[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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

What are your dream trips for 2015?

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This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

3426 109

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18584247925015178

This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

240 34

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18005693585857886

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

581 48

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Rianne

Ohh so many things on the list that I’d love to do. Hopefully I’ll be working abroad for 7 months in 2015, so there isn’t much time left to travel, but maybe I can squish in some trips 🙂

November 19, 2014 at 5:00 am · Reply

Kit Luclucan

Woah! These are all great travel destinations! I wish that someday I’ll be able to go in those places and experience the beauty, fun, and excitement each one of them has. Have you ever been to the Philippines? There are lots of great travel destinations that you could spend time in. Philippines’ tourism industry is always on full swing when it comes to preservation of the natural resources, improvisation of the service, and a lot of things to cater tourists with the best possible service they could give. Anyway, five years from now maybe, I’d travel alone even in far corners of the world just to satisfy my urge to be free and independent, and I should now allot time to process my passport and tourist visa. 🙂

December 3, 2014 at 12:49 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

I haven’t been to the Philippines but I’ve heard only amazing things. Hopefully will get to go soon!

December 3, 2014 at 8:18 am · Reply
- Raylin
  
  You seem to have gone everywhere! Naturally, you must miss friends or family. When I travel, I hate leaving them behind and have a need to stay in contact. What techniques or devices do you use to do that? E-mail, Facebook, or a portable hotspot?
  
  August 10, 2015 at 7:25 am · Reply
  - Kiersten Rich
    
    I actually have a phone plan with T Mobile so I have free unlimited international data and texting in most countries around the world!
    
    August 13, 2015 at 11:12 am · Reply

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Newer

Sip a Mojito in Cuba

Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Holbox

Shred the Slopes on The Ski Week

Dogsled in Banff National Park

See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Fall in Love with Bern

Go on a Safari in Africa

Experience the Magic of Iceland

READ MORE: 10 Reasons to Go to Iceland

Discover the Galápagos

Drive California’s Pacific Coast Highway

READ MORE: 3-Day California Coast Road Trip

Trek Through Patagonia

Wine and Dine in Istria

READ MORE: Istria: The Ultimate Gourmet Getaway

Crash a Wedding in India

Sail the Turquoise Coast of Turkey

READ MORE: The Best Route on The Yacht Week

Explore the Temples of Myanmar

What are your dream trips for 2015?

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