Travel Made Joyful

I can’t believe I’m writing this, but as we get into November and start to wrap up the year, we’ve been starting to reflect on the past year(s) of travel, and are also already looking forward to what’s to come in 2025. We’ve also expanded the Travel Made Joyful team with the addition of Melissa and Annelot in the past year, so we thought it would be fun to feature an interview style post with some travel recommendations, predictions, and more of a Q&A! 

What’s your favourite destination?

Katie: I think I’d say Australia. You can do anything and everything there, and the food, wine, and nature are spectacular.  The people are friendly, and it’s a great value for money if you’re coming from the US or UK.

Annelot: New Zealand! We spent just about 3 weeks here for our (belated) Honeymoon in January 2022, and we are already want to go back. It’s the perfect country for natural beauty, adventure, fun, and relaxations 

Melissa: This is a tough question to answer, but I think Spain always rises to the top for me. 

Best hotel you’ve ever stayed at?

Katie: The Corinthia Hotel in London. We stayed last Christmas and they blew our minds by upgrading us to a beautiful suite with a view of the Thames all lit up for the holidays. The staff are all kind, and I love how much they make kids feel valued and seen with their own amenities and special touches.

Annelot: We have been very lucky to stay at many incredible properties, but our favourite would have to be Ladera Resort in St. Lucia. Every room has its own plunge pool, and we were right across from the pitons. You just can’t beat these views!

Melissa: We tend to stay at rentals due to our family size, and our absolute favorite was this gem of a home in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. If I must choose a hotel, I really love Tara’s Lodge in Korcula, Croatia. 

Most underrated or undiscovered travel destination? 

Katie: I have two. First, Wales!  So many people come to the UK and go to London and Edinburgh, and maybe 1-2 other places, but Wales is beautiful, wild, and has so much to offer.  From beautiful villages, hidden coves and coastal paths to great food and nature, it’s a must-see.  The other one I’d say is Montenegro.  It’s a little tougher to get to, but it has great food and wine, beaches, and lots of small villages, with a fraction of the crowds of Croatia (no offense, Croatia, you’re great, too!).

Annelot: I think much of the UK is underrated. As Katie said, people tend to focus on London or Edinburgh, but sadly often do not have time to include places like Wales, Cornwall, The Lake District, the Cotswolds, or the Highlands in their itineraries. While these places may not be “hidden gems” to the locals, I really feel like they are still very much underrated and under-appreciated by international tourists!

Bucket list hotel, experience, or trip? (that you haven’t already done!)

Katie: I’d love to stay at Passalacqua in Lake Como, or any of the Grand Dames of Paris – Le Bristol or Cheval Blanc, for example.  My ultimate bucket list trip is Antarctica, just because it’s my last continent to visit and it would be so cool to think I made it all the way south!  My next big family goal is to take us all to Japan – my kids are in love with all things Japanese right now.

Annelot: As cliche as it is, I would love to spend a week in a tropical destination in one of those overwater bungalows. Somewhere like French Polynesia, the Seychelles, the Maldives, or Mauritius? I’d spend my days reading in the sun, lounging in our overwater hammock, and scuba diving!

Melissa: I would really love to do a hut ski trip with my entire family.

Trip you’re most looking forward to in 2025?

Katie: We’re heading to the arctic circle in Finland in February to stay at a northern lights lodge. We have a glass domed igloo so we can see the auroras at night, and will do things like sled-dog riding, a sleigh-ride with reindeer, and snowshoeing followed by a warm-up in our private sauna.  The kids can’t wait to play in the snow after moving from Wisconsin to the UK, and I’m excited to watch the auroras from my cozy bed!

Annelot: Japan! Despite the fact that it’s still almost a year away, I’m already deep down a rabbit hole with the planning and research stages. I can’t wait to experience all of the unique culture, food, drink, and history Japan has to offer!

Melissa: Scuba diving in Roatan

Predictions for ‘hottest’ trip destination(s) in 2025?

Katie: I’m hearing a lot about Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, but I’m also hearing about places like Austria (especially in the summer) as well as lesser-known islands in Greece. It’s going to be another fun year!

Annelot: I definitely think Vietnam will continue to be a rising star in Asia. It’s a lovely, extremely hospitable country with friendly people, good food, and a unique culture. additionally, if coming from the U.S. or UK, your money definitely stretches a bit further here, so you can “splurge” a bit for that taste of luxury on a budget.

Melissa: Costa Rica has been building for some time, but in our area a ton of families are interested in exploring Costa Rica.