My Flight Data and a Glimpse of Future Travel Aspirations
Reflecting on 2024, the day after Christmas, I realized it was the year my international travel dreams finally took flight. My Flighty app tells the story: from solo explorations and a romantic meeting overseas to rediscovering the simple pleasure of hiking, it was a year of diverse experiences. It wasn’t without its challenges, including an airport closure due to extreme flooding. Here’s what I learned, along with a look at what the future of travel might hold.
My Flighty Passport: 2024
In 2024, I traveled 65,000 kilometers by air (1.6x around the world, a 24% increase from 2023), taking 24 flights across 13 airports with 7 airlines. This included 7 long-haul flights and four days in the air.
I was nearly at the next tier in the United Mileage Program, but the exorbitant year-end fares made the decision easy. Buying the remaining points seemed unnecessary, so I adopted a "wait and see" approach: if I earn the status organically, great; if not, so be it.
All my trips were concentrated in the Americas, partly to stay within a similar time zone to my colleagues and partly due to a fantastic PTO trip to Yosemite. I'm happy exploring this diverse continent, with its incredible range of hikes, parks, beaches, and cities.
Cities visited:
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
New York, NY, United States 1 week
Panama City, Panama 1 week
San Francisco, CA, United States a few days
Vancouver, BC, Canada 3 weeks
Austin, TX, United States 4-5 weeks
Houston, TX, United States
Reno, NV, United States 1 week (Lake Tahoe and Yosemite)
My initial goal for the year was to travel once per quarter, but the Porto Alegre airport closure due to flooding led me to extend some trips. I opted to stay longer at my destinations to avoid further travel disruptions and minimize time spent in transit, which can be particularly tiring when working remotely. I prioritize “slow travel” in locations where I know I’ll have the comfort and space to be productive. Because I frequently travel alone, I gravitate towards cities with diverse activities, sights, coffee shops and dining options.
Here are some screenshots of my Flighty Passport in 2024:
Lessons Learned: Embracing the Unexpected
There's always a risk of things not going according to plan. Being prepared for the unpredictable is perhaps the best approach for anyone traveling while working remotely.
During my last trip to the United States, my return flight was canceled due to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which rendered Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre inoperable. This airport, which normally handles an average of 142 daily flights, was forced to close. This is just one example of the devastating consequences of the climate tragedy that has affected, and will continue to affect, Rio Grande do Sul.
When a flight is canceled, consumers typically have a few options. The first is to request a full refund or a credit with the airline. It’s also possible to request a flight change. It’s important to note that travel insurance doesn't always cover disruptions caused by environmental factors.
In my case, I had purchased a flight from Porto Alegre to San Francisco with a layover in Panama City. I ultimately opted for a flight change. After speaking with customer service, I decided to change my flight to a date that would allow me to spend an extra month in North America. I also changed my original return destination from Porto Alegre to Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo.
Why I Extended My Trip
My decision to extend my trip was based on several factors. Some of the most compelling reasons to prolong my stay included (1) the scarcity of resources in the state of Rio Grande do Sul; government officials were even asking people to leave the city, (2) road closures and access obstructions, and (3) the realization that fundraising campaigns (in both local and stronger foreign currencies) to support the state could be effectively managed remotely.
The Value of Flexibility
Now, back in Brazil, I've been reflecting on my decisions and what I might have done differently. Life, and travel, is full of experiences that turn into valuable lessons for the future.
I chose to travel with Copa Airlines and take the specific route I did mainly because it was a nearly direct flight from Porto Alegre to San Francisco, with just one stop in Panama. When the flight was canceled, Copa wasn't yet offering flights to Florianópolis, which forced me to change my return destination from Porto Alegre to São Paulo.
Had I opted for a refund, I would have received my money back and had more time to plan a return to Florianópolis from any destination in North America with any airline. My decision led me to purchase an extra ticket from São Paulo to Florianópolis without any possibility of a refund or support from the airline or travel insurance.
Planning a Trip Means Being Prepared for the Unplanned
Thinking we have complete control over our travel experiences is a misconception.
I usually plan my flights and accommodations well in advance, outlining at least half of my trip itinerary. I set aside time to explore specific places – a café, a hiking trail, a concert – so many options! But it’s crucial to remember that not everything always goes according to plan. Unexpected work issues, unforeseen external events like flight cancellations, and countless other things can happen. We don’t control nature, airport decisions, or policies.
Clinging too tightly to control while traveling can make everything much more stressful and complicated. Leaving some things open to chance and being prepared with travel insurance and an emergency fund are essential. But beyond all of that, perhaps the most important thing is to be open to spontaneity and embrace the unexpected without letting situations outside of our control consume us.
There’s always a risk of something going very differently than planned. Being prepared for the unpredictable is perhaps the best attitude you can have.
My Favorite Travel Platforms
As I conclude this look back at my 2024 travels—a year shaped by incredible experiences and the unexpected challenge of my hometown airport closure—I'd like to share a few of the travel platforms I rely on most.
Flighty: As my 2024 recap clearly demonstrates, Flighty is non-negotiable for me. The real-time tracking and delay notifications were especially crucial during the disruptions caused by the Porto Alegre airport closure. It allowed me to stay informed and adjust my plans accordingly, minimizing stress and maximizing my time.
SafetyWing: Traveling internationally requires a solid safety net, especially for extended periods. SafetyWing provides that peace of mind with its travel medical insurance designed for digital nomads. Knowing I have reliable coverage allows me to focus on enjoying my experiences without constantly worrying about potential medical emergencies.
ResortPass: When I’m working remotely from a new city, finding a comfortable and inspiring workspace is essential. ResortPass has been a fantastic way to access hotel amenities like pools and co-working spaces, offering a welcome change of scenery and a chance to recharge. It’s been especially helpful during longer stays in cities like Austin, allowing me to break up my routine.
ClassPass: Maintaining my fitness routine while traveling is important to me. ClassPass makes this easy by providing access to various gyms and studios in different locations. It’s helped me stay active during my travels across the Americas, from quick workouts in different cities to a yoga class in Lake Tahoe.
Airbnb Experiences: I prioritize authentic experiences when I travel, and Airbnb Experiences has been great in connecting me with local guides and other travelers. Whether it’s a food tour or a hiking excursion near Yosemite (which, as mentioned, was a highlight of my year), these experiences add depth and richness to my travels.
AllTrails: AllTrails is an indispensable tool. It helps me discover trails wherever I am, providing detailed maps, reviews from other hikers, and information about difficulty levels and trail conditions. It was particularly useful when planning hikes near Lake Tahoe and during my Yosemite trip, ensuring I chose trails appropriate for my skill level and offered stunning views.
Outsite: When settling into a location for several weeks, like my time in Austin, Outsite provides the perfect blend of co-living and co-working. It offers a sense of community and a dedicated workspace, essential for staying productive while traveling long-term.