My Top 5 Unforgettable Destinations of 2015
First off, Happy New Year to you guys! I know I’ve neglected my blog for a few weeks now. I decided to step away from it for the holidays and spend some quality time with my family. But since it’s a new year, I think it’s time to get back to blogging. 2015 was quite memorable for me. My husband and I pretty much traveled all around the US, mostly going on road trips. This year, our goal is to travel more overseas with Iceland as our top priority to visit. But before I start making plans for this year, I want to share my top 5 unforgettable destinations of 2015.
5.) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (July, 2015)
This is my favorite national park in the US. Granted, I have yet to visit most of them but Yellowstone will always have a special place in my heart. We visited for the second time earlier this year and it was just as breathtaking as our first visit. One of the highlights of this trip was when we saw two grizzly bears (on separate occasions) about 30 feet away from where we’re standing. One of my favorite things about Yellowstone is being able to see wildlife at almost every corner of the park. Bison sightings are common as there are thousands of them but bear sightings-let alone, grizzly bears, don’t occur that often. So imagine my excitement when I spotted two of them in one day.
4.) New Orleans, Louisiana (March, 2015)
NOLA is one of the cities that I’ve been wanting to visit for the longest time. A few people hinted that I shouldn’t bother but I’m glad I didn’t listen to them. The energy and vibrancy of this city was so inspiring. Despite falling on hard times after Hurricane Katrina, everyone seems to be in good spirits. There’s so much to do that our stay was definitely not enough. We got to taste delicious Southern food-shrimp and grits at Lüke, beignets & cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde, chargrilled oysters & fried soft shell crabs at ACME Oyster Company, we learned about the history of the city by visiting plantations and of course, enjoyed the nature when we went on a Swamp tour & explored the Barataria Preserve. Want to see more? Click THIS.
3.) Monument Valley, Utah (October, 2015)
I’ve been wanting to visit Monument Valley ever since I saw photos of it in Instagram. But it wasn’t till I saw it in person, I realized how stunning it really was. I fell in love with Utah long before I visited the Southeast part of it-taking a few road trips to Zion. What sealed the deal is my recent road trip to Moab including this beautiful landmark located in the border of Utah and Arizona. The highlight of it? Riding a horse on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast canyon below. It reminded me of the Western movies my Grandpa used to watch when I was young. He was very fond of John Ford and his movies. I’m sure with this photo, my Grandpa is looking down on me, grinning from ear to ear. 🙂
2.) Universal Studios, Florida (March, 2015)
I’m sure you guys are wondering why this is way up here in the list. Well, let me tell you why. It’s no secret (despite being in my late twenties) that I’m still a big fan of Harry Potter. It reminds me of my childhood and makes me yearn for simpler times. When James told me that we were going on a road trip to Florida to see my mom and spend two days in Universal Studios Orlando, I was beyond ecstatic. You see, my love for Harry Potter is unparalleled. Twilight and Hunger Games got nothing on the real OG’s. I have read all 7 books-several times and also, I randomly do movie marathons a few times each month just cause I feel like it. I’m not even ashamed to say it (or should I be?).
1.) Kauai, Hawaii (June, 2015)
I love hiking and being surrounded by mountains but most days my heart calls for the ocean. Ever since I watched 50 First Dates twelve years ago, I’ve been dreaming of visiting Hawaii. So when my husband and I decided to go somewhere tropical for our 1 year wedding anniversary, we just had to go to Hawaii. Oahu was our destination at first but I’m glad we went to Kauai instead. What a dream! 2 weeks wasn’t nearly enough! The best part of it all was experiencing this paradise with my husband. I enjoyed it so much that I think I even shed a tear as we boarded our plane to Vegas. I love you Kauai, I really do!
How about you? What’s your most unforgettable destination of 2015?
Let me know in the comment section below! 🙂
You visited some great places during 2015! My fave would have to be Anguilla. It’s so beautiful and quiet and the beaches . . . wish I was there now.
I sure did Alli. I havent been to Anguilla. Will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! I haven’t been to Utah, Wyoming, or Hawaii yet. But they are now on my list of places to visit this year.
