Introduction
There’s always something magical about the start of a new year. The blank slate of an untouched calendar is exciting and inspiring.
Each year, the last few weeks of December and the first few weeks of January are my time for reflection and intention-setting. This is my annual chance to shape the year ahead of me. Over time, I’ve come to see goal-setting not just as a ritual but as a tool for turning my dreams into reality.
For 2025, I’m focusing on a handful of key areas: improving my Italian language skills, buying a house, planning our wedding, and (of course) exploring new destinations. I can’t wait to see where each of these journeys take me. In terms of travel, here are 6 places I hope to go in the next 12 months.
Amsterdam & Brussels
My friend Emma and I explored Portugal’s capital city, together a few years back. (Click here to see how we spent our time in Lisbon and curated authentic experiences.) Emma and I no longer live in the same state, and both our lives are increasingly full. So I’m daydreaming about the chance to spend quality time together and catch up.
I hope we can take a trip to Amsterdam and Brussels sometime this summer. Both of these cities appeal to me for different reasons: Amsterdam, with its canals and bike culture, and Brussels, with its historic squares and hearty foods. Plus, Emma and I both want to experience a longer, more-involved European adventure together so I think we can realistically check out these two cities. They are a short train ride apart, after all.
Calgary
In recent years, I’ve felt pulled to the Western provinces of Canada. As a child, I visited family in Quebec many times, but have yet to travel west of Ontario. This year, I’m going to change that!
Dave has to travel to Calgary for work at some point this year and, since I work fully-remote, we plan to go together. We want to spend a few days exploring Banff National Park, which is about an hour west of Calgary and offers amazing hiking opportunities. Lucky for me, this trip won’t require much PTO, if any, because I will be working while Dave is on site for his job.
Erie
My dear friend Leann and I want to meet in Erie, PA, for a meditation retreat this Autumn. We will spend a weekend going inward, likely staying on the campus grounds for the entirety of our trip.
Though I won’t see much of it this particular weekend, Erie is a great little town right on the shore of one of the 4 Great Lakes between Canada and the US. Last year, I spent a summer day biking around Presque Isle State Park, which is a beautiful, family-friendly destination. This peninsula/nature reserve connects to downtown Erie and is within a 2-hour drive of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. Plus, downtown Erie is compact and walkable. If you’re looking for an accessible, weekend trip somewhere with great water views, consider Erie.
Italy
I have been formally studying Italian for about a year, and I want to challenge my conversation skills in real-time. Learning this beautiful language has already made me more confident trying to communicate in other romance languages. Plus, I want to immerse myself in the language of my great-grandparents.
Lucky for me, my whole family is planning a trip to Italy! In early Autumn, we will explore as much of this vibrant country as we can. We hope to make stops in Rome, Vatican City, Milan, and more.
South Dakota
This state was on my travel wishlist for last year but, alas, I ran out of time. Dave and I have become captivated by the rich yet complex history of South Dakota, and we want to witness it first-hand.
Plus, Badlands National Park, which is one of the reasons why this state is known as "the land of infinite variety," is a short 1-hour drive from the Rapid City airport. I can already envision myself hiking against a backdrop of layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. I’d also love to see prairie dogs and bison in their natural habitats (My National Geographic nerdom is showing). Dave’s birthday is in April, and South Dakota seems like a great place to celebrate.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in my 2024 Year in Review, I’m craving more balance for 2025. I want to find that sweet spot between the quiet of my former New England life and the whirlwind of chaos and constant going that defined last year.
Though I’m excited for everything that the new year will bring, I want to leave enough space for stillness. Looking at this forecast of adventures, I feel like I can slot them into my life while maintaining a sense of peace.
Happy New Year!