Currently, we have four future trips to look forward to. First, we return to Europe for more exposure to some of our favorite destinations (Switzerland and France for this trip). There are always new regions to visit. Having previously lived in Europe for five years, our visits include new locations but are part of a somewhat familiar culture. [entries every year, 2016-2025 except during Covid 2020]
Second, we take a cruise along the coasts of Argentina and Chile with flight stops in Florida and DC on our way home. We have visited Argentina previously, been to Patagonia, and the border with Chile, but our stops this time will be new. Last Spring, we volunteered to give up our reservation for a 10-day Caribbean cruise (overbooked) in return for a free and enhanced future cruise. This will be the enhanced (18-day, penthouse) cruise. [see Argentina entries, March 2017]
Third, we return to the big island of Hawaii for a break from winter weather in Colorado. Maui previously has been our favorite island, but on our most recent visit there, it seemed more congested, as if each location had been given an 'attractiveness' score and then priced accordingly. The hope is that the big island of Hawaii will be less developed. We have visited the Big Island twice previously but not in recent years. [see 'Maui', May 2025 and December 2016]
Fourth, we return to Japan, plus South Korea, to see more of the country. Our stop there this past Spring was too brief to satisfy our interest. I first visited Japan in 1967 and found people there to be very welcoming as well as polite and organized. Now we will circumnavigate the country on a 3-week cruise. I have never been to South Korea but am impressed by my exposure to its people and culture (movies, K-pop). [see 'Vietnam to Japan', April 2024, and 'Japan', May 2025]
UPDATE:
We have two trips already scheduled for 2026, but then we expect to change our priorities. In 2025, we traveled for a total of 130 days, overwhelmingly to international destinations. We have travelled to 70+ foreign countries, many with repeat visits. We will be going to Hawaii later this Spring.... for our 7th visit (my 9th including military duty). Far away destinations no longer hold the attraction for us that they once did.
When these two trips are done, we have no great hankering for new destinations. We ask ourselves, "What next?" and have no engaging answers. We still like to snorkel: Caribbean, Tahiti? And we have an affinity for Europe, but nothing specific. How different would Bucharest be than Budapest which we have already visited? Traveling has somewhat become a question of how to avoid the crowds.
Instead, we are considering more travel here in North America. We have been to 49 States but never to North Dakota. Other domestic destinations have been given only brief attention; we knew they would always be there. Less flying and more driving? Bring not just a suitcase but also tow a boat(s). We are presently buying a second home in Florida's warmer climate. Although changing our priorities, we expect to be equally active but pursue new directions.
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