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WEEK 27 OF 52
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52 Countries in 52 Weeks
We set out in July for 1 year to travel the world. Our plan was simple; visit 52 countries in 52 weeks, staying one week in each country.
The driving force for me is "Why Not?".
I love adventure and I love to give something like this to my kids before they head off to their own lives. I have no reason to say no, and every reason to say yes. No Why Not?
We get a lot of questions about the schedule, what we packed, what we are doing, where we are staying and all kinds of other things.
We have created a general plan that takes us around the world. We timed if for good weather in all regions and to minimize travel times. We'll do 16 weeks in Europe, then Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia Pacific, South America.
We only lock things in about 4 weeks in advance, so we aim to be flexible.
If you got ideas for us, reach out info@rejectaverage.com
Below you'll find a summary of all the countries, or click on our blog to hear the podcast and see more in-depth details
ENGLAND
SCOTLAND
IRELAND
ICELAND
NORWAY
DENMARK
SWEDEN
FINLAND
POLAND
CZECH REP.
GERMANY
NETHERLANDS
SWITZERLAND
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
FRANCE
CROATIA
ITALY
TURKEY
TANZANIA
RWANDA
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH AFRICA
UAE
BAHRAIN
SAUDI ARABIA
JORDAN
GREECE
EGYPT
QATAR
INDIA
NEPAL
HONG KONG
CHINA
SOUTH KOREA
JAPAN
TAIWAN
PHILIPPINES
VIETNAM
THAILAND
MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
AUSTRALIA
FIJI
NEW ZEALAND
CHILE
ARGENTINA
BRAZIL
PERU
COLOMBIA
PANAMA
WHAT WE PACKED
We decided not to take any checked in bags with us, just carry-on bags.
So we each have a small roller bag and a backpack. Honestly,
it's not that difficult. Basically, we packed for about a week and plan on resetting wherever we stay.
You can see a list of things we packed on my Amazon list.
Big winner were the vacuum bags!
COUNTRY 1
LONDON
Great way to start off. England is very much like home in so many ways so it was very quick for us to get acclimated to life on the road. Big for us was to get used to the tube trains etc. Very cool.
We spent a lot of time bouncing around the museums and sites. Met lots of people and had a blast. You can hear all the details on the blog post about London.
THINGS WE DID
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SKY GARDENS
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WINDSOR CASTLE
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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
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STONE HENGE
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ROMAN BATHS IN BATH
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TEA ON THE RIVER THAMES
WHERE WE STAYED
We rented a cute AirBnB just outside of London at Canary Warf
COUNTRY 2
SCOTLAND
Scotland has always been a legendary place for me since Braveheart. So, this was an exciting opportunity to visit. We started in Edinburgh and did some hiking and some touring of the city. Such a great city and we LOVED the cat café! From there we went to St. Andrews to stay with my Aunt Louise. BEST DAYS EVER! We love them. I got to golf the old course at St. Andrews, we ate
fantastic food and fell in love with the area. Finally, we headed to Glasgow, we saw my friend conduct and orchestra, and we stayed in a castle. Yep, that was cool. We did an entire William Wallace day in Sterling, and we found a crazy waterfall to swim
THINGS WE DID
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CLIMBED AURTHUR'S SEAT
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HOLLYROOD PALACE
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CAT CAFE
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GOLF THE OLD COURSE
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SCENIC DOUBLE DECKER BUS
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WILLIAM WALLACE MEMORIAL
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WILLIAM WALLACE MONUMENT
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STIRLING CASTLE
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FINNICH GORGE
WHERE WE STAYED
SHERBROOKE CASTLE
It's an actual castle! You have to see it!! Check out my full post on it
COUNTRY 3
IRELAND
Ireland was a blast! We started in Dublin, saw the book of Kells and the Irish Natural History Museum. The city has a really modern vibe and we kind of fell in love. I got pulled over driving... twice lol. Then we made our way to Galway and checked out the Kylemore Abbey and found a lot of cool spots. We did see the Cliffs of Moher as you must do when in Ireland, and we had Guinness in a very Irish pub. Ireland was fantastic and I think it’s underrated. Stunning beauty and really cool culture
COUNTRY 4
ICELAND
Iceland is the stuff legends are made of. I say it’s like the Europe version of
Alaska. We arrived and within 30 minutes we were out of the car and in a
massive waterfall. It was epic. We did a lot of adventuring. The hotdogs were
as good as everyone said, the water from the tap was delicious and the
weather can change is literal seconds. We hiked an actual glacier, rode
horses with Mr. Iceland himself, snorkeled and Icelandic river, did the Blue
Lagoon, and found a natural hot spring. And we made friends for our
Denmark trip
THINGS WE DID
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SKOGAFOSS WATRFALL
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TROLL ADVENTURES GLACIER CLIMB
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MR. ICELAND ADVENTURE
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ADVENTURE VIKINGS SNORKEL
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BLUE LAGOON
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REYKJADALUR THERMAL BATHING POOLS
WHERE WE STAYED
Various AirBnB
COUNTRY 5
NORWAY
Wow Norway was amazing. We could not believe how beautiful and
organized it was. Oslo was a spectacular place to be. I’ve never seen a city center on the water before other than Victoria BC. We stayed at the best waterfront condo you could ask for and we really enjoyed the Norwegian lifestyle. We indoor skied, we went ropes adventure climbing, we sauna’d and we kayaked the bays. Don’t sleep on Norway.
