Our Most Memorable Trips of 2025:
Where Will You Go Next?
Can you believe 2025 is almost over? I know I can’t, but I’m loving looking back and hearing from our Curated Travel Collection team about their most memorable trips of the year.
From milestone celebrations to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, our team spent 2025 traveling with purpose: experiencing destinations firsthand so we can plan smarter, more meaningful trips for you.
Each year, we crisscross the globe to deepen our knowledge, test experiences, and uncover what truly makes a trip special. These journeys go beyond vacations. They shape the recommendations we make, the details we fine-tune, and the confidence you feel when you travel.
Ready to book your dream destination for 2026? Reach out and we’ll start dreaming together.
From birthdays and family traditions to bucket-list destinations, these are the trips that defined our year… and just might inspire where you’ll go next.
January: Starting the Year Somewhere Special
Steve Cohen (scohen@curatedtravelcollection.com) kicked off the year in Maui, embracing island time and the restorative power of Hawaii.
Shannan Beard (sbeard@curatedtravelcollection.com) sailed aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady on the Dominican Daze itinerary with close friends, making the experience especially memorable! Equal parts relaxation, fun, and connection.
February: Celebrating Big in the Cayman Islands
My partner in life, work and play Dave Hoffman celebrated a birthday in the Cayman Islands with friends. One of our favorite places in the world any time of the year, the crystal-clear water, relaxed luxury, and quality time made it the perfect way to mark another special day. Contact Dave at info@curatedtravelcollection.com to learn all about our top spots.
March: Theme Park Fun in Orlando
Lisa Phillips (lphillips@themouseexperts.com) spent March at Universal Studios Orlando, diving into immersive lands and high-energy attractions. Her visit was an ideal reminder of how much planning goes into a seamless theme park vacation.
April: Family Time, Cruises & California
In April, Lauren Connor (lconnor@curatedtravelcollection.com) traveled with her “core seven” family members on the Disney Fantasy, celebrating her niece’s 10th birthday. With first-time cruisers onboard, it was a meaningful, memory-filled trip made even more special by sharing it together.
Also in April, Amy Piggrem (apiggrem@curatedtravelcollection.com) and her family explored Southern California, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, and local Los Angeles attractions, balancing theme park excitement with practical travel insights. What a blast!
May: Epic Landscapes & Adventure
Val Kennedy (teamtx@curatedtravelcollection.com) and family sailed on an Alaska cruise, one of their favorite destinations ever, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and wildlife (I love an Alaska cruise!). Meanwhile, my husband Dave Hoffman (info@curatedtravelcollection.com) and I embarked on an expedition cruise through the Scottish Isles, combining rugged coastlines, history, and immersive exploration. We absolutely adored this one too.
June: Disney Elevated & Caribbean Escape
Aubrey Mulrooney (aubrey@curatedtravelcollection.com) traveled in June on a Southern California and Disneyland Resort Adventures by Disney trip, where guided experiences and behind-the-scenes access took a classic destination to the next level. Also in June, Alicia Nauman (alicia@curatedtravelcollection.com) enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Aruba, soaking up sunshine and island calm.
July: Milestones, Europe & Best-Friend Trips
July was packed with unforgettable moments. Blenda Gann (blendamouseexpert@gmail.com) celebrated an anniversary and retirement from military service with a three-week journey that included Disney, Brightline rail, a cruise, Universal Orlando (including Epic Universe), and their first Disney Cruise aboard the Dream, with Castaway Cay as a highlight.
Monica Clark (mclark@themouseexperts.com) sailed on a 9-night Rome and Greek Isles cruise aboard Norwegian Epic, paired with four days in Rome and stops including Pompeii, Santorini, Crete, Sicily, Malta, and more. Angelique Darcy-McGuire (adarcymcguire@themouseexperts.com) enjoyed a meaningful mother-daughter trip to Italy, while Brittany Noggle (bnoggle@curatedtravelcollection.com) took a special best-friends getaway, traveling with her longtime friend and their daughters. Proof that who you travel with matters just as much as where you go.
August: Iceland’s Natural Wonders
Shira Zatcoff (shira@curatedtravelcollection.com) explored Iceland in August, experiencing dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and the kind of scenery that stays with you long after you return home. A real bucket list destination!
September: New York to Bermuda
Melissa Chalek (mchalek@curatedtravelcollection.com) sailed aboard Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady on its New York–to–Bermuda itinerary. From the Statue of Liberty sail-away to exploring Bermuda’s National Museum, the trip delivered convenience, culture, and standout service. Easily one of the year’s favorites.
October: A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Happy Garner (happy@curatedtravelcollection.com) celebrated a 50th birthday aboard Virgin Voyages with close friends. A private tour in Cozumel (including an excursion to Mayan ruins and a cenote) turned this milestone into a truly unforgettable experience.
November: Holiday Magic Begins
Melissa Pieschek (mpieschek@themouseexperts.com) and her family kicked off the holidays with Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale, followed by a cruise to The Bahamas aboard Wonder of the Seas, and wrapped up with Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Traveling just after Thanksgiving meant lighter crowds and full holiday magic.
November/December: A