Determining where to go on trips is always the hardest task. Especially when you want to go everywhere, see everything, and experience it all at least once.
Start planning your travels for the new year now and check off some incredible places from your bucket list!
1. Japan
Every time I ask my kids about their travel goals, Japan is at the top of their list. They want to go for all the futuristic elements (Japan is living in 2034) and tiktok viral food. With the country hosting more cultural events and festivals, Japan continues to be a popular spot. A blend of tradition and innovation, Japan offers ancient temples, seasonal festivals, and a viral culinary scene. In spring, the cherry blossoms in Kyoto create a pink canopy that is simply magical. Stay at the breathtaking Halekulani Resort in Okinawa or use your travel points at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
2. Iceland
Its stunning natural beauty and epic adventures for the whole family make this a top spot on the list. Visit Ireland’s rolling countryside, historic castles, and iconic institutions like the Guinness Storehouse. Ride on Icelandic horses or hike through lava caves! Plan to make Reykjavík your home base with great family hotels like Alda hotel and Canopy by Hilton (great pick to use travel points!!).
3. Italy
Who doesn’t have Italy on their list every year?! The best places to visit in Italy are exhaustive and you can’t go wrong, but if you’re traveling in summer I’d steer clear of the hot spots like Rome. Check out the Dolomites for an outdoorsy adventure and Liguria for its rainbow colored towns (Portofino) that seem out of a movie! Tuscany is another great option with cooking classes, gelato making classes, truffle hunting, and family friendly wineries. Resorts like CastelFalfi in Tuscany and many Marriotts throughout Italy will treat you and your family like royalty.
4. Florida’s Emerald Coast
Florida’s famous highway 30A is always a great option for your next coastal getaway! Highway 30A is a 24 mile long strip along the gulf coast of Florida’s panhandle.Some must see towns along the highway are Watercolor, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside. Rosemary Beach has all the historic Euro vibes, and Alys will remind you of Greece! The whole area is super family friendly, with miles of bike paths, beach, and unique shops and restaurants. The best thing is you won’t see a bunch of high rise chain hotels! My recommendations are WaterColor Resort, which has “treat suites” with 24/7 access to complimentary sodas, fruit, ice cream, coffee, snacks and more! VRBO has some amazing places to stay along Highway 30A as well.
5. Greece
Combining ancient history with pristine beaches, idyllic islands, blue and white villages, and sweet goddess vibes, Greece remains a favorite, especially in destinations like Santorini and Athens. Horseback riding on the beaches, exploring all the majestic villages, and island hopping! For hotels, consider Kalisti Hotel for a centrally located place to stay in Santorini with large swimming pools for the kids. Phāea Cretan Malia is another amazing spot for families.
6. Argentina
After visiting Spain and loving it so much, I was told I needed to visit! Argentina has it all from the desert in northern Salta and Jujuy to hiking the lakes, glaciers and mountains of southern Patagonia. Unbelievable food and adventures in Buenos Aires, to the wine region Mendoza. Stay at Casa Lucia in Buenos Aires, which has been called the “Paris of the South” or experience luxury in Patagonia at Arakur Resort.
7. Alaska
Always on the list because an Alaskan cruise is bucket list travel! In 2025, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is turning the big 1-0-0! Go for its rugged mountain and incredible wildlife. The city of Anchorage just opened its first new resort in over 20 years, so if you aren’t traveling by cruise ship, Wild Birch Hotel is your place to be! When comparing and looking for the best cruise line all the itineraries are going to overlap and look very similar. Look for an itinerary that gives you ample time enjoying Glacier Bay National Park. Also get a balcony room for premier views without crowds on deck!
8. St. Lucia
I’m often asked why Floridian’s choose Hawaii over all the beautiful islands we have so much closer to us. I don’t think anything can truly compare to Hawaii but St. Lucia Island is the “Hawaii” of the caribbean. Don’t miss Pigeon Island National Park, Gros Islet Street Party every Friday, Marigot Bay, Sulphur Springs mud baths and soaking pools, Toraille Falls, and a chocolate tour at Hotel Chocolat! You can even see Cinderella’s slipper at Lover’s Rock. My choice to stay is the gorgeous Viceroy at Sugar Beach or Jade Mountain Resort.
9. Costa Rica
This has been on my list for so many years and I’m shocked we haven’t made it there yet. I’ve had several friends rave about Costa Rica and go back time and time again. A pioneer in eco-tourism, Costa Rica offers activities like hiking, birdwatching, and zip-lining. My top choices for resorts are the JW Marriott Guanacaste, Los Suenos Marriott, or Four Seasons.
10. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
A top spot in the Pacific Northwest to see the northern lights, with stunning mountains, rainforest, and ocean coastline. Take a few days to enjoy a magical PNW road trip! To start, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry (with your vehicle) from Seattle. This will give you some spectacular views there and back! Then, visit and chase waterfalls all over Olympic National Park and discover the best restaurants and wines they have to offer on the Olympic Culinary Loop. Don’t miss Rialto and Ruby beach! Camping seems to be very popular in the area, but we’re not really your camping family. Some great hotel options would be Alderbrook Resort and Spa or Domaine Madeleine.
