2025 has been one of the most amazing years, Reader.

But it's been fast, real fast... time has shot on by as I've gallivanted all over, spending time in a dozen countries over 2025.

I’ve bounced between Canada, England, Slovenia, America, Mexico, Croatia, Montenegro, Cyprus and several other places I can't quite remember.

I hit up three weddings and several reunions in Europe, spoke at TBEX (a travel blogging conference) about how I made a few $$$$$$$ over the last few years, and perfected my home in Bali.

It’s been a long time since life felt this busy, but a lot of good things have come from the madness.

This year, I launched my dream tour company, Elsewheria, with small-group adventures to Baja, Pakistan, and Albania. Everything is ready to hit the road with some of you next year, and I'm super excited - if you're keen, check out the adventures here! ​

Then, I opened a crystal shop. An actual physical space, which I always thought was a crazy idea. I shipped half a ton of crystals into Indonesia and figured out import/export, which was not loads of fun to be honest, but hey - now I have a shop!

It's mostly losing money for now, but we've got our first sales in! That was SO exciting and I'm keen to grow it.

Deep down, I’m just a crystal girlie with a dream, guys 😉 And I’m stoked to see this project take shape, so if you're in Bali and want something shiny, come say hey.

Behind the scenes, I've been working on Tribal 2, which we hope to start building in 2026, and I've also been scribbling away on my newest book. I'll be sharing that soon...

Last week, I spent a week on a liveaboard in Raja Ampat, a place that I had been before but which was absolutely incredible. I swam with gigantic manta rays, got nicely sunburnt and hiked to an epic viewpoint with stunning views of sapphire bays and emerald islands.

With no phone signal for five days, all that was left was a whole lot of diving, swimming, and journalling, which is always a great idea.

Now, as Christmas rolls in, I’m heading back to the US to spend the holidays with my beloved partner's family, and I'm stoked - it beats freezing my ass off in England haha.

It'll be a lovely time where I'll get to explore some new parts of the US of A, perhaps enjoy a smoke or two and shoot some guns in the wild. 'Murica!!

I'll spend new years eve by myself, and will reflect on the year just gone and my new 1000-day sprint towards being 40, at which point I intend on disappearing entirely for a year for a secret mission.

I hope that your own end of year allows you to get a bit of introspection and goal setting in, I'm rooting for you and sending my love!

Merry Christmas, guys, and happy travels to those of you who're taking on the road for the holidays.

I shall come back to you fresh in January, with visions of a year which is already shaping up to be even bigger, bolder and more beautiful than 2025.

With love.​
Will, The Broke Backpacker