Hey Shana! Thank you so much. I love those three so much! I hope you can make it out there soon.
I could so easily adapt all of yours from last year to my wish list for this year! I loved our NYC at Christmastime trip to close out 2015 – very cool and iconic things to see, and the people were so great.
Yes definitely! This can be your 2016 travel inspiration! I wish I can spend the holidays in NYC as well.
Those are some absolutely GORGEOUS spots! I think Nashville was gorgeous when I went down. I wish I had taken more pictures. Vegas was interesting too because of the lights and such! Culver City was a fantastic little place too. I’d never been hiking before and I hiked up a mountain. It was crazy!
They really are! I havent been to Nashville but I heard great things. I’m glad you were able to make it out here in Vegas. Next time you go, try to visit Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire. 🙂
Wow, it looks like you went to so many beautiful places in 2015! I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store! Once my kids get a bit older, I’d love to do more traveling!
I sure did Jenn! 🙂 I cant wait as well. Gonna try and travel overseas this time.
What a great list! I have been to Yellowstone, and I agree it is just breathtaking. I always joke that I am terrible at taking photos but it didn’t even matter there! They turned out beautiful no matter what.
Hey there! Thanks so much. I’m glad you were able to visit Yellowstone! I love it there. Haha! that’s so true! Its so picturesque!
Stunning photos and I’d love to visit Yellowstone myself. In fact, I’d love to visit all the national parks.
Thanks Clara! Yes! That’s my goal as well, to visit all the national parks. 😀
We loved Yellowstone as well, it was so much more than I ever imagined it could be! As well as Hawaii, we can hardly wait to return this year!
Yay! I’m glad a lot of people got to experience Yellowstone already. Where in Hawaii are you guys going to next? 🙂
What gorgeous pictures! I love your spirit of adventure. We’ve made a goal of exploring as much of our own country as well, and I have such great memories of all the places we’ve been!
Thank you Megan! I’m glad there are others who choose to explore our own country before traveling overseas. What are some of the places you liked? I would love to hear your stories! 🙂
Oh your pictures are absolutely beautiful! I have been to two of the places you have listed (New Orleans and Universal Studios). I would love to see the others! Harry Potter was amazing! My favorite vacation this year was to Texas…yeehaw!
Thanks so much Terri! You’re far too kind. 🙂 My suggestion would be Yellowstone! You will definitely love it whether you like the outdoors or not. There’s so much to do and see that a weekend is not enough! I would love to visit Texas again. We only went to Dallas to see the stadium.
so many awesome places! I really want to plan a trip to New Orleans!
You will love it Tianna! Try to do the Swamp tour when you go! 🙂
Awesome post!! My husband and I went to Yellowstone in 2014 and fell in love! Then in August of 2015 we were in New Orleans and now that’s our new favourite spot!! Monument Valley is on my bucket list!! If you ever venture to Canada, I hike and camp in the Rocky’s all the time! I could share some sweet spots! 🙂
Thank you Cassandrea! Lovely name btw!
I’m glad you guys visited Yellowstone. Isn’t it beautiful out there? And Yes! NOLA is one of my favorites too! I’ll definitely take you up on that. I’m planning to visit Canada this year. 🙂
I wanna go to universal one day… I almost got to go once, but I ended up breaking an appendage and we had to leave a day early. *shake fist* SOMEDAY!!
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that Jenny. I’m sure you will get to visit Universal in the future! 🙂
Monument Value feels out of this world, which is unique and beautiful. Would also love to see Yellowstone and Kauai.
I really was Franc. A unique place, indeed. If you love the outdoors you will love both Yellowstone and Kauai!
Kauai was amazing… we went for the first time this past November. I loved seeing all the states you traveled to and loved. We have been debating trying more US travel. The past few years we have traveled with our kids to Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe but we really haven’t begun to explore our own country. This post excites me that there are possibilities out there.
It was amazing right? I would def visit it again! There’s more to see in the US so don’t hesitate! 🙂 I on the other hand will try to travel more overseas!
