2024 was such an incredible year, filled with unforgettable adventures! Traveling to new places is one of my favorite things to do, which is exactly why I started this blog. Before jumping into 2025—which I know will bring even more amazing trips, including some I’ve already planned—I want to take a moment to reflect on this year’s travels. 2024 was the beginning of my travel journey, and 2025 is shaping up to be even more exciting with my first solo trip and plenty of time exploring the U.S. I can’t wait to see what’s next, but first, let’s look back on all the highlights from this year.
Utah Mountain Getaway
In June, I kicked off my 2024 travels with a trip to a small town in my home state, though it’s on the opposite end—Park City. It turned out to be the perfect escape from the scorching summer heat of Southern Utah. With its cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain setting, it was exactly what I needed to recharge.
I spent my time hiking scenic trails, swimming, and exploring Olympic Park, which was such a cool experience. On top of that, I got to enjoy some quality time with my family, catching up and simply relaxing together. The mix of outdoor adventures and downtime made the trip feel just right.
Park City was a much-needed getaway and a great reminder of how refreshing it can be to explore new corners of my home state. It was the perfect way to start my year of travels and set the tone for the adventures ahead.
Magic in Disneyland
In September, we packed our bags and headed to Disneyland for an unforgettable girls’ trip. It was the perfect place for bonding, laughter, and reconnecting with the little girl inside each of us. Disneyland has a special kind of magic that makes all your worries disappear and brings back the joy of childhood. If you’ve ever thought about planning a girls’ trip, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s such a fun way to create memories and strengthen friendships.
We were lucky enough to visit during the Halloween season, which added an extra layer of excitement to the trip. The park was decked out in festive decorations, and the ride overlays gave everything a spooky yet fun twist. From Haunted Mansion Holiday to seeing the glowing pumpkins on Main Street, the seasonal touches made the park feel even more enchanting. Every detail seemed to celebrate the spirit of Halloween, and it was a blast to experience it all with friends who were just as excited as I was.
As someone who’s always loved the original Disney, Disneyland holds a special place in my heart. It was a huge part of my childhood, and being there again just brought back so many happy memories. The music, the food, the sights—it was all so nostalgic and made me feel like a kid again.
I know it’ll probably be a while before I return to Disneyland since I’ve got so many other places on my travel list, but this trip was definitely one for the books. It was filled with laughter, magic, and so many special moments. It was the perfect way to enjoy some Disney magic and create lasting memories with some amazing friends.
Charming Chicago
In October, I had the chance to visit Chicago, and I can honestly say it was my all-time favorite trip of the year. Everything about it was amazing—the architecture, the history, the food—everything that truly excites me about traveling! I’m always drawn to places with a rich history, and Chicago was no exception. I’m especially fascinated by learning about events that have shaped the city, and for Chicago, that meant diving into the story of the Great Chicago Fire. It was so interesting to walk through the city and learn about how that tragic event transformed the area.
I love visiting places where history is not just a part of the past, but still present in the city’s vibe and landmarks. Chicago has a way of blending the old and the new, making it a perfect destination for anyone who loves to explore the past while enjoying the modern-day energy of a bustling city. It’s definitely something I’ll consider when planning my trips for 2025.
Chicago sometimes gets a bad rap, but I felt completely safe and welcomed during my time there. I really enjoyed being a tourist, exploring the iconic spots, trying some of the famous deep-dish pizza, and just soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere. It’s one of those places that completely surprised me in the best way, and I would absolutely go back in a heartbeat.
Bustling Miami
My last trip of the year also took place in October, and it was to the lively city of Miami. The reason for this trip? The Eras Tour! That was the main draw, and we ended up heading to Miami solely to see Taylor Swift live in concert. Miami wasn’t a place that had ever been on my travel list, but when we got our hands on those coveted tickets—after some serious determination—it quickly became the destination for our final adventure of the year.
Honestly, Miami didn’t quite vibe with me the way some other places have. The city has a strong party atmosphere, with bars and clubs everywhere, which isn’t really my scene. That’s definitely a big part of what Miami is known for, and it felt like the city revolved around that nightlife energy. But even though it wasn’t exactly my thing, we still made the most of it, had some laughs, and created a few great memories along the way.
Though Miami wasn’t a perfect fit for my usual travel style, the main focus of the trip—the concert—was absolutely unforgettable. It was one of those trips where the purpose and the experience of being there outweighed everything else. While I might not rush back to Miami for the typical tourist attractions, this trip still holds a special place in my heart for the memories and the music.
While this year wasn’t packed with tons of trips, it was what was realistic for me. With working full time, finding enough time to make a trip worthwhile—especially with flight schedules—can be tricky. But even with fewer adventures, I’m so grateful for the moments I got to experience and the memories I made. Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exciting travels, and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve learned so much this year that will help me plan even better trips in the future. I’m feeling incredibly thankful for everything 2024 brought and can’t wait for what’s to come!
Stay Safe and Start Exploring!