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The Travel BratsAuthor: Sofia Blanno, Natalie Brouwer
Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe. Language: en Genres: Documentary, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Our Top Destinations Visited in 2025 That You Should Hit in 2026
Episode 241
Tuesday, 13 January, 2026
A Year of Adventure: Why 2025 Set the Bar High2025 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. 🌍 Top Countries We Explored (and Loved)🇧🇪 Belgium: Europe’s Most Underrated GemBelgium 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 architectureCozy river townsNext-level beer & chocolateEasy train travel between cities✨ Belgium is proof you don’t need hype to be incredible. 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: All-Inclusive, But Make It FunA 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 tripsFamily vacationsFirst international travelersWhen you want relaxation + fun without planning every detail 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Mountains, Beaches & CulturePuerto 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: A Month of Pure MagicItaly 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 historyCoastal towns that feel like a dreamMuseums, beaches, wine, fashion—everything(Pro tip: Save Venice for last. Trust us.) 🇳🇿 New Zealand: The Teaser That Became a Must-VisitWhile 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. 🇺🇸 Top U.S. Cities & Towns You Shouldn’t Skip🎷 New Orleans, LAFood, music, history, and soul. From Commander’s Palace to the Garden District, art galleries, and historic homes—NOLA never disappoints.☀️ Florida FavoritesSanibel Island – Lighthouse Beach & Bubble RoomBonita Springs – Easy parking, chill vibesNaples – Paradise Coast food scene & beachesOrlando – So much more than theme parks🍑 Atlanta, GAEndless things to do—from the BeltLine to museums, food, and culture.🌊 Alabama SurprisesFairhope – Coastal charmGulf Shores – Hangout Fest energyMobile – Historic homes, Cajun coastal food, ballet & concerts🗽 New York City: The Year’s Most Magical MomentsNYC 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 FrickHamilton & Hadestown on BroadwayTop of the Rock & The EdgeCentral Park strollsThe US OpenBagels, pizza, and everything in between 🏔️ Colorado Adventures We LovedFrom ski days to mountain towns:Aspen, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Boulder, Denver, Idaho Springs & Frisco—Colorado stayed undefeated in 2025. 🌲 National Parks That Hit DifferentJoshua TreeGrand CanyonEvergladesNature resets are always worth it. Final Takeaway: Why 2026 Is Your YearReflecting 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.
