As the founder of Nellie, I’m on the road a lot, sometimes with my family, often for research, always hoping to find experiences that stay with me. When I looked back at 2025, it wasn’t the big moments that defined the year but the quieter ones that caught me off guard. Certain places made me pause in a way I didn’t expect, and those moments lingered long after I was home.
Here are my top 10 travel experiences from 2025 — the ones that made me stop, breathe, and think, “Wow.”
1. Asturias, Spain — A Walk Through Quiet Beauty
I started the year in northern Spain, hiking through Asturias, a place I’d heard was magical, but was still unprepared for how deeply it would resonate with me. The coastlines were wild, the trails misty and serene, and every village seemed to have its own rhythm. I drank cider, wandered through ancient forests, and embraced a slower pace. It was grounding, and it set a positive tone for the year ahead.
2. Teotihuacán, Mexico — A Hot Air Balloon Sunrise
Rising in a hot air balloon at dawn over the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán was surreal. There was almost no sound — just the soft roar of the flame and the quiet history below. It was one of the most peaceful hours I’ve ever had, and a reminder of how small (and lucky) we really are.
3. Koh Samui, Thailand — A Restorative Retreat
Yes, it’s the hotel from The White Lotus. But it wasn’t just cinematic, it was serene. The Four Seasons Koh Samui has this way of holding you and enveloping you in comfort: the service, the views, the tranquility. I arrived tired and left feeling completely rejuvenated.
4. Bhutan — A Silent Breakfast, A Lasting Memory
This wasn’t something I planned for impact, but it affected me deeply. In a remote monastery, I shared a silent breakfast with novice monks. No talking, no photos, just warmth, steam, and stillness. It was one of the most memorable meals of my life.
5. Ubud, Indonesia — Capella’s Jungle Reverie
Capella feels like a dream someone once envisioned and then brought to life in the heart of the Balinese jungle. The tents, the lanterns, the jungle itself — it was a brief visit, but it left a lasting impression. A true masterclass in mood and magic.
6. Singapore — Through the Hawker Markets
I savored my way through Singapore one glorious bite at a time: smoky satay, chili crab, Michelin-starred noodles served on plastic trays. The hawker culture is vibrant, proud, and full of flavor, reminding me how much I love a city that expresses itself through its food.
7. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia — A True Escape
This experience felt like a fantasy — because, in many ways, it is. Bawah is a private island accessible only by seaplane, and it is worth every minute of the journey. There were turtles in the water, handwritten notes in the villa, and the total silence I needed most.
8. Rwanda — The Humbling Power of Gorilla Trekking
I anticipated that it would be powerful, but I didn’t expect it to move me to tears. Looking into the eyes of a wild silverback was one of the most humbling and soul-stirring experiences of my life. There’s no other word for it: sacred.
9. San Francisco, USA — A Gathering That Felt Like Home
Hosting a retreat for fellow Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) members in my home city was a different kind of travel. Nellie crafted an experience that felt personal and purposeful, bringing people together in spaces that mean something to us. It reminded me of the power of shared experiences and that meaningful journeys aren’t always far from home.
10. London, England — An Early Dose of Holiday Cheer
I went early in the season this year, chasing the warm glow of December before the crowds set in. London does December with such charm: windows dressed for the holidays, pubs buzzing with soft cheer. I wrapped up the year in sparkle and spice, including a wine tasting in a glass atrium that felt like a holiday dream.
A Closing Thought
These experiences did more than just fill my calendar; they expanded my perspective, grounded me, and reminded me why travel is still important in our fast-paced world. If you feel the urge for your next adventure and are ready to turn “someday” into “let’s go,” we would love to help you make it happen.
Just get in touch — we’ll make it magic.