| This year, we set off on all sorts of adventures: scuba diving in Belize, island hopping in the Azores, freezing our eyelashes off in Greenland while chasing glaciers, witnessing epic sunsets in Australia and making memories with our families in the most magical place on earth. Travel shaped our brightest moments of the year, and I've picked one standout trip from each season to give you a taste of how we traveled. Think of it as a little seasonal guide to inspire your own plans for 2025 because the right trip at the right time makes all the difference. So, no matter if you're planning a summer break, a spring fling or something snug and wintery, we hope this roundup sparks some ideas, or at the very least, something nice to daydream about. | | | This time last year, our producer Matt headed to Iceland. He says, "Iceland in late November/early December is a photographer's dream. Sure, you only have four to five hours of daylight, but nearly the entire time, you are basking in 'golden hour' light sandwiched between sunrise and sunset." Iceland highlights: 1. Exploring the Katla Ice Caves and Sólheimajökull Glacier on Iceland's Southern Coast. 2. Taking a sunrise dip at Sky Lagoon. 3. Watching the northern lights at Kleifarvatn Lake. | | | Winter is the best time to experience the northern lights in Iceland and festivals including Dark Music Days. Þorrablót mid-winter feasts are celebrated around the country. | | | This spring, Alicia finally ticked Trinidad's Carnival off her bucket list, 20 years in the making. She says, "Carnival was a magical, unforgettable trip for me." Alicia, an icon, knows how to keep the party going and also made it to Barbados for Crop Over and Grenada for Spicemas, and now we need to go because just look at the colors! Stunning! Trinidad highlights: 1. The vibrant colors, the infectious music and the unbeatable lively atmosphere. 2. Dressing up for mas on Carnival Tuesday and getting covered in paint and mud during J'ouvert. 3. Attending cultural activities like stick fighting, Canboulay Riots reenactment and panorama. | | | For her sister's birthday in July, Serina traveled to Isla Holbox, Mexico, a car-free island. With buggy taxis, bikes and stunning beaches, it was just the ticket for a relaxing girls' trip. According to Serina, "There are plenty of tourists, but not nearly the volume of Cancún or Tulum - perfect if you're in need of a peaceful getaway." Isla Holbox highlights: 1. Staying at Punta Caliza, a gorgeous spot with its own beach club down the road. 2. The food - the best things I ate, and still dream about, are the chile relleno tacos and tostones with guac from Ser Casasandra Mojito Beach Club. 3. Walking Punta Mosquito in the early morning to spot flamingos. | | | Bring tons of sunscreen, bug spray and cash for taxis. Additionally, consider booking some things in advance like dinners and beach clubs. | | | Sales & Marketing Manager | | | Max and his partner Michael spent a week exploring Sicily's beaches, cities and wineries just as the crowds started to ease and the heat became more bearable. He says, "The mood was relaxed the entire time we were there." Sicily highlights: 1. Visiting Cefalù and stopping at Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau to have a glass of wine overlooking the beach where the second season of White Lotus was filmed. 2. Hitting the beach in Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, one of Sicily's most famous natural parks. It was about a 45-minute hike to the beach from the entrance in brutal heat, but it was well worth it! 3. Dinner at Abbazia Santa Anastasia, a gorgeous winery in the mountains near Castelbuono. | | | Trending articles this week | | | Photo credits: Adrienne Pitts, Matt Paco, Alicia Johnson, Serina Patel, Max Felderman/Lonely Planet | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