Can’t say I have any great desire to travel to the USA. BUT if i did the national parks that you visited would be right at he top of my list of things to see. Monument Valley in Utah looks amazing reminds me of the western movies from when i was a kid
It’s not for everyone but I encourage you to visit the national parks. They are as beautiful as the photos online, if not, more! 🙂
What fantastic places you have been! We did Orlando this year and Harry Potter was amazing. We all loved it.
Thanks Lisa! Harry Potter was so nice! I’m glad it lived up to the hype. 😀
Some great places you visited in 2015! We loved Kauai when we went a few years ago. Monument Valley and Yellowstone are high on my list!
Thanks Jessica! Kauai is my fave! I would def go visit again. You will love them both. Great places to visit for sure!
I visited all your favorite destinations, Janna and I loved each one of them. In fact, some of them I liked so much that I keep going back on and on, like in Kauai, New Orleans, or Monument Valley. What a wonderful year you had!
Nice, Anda! They’re beautiful destinations right? I wish I could go back to Kauai soon. It was the best trip of my life. 🙂
Happy New Year to you too! Lucky me has been travelling for a number of years but I still haven’t made it to the USA. New Orleans is obviously on my list and the kid in me really wants to get to Universal Studios too. Iceland seems to be a hot destination for 2016 so all the best in getting there and looking forward to see what you get up to this year.
You should def come and visit the US Alice! Yea, I hope I can make it to Iceland soon. Hope you can visit NOLA and Universal Studios too! 🙂
Aloha. Nice list! I have been to each of these places and agree that they are all pretty great. I live on Oahu, just up the street from where a lot of 50 First Dates was filmed. But I agree that Kauai is spectacular. Did you manage to hit the Kalalau Trail at all? If not . . . you will need to go back, I guess.
Thank you Rand! Yeah, I’ve heard great things about Oahu too. But I know some areas are too commercialized and crowded. Kauai just has that island vibe that I really love. I didnt get too unfortunately. But I will go hike it when I visit again. 🙂
Yellowstone looks like a dream! And New Orleans such a cool city to visit – every traveller I meet who’s visited raves about how awesome it is. Planning our USA road trip soon and this is gold dust for inspiration. All the best for an even greater 2016 🙂
It’s stunning there Stefan! You will love Yellowstone! As for NOLA, it’s just rich in culture and the energy is great! I’m glad you found this post inspirational. Hope you get to visit these places too! Happy travels! Thank you. 🙂
I love the energy of New Orleans. I’ve only been once but I am dying to go back, my only regret is that we would’ve taken more pictures. What an amazing year you had!
I’m glad you do too Nicole! Thank you. Hope you had an amazing year as well. 🙂
I have always wanted to go to NOLA, seems like such an interesting city and culture. Our most interesting destination last year included Bucharest, Southern Spain, and Belfast. With the CDN dollar tanking it will be a while before we go back to the States, so NOLA and Yellowstone will have to wait.
You should go Rob! It’s a great place to visit. Ahhh love your destinations last year. I would love to visit Spain! 🙂
Absolutely breathtaking photos! I have not visited any of your top 5 destinations, I haven’t done much travelling at all. This year is the year for travel.
Thanks so much Chantal! That’s so kind of you! No worries, I’m sure you will get to travel and see them in person. Cheers to more travels this year! 🙂
wonderful destinations! I haven’t made it to Yellowstone yet but I hope to do a road trip next year. Great round-up!
Thanks Jen! Yellowstone is phenomenal, you will love it! 🙂
These are all great unforgettable destinations and you are so lucky to have been to the all. I would love to visit each of these one day with my sons. Hopefully someday we will together. Hawaii would be my top pick. Thanks for sharing you the photos and your experiences.
Thanks Rebecca! I was really blessed to visit these places last year. Hawaii is nice! Make sure you visit Kauai first. It’s breathtaking! No problem at all. Hope you found it inspirational.
I feel really privileged to have visited 3 of your top 5 destinations for 2015. I visited NOLA back in 2008 – not long after Katrina had hit and I was impressed then with the resilience and spirit shown by the community – its nice to hear that they have continued to rebuild. Monument Valley is just stunning, and as for Universal Studios – I miss the days when I could visit whenever I wanted to! Harry Potter World has been added since I was last there so I will definitely have to go back! Thank you for highlighting some of my own highlights from my past travels!
