Top 11 Destinations to Put on you 2025 Travel Radar
This week Jen Barnes joins us to talk about 11 destinations you should consider traveling to this year! Let’s grow that travel bucket list!
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There are so many amazing places to visit in the world. As a travel advisor, Jen has done SO much research about traveling and has so many great insights into where you should visit. Here are 11 of her top recommendations!
1. River Cruise
Don’t let the word “cruise” scare you! River cruises are a totally different experience than the typical cruise.
You only have to unpack one time and you get to see so many different locations!
Since you’re moving around so much, you get to sample lots of areas and figure out where you like best.
River cruise boats are much smaller than cruise ships, which makes them super easy to navigate.
Jen recommends river cruising as a couple with other couple friends! This makes coordinating plans SO easy.
You can also extend your trip by spending more time in your embarking/disembarking cities.
Europe is the most popular destination for river cruises, but there are other options as well.
River cruise line recommendations: Viking (adults-only), Uniworld, and AmaWaterways
2. Brush Creek Ranch
This is a working ranch in Wyoming. It is also an all inclusive luxury lodge and spa.
They are known for their amazing food, drinks, and activities offered on site.
This is a great location for families as well as couples. Jen has also seen many groups of couple friends who travel here together.
They are open year-round and have all-inclusive activities! They are open year round, which means they have summer and winter activities.
It is quite pricey, but an amazing experience.
3. Cartagena, Columbia
Cartagena is near the Caribbean which gives it a fun flare!
Incredible food scene! And the cutest boutique hotels.
This is a super fun long weekend destination (3-4 nights).
Take salsa dancing lessons! Tour a coffee plant! Party in the city! Take a cooking class! There are so many options!
4. Lima, Peru
Lima is so underrated and often overlooked. Everyone Jen has talked to has wanted more time here.
The food scene is insanely good here!
There is so much to learn and experience in the Peruvian culture.
It is right on the ocean and is a beautiful city. You can also go explore in the mountains.
Spend at least 3 nights here!
5. Casa De Campo
This luxury resort and villa is located in the Dominican Republic. It is on the southern side of the country.
It is an all-inclusive experience with hotel rooms and villas. But it’s next level. The food and activities are top notch.
This is a great destination to go and relax with everything at your fingertips.
There are so many on-site activities such as target shooting, horseback riding, and golf.
Casa De Campo is very popular with multi-generational family groups as well as couples.
The service here is exceptional!!!
6. Death Valley
This is an amazing natural phenomenon. At night, it is truly dark and black. You feel enveloped in the sky! This is a super neat thing to experience.
Visit the lowest point in North America, see sand dunes, see Artist’s palette, and watch incredible sunsets.
There are a couple of accommodations in the park. They are clean and very nice for such a remote place (not luxury). Food is nothing special.
This is an awesome place to visit October-March. The summer will be WAY too hot!
You can also add a night at Vegas to this trip to add a little luxury! Vegas is only 2 hours away.
7. Douro River Valley
Calling all wine and food enthusiasts! This is the place for you!
Located in Portugal, the Douro River Valley is an amazing location to explore. There are so many boutique hotels and wellness retreats here.
This is a beautiful area not too far from the ocean, and feels like the countryside.
This area is not overly touristy, and allows you to escape the crowds.
You can take a train or car to get to this area from Lisbon.
8. Sardinia
Sardinia is an island off the southern coast of Italy.
The people who live here have insane longevity! This is due to their non-stressful way of living and the clean air and water.
This is a great sailing destination! There are also options to hike, take cooking classes, relax on the beach, and so much more.
There are no big cities, and it feels so relaxing.
This would be a great place to go for an entire vacation! You can easily spend a week here.
9. Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa is a unique and special city.
The city is filled with incredible art galleries, bustling city life, and beach scenes.
Travel northeast of the city into the wine country! There are stunning hotels and beautiful vineyards.
Take a Peninsula tour! Be sure to find one that takes you to the penguins!
There is also access to safaris from Cape Town!
10. Madeira
Off the coast of Portugal, you can find the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”.
This is a volcanic island that is so lush and green.
If you love outdoor activities, this is the place for you!
Try hang gliding, whale watching, hiking, and so much more!
If you are flying from the east coast, it’s only a 5.5 hour flight. This is a great Hawaii alternative for the east coasters!
There are lots of little islands in this area. You can easily take quick flights between them.
11. Southall
Just outside of Nashville, TN, in Franklin, you can experience beautiful rolling green hills and southern countryside.
This is a beautiful location for weddings, anniversaries, and girls weekends.
This location is a farm and inn with great food and activities.
Get in touch with Jen!
go familyadventure@gmail.com