I visited 8 countries this year by train, plane, and cruise ship. 5 things surprised me that will change how I travel in 2023.

Joey HaddenDec 26, 2022, 17:01 IST

The author traveled around the world by plane, train, and cruise ship in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

In 2022, I traveled on trains, planes, and a cruise ship to visit eight different countries.
During my travels, I was surprised by crowds, quaint towns, and how much I came to love trains.

For me, 2022 was the year of travel. In one year, I took 18 flights, spent 85 hours on nearly 20 different trains, and slept onboard the world's largest cruise ship for seven nights.

The author travels by plane (top), train (right), and cruise ship (bottom) in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

For me, 2022 was the year of travel. In one year, I took 18 flights, spent 85 hours on nearly 20 different trains, and slept onboard the world's largest cruise ship for seven nights.

Amid a global pandemic, I was surprised to be able to board the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, without masks required. The crowded experience also taught me that I'd prefer a smaller ship.

The author cruises on the largest cruise ship in the world.Joey Hadden/Insider

Amid a global pandemic, I was surprised to be able to board the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, without masks required. The crowded experience also taught me that I'd prefer a smaller ship.

I also saw large crowds when visiting major cities, like Rome. Next year, I'll plan to travel to tourist hot spots only in the off season.

Crowds swarm the Trevi Fountain in Rome in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

Since it's not the fastest way to get around, I was surprised to find that trains became my preferred method of travel by the end of the year.

The author travels by train in Europe.Joey Hadden/Insider

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the small towns I stayed in near city centers as much as I did. Next year, I'll spend more time in these places.

A snapshot of a small town in Switzerland.Joey Hadden/Insider

I was surprised to realize how valuable solo travel is to self-discovery, and will continue to take trips alone, outside of my comfort zone, to learn more about myself.

The author travels solo in the Caribbean (L) and in Austria (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

As 2022 comes to an end, I'm already planning my 2023 trips and preparing to grow even more as a traveler.

The author travels around Europe in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I visited 8 countries this year by train, plane, and cruise ship. 5 things surprised me that will change how I travel in 2023.

For me, 2022 was the year of travel. In one year, I took 18 flights, spent 85 hours on nearly 20 different trains, and slept onboard the world's largest cruise ship for seven nights.

Amid a global pandemic, I was surprised to be able to board the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, without masks required. The crowded experience also taught me that I'd prefer a smaller ship.

I also saw large crowds when visiting major cities, like Rome. Next year, I'll plan to travel to tourist hot spots only in the off season.

Since it's not the fastest way to get around, I was surprised to find that trains became my preferred method of travel by the end of the year.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the small towns I stayed in near city centers as much as I did. Next year, I'll spend more time in these places.

I was surprised to realize how valuable solo travel is to self-discovery, and will continue to take trips alone, outside of my comfort zone, to learn more about myself.

As 2022 comes to an end, I'm already planning my 2023 trips and preparing to grow even more as a traveler.