannesburg all the way to Cape Town. Of course going into as many National Parks as possible to see the wild life. But doing that on my own is kinda risky and really expensive. I better wait with that idea and save up enough money so I can effort all the National Parks.

Then there is New Zealand. I’ve heard many amazing stories about NZ. You can go swimming and skiing on the same day. How amazing is that! But here again it would be awesome to rent a camper and drive from south to north. And for that a travel partner plus a bag full of money is needed.

What other countries would fit into my profile for this year: Borneo, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, Israel or maybe Australia?

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