A Life of Travel: Socotra Island Cancelled so I Went to Saudi Arabia

A big welcome to the 44 new subscribers who recently signed up!

I’m in AlUla, Saudi Arabia and it's time for a travel newsletter…

📆 update

The past couple of weeks have been a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been doing this, travel still has the ability to completely reroute your plans in an instant.

Sadly, I had to cancel my upcoming Wandering Earl Tours small group trip to Socotra Island. Until very recently, all flights to Socotra Island operated via Abu Dhabi. Then, almost overnight, the political situation in Yemen shifted, and in a matter of days all Abu Dhabi-Socotra flights were cancelled.

Two weeks later, flights resumed, but from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia instead. There was no practical way to pivot a group trip at that stage - different visas, different logistics, different timelines and no way to book the new flights - and so I had to cancel. It was disappointing after over a year of planning. More importantly, it was heartbreaking for our local team on Socotra Island who lost a ton of business over the coming months due to the flight cancellations.

We’ll get there though once the new flight schedule is properly established. If you’re interested, keep an eye out for an announcement, hopefully soon.

Ethiopia

All of this was unfolding while I was in Ethiopia, which turned out to be one of the more emotionally complex trips I’ve had in a while. The Ethiopian people are incredibly kind, the food is excellent and the landscapes - especially in the north - are spectacular. But there’s also a deep sadness that hangs in the air. After years of conflict and with much of the countryside still struggling, daily life is extremely hard. Villages are far more than “simple” as many people lack reliable access to water and money is scarce. Something as small as a 50 birr trip (30 US cents) brings genuine appreciation. I’ve obviously traveled a lot but a significant number of Ethiopians seemed to be in a more desperate situation than what I’ve seen in almost any other country I’ve been to. Seeing that up close is confronting in a way that’s hard to put into words.

At the same time, there were moments that were truly special. Camping and hiking in the Simien Mountains National Park, supported by local chefs and guides who directly benefit from tourism, was brilliant. The scenery there is awe-inspiring with dramatic cliffs, endless plateaus and a sense of scale that makes you feel very small in the best possible way.

We also witnessed Epiphany celebrations in Addis Ababa and again at the 11th century St. George rock-hewn church in Lalibela. Lalibela itself is one of Ethiopia’s most well-known towns for good reason. It’s home to a collection of 11 rock-hewn churches carved directly into the earth hundreds of years ago, and still actively used today. Spending several days there, walking between these ancient structures and watching daily life continue around them, was certainly unforgettable.

Add in some waterfalls, a boat trip on picturesque Lake Tana, hippo spotting and plenty of interactions with all kinds of people, and Ethiopia was well worth visiting.

Saudi Arabia

With Socotra Island off the calendar, plans shifted quickly. A quick flight from Addis Ababa to Jeddah and I found myself in Saudi Arabia. A few days in Jeddah and then it was off to the historic desert town of AlUla, where I’m fortunate enough (thanks to credit card points) to spend time at Our Habitas, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes and geological formations you’ll find anywhere on this planet.

Tomorrow, it’s time to fly to Riyadh for a few days to finish this trip.

For my next stretch, it could be Djibouti, Nigeria, Benin and Togo or perhaps Uganda and Rwanda. It’s not set yet. It’s a bit of a scramble. The last few days have been a blur of visa applications on systems that crash mid-form, rerouting flights and trying to stitch together something that vaguely resembles a plan.

Controlled chaos feels like an accurate description and if I’ve learned anything from 25 years of travel, things will most certainly work out in the end.

As always, stay tuned!

Images from Ethiopia

Here’s 3 images below but you can see more photos and videos on my recent Facebook post.

Upcoming Wandering Earl Tours (2026)

With everything that’s happened recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about why I keep coming back to certain places. It’s not just because they’re beautiful, but because they leave a mark. Two countries that have done that for me are Romania and Peru, and I’m excited to be running small group trips to both in 2026.

🇵🇪 PERU

July 20–31, 2026

Peru hits you on every level - visually, culturally, emotionally. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that you’re somewhere ancient, powerful and very much alive. I’ve always loved how Peru blends iconic landmarks with everyday life that feels deeply rooted in history.

