The more we travel, the smaller the world seems to get, but I think that's true for everyone. We've made some incredible journeys this year and with the wanderlust that's in our blood, when we're not traveling we're planning our next adventure.
There are so many places that we've been already and would go back to visit in a heartbeat, but I'm making this post exclusive to the locations that we've never been and would love to visit for the first time. Many are close to where we live but there's a few that are a true journey.
Ready for my travel bucket list for 2016 in no particular order?
1. Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
Omni Homestead Resort, located in Hot Springs, VA, is a spot that I would love to visit with my family. The resort has been the vacation spot for 23 United States Presidents, and visiting for the historical aspect is right up my alley. Add in premier restaurant Jefferson's and I'm so on board.
2. Niagara Falls, NY
There's no way to count how many times I've passed through Niagara Falls, NY, on my way to another destination. This year I actually want to stop and learn more about the area. Niagara USA has the gorgeous Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Hard Rock Cafe, and a trip to the area wouldn't be complete without checking out the Niagara Wine Trail with its 22 wineries. The soil in the area is perfect for vineyards.
3. New Brunswick, Canada
I want to take my family to New Brunswick not only for the picturesque views on the Bay of Fundy, the Reversing Falls, beautiful Maritime scenery, and temperate climate, but there are personal reasons as well. You see, my mother was born in Saint John, NB, and I would really love to go back to where she is from. I want to take a trip to St. Martins, stroll along the beach, try some dulse, and walk in the caves. Plus, New Brunswick is the first Francophone province in Canada- it has both French and English as its official language.
4. Ireland
A visit to Ireland would be like a trip through my mother's side of the family and her heritage, not mention I took Irish Step Dance lessons when I was younger. There's just something about those smiling Irish eyes that get me- and the city of Dublin with its Guinness Factory. Ireland also has The Wild Atlantic Way, From County Cork to Donegal, a drive along the coastline would be perfection.
5. Disneyland
Disneyland is on our travel map for 2016 for many reasons, but the main one is to walk through the park that Walt Disney himself did. Compliments of the Haunted Mansion Holiday where the characters of Nightmare Before Christmas make a grand splash and take over Haunted Mansion for a couple of months, a visit to the ride has always been a dream of The Kid's.
6. Salem, MA
Salem, MA, has fascinated me since I was a little girl. The city, rich with historical history, is perfection on a crisp, autumn day. The month of October is so much fun with Salem's Haunted Happenings and families can learn about its history and have a little bit of fun with Halloween offerings as well.
7. New Orleans, LA
Yes, New Orleans had amazing food, a fun and lively nighttime scene, and parades that will knock your socks off on Fat Tuesday, but I really want to visit for the historical side as well. I want to check out the cemeteries, walk through the French Quarter and Garden District, and take photos of Bourbon and Canal Streets. And yes, I really want to try an authentic beignet.
8. Hershey, PA
Living so close to Pennsylvania you'd think I'd have been to Hershey, PA, already but the truth is I have not. I hear so many rave reviews about the city. The sights and the smells draw so many families in every year and I'd love to see it for myself. And Hershey Park has always been a dream of mine. You can actually get a chocolate massage!
9. Atlanta, GA
Altanta, GA, is such a hot spot right now! The city is jam-packed with amazing dining, shopping sightseeing- the works! Plus, it would be so much fun to visit Centennial Olympic Park, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and swim with whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. Piedmont Park has always been on my radar as well.
10. Puerto Rico
I have never heard of a traveler in my circle of friends that have visited Puerto Rico and didn't adore it 100%. There's no passport needed if you're an American citizen and with 270 miles of beautiful coastline, the leisure activities are endless. San Juan is filled with so much rich history that it would be impossible to not visit the charming town as well.
These 10 spots are truly my dream destinations for 2016. Not only are they driveable for my family, I am loving all that each one has so much to offer families and visitors. Fingers crossed I'll be writing an article at the end of 2016 and will have a story to tell about each!
Happy New Year!
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