Introduction
Right now, I’m cozied up in my house for the next few weeks. As much as I love watching the snow fall, I’m also eager to explore.
I like to start each new year with a bit of daydreaming. So here are 5 trips I hope to take in the next 12 months.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada’s Western provinces have lived on my wish list for the past few years. I’ve visited Quebec and Toronto many times, but have yet to travel west of Ontario. So let’s change that!
Dave has to travel to Calgary for work at some point in 2026 and, since I work fully-remote, we plan to go together. We also want to see Banff National Park, which is about an hour west of Calgary and offers amazing hiking opportunities. Lucky for me, this trip won’t require much PTO, if any. So it should be easy to swing.
Dave’s Birthday Trip (Surprise)
Dave is lovely and supportive, which means he reads my blog. As much as I appreciate that (hi, bud.) his prying eyes mean that I can’t share too many details right now.
Just know that, for his birthday, I’ve planned a little weekend getaway to a part of the United States that we haven’t been. Stay tuned ;)
My Birthday Adventure
When I turned 18, I went skydiving. When I turned 20, I flew around the world. I turn 30 this year (yay!). To celebrate a brand-new decade of life, I want to do something else that’s exhilarating.
I’m still working out my options, and would love to coordinate something with a group of friends. Lucky for me, there are a lot of opportunities within driving distance of Pittsburgh. Maybe I’ll go whitewater rafting through “The Grand Canyon of the East” or maybe I’ll summit the tallest mountain in New England. Decisions, decisions…
The Netherlands
If you read my 2025 Year in Review then you know all about my failed attempt to visit The Netherlands last year. I need a redemption trip!
I basically planned the whole trip already and that itinerary is burning a whole in my pocket. All I need to do is buy the plane ticket.
The Southern Beaches, USA
In addition to adventure, I also want to chill in a beach chair.
So I’ll be heading to Florida in the next few months to celebrate another friend’s birthday. It will be a weekend full of soaking in the Southern sun, sitting by a pool, and spending time with a group of my favorite people.
Conclusion
I have a great feeling about these next 12 months. 2026 just started, and I’m already pumped.
This year is going to be one of firsts, and I just want to be present and enjoy as much of it as I can. Stay tuned for some travel planning tips and wanderlust inspiration.
Happy New Year!