2025 is here!
Per Mastercard data, “Travelers are increasingly seeking unique experiences in destinations across the world, with spending on experiences up 65%. Total travel spending growth was up 3.5% year-to-date through September.”
The beginning of the year is an awesome time to plan a vacation because it really can help you set the pace for the rest of the year. Planning a major trip can take a lot of time (or none at all when using a travel agent 😉) so I always start to plan as early as possible. Plus, I like to plan my own vacations early in the year because it gives me something to look forward to. As I work each day, I feel like I am working for and toward something special, which always seems to drive my workforce as well!
I’ve rounded up my Top Places to visit in 2024 to help you get a jump start on thinking about or planning your vacation for this year!
1. Walt Disney World
Now more than ever is the time to visit Walt Disney World! There are some major changes coming to Disney World this year.
Magic Kingdom is getting its biggest expansion yet with 2 new Cars rides in Frontierland and a new Villains-themed land. A Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern will also be open in 2025 in Magic Kingdom. A new nighttime parade is also coming to Magic Kingdom called Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. This will bring the magic of technology and light to Main Street, U.S.A. every night with a parade hosted by the Blue Fairy.
Epcot’s Test Track is getting a new theme. A Spaceship Earth-themed lounge is also coming to Epcot and is scheduled to open in late Spring 2025.
Hollywood Studios will have a new Monsters Inc. Land. The Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and replace Aerosmith. A new Villain show is coming to Hollywood Studios in Summer of 2025 called Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After! The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will also debut this summer.
A new attraction called Zootopia: Better Zoo-gether is coming to Animal Kingdom.
When you stay at a Disney resort in 2025, you will receive water park entry on the day you check in for no additional cost!
There is something for everyone when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a family vacation, an adult-only trip, or a quick getaway, Walt Disney World has it all and makes it a great destination to visit in 2025. Disney only requires a $200 deposit to book your Disney vacation. At this great price for a deposit, it gives you plenty of time to pay your deposit and then make payments at any time until your final payment is due (which is 30 days prior to check in). Planning a 2026 Disney vacation? 2025 has not opened for booking at this time, but you do have the option to book for the end of the year to start making payments toward your trip. Then, when your dates open for 2026, I can move you to the following year. It’s a great way to pay off your trip over a longer period. Contact me for more information about that!
2. Universal Orlando + Epic Universe Grand Opening
Universal Orlando is your one-stop for all things Harry Potter. It is also one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando! With their park-to-park tickets, you can travel between the parks via Hogwarts Express and visit 2 great theme parks in one day. Universal Orlando is known for some great attractions including Rip Ride Rockit, The Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy, and classic favorites like E.T. These 2 theme parks sit next to Universal’s Volcano Bay: The only water park with an “active” volcano and water rides that can be utilized with a Tapu Tapu wait system allowing you to enjoy your day without having to wait in line. Universal Resorts are close to the parks.
Read all about the newly opened DreamWorks land here!
Epic Universe opens on May 22nd. This will be the fourth theme park to open at Universal Orlando Resort. There will be 3 new hotels opening with Epic Universe (Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Grand Helios Hotel).
Epic Universe offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. You’ll get to experience 5 immersive worlds in 1 amazing theme park.
In order to book a Universal vacation, the deposit is $50 per person and the final payment is due 45 days prior to check in. You can also make small payments until your final payment is due!
3. All-Inclusive Resorts: Featuring Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Looking for 5 Star service? Look no further. Sandals Resorts has everything you need to really experience everything you need for a luxury all-inclusive vacation for adults only. Visit gorgeous beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Barbados. All-inclusive service includes gourmet dining, bars serving premium liquor and wine, land and water sports, golfing, and PADI-certified scuba diving at most resorts. If you’re looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destinations, and I definitely see why! If an all-inclusive vacation is on your list along with top-notch service, this is the resort for you! With an easy $98 deposit for Sandals Resorts, it’s a great way to book your vacation to the Caribbean.
Beaches Resorts are the sister resorts to Sandals. Beaches are family-friendly and all-inclusive, so you still get great service within this brand. Visit Beaches Resorts in Negril, Ocho Rios, and Turks and Caicos.
. Read my review of Beaches Turks and Caicos here!
4. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico (Hello Palace & Le Blanc Resorts!) offer affordable luxury for their guests. Some all-inclusive resorts are adult-only, making them a great place to spend time relaxing and enjoying one another. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, airport transfers, entertainment, and activities. Some all-inclusive resorts will include spa treatments, excursions, and activities.
Some of my favorite resorts in Cancun and Cabo are the Palace and Le Blanc all-inclusive resorts. Stay 4 nights at any of these resorts and you will also receive complimentary round-trip airport transportation. At a $50 deposit, this is an awesome deal for you when looking for a low deposit rate. The best thing about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is that there is something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for!
Read about my favorite resorts in Mexico on these blog posts!
How to get a free cabana in Mexico
6. Cruises
Cruising is more popular than ever with cruising open to everyone and no more restrictions on who can sail. With cruises making a comeback, pricing is starting to increase quickly availability is limited, so if you’re considering it, you may want to start planning sooner rather than later.
Royal Caribbean just launched Icon and Utopiua of the Seas and will launch Star of the Seas this summer!
Disney Cruise Line is now sailing to Lookout Cay, a new beach destination and just launched the Disney Treasure. The Disney Destiny will be sailing later this year.
Read all about my experiences on Disney & Royal Caribbean Cruise Line:
You want to experience Cococay – Royal Caribbean’s private island!
7. Europe
I have traveled pretty extensively through Europe: The Netherlands, Ireland, England, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, and even Russia. I have also visited Egypt! I have so much knowledge that I can share with you when traveling abroad.
There are so many great ways to experience these countries and I can help you find the best type of trip for your needs.
8. Disneyland
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration begins May 16th, 2025 with the “Paint the Night” parade and debut of the new “World of Color Happiness!” In 2025, guests can also enjoy recently debuted and reiminaged experiences such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Pixar Place Hotel. (I LOVE the new refurbishment at Pixar Place Hotel).
“Walt Disney: A Magical Life” with an all new Walt Disney animatronic debuts in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House.
I love Disneyland and the vibe here compared to Disney World. It is so laid back! Make it a split stay and visit Disneyland AND Universal Hollywood to visit the new Super Nintendo World that has opened at Universal Hollywood.
9. River Cruises
Many cruise lines have returned to sailing through Europe! Have you ever been on a river cruise and want to experience great cities through some amazing countries? I work with great vendors that provide great itineraries for river cruises.
10. Bucket List Destinations: Safari in Tanzania and Egypt
This past summer, I went on a private safari through Tanzania in Africa. There is no time like the present to visit these bucket list destinations. It is better to travel now while you still can than waiting until you are much older to reach these hard to visit destinations.
Egypt was one of the most magical places I have ever been. This trip was a bucket list experience and I highly recommend putting Egypt on your list. If you’re looking to book a “bucket list” trip but don’t want to travel as far as Egypt, I have several other destinations that you can visit! History and beautiful archaeological sites exist all over the world.
Why Should You Plan Your Bucket List To Egypt Now
Ready to book your next vacation? Contact me and let’s find the perfect trip for you!
Love and Travel Dust,
Molly
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