Every year reminds us that exploration is both exhilarating and enlightening. This year our team experienced that travel truth in vivid ways. GeoEx staff traveled across wide deserts, deep river valleys, and along ancient roads, often finding themselves standing near bustling, iconic sites, but far from the hum of the crowd. From a mountainside monastery in Greece’s Peloponnese to an ethereal desertscape in Egypt, discover the insights and passion for adventure that infuse the journeys we design for you.

These are the travel moments that moved us in 2025. May they inspire your own travel dreams, and when the time is right, we’re here to help you bring them to life.

Exploring Ancient Ephesus in Türkiye  

Exploring Ephesus in a small group of all-women was the highlight of my time in Türkiye. Walking along the ancient site’s marble streets and seeing the terrace houses, storefronts, and the Library of Celsus lit up our imaginations as we visualized what life must have looked like here 2,600 years ago. Sharing those ideas with a group of like-minded, curious travelers made experiencing the iconic site richer, and a whole lot more fun!

Why it moves me still?

Exploring the site at our own pace really changed the experience. I could imagine the people who once lived there, notice the small details—like the grooves worn into a marble street by chariot wheels—and feel a sense of the city’s former energy. Traveling with a group of women added another layer; everyone brought different perspectives and asked thoughtful questions. Ephesus came vividly to life for us.  

Immersing in the Iya Valley

Our Ancient Japan small group trip spends one memorable overnight at Chiiori, a 300-year-old farmhouse in the Iya Valley. The farmhouse cast a spell from the moment we arrived as the light fog that had lingered over the mountains lifted to reveal vibrant spring greens and scattered cherry blossoms. Inside the farmhouse the spell continued as the traditional irori hearth, wooden floors, and paper doors made the space feel timeless.  

Why it moves me still? 

Our group shared a lively dinner and warm sake in the farmhouse, then stepped outside to discover a full moon lighting up the deep valley that surrounds Chiiori. It was a moment of profound stillness, and felt like stepping into an older, quieter Japan that most travelers never get to see.   

Visiting the Balkans Oldest Village

Reaching the remote Bosnian village of Lukomir felt like arriving at the edge of the world. The winding route into the mountains set the tone, and the moment we stepped out of the car, the quiet was almost startling; nothing but wind, sheep bells, and a few locals tending to their fields. Talking with residents who live simply and self-sufficiently, much as their ancestors did, was grounding in a way I didn’t expect.  

Why it moves me still? 

The locals’ connection to the land and to each other offered a perspective shift. It reminded me that fulfillment often comes from simple connections and a slower pace, not from the accumulation of “more”.   

Disconnecting in the Siwa Oasis

Deep in Egypt’s Western Desert, 350 miles southwest of Cairo, the Siwa Oasis feels like an entirely different world from the famous pyramids and temples that come to mind when imagining Egypt. Siwa’s natural springs, salt lakes, fortress ruins, and a well-preserved Amazigh culture create a blend of history and otherworldly landscapes like I haven’t experienced anywhere else in Egypt.

Why it moves me still?   

The magic of Siwa was perfectly embodied by my stay at Andrère Amellal.  This exclusive eco-lodge has no electricity and at night is entirely lit by candlelight. Staying there offered a rare chance to fully disconnect from everyday life and instead connect deeply to this unique place. The sense of calm it created continues to linger in my memory.   

Tracking a Cheetah in Botswana

Tracking a cheetah while she was on the hunt was easily one of the most exhilarating and humbling moments of my life. My small group stayed with the cheetah for nearly three hours as she waited in the tall grass. When an impala wandered close, the chase was on—five heart-pounding seconds of explosive movement. Afterward, the cheetah sought shade right beneath our safari jeep, panting heavily from the effort. The experience was raw, intimate, and unforgettable.   

Why it moves me still?

In Botswana I discovered a connection between people and wildlife that I haven’t found elsewhere. One of the rhino trackers we met, a man named Posta, spoke to the rhinos we came upon like they were old friends—which I guess they are! He even writes songs for them. That level of dedication and care left a lasting impression. Between the wild beauty, the warmth of the guides and trackers, and the intimate camps, the journey felt truly transformative.  

Hiking in Greece’s Peloponnese

Hiking to the cliffside Monastery of Prodromos was an unexpected highlight. We hadn’t planned it, weren’t dressed for it, and yet each uphill step was worth it. The monastery, impossibly perched against the rockface, felt like ours alone. Cats wandered the cliffs, the mountain air was crisp, and the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape made the moment feel like a hidden piece of Greece that most travelers never see.   

Why it moves me still? 

Our trip to Greece was defined by those hidden and unexpected corners of Greece. After our monastery hike, we stopped at a tiny taverna in Lagadia, population 500. To welcome us, the owner of the taverna presented us with a homemade treat from her garden. That small gesture summed up the warmth, generosity, and pride of the locals who we met in these small pockets of lesser-traveled Greece. Since returning home, I’ve enjoyed making small homemade treats for friends—little tokens of appreciation that remind me of the kindness we were shown in Greece. 

Playing Dominoes in Havana

I knew that dominoes were popular in Cuba, and I’d imagined the game being played almost exclusively by an older generation—a somewhat subdued experience in neighborhood parks.  My daughter and I were in for a surprise the day we met a group of stylish young Cubans playing the game with roars of laughter and hearty competition. Their energy and love for the game were contagious, and my 6-year-old and I even ended up winning a round! 

 Why it moves me still?

That afternoon captured the gregarious, social spirit that makes Cuba so special, and the endless surprises of the Cuban culture that make the destination so appealing.  

Celebrating Vietnam's Independence in Hanoi

Being in Hanoi during Vietnam’s 80th independence celebration was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The city felt like it had doubled in size with crowds filling every street, bursts of color everywhere, and a collective excitement you could feel throughout your entire body.  One of the highlights for me was simply watching my young daughter look up at the fireworks in awe.

 Why it moves me still?

People from all over the world mingled with the Vietnamese locals who were proudly celebrating their country—waving their country’s flag and wearing the color red. It felt like being part of something much bigger than myself and that feeling of excitement and connection has stayed with me.   

Exploring Marrakech by Sidecar   

My favorite moment in Morocco wasn’t in a museum or historic site—it was during a sidecar tour through the streets of Marrakech. In the June heat, riding through the city with the wind on my face was the perfect escape. I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. We cruised through narrow medina streets, saw neighborhoods we never would have reached on foot, and joined the motorbike flow that defines Marrakech life.   

Why it moves me still?

Zipping through those winding streets felt like the fastest way to reach the true heart of Marrakech. The city can overwhelm the senses, but that sidecar ride made me feel less like a tourist and more like an insider. That sense of connection to a place and activity so unique from life at home is something I’ll always remember about Morocco. 

Feeling inspired for your next adventure? Connect with a GeoEx Expert or give us a call at 888-570-7108 to have your own wanderlust tales to tell.