THINGS WE DID
WHERE WE STAYED
Brilliant AirBnB
COUNTRY 6
DENMARK
Denmark was one of the coolest experiences and we made so great new
friends. While in Iceland we met a family from Denmark and they invited to
stay with them at their summer house outside of Copenhagen. We could not
resist and took a ferry and drove a couple of hours and met up with them for
the weekend. They were the best! And we really understood some of the
depth of Danish culture. Wish we could do that in every country!
THINGS WE DID
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CANAL BOAT TOUR
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WEEKEND AT EBELTOFT
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CAMP ADVENTURE
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GENTOFTE LAKE
WHERE WE STAYED
Fantastic AirBnB
BEST THING WE ATE:
Dinner at our Danish friends!
A very traditional home-cooked meal
COUNTRY 7
SWEDEN
Sweden was pretty epic. We stayed in Stockholm and just loved the vide. Werented a really spectacular house and spent 3 of the 7 days hanging out atthe pool soaking up the sun and relaxing. We spent a lot of time downtown inold town because it was just that epic. We did a great swim day at the lakeand caught a couple of epic museums. The meatballs are just as good as youwould expect!
THINGS WE DID
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ROYAL CASTLE AND ARMORY
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VASA MUSEUM
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PARADOX MUSEUM
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ADVENTURE MINI-GOLF
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KNAABADET LAKE BEACH
WHERE WE STAYED
Fantastic AirBnB
COUNTRY 8
FINLAND
We had a blast in Finland. We stayed right downtown in Helsinki, it was amazing. The city is so vibrant and unique. We loved the local culture and spent a lot of time scooting around the city. We had dinner with a friend from the US that moved to Finland, and we did the most exquisite tea tasting experience. We traveled to their fortress and played in the caves and checked out a lot of their street food. The art museums were very funky and very different and we explored the ‘rock church’ which is a church built right in to a rock. Helsinki was very clean and super friendly. Everyone spoke English.
THINGS WE DID
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CITY SCOOTING
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HELSINKI ART MUSEUM
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HELSINKI ZOO
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ROCK CHURCH
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FORTRESS OF SUOMENLINNA
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KNAABADET LAKE BEACH
WHERE WE STAYED
Average AirBnB
COUNTRY 9
POLAND
Poland marked our 9th destination in our adventure, and Krakow did not disappoint. The city has an undeniable energy, blending rich history with vibrant culture. From the delicious local cuisine to the warm and welcoming people, we instantly felt at home.
One of the highlights of our time in Krakow was visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a stunning underground world full of history and craftsmanship. We also explored the Museum of Electronics, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of technology.
Our visit to the Auschwitz Memorial was incredibly moving and profound. It's difficult to put into words the emotions that come with walking through such a significant and somber place. It was a humbling reminder of the past and the importance of remembering history.
Poland, with its beauty, history, and unforgettable experiences, will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
THINGS WE DID
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WIELICZKA SALT MINE
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MUSEUM OF ELECTRONICS
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AUSCHWITZ MEMORIAL
WHERE WE STAYED
A Great Apartment in Krakow
COUNTRY 10
CZECHIA
Our time in the Czech Republic, country number 10 on our journey, was nothing short of epic. Prague quickly became one of the most enchanting cities we've ever explored, offering a perfect blend of history, stunning architecture, and vibrant energy.
A highlight of our trip was experiencing EatWith, an incredible platform that connects travelers with locals through shared meals. The experience was seamless, and our hosts were fantastic, providing us with an authentic taste of Czech culture. It’s a brilliant way to meet locals and discover a city from a completely different perspective.
My friend @itsjan gave us a taste of true Czech royalty, and we had the chance to dine at the coolest restaurant we’ve visited yet – @krcmabrabantpraha. The place had an unforgettable vibe, complete with an incredible fire spectacle that added an extra layer of magic to the evening.
Prague is a city that shouldn't be overlooked. It’s a hidden gem that exceeded all our expectations, and we’re already planning our return.
