Where I’m Dreaming of Traveling Next (Near and Far)

Lately, I’ve been feeling that familiar itch to plan trips again. Not the kind that require months of preparation and long flights (though I love those too), but the kind that start with a quick drive, an overnight bag, and a playlist full of 70s favorites. Maybe it’s the changing seasons, or maybe it’s that I’ve found myself wanting to share more of my favorite places with someone new. 💕 Either way, I’ve been daydreaming about both local and faraway getaways, so I thought I’d share them.

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Leavenworth in Autumn… or Maybe Winter

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Leavenworth, and I can’t decide which season I want to see it in this time around. Part of me wants to go right now while we’re in autumn, when the leaves are beautifully gold and the air smells like cider, but another part of me wants to wait for winter, when the town turns into a literal snow globe of twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and Bavarian cabins. They have an amazing Christmas tour that I’d book in a heartbeat. Either way, I’d love for it to happen this year.

Suncadia: Cozy Cabin Dreams

Just a short drive from Roslyn, Suncadia/Cle Elum has been a place I’ve been meaning to check out for years. From what I’ve seen, it looks like the perfect weekend retreat. I keep picturing a fireplace, a mug of molten hot chocolate, and a good book. Maybe snow outside, maybe not, but definitely that feeling of being tucked away from the world. We’re thinking of renting an apartment or small cabin, something warm and simple. Somewhere that invites slow mornings, late-night talks, and comfy oversized wool sweaters.

Portland for Tax-Free Shopping (and Shawarma)

A weekend in Portland is long overdue. I grew up around there, and all of my childhood friends are still there. Portland still feels like a little piece of home, and I can’t wait to go back for all the good food. He’s obsessed with the shawarma (okay, okay, so am I!), and I’ll happily eat my weight in Mexican cuisine. We’re also planning some tax-free holiday shopping, because why not make it a practical trip too?

Check out the top Portland tours here!

Whidbey Island

I’ve always loved how peaceful Whidbey feels. Small town beach vibes all around, but quirky and calming. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend and far enough that it feels like an escape. I imagine long beach walks, picking up something local at a farmers market, and lingering over brunch somewhere with ocean views.

Back to Vancouver, BC

Vancouver completely won me over last time. It’s such an active, friendly city. The kind that makes you want to walk everywhere (and we did, twelve miles one day!). This time, we’ll probably stay in the same area but try a new hotel, eat at different spots, and explore without rushing. I can’t wait to return and see how it feels with fresh eyes and during the winter months, but if we can’t make that happen, I’m hoping to snag this 4-hour bike tour in the Spring! The last bike tour I took was phenomenal!

Nantucket

While most of my trips will stay within the Pacific Northwest, I can’t stop daydreaming about Nantucket. It’s completely across the country, but after reading so many of Elin Hilderbrand’s books, I can’t help but want to see the island for myself. From what I’ve read, it’s charming, picturesque, and filled with hydrangeas! I’d probably plan a spring or off-season visit, when it’s quiet, peaceful, and just a little more affordable.

Washington, D.C. (and the National Gallery of Art)

D.C. will always hold a special place in my heart. The National Gallery of Art is one of my favorite places on Earth. I could seriously spend hours there. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I hope it’s soon. I’ve been there many times to visit family, but on my next trip, I’d love to take a history tour, like this one on Lincoln!

Faraway Dreams: Turkey and Italy

As much as I love local adventures, my heart always wanders back to Europe. Turkey has officially claimed the top spot on my dream list. I’ve fallen completely in love with Turkish dramas (thank you, YouTube) and the way they capture the beauty of Istanbul! Seriously thought, the colors, the markets, the mosques, the sea… It looks absolutely majestic.

And then, of course, Italy. I miss it deeply. I’d love to go back and explore new places outside Florence and Rome, maybe drive through Tuscany in late spring when the sunflower fields are in bloom. I’d eat gelato every single day, without question, and let the days unfold slowly, like they always seem to in Italy.

Lately, I’ve been learning that travel doesn’t always have to be grand to feel meaningful. Sometimes it’s a weekend drive, a shared meal, or a walk through a familiar place that fills your heart the most. I still dream of exotic and wild faraway adventures, but for now… I’m finding so much happiness in the idea of exploring what’s close to home. ✨

Thanks for reading about my travel dreams, friends. Where are you dreaming of these days?