17 Unforgettable Trips to Take in 2017 • The Blonde Abroad

I always feel a bit nostalgic after the new year. Thinking back over 2016, I’ve had some extraordinary adventures. It was an incredible year that took me from South America to South Africa and beyond.

Searching for some 2017 travel inspiration? Check out some of my favorite trips of all time and a few destinations I can’t wait to check off my bucket list.

Here are 17 unforgettable trips to take in 2017!

Visit the USA National Parks

The national parks of the United States are underrated. From Alaska to Maine, the US is full of must-see natural attractions. One of my favorite National Parks is Yosemite in California.

Other greats include the Hawai’i Volcanoes, Hawaii; Olympic, Washington; Zion, Utah; and Yellowstone, Wyoming. Even if you can’t see them all, why not try to see one new national park every year?

Cruise The Galápagos

Sure, it’s far, but it’s so worth it! With striking natural beauty, a fascinating history, and some of the world’s best diving, The Galápagos Islands deserve a spot at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.

Visiting the Galápagos is also a great excuse to explore Colombia, Ecuador, and some of the other treasures of South America.

Fly Over the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is definitely one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever seen. It is the world’s largest underwater sinkhole, and the only way that you can really experience it is from above.

After you’ve flown over it, dive in to check out the underwater caves along the Blue Hole, and then head back to the mainland. Beyond gorgeous, Belize is a beach lover’s dream.

Blogging Retreat in Bali

I’m excited to announce an incredible all-inclusive blog mentorship retreat in Bali! Have a blog but looking to grow your audience and social media following? Learn the fundamentals of WordPress blogging and social media strategy so that you can gain the skills and confidence to grow.

Working one-on-one daily with a team of experts will ensure you have a deep understanding of blogging, a clear strategy on how to effectively tell your story and a plan on how to better connect with your audience.

Learn more about my Blogging Retreat in Bali!

Take a Trip to China

China is such a diverse and unique country. From taking a selfie with the Terracotta Army to climbing Mt. Huashan to trying legit Chinese food, you could spend years exploring China.

I’ve visited the Shaanxi province as well as Qinghai, and have many more places on my list. With a rich history and culture, this place is ripe for exploration!

Go Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch

Exploring Africa is at the top of my to-do list, and I’m so glad that I got the chance to experience South Africa last year. One of the highlights of my experience there was exploring Stellenbosch.

While very underrated, South Africa could easily be called one of the best wine regions on the planet. Discover all that Cape Town has to offer, and then make your way to this beautiful region. And come thirsty!

Join me on my Photography Tour in South Africa!

Head to The Ski Week

Between skiing, snow shoeing, mountainside yoga, and the Snocuzzi, The Ski Week is an action-packed adventure.

With so much to do and such a fun and diverse group of people to hang out with, this is something I would seriously consider making into an annual tradition. If you have never been before, it’s time to see why people from all over the world block this week off on their calendar.

See Elephants in Sri Lanka

Far too many travelers visit India and miss out on all that its vibrant neighbor to the south has to offer. I went on a safari in Sri Lanka last year, I got to see everything that I’ve been missing all these years. Get over there in 2017 to take in all of the sights, sounds, colors, and tastes that make Sri Lanka unforgettable.

Discover the Deserts of Dubai

Take in the glitz and glam of Dubai, and then get out to see another side of the United Arab Emirates. Travel by camel into the desert and see what life was like in the surprisingly recent past. Take in the local culture and have some fun playing in the sand.

Tip: The summers in Dubai are so hot you could literally die. With temps breaking 110 degrees, this is not a place for the faint hearted. If you need a mid-winter escape, however, Dubai is the place to be!

Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

There’s no better place to get back to nature than in Iceland. One of Europe’s top spots for road trips, Iceland is remarkable. There are just so many natural wonders that you’ve got to circle the entire island to take it all in.

Dive Komodo National Park, Indonesia

You guys already know how much I love diving. One of my favorite parts of exploring is seeing the world below the surface. While I’ve dived some epic locations, Komodo National Park was the best diving of 2016 for me, and it’s a must-see for any diver.

Explore French Polynesia

Another beach lover’s dream come true! While you’ve probably already heard of Bora Bora, there is so much more to see in French Polynesia. Get out there and experience Taha’a and Moorea for a dream tropical escape.

Plan a Girls’ Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo is absolutely crazy, and it’s even better when experienced with your bestie. This place was on my bucket list for way too long, and trust me, it did not disappoint. Make 2017 the year that you grab your girl and experience all that is Tokyo.

Spend the Winter in Canada

From Vancouver to Montreal, show a little love for our neighbors to the north. Learn the art of dogsledding or go on a ski break in some of North America’s most impressive locales.

If you are a skier, you have got to get to Canada this winter and see why Montreal is one of North America’s top cities. Hop on the slopes of Whistler and Banff, and then make your way to Quebec where you can take on Mont Tremblant.

Relax in Isla Holbox

Forget Cancún! Isla Holbox is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Get off the beaten path for friendly people, fab beaches, and a bit of authentic cultura Mexicana. While I’d love to keep this place all for myself, Isla Holbox is a secret just too good to hold onto.

Go to AfrikaBurn

I’ve been going to Burning Man for the past few years, and every year is better than the last. If you love this Nevada extravaganza as much as I do, it’s time to upgrade to AfrikaBurn. South Africa’s answer to the world-famous American Burning Man… this is a totally surreal experience that you can’t miss.

Spend New Year’s Eve in Brazil

Have you kicked off the celebration in Australia and seen the ball drop in New York? It’s time to experience celebrating the New Year Brazilian style!

These guys are serious about New Years and they party for ten days straight. Get down to the island of Florianópolis just off Brazil’s southern coast for a once-in-a-lifetime party.

More on Brazil Travel:

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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. 🤍

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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

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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

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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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Gil Kulot

So glad I stumble upon your website . . . I spent hours browsing your Travel Tips Destinations Activities etc… I love it! the pics are great specially you are in it… hehe… add Philippines to your next trip, you’ll be amaze how beautiful the country is . . . 🙂

May 5, 2017 at 12:02 pm · Reply

Samantha Oellrich

So extremely humbled to have fallen upon your blog! It is absolutely amazing and so very helpful! I love how much detail you have and how much insight you give! Your website makes me feel like I have been there and I have gained so much knowledge through all of your tips! Please feel free to check out my own blog and help me! Thank you! XO_Samantha Ashley

May 15, 2017 at 8:03 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thank you Samantha! That’s amazing to hear <3 Wishing you the best! xx

May 25, 2017 at 10:45 am · Reply

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Here are 17 unforgettable trips to take in 2017!

Visit the USA National Parks

More on USA Travel:

Cruise The Galápagos

More on Galápagos Travel:

Fly Over the Blue Hole

More on Belize Travel:

Blogging Retreat in Bali

Learn more about my Blogging Retreat in Bali!

Take a Trip to China

More on China Travel:

Go Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch

More on South Africa Travel:

Head to The Ski Week

More on The Ski Week:

See Elephants in Sri Lanka

More on Sri Lanka Travel:

Discover the Deserts of Dubai

More on Dubai Travel:

Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

More on Iceland Travel:

Dive Komodo National Park, Indonesia

More on Komodo National Park Travel:

Explore French Polynesia

More on French Polynesia Travel:

Plan a Girls’ Trip to Tokyo

More on Tokyo Travel:

Spend the Winter in Canada

More on Canada Travel:

Relax in Isla Holbox

More on Isla Holbox Travel:

Go to AfrikaBurn

More on AfrikaBurn:

Spend New Year’s Eve in Brazil

More on Brazil Travel:

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