2025 Travel Year in Review: Exploring the Globe with Mariela Around the World

As we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome a new year, I’m excited to reflect on the incredible travel experiences I’ve had the privilege to enjoy. From the sun-kissed beaches of Bali to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, this year has been a wild ride. In this article, I’ll take you through my favorite destinations, highlights, and upcoming plans for the next year.

Destinations

This year, I had the opportunity to visit 15 countries across 4 continents. Each destination offered a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that left me in awe.

Asia

My journey began in Asia, where I spent two months exploring the islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches of Bali were a highlight, as was the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, with its Petronas Twin Towers and bustling night markets.

Tokyo, Japan

One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was visiting Tokyo, Japan. This city is a sensory overload in the best possible way – from the neon lights of Shinjuku to the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace, there’s always something to explore. Don’t miss the Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can sample the freshest sushi of your life.

Europe

After Asia, I headed to Europe, where I spent three months exploring the history and culture of Italy, France, and Spain. Rome, with its Colosseum and Vatican City, was a highlight, as was the artistic city of Florence, with its Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain, was another standout destination. The architecture of Antoni Gaudí is a must-see, from the Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Don’t miss the beaches of Barceloneta and the lively nightlife of El Raval.

South America

In the fall, I traveled to South America, where I visited Peru, Chile, and Argentina. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was a highlight, as was the scenic Lake District of Chile and the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the most exciting experiences of my trip was visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stunning beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the vibrant nightlife of Lapa made for an unforgettable experience.

North America

Finally, I ended the year with a road trip across the United States, visiting iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. The natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite was awe-inspiring, as was the vibrant music scene of Nashville and Austin.

Highlights

In addition to the destinations themselves, there were several highlights that made this year’s travels truly unforgettable.

Trying new foods

One of the joys of traveling is trying new foods, and this year was no exception. From the spicy curries of Thailand to the rich pasta dishes of Italy, I was constantly discovering new flavors and cuisines. Don’t miss the sushi in Tokyo, the tacos in Mexico City, and the BBQ in Nashville.

Meeting new people

Traveling is also about meeting new people, and I was fortunate to meet some incredible fellow travelers along the way. From the friendly locals in Bali to the fellow backpackers in Europe, I made some lifelong friends who shared my passion for exploration.

Learning new skills

Finally, this year’s travels also provided opportunities to learn new skills. I took cooking classes in Thailand, learned to surf in Costa Rica, and even tried my hand at flamenco dancing in Spain.

Upcoming Plans

As I look ahead to the next year, I’m excited to share some of my upcoming travel plans.

Africa

First on my list is Africa, where I plan to visit Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt. The vibrant souks of Marrakech, the stunning natural beauty of Cape Town, and the ancient pyramids of Giza are just a few of the many attractions I’m looking forward to exploring.

Australia and New Zealand

Next, I’ll be heading to Australia and New Zealand, where I’ll explore the stunning beaches, rugged Outback, and vibrant cities of these two incredible countries. Don’t miss the iconic Sydney Opera House, the scenic fjords of Milford Sound, and the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Central America

Finally, I’ll be ending the year with a trip to Central America, where I’ll visit Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. The lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture of this region are sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the past year, I’m grateful for the incredible travel experiences I’ve had. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the stunning beaches of Rio, this year has been a wild ride. I hope this article has inspired you to start planning your own travels, and I look forward to sharing my upcoming adventures with you in the years to come.

Happy travels, and see you on the road!