THINGS WE DID
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Coming Soon
WHERE WE STAYED
Average AirBnB
COUNTRY 11
GERMANY
Germany, our 11th stop on this wild 52-country adventure, wasn’t quite blessed with the best weather, but that didn’t stop us from having a blast. Sometimes, it’s all about finding the fun, no matter the circumstances—and that’s exactly what we did! Whether it was exploring the vibrant cities or enjoying the unique experiences that Germany had to offer, we made the most of our time here.
The unpredictable weather is just part of the journey, and staying adaptable is key to making a year-long adventure like this work. Now, it’s time to head to the Netherlands for the next chapter!
THINGS WE DID
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Coming Soon
WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 12
Netherlands
Country number 12 on our 52-country adventure was the Netherlands, and it was a bit of an unusual stop. I had to leave for a bit, and honestly, I’m a little jealous watching the footage of the experience! While I was away, it was great for my wife and kids to explore the country on their own. They certainly made the most of it, checking off all the must-see spots and discovering the charm of the Dutch culture.
Even though I missed out on some of the fun, it was still a special moment for our family, and I was able to fly into LA and back just in time for our next stop—Switzerland. Can’t wait to share more!
THINGS WE DID
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Coming Soon
WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 13
Switzerland
Lucky country number 13 on our journey was Switzerland, and wow—this place truly blew us away! Switzerland is like an outdoor playground, with breathtaking landscapes and adventures at every turn. One of the highlights was the world-famous Murren Via Ferrata, which I’m sure you’ve seen all over Instagram. The views and the experience were absolutely unforgettable!
That said, Switzerland is definitely California-level expensive, but honestly, it might just be worth it for the views, the adventures, and the overall magic of this country. It’s a place that lives up to the hype in every way.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 14
Portugal
Country #14 on our journey took us to Portugal, and we couldn’t have asked for a better destination to recharge. After weeks of traveling, we made the move south to the stunning coastline, where the sun and sea set the perfect backdrop for a much-needed week of relaxation.
Portugal’s beaches are just incredible - golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home. We spent our days soaking up the sunshine, exploring the coastline, and enjoying the luxurious resort life. From morning walks along the beach to evening sunsets, everything about this spot was pure bliss.
Portugal really delivered in every way, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking to unwind by the sea or immerse yourself in local culture, Portugal has something for everyone. We’re already dreaming of our next visit!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 15
Spain
Barcelona was everything we hoped for and more - wild, fun, and absolutely beautiful. From the vibrant streets to the incredible food, Spain truly left its mark on us.
One of the highlights of our time in Barcelona was taking the Secret Food Tours. If you're ever in the city, you absolutely must do this - it’s hands down the best way to experience the local cuisine and see the city from a different perspective. We also indulged in some unforgettable meals, with Jara Sushi being one of our favorites.
Another standout experience was our visit to Vila de Llop vineyard and winery. The tour was nothing short of spectacular, and we were so impressed with Fran and her amazing family who run the vineyard. It was an experience that deserves an entire video on its own!
To top it all off, we had incredible views throughout our stay, thanks to Cloud 5 BCN. The week in Spain was packed with excitement, delicious food, and memories we’ll cherish forever.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 16
France
Paris was everything we hoped for and more! From its iconic sights to unforgettable culinary experiences, our time in France was full of adventure.
We kicked off with amazing cooking classes at Studio Patisserie and Le Foodist (a must do experience for all!), where we learned the art of French cuisine. Fanny from La Petite Main Gourmande was fantastic!
For a unique city tour, we explored Paris in sidecars with Txango Tours—such a fun and thrilling way to see the city! If you’re up for some exercise, Fat Tire Tours offered an epic bike ride through the streets, giving us a fresh perspective on Paris.
A particularly meaningful moment came when we got to connect with some of our ancestors, adding a personal touch to our trip. Paris truly captured our hearts, and we’re leaving even more in love with this beautiful city.
Huge thanks to Steph Pinvidic for making this amazing experience possible!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 17
Croatia
Week 17 took us to Croatia, and what a week it was! We rented a 50' catamaran with six cabins and brought the whole crew along - my son and his friend, my friend, and my aunt and uncle. The boat was the perfect base for our adventures, and we had an absolute blast together.
One of the biggest surprises was just how stunning the waters were—Croatia’s clear, turquoise seas completely blew us away. It’s a destination we didn’t expect to love as much as we did, and we can’t wait to return!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 18
Italy
Italy was nothing short of a dream! Our time in Rome was filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From exploring iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican to simply strolling through the charming streets, Rome truly captivated us.
However, the highlight of our trip was visiting our extended family in Meduno. We had no idea we had so many cousins there, and it was such a special experience for all of us, especially the kids. The warmth and hospitality we received from our Italian relatives made the trip even more meaningful, and it was amazing to see the next generation connecting with their roots.
