The Vagabond exploits of 2024 with a journey through the Aegean south to Egypt and the Nile, then into Jordan.

A Journey Through the Eastern Mediterranean

Travel has a way of shaping us, leaving behind memories that linger long after we’ve returned home. Some places capture our imagination instantly, while others reveal their magic slowly, through the stories they tell and the people we meet along the way. Photos sometimes have a way of encapsulating the essence of these remarkable destinations.

This collection of ten photographs isn’t just a highlight reel of beautiful places. They represent the weight of history in ancient ruins, the delicate craftsmanship of treasures created centuries ago, the breathtaking vastness of desert landscapes, and the warmth of people whose presence makes a place feel alive.

The Adriatic coast revealed the rugged beauty of Montenegro, the quiet coastal villages of Albania, and the timeless allure of Italy. Each stop along the way offered a unique contrast—medieval fortresses perched high above the sea, narrow stone alleys winding through centuries-old towns, and bustling harbors where past and present converged danced.

Greece was a journey through layers of history. In Corinth, the Temple of Apollo stood in quiet majesty. In Heraklion, we wandered among vibrant streets that felt both modern and ancient at once. Nearby, the Palace of Knossos transported me back to the time of the Minoans, its frescoes and labyrinthine corridors whispering stories of a civilization that thrived thousands of years ago. But it was on the island of Ikaria, known for the longevity of its people, that I felt time slow down completely. There, life unfolded at its own pace—meals stretched on for hours, laughter echoed through the hills, and the beauty of the Aegean shimmered beneath the setting sun.

In Egypt, the past and present intertwined in ways that few other places do. Sailing along the Nile at dusk, we watched the riverbanks turn to silhouettes against the fiery sky, a scene unchanged for millennia. The pyramids, rising from the desert with an almost otherworldly presence, raised the hair on my back. But what struck me most were the details—the intricate carvings in temple walls, the colors still visible in tomb paintings after thousands of years, and the stories etched into stone by hands long gone.

Then, there was Jordan. The moment Cyndy and I walked through the narrow, winding Siq and caught my first glimpse of Petra’s Treasury, I understood why this place has mesmerized travelers for centuries. But Jordan’s beauty goes beyond its famous ruins. The vastness of Wadi Rum, with its towering sandstone cliffs and endless dunes, was humbling. Watching the sunset paint the desert in shades of gold and crimson was a reminder of how small we are in the grand scale of time and nature.

These photographs are more than just images; they are windows into moments that shaped my travels. Whether you’ve visited these places before or they remain on your bucket list, I hope they spark your curiosity, inspire your wanderlust, and remind you of the beauty our world holds.

Here are our top 10 travel photos of 2024—each one a story for your eyes to explore.