[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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
[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!
Kiersten, if you are planning on a dog sledding tour in Banff, you should go with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. They are a short distance away in Canmore but the experience is unreal and they are responsible and sustainable sled dog owners. They also do kennel tours if your around in the summer 🙂
Now is a great time to do an African safari as many outfitters have dropped prices due to the recent Ebola scare. With that said, swimming with a whale shark would be awesome. I’ve gone on a few ocean water snorkel trips and have never seen a whale shark.