On this trip, you’ll experience the classics and go well beyond them. Yes, you’ll explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but you’ll do it in a way that emphasizes context, pacing and perspective rather than rushing from site to site. You’ll also spend time in the spectacular Amazon rainforest, learning first hand about indigenous communities and local wildlife. Our local team of naturalists and guides are excited to welcome those who want to learn about their environment and culture in a powerful and sustainable way.

Food is a huge part of this journey too. Peruvian cuisine is exceptional, and you’ll enjoy everything from market meals to standout local restaurants, learning why Peru is considered one of the world’s great food destinations.

What makes this trip special isn’t just the places, it’s the balance. Big moments paired with quiet ones. Famous sites alongside simple interactions that stay with you just as long. It’s Peru experienced with curiosity, respect and plenty of breathing room.

🇷🇴 ROMANIA

September 1–12, 2026

Romania is one of those places that still feels wonderfully untouched by mass tourism. It’s a country of impressive mountains, medieval towns, rural villages where life hasn’t changed much in generations and nature that feels genuinely wild. I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years - including living in Bucharest - and my tour itinerary is built with the help of local friends who’ve made some really unique and cool things possible.

You’ll wander through Transylvania, staying in small, character-filled places and moving at a pace that allows for real connection. Highlights include exploring medieval towns like Brașov, Sibiu and Sighisoara, walking through Saxon villages where horse-drawn carts are still part of daily life and visiting several of my friends who welcome us into their homes and communities.

There will also be plenty of unplanned moments - random roadside stops, long lunches at a remote farm, conversations that run late - which is where Romania really shines. This is a trip about atmosphere, authenticity and getting under the surface of a country most travelers barely scratch.

Both tours are small group experiences, designed for travelers who want depth over speed, conversation over checklists and a genuine feel for the places they visit. If either of these trips has been sitting in the back of your mind, this might be the right moment!& 2027 TOURS

🌐 around the globe

🌍 20 Best Places to Travel
A fresh look at top destinations for this year, from lesser-known locations to once-in-a-lifetime hotspots. This list delivers inspiration for 2026.
Check out the list

🏝️ Bali Tourism
A thoughtful account of Bali’s tourism evolution over the past century, from early explorers to mass global travel. It looks at how culture, infrastructure and expectations have shifted, and what that means for Bali’s identity today.
Read the story

🇱🇦 Laos Buffalo Dairy
If you’re ever in Laos, the Laos Buffalo Dairy is a must. It’s a sustainable operation that does wonderful work providing local people with income and opportunities. Located outside of Luang Prabang, visitors can tour the farm, taste buffalo ice cream and gain a deeper understanding of local Lao culture.
Learn more

🍝 Italian Cooking
Italy’s tradition of pasta making - from techniques to cultural rituals - is now recognized by UNESCO. This piece captures why something as everyday as pasta matters so deeply in Italian life: it’s history, community, craftsmanship and flavor all woven together.
Read more

🇻🇳 Vietnam’s Coffee Journey
Vietnam didn’t just adopt coffee. It made it its own. This narrative traces how robusta plants, colonial history and local ingenuity turned Vietnam into a global coffee powerhouse.
Learn more

🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna
A beautifully written short dispatch from Wallis and Futuna, tiny Pacific islands that fly way under the travel radar. Through postcards and personal reflection, this piece evokes remote beauty, quiet rhythms and the kind of place that rewards curiosity with solitude and charm.
Enjoy the article

🗺️ where in the world?

A big congratulations to those readers who guessed the location of the photo in the previous newsletter! Here’s who guessed correctly:

Kevan, Martin, Taylor, Steve, Danny, Corina, Daniel, Linda, Mark, Scott and Elisabeth

The location is the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, an art museum that, interestingly, is allowed to use the Louvre name until 2047 under an agreement with France.

This week’s image:

It’s time to guess…where was the below photo taken?

If you have a guess (the more specific the better), click reply and let me know. Anyone who guesses correctly will be mentioned in next week's newsletter 😄 

 *If you received this email from someone else and want to sign up to A Life of Travel, simply click the button below:

Thank you so much for reading!

Derek
(my middle name is Earl)

WanderingEarl.com

Affiliate links: Some links above may be affiliate links in which I earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. I only promote products/services that I genuinely use and love myself.