My travel choices in 2024 (part 2)
Exploring Europe with Erasmus+
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Although I don’t consider myself an extremely active traveler, every year I try to fill my calendar with as much travel as possible, and 2024 was an exciting one. It was full of new sights and ticking off bucket-list sites, of solo, coupled and group unforgettable adventures. I’ve become a pro at squeezing travel into weekends and holidays.
I have to say that travel for me is not about counting cities and countries – it’s about learning, growing, and connecting with the world in a way that keeps my curiosity alive.
Here’s a look at how my 2024 unrolled and how each trip brought its own unique story and lessons, reminding me why I love exploring Europe and, my home, Croatia.
I had to split this post into 4 parts because when I started adding photos, I realized my plan wasn’t sustainable. Read more:
Work-related travel
My profile says I work as an educator. I work at a secondary school in Croatia, and coordinate Erasmus+ projects, meaning I follow student groups on mobilities and attend structured training courses abroad. The destinations were:
Málaga, Spain (January)
Helsinki, Finland, Tallinn, Estonia and Warsaw, Poland (March)
3) Faro, Portugal (May)
4) Gdansk, Poland (November)
1) Málaga, Spain (January)
This was my second visit to Málaga, and I have to say this one made me fall in love with the city. The city is brimming with visitors even in January which is why it was easy to find a restaurant whenever we wanted. After the siesta, of course. The weather was wonderful, and the city has so much to offer.
For history lovers, Alcazaba is a must. It’s a well-preserved Moorish fortress built in the 11th century by the Hammudid dynasty, perched on a hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It was strategically designed with a series of defensive walls, gateways, and towers, showcasing advanced Islamic military architecture. The Alcazaba is connected to the city’s Roman Theatre, blending Roman and Moorish influences in its construction.
If you’re interested in more things Moorish, read this post of mine on the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba.
For art lovers, Málaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you can visit two museums dedicated to him.
In the bay, you can visit Centre Pompidou Málaga, with diverse contemporary art. And a packed museum shop!
2) Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia (March)
This was my first trip to both Finland and Estonia, and the purpose was a course for teachers where they offered insights into both educational systems. These two countries have great results in PISA tests, and I have to say I was particularly impressed by what I saw in Estonia, they have an efficient system and exceptional results.
I will share only some photos from the cities so you can get the idea of both. I liked them both a lot and will return soon, I’m sure, especially to Tallinn.
I wrote about Tallinn here:
It was March and you can see it was cold and wet. I plan on visiting Tallinn again in springtime, just to enjoy it in dry weather. The old town is very impressive, but again - I have a thing for medieval architecture, it’s a past life thing, I’m sure.
I visited Warsaw too on the way back home, it was a long layover. I adore day-long layovers! The old center of Warsaw has been masterfully restored after the destruction of WW2, and these are just a glimpse into this beautiful city.
3) Faro, Portugal (May)
This was my second visit to Faro and third to Portugal, and I’m sure it won’t be my last. Faro is in the Algarve region, full of tourists flocking to enjoy water sports. This was again a student group, working on the project Media and Information Literacy, enjoying the sun.
During the week we visited the cities of Sagres and Portimão.
4) Gdansk, Poland (November)
This week I stayed in Tczew and Swarożyn, and visited Gdańsk for a day, but I’m still leaving you with photos of Gdańsk. This was my second visit after more than 10 years and I enjoyed it this time as well.
To be continued…
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
MORE INTERESTING SIGHTS:
Wine museum, London, Picasso’s birthplace and so much more…
Plus, my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is a gift for my free subscribers, so go and get your inspiration:
Thanks. They are all great places. I would love to visit Malaga and chill. Maybe 2025 will be the year!
What a wonderful year of adventures. So many great cities! I look forward to reading more!