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15 Unforgettable Trips to Take in 2015

15 Trips to Take in 2015

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]W[/dropcap]ith the New Year just around the corner, I’ve been busy wanderlusting and planning some new adventures for 2015. I decided to put together a list of some of my all-time favorite destinations and some of my personal travel bucket list items for some New Year’s inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, the ultimate outdoor adventure or a romantic luxury getaway, here are 15 unforgettable trips to take in 2015!

Sip a Mojito in Cuba

(source)
(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]W[/dropcap]hile it may take a few layovers to get there, Cuba is still a country that must be visited. Their white sandy beaches and crystal clear water is truly magnificent. Between island hopping, diving with Barracuda’s, or relaxing on the beach with a Mojito, Cuba will not leave you disappointed.

“My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita.” – Ernest Hemingway

Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Holbox

(source)
(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]W[/dropcap]hale Sharks are neither whale nor shark, they are actually the biggest fish in the sea, often measuring 8-20 meters long! But rest assured, they are called the friendly giants of the sea for a reason.

Hundreds of Whale Sharks come to Isla Holbox in Mexico each summer for its plankton rich waters. No diving necessary, you can just snorkel right along with these guys! Be prepared to feel tiny!

Shred the Slopes on The Ski Week

The Ski Week
The Ski Week

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]he creators of The Yacht Week knew they developed something special and decided to keep the party going year round! In 2015, The Ski Week will take place in Aspen/Snowmass, Powder Mountain and Obertauern. The Ski Week draws like-minded people from all over the globe for a week of unforgettable memories, parties and snowboarding and skiing with new friends.

Dogsled in Banff National Park

Dog Sled Banff
(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]B[/dropcap]eing whisked through the mountain valleys of the Canadian Rockies by a team of dogs might just be the most incredible way of seeing nature in its purest form. Dogsledding in Banff is a one-of-a-kind Canadian experience. Get cozy under a blanket and enjoy the ride or even try mushing the sled yourself!

See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan

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(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]he good news is you can see the Cherry Blossoms in several different cities and at different times of the year. The geographical location and weather determines when the cherry trees will bloom. Check out Okinawa as early as January or Hokkaido in May. It is truly a sight not to be missed!

Fall in Love with Bern

Bern, Switzerland

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]B[/dropcap]ern, the capital of Switzerland, is a small, enchanted medieval city that you would think came straight out of a fairytale! Book a luxurious stay at the Bellevue Palace Hotel and wake up at sunrise for a view of the Bernese Alps that will make your heart skip a beat.

Go on a Safari in Africa

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(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]his is the ultimate dream trip for many people. Why not make it happen in 2015? Spend your days up close with some of the world’s largest and most magnificent animals and spend your nights sleeping under the desert stars!

Experience the Magic of Iceland

Blue-Lagoon
Visiting The Blue Lagoon

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]I[/dropcap]celand truly is a magical place with so many things to do and see that you can’t find anywhere else in the world! From Ice Climbing to diving the Silfra Fissure the swimming in the Blue Lagoon and watching The Northern Lights, Iceland should be on everyone’s 2015 travel itinerary!

READ MORE: 10 Reasons to Go to Iceland

Discover the Galápagos

Galapagos Seals

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]he incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador are a huge draw for nature-lovers and adventurists. The beaches are clean and beautiful and are home to animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, the Galapagos penguins and the Galapagos fur seals.

Drive California’s Pacific Coast Highway

California Coast Road Trip
California Coast Road Trip

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]he Pacific Coast Highway is one of the world’s most famous road trips for a reason! Not only is the scenery of this drive absolutely breathtaking but, there are numerous places to stop and camp, swim in the ocean and soak up the California sunshine. The drive can be done in as little as 1 day but it’s best to take your time.

READ MORE: 3-Day California Coast Road Trip

Trek Through Patagonia

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(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]P[/dropcap]atagonia reigns as one of the best backdrops for hiking, adventure and expeditions in the world! It has over 2,000 km of hiking paths, deserts, lakes, forests and volcanoes. The ever-changing landscape will leave you in awe throughout your entire visit!

Wine and Dine in Istria

Istria

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]T[/dropcap]his heart shaped region of Croatia (located just south of Italy) is specifically popular for agrotourism and gourmet travel. Head to Istria for a one-of-a-kind gastronimic experience complete with fine wines, olive oil, honey, Schnapps, truffles and slow food.

READ MORE: Istria: The Ultimate Gourmet Getaway

Crash a Wedding in India

(source)
(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]A[/dropcap]n Indian wedding is unlike any other wedding you have probably ever attended. Not only does the celebration go on for days but, the colors, the food, and the dancing create an atmosphere for fun that you will never forget. Indian people are extremely warm and giving and will most likely insist you crash!

Sail the Turquoise Coast of Turkey

The Yacht Week

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]A[/dropcap]s if boarding a yacht with your closets friends and sailing with 15-20 other yachts on the same adventure isn’t amazing enough, The Yacht Week is launching a new route along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Sail the turquoise coast of Turkey and enjoy beautiful beaches, sparkling waters and rising mountains.

READ MORE: The Best Route on The Yacht Week

Explore the Temples of Myanmar

myanmar
(source)

[dropcap color=”#53c3b5″ boxed=”no” boxed_radius=”8px” class=”” id=””]M[/dropcap]yanmar, also known as Burma, is one of the lesser-traveled countries of Southeast Asia as it was off limits for most travelers for many years. But, recently, the government has allowed most of the country to be opened up to tourism. The temples are unlike any other and will likely leave you in awe!

What are your dream trips for 2015?

