My travels in the 2020s
Precise planning, travel light, smart phone dependence – 41 countries visited
2020s travel decade has become very straightforward, marked by convenience, technology, and unprecedented accessibility. A significant amount of transactions is now done online. This includes searching for information, purchasing airline tickets, reserving accommodations, and obtaining e-Visas.
Credit cards or electronic means replaced cash to conduct most financial transactions. Buying goods, medications or other essentials in the local environment has never been easier.
I keep my backpack as small and light as possible, since I can find almost everything I need in local stores or markets. A laptop has become an indispensable part of my traveling gear; especially for work.
Smartphones and Covid-19
A smartphone has become the most essential asset for travelers in the 2020s, storing vital information, and photos. It enables taxi bookings, restaurant searches, accommodation and transport reservations, maps and navigation. Free communication with family and instant translation to connect with locals in any language have never been easier.
A smartphone is also a means of payment or a holder of entry tickets for sport events, museums or concerts. I always use a local SIM card to connect to social media and the world 24/7.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic marked the beginning of this decade and limited my travel for a year, once restrictions eased, traveling became surprisingly easy. Tourism was still low, many places were nearly empty, and prices had dropped significantly (for example Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan).
In the 2020s, I foresee visiting a larger number of countries than in earlier periods. The main reasons have been my greater flexibility, extended logistical options and increased financial resources.
The number of countries left on my travel bucket list is decreasing, but this does not imply a reduction in my excitement or that travel has become easier. Now, my travelling requires precise planning, organization and strategy. Many of the remaining destinations I hope to visit are challenging because of visa restrictions, high costs, complex logistics, safety concerns, or conflicts.
I look forward to new travel opportunities in the 2020s and more grateful than ever to still be on the road, enjoying every moment of the journey.
My 2020s travel adventures have accumulated visits to 41 new countries, a total similar to previous decades.
Countries visited in 2020s – 41
