2026 is calling—and if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that life is short, PTO is precious, and the world is way too good to stay in one place. On this episode of The Travel Brats Podcast, we hit pause on planning the next adventure to look back at a year that gave us new countries, iconic cities, hidden gems, unforgettable food, and some truly core-memory moments (including a magical New Year’s engagement in Brooklyn 🥂💍). If you’re building your 2026 travel bucket list, these are the destinations we explored in 2025 that deserve a top spot on your radar.
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:
✨ 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:
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:
(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.
Endless things to do—from the BeltLine to museums, food, and culture.
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:
From ski days to mountain towns:
Aspen, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Boulder, Denver, Idaho Springs & Frisco—Colorado stayed undefeated in 2025.
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.