That’s awesome Vicki! Glad you were able to visit 3 of these 5 destinations. Hope you can make it out to Yellowstone soon! 🙂
The US has so much to visit right. All these are great options and so varied. In 2015 my favorite was Namibia, where I spent NYE – such an incredible place!
Yes, definitely! The US has so much places to explore you will enjoy it. How awesome! What a cool way to spend NYE!
What beautiful places! My husband is really wanting to visit Yellowstone sometime soon.
Go for it Stephanie! Yellowsone is stunning!
Love this list, Janna! Looks like you had a wonderful 2015 🙂 I have not made it to NOLA yet but its on my soon to visit list! And Kauai, OMG, one of my favorite places in the US, my husband and I visited the island 3 years ago to celebrate our anniversary too and absolutely fell in LOVE with the island, it is beyond beautiful and what words can describe, no?
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Thank you Kusum! 🙂 I’m glad you love Kauai too! It was my fave destination last year. Stunning, beautiful landscapes throughout the island-it was unbelievable!
Wow what an amazing year! I think i would be a bit terrified of the Grizzly Bear that close!!! and Kauai!!! that is on my list for 2016 as we are planning our 3 weeks in Hawaii right now!!
Thanks Lindsay! Yes omg I was a bit terrified too. I had to take the pic so quickly and ran back to my car! 😀
What an amazing 2015. Love the places you visited. I’m particularly fond of NOLA. I’ve never been to Utah and your pics of Monument valley are great. Need to put that on my list. Best wishes for 2016 and happy travels!
It’s awesome seeing so many people love NOLA! Its a nice place to visit for sure. Monument Valley is amazing! Hope you can visit this year. 🙂
Oh wow, I wish I could see them all. Always wanted to visit Universal studios. Im sure I will someday. Thanks for the post.
No problem Kole! Hope you can visit these destinations too! 🙂
I just need to visit Hawaii to complete this list. Hopefully next year. 🙂
Awesome! 🙂 Definitely visit Kauai Tania!
These are places that I would really love to visit in the US. My most memorable travel experience in 2015 is backpacking in the Lassen wilderness. Have you been there?
No I haven’t. Backpacking is something I have yet to do as well. Hope you can visit these places too Christine! 🙂
i went to new orleans for my baby moon and have been itching to get back! there and hawaii are my top destinations.
Nice! Baby moon in NOLA! 🙂 Hawaii is my fave destination last year!
I grew up just outside of New Orleans. We moved to Oklahoma about 10 years ago, and I miss being there so much! They’re a different kind of people there and I love and miss them!
PS: You are know wanna-be photog like your profile says! I really enjoyed your pictures!
Aww hope you can visit NOLA soon! They really have a nice energy there. Love it! And aww you’re too kind. Thank you so much! 🙂
Great choices. I went to Maui this year and it was unforgettable. I had been before but this time I experienced some parts of the island I hadn’t been to before. I’m going add Monument Valley to my list on your recommendation. I’m going to Park City in a week or so but Utah in the summer is so beautiful as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Shannon! I, too would love to visit Maui someday. Ooh you should def add Monument Valley to your list when you visit Utah. You will love it! 🙂 And no problem at all, glad you liked it!
I love this list! Everyone else is all “SE Asia, Europe and South America” so it’s nice to see a list featuring the United States! I admit, I’m one who runs off to Europe every chance I get but I think this year I’ll do more traveling closer to home. Awesome Job!
Thanks so much Mia! 🙂 Haha those are nice places to visit for sure but I wanted to focus more in the US before I travel overseas. I def want to visit Europe someday. Any recs? 🙂
I and my husband wasn’t able to travel this year due to our wedding preparation but before 2015 ended we planned to travel to California together with my mother-in-law.
Aww no worries girl. I’m sure this year, you and your husband will have a lot of time to travel. Congrats btw! 🙂
I been to 2 of places on your list! I been to New Orleans (twice last year) and Universal Studios love both places! Always lots of fun and I cant wait to visit Hawaii!
