Well, as usual, I’ve pretty much got the first half of 2025 all planned out already. I’ve got some Europe, some beach, and some Vegas already planned for the first six months, and I have no clue what will happen after June. More Europe for some Caravaggios? Possibly a trip to New York City? Of course, Disney World is always on the table too.

First up in 2025 comes right after the New Year. Brian and I are jetting over to Rome for a long weekend to check out a Caravaggio portrait that is normally in a private collection (and never ever goes on public view) but is being shown for a short three months at the Palazzo Barberini. I’m so excited to get back to Rome after five years, and we’ve got so much art viewing planned for 2.5 days, I doubt there will be time to even get over the jet lag before we have to head home again. It’ll be a whirlwind for sure.

Next up will be our annual February pilgrimage to warm weather. This year, we will be staying at the ultra-tiny boutique Ibagari resort on Roatan, Honduras. This is our first trip to the island, and after this trip, the only Central American country we’ll have left to visit is El Salvador. We love Central America for its hospitable people, and reasonable prices. I can’t wait to share everything about this trip with you all!

We will be jetting off to Vegas at the end of April with our two oldest kiddos, who have turned/are turning 21. While we’ve hung out in Vegas a few times with the littles, our oldest have never been, so this is my birthday gift to them. They are pretty jazzed about it, and it’ll be a great time!

The last trip I have on the books is a spectacular stay at Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, BVI. I have been drooling over this hotel for years, and never thought I’d be able to afford a stay here, let alone bring the kids, but their spectacular Black Friday deal made booking possible, and I’m super excited to return to the Caribbean for the first time since 2021. I’m looking forward to some pristine beaches, calm trade winds, and ultimate relaxation.

As always, I’ll be bringing you more reviews of stuff to do and places to eat around Chicago too, and I’m hoping to put out my Top Five Chicago Steakhouses list this year. I also want to start doing some staycations around the city to bring you some Chicago hotel reviews, since that’s a huge gap here on my blog. Happy travels, everyone!