Italy will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to return one day to continue the journey with family and explore even more of this beautiful country.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 19
Turkey
Country number 19 on our journey was Turkey, and wow, what an adventure it was! We started in Istanbul, a city bursting with energy and life. The vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering food made it an unforgettable experience. From the Grand Bazaar to indulging in traditional Turkish delights, Istanbul never stopped surprising us.
But the true gem of Turkey? Cappadocia. If you’ve heard the hype, it's absolutely deserved. We stayed at Hezen Hotel, a stunning cave hotel that offered the perfect blend of comfort and unique charm. The hotel was literally carved into the rock, making it feel like we were living in a piece of history.
And the hot air balloon ride at sunrise? Words can barely do it justice. Watching dozens of balloons rise into the sky as the sun began to light up the landscape was nothing short of magical. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll never forget.
Turkey is a country full of surprises, and we absolutely loved the warmth and hospitality of the people. If it’s not already on your travel list, it definitely should be!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 20
Tanzania
We’ve officially made it to Africa - a dream come true! Our time in Tanzania was filled with unforgettable experiences, starting with the paradise island of Zanzibar. Chuini Zanzibar Lodge was one of the most spectacular resorts we’ve ever stayed at - absolutely breathtaking. We swam with turtles and dolphins, an experience that felt like something out of a dream. Zanzibar offered the perfect mix of sun, sand, and culture, and we loved every moment.
Next, we headed to the Serengeti for the ultimate safari adventure. This was everything I’d hoped for and more. To witness such incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, especially sharing it with my kids, was truly life-changing. The most memorable moment? Lions climbing onto our truck - it was beyond words.
Huge thanks to Serengeti African Tours, Land of Nature Camps, and Farm of Dreams Lodge for making this dream come true. This is an experience we’ll never forget.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
Chuini Zanzibar Lodge
Land of Nature Camp
Farm of Dreams Lodge
COUNTRY 21
Rwanda
Country number 21 was Rwanda, and it was truly a life-changing experience. For decades, seeing gorillas in the wild was a dream of mine, and to actually make it happen was nothing short of magical. We hiked into the jungle and encountered a family of 19 gorillas, including 3 silverbacks. The entire experience was surreal and beyond words.
A special thanks to Volcanoes Safaris for making this possible. Their reputation as #1 in Rwanda is well-deserved, and Virunga Lodge is one of the best places we’ve ever stayed—it’s an unforgettable experience in itself.
Another incredibly inspiring part of our time in Rwanda was meeting a guide who works with teenage mothers who have been cast out of their villages. He provides them with shelter, food, and education, and at the end of each year, he tries to give every girl a sewing machine to help them build a future. We’ve committed to making sure every girl gets a sewing machine, and if you’d like to help, please visit rejectaverage.com/rwanda. It’s an incredible cause that’s making a real difference.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 22
Zimbabwe
Country number 23 on our journey was Zimbabwe, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. We started with a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world. The sheer power and beauty of the falls left us speechless - standing there, feeling the mist and hearing the roar of the water, was absolutely surreal.
Our time in Zimbabwe wasn’t just about the sights; we also had the chance to connect with the people. The warmth and hospitality we experienced made this country even more special. From exploring the incredible wildlife to learning about the culture, Zimbabwe is a place that’s truly etched in our hearts.
If you’re looking for adventure, beauty, and a deep connection with nature and people, Zimbabwe is a must-visit.
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 23
South Africa
Country number 23 brought was South Africa! Our time in Cape Town was nothing short of amazing, especially because I got to meet my remote team in person for the first time. It was such a cool experience to connect with the people I work with face-to-face after so much virtual interaction.
Cape Town itself is simply spectacular - everything from the stunning Table Mountain views to the vibrant culture made it one of our favorite spots on the entire journey. One of the coolest experiences was seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach. Watching them waddle and swim in their natural habitat was such a fun and unique experience.
We stayed in an incredible Airbnb (Ocean View Villa Cape Town) in Blouberg, with epic beachfront views that made the whole experience feel even more special. Waking up to the ocean and having such a beautiful place to unwind at the end of each day made our stay unforgettable. South Africa, you’ve earned a special place in our hearts!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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COUNTRY 24
UAE
For country #24 of our 52-country world tour, we had an unforgettable week in Dubai, UAE. Staying at an incredible @Airbnb from @kabene_exotics, we had front-row views of the iconic Burj Khalifa fountain show, which was truly mesmerizing. But the highlight of our trip was our greatest SCUBA experience ever at @DeepDiveDubai. As the world's deepest diving pool, it offered an unparalleled underwater adventure. From the breathtaking cityscape to unforgettable experiences, Dubai blew us away – a week we’ll never forget!
THINGS WE DID
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WHERE WE STAYED
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