2025 was stacked. International trips, deep dives into U.S. cities, mountain towns, beach escapes, national parks, and friendships that only happen when you travel together. From Europe to the Caribbean to coast-to-coast U.S. adventures, this year reminded us why we started The Travel Brats in the first place:

Travel opens doors—to places, people, and moments you never forget.

Belgium surprised us in the best way. From family time in Wallonia to storybook towns like Dinant and Durbuy, this country delivers charm, history, and incredible food without the crowds of its neighbors.

Why go in 2026:

• Medieval architecture
• Cozy river towns
• Next-level beer & chocolate
• Easy train travel between cities

✨ Belgium is proof you don’t need hype to be incredible.

A spring break trip to Punta Cana’s Hard Rock Hotel changed our minds about all-inclusive resorts. Ocean views, amazing service, and zero stress.

Perfect for:

• Group trips
• Family vacations
• First international travelers
• When you want relaxation + fun without planning every detail

Puerto Vallarta gave us a completely different side of Mexico. Think mountain adventures, beach yoga, kayaking, tequila tastings, and coffee roasting—all in one trip.

Travel Brats Tip:
If you want Mexico beyond the resort, PV is your place.

Italy wasn’t just a trip—it was a full-on experience. From a wedding in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast to bouncing through Florence, Venice, Milan, Lake Garda, and the Italian Riviera, this country delivered romance, history, food, and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.

Why Italy belongs on every 2026 list:

• Unreal food (obviously)
• Walkable cities packed with history
• Coastal towns that feel like a dream
• Museums, beaches, wine, fashion—everything

(Pro tip: Save Venice for last. Trust us.)

While 2025 introduced us to New Zealand planning mode, 2026 is when this adventure really kicks off. From Queenstown to Fiordland National Park, wineries, jet boats, volcanoes, and alpine spas—NZ is about to steal our hearts.

Food, music, history, and soul. From Commander’s Palace to the Garden District, art galleries, and historic homes—NOLA never disappoints.

• Sanibel Island – Lighthouse Beach & Bubble Room
• Bonita Springs – Easy parking, chill vibes
• Naples – Paradise Coast food scene & beaches
• Orlando – So much more than theme parks

Endless things to do—from the BeltLine to museums, food, and culture.

• Fairhope – Coastal charm
• Gulf Shores – Hangout Fest energy
• Mobile – Historic homes, Cajun coastal food, ballet & concerts

NYC showed up BIG in 2025—Broadway nights, jazz at Birdland, museum hopping, food adventures, and a New Year’s engagement in Brooklyn that we’ll never forget.

Top NYC Experiences:

• The Met & The Frick
• Hamilton & Hadestown on Broadway
• Top of the Rock & The Edge
• Central Park strolls
• The US Open
• Bagels, pizza, and everything in between

From ski days to mountain towns:
Aspen, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Boulder, Denver, Idaho Springs & Frisco—Colorado stayed undefeated in 2025.

• Joshua Tree
• Grand Canyon
• Everglades

Nature resets are always worth it.

Reflecting on 2025 made one thing clear—travel creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a European village, a U.S. road trip, or finally booking that bucket-list destination, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year.

🌐 Visit us at thetravelbrats.com for guides, blogs, and podcast episodes on all seen (and unseen) adventures.