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    1. Leah of The Mochilera Diaries

      So how many of these trips do you already have planned for 2015? Can’t wait to see where you end up 🙂

      November 18, 2014 at 7:15 am · Reply
    2. Miles of Happiness

      I love those lists we all make at the end of the year! Yours is very inspiring, I’ll say.
      My 2015 dreams? A ski trip in Japan, discovering Thaïland’s wonderful beaches, visiting Cambodia’s temples, going on a ski trip in Queenstown, New Zealand, finally seeing Yunnan, China, going back to France, time to eat like crazy, and then I’ld like to walk on the great wall in Beijing. Is that all ? No. The list has no end!!

      November 18, 2014 at 6:01 pm · Reply

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    Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca 🇲🇽💀🪅
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I’ve wanted to visit Oaxaca for as long as I can remember, and it was so special getting to be there for the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos (celebrating my boo @kpande)!

    Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated in different parts of Mexico, to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have passed on.

    The festivities are colorful, joyful, and often humorous. Coming from a culture where the deceased are so quickly forgotten, I think this tradition is so beautiful.

    Oaxaca is such a vibrant city with endless street art and incredible food. I can’t wait to return!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #oaxaca #mexico #diadelosmuertos #diademuertos

    1693 50
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    Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca 🇲🇽💀🪅 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’ve wanted to visit Oaxaca for as long as I can remember, and it was so special getting to be there for the days leading up to Dia de Los Muertos (celebrating my boo @kpande)! Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated in different parts of Mexico, to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have passed on. The festivities are colorful, joyful, and often humorous. Coming from a culture where the deceased are so quickly forgotten, I think this tradition is so beautiful. Oaxaca is such a vibrant city with endless street art and incredible food. I can’t wait to return! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #oaxaca #mexico #diadelosmuertos #diademuertos

    If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁
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    I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire.

    We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door.

    We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views.

    TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY.

    Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself.

    I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too!

    If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

    758 17
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    If you’re finding yourself here for the first time, welcome! I’m sharing my New England Road Trip (with a Toddler) series, and it’s Day 3 of our adventure! 🍂🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’m sharing some insider info on hiking the legendary Flume Gorge in New Hampshire. We opted to stay in North Conway, NH and used it as a base to explore the White Mountains. We stayed at Kearsarge Inn and @oldvillagebakerynh was literally next door. We grabbed some pastries and bagels for the road and drove about an hour to Flume Gorge– a 2.2-mile self-guided hike with covered bridges, amazing waterfalls, and gorgeous mountain views. TIP: You need to book tickets with a dedicated time slot for entry to hike Flume Gorge. I did this about 2 months in advance given how busy the foliage season is here. So BOOK EARLY and ARRIVE EARLY. Most people can do the hike in about 1.5 hrs, but I’d add an hour with young kids. We did lots of nature exploring and resting along the way.

TIP FOR YOUNG KIDDOS: Bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack! While this is rated a family-friendly hike, it wasn’t without some challenges with a toddler. I ended up carrying him on my shoulders for over a mile which was an adventure in itself. I had bookmarked Artist’s Bluff Lookout and Polly’s Pancake Parlor to do after, but like with all plans with kids, they change as need. We opted to call it a day after the first hike but you can definitely add Artist’s Bluff to your day (it’s just a few minutes up the highway).

We did drive to Polly’s because pancakes sounded amazing, but the wait was 2.5 HOURS at 11am. So we passed.

We had a relaxed afternoon back in North Conway and went to @conwayscenicrailroad to watch the trains come into the depot. You can book a scenic ride too! If you’re planning a similar road trip, you’re not gonna wanna miss Day 4 for arguably the MOST famous scenic byway in all of New England during the foliage season! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @visitnh #fallroadtrip #fallfoliage #portlandmaine #newengland #autumn #visitnh #visitnewhampshire

    The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving!

    @Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England!

    You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area.

    You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie.

    Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward.

    Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead.

    Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm.

    The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts.

    Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property.

    Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass.

    End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #newengland #autumn

    730 26
    Open
    The Ultimate Fall Foliage Itinerary for New England (toddler edition)! 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We flew in and out of Boston — and you’ll need to rent a car. This trip involves a lot of driving! @Expedia is my go-to resource for travel— you can rent your car, book activities, and find amazing accommodation for your own trip to New England! You can start your adventure in North Conway, in the white mountains of New Hampshire. This cute town is home to the Conway Scenic railway and is a great base to explore some of the best leaf peeping in the area. You’ll want to book tickets for Flume Gorge months in advance—it’s a kid-friendly hike but still 2.2 miles and I definitely regretted not bringing a hiking carrier for Ollie. Head out EARLY to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway—there are tons of spots to stop along the byway, but we loved Sabbaday Falls for a short hike with big reward. Next up, head to Woodstock, Vermont, and check into Woodstock Inn. This hotel sells out almost a full year in advance during foliage season, so plan ahead. Don’t miss a maple creamy from Woodstock Scoops or a visit to Billings Farm. The entire drive through Vermont is SO beautiful. On your way to the town of Stowe, stop for some apple picking, and don’t miss Hollow Cider for cider donuts. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). This is such a great spot for kids. They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. Stowe is famously known for its crowds this time of year, so if you want to avoid them, base yourself here, take in the incredible views, and go on hikes directly on the property. Stay at the Trapp family lodge (owned by the REAL family from the Sound of Music). They have tons of farm animals like highland cattle and sheep. There’s a beer hall, bakery, and even hiking trails on the property—so you can avoid the crowds in town. It’s also located near the Smuggler’s Notch mountain pass. End your trip by driving back to Boston and spending a couple of days exploring one of the most historic (and kid-friendly) cities in America! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #newengland #autumn
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