Nice! Glad you were able to visit those two. Hawaii, Kauai in particular, is amazing. Im in love with that place! 🙂
Ahhhh! My dream is to go to Harry Potter World. Did you enjoy any of the themed treats?
http://www.thetongueinchic.com
It’s amazing! It feels like you’re in a movie set! I did! I had butterbeer and ate at the 3 broomsticks! 😀
What great places to visit!
Thanks Kaley! 🙂
Great list! I’ve visited 3 out of the 5 you mentioned. A few months ago I went to Hawaii and Kauai was one of the stops there. I have to agree with you, it really is a beautiful place!
Thanks Alyssa! Glad you experienced 3 of these places I listed. Kauai was stunning! I would def go back in a heartbeat! 🙂
I think San Francisco was my favourite destination. I was in the US for a month but did not make it to any of your top 5. I sure want to see Louisana and some of the South on my next visit. Love all your photos, would happily add all these places to my list if money was no object!
Nice! I was just there a few weeks ago and I loved it. Thanks so much for appreciating my photos. Hopefully you can make it out to one of the places I listed. Happy travels Paula! 🙂
My most unforgettable destination in 2015 was Guilin/Yangshuo.
Here is a link: http://svetdimitrov.com/guilin-yangshuo/
Exploring China was incredibly interesting!
Do visit it should you have the chance!
I’ve never been to China but I’ve heard many great things! I will def add that to my list when I travel across SEA! 🙂
Aaah Yellowstone is in my list for the longest time. I have to find a roadtrip buddy to go with!
Hey Justine! Yes! Definitely visit Yellowstone. I’ve only been twice but I consider it as one of my fave destinations in the US!
mice pics. Columbia was best trip for me last year
Thanks Rosie! Oh nice! Colombia seems wonderful! 🙂
I’d have to say the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand. Oh! And Pai in Thailand. And the Great Barrier Reef. And HOBBITON. AHHH, the list could go on and. Beautiful pictures, by the way! Now I just want a Po Boy from NOLA 🙂
Omg New Zealand is my dream place! Thailand is another place I want to visit for sure! And ahhhh Great Barrier Reef too? You’ve been everywhere! So jealous. :p
Amazing photos! I’m planning on doing more travel in the States (I’m Canadian) so this looks like a great list to start with!
You can def use this as a guide. Im hoping to write a guide to Yellowstone and Kauai soon so watch out for that! Im planning to visit Alberta, Canada this year! 🙂
Oh, you have just made my wanderlust go even crazier! I have been craving doing a USA road trip pretty much my whole life and these pictures just make me want to do it even more. I just hope I can get my friends to come on board to do it 🙂
Aw I’m glad I inspired you to do that US road trip Eva! I’m sure they will go with you once you show them these pics! 😀
Traveling the States doesn’t usually cross my mind but your list makes me want to travel there!!! Some beautiful places 🙂
Thanks for saying that Lisa! That’s my goal- to inspire others to travel outside of their comfort zone. Hope you make it out here soon! 😀
AHHH that waterfall!! Your US road trip looks so amazing! I’ve been to the States multiple times but haven’t seen any of these sights. Guess I need to go back haha.
Thats one of my fave waterfalls in the US! 🙂 Thanks Cynthia! I love going on road trips here in the US. So much places left to explore. You should def go back and check out the places I listed! You’ll love it! 🙂
So many great destinations! I’m happy you didn’t listen to the NOLA naysayers, it’s one of my favourite cities! My highlights also included Hawaii, though I didn’t make it out to Kauai. Next time for sure!
I’m glad I didn’t too Tamar! I was told it was dirty and scary. Although the first part was somewhat true (only in the tourist spots like Bourbon St and Jackson Square), it was one of the most interesting and beautiful places I’ve ever been to. You have to go to Kauai! If I won the powerball, I would totally buy a house there! lol
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want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is called.
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Hi Jason! Thank you so much. I actually bought the theme and made some modifications afterwards. I got it from MOJO marketplace and the theme is called Angel theme. Hope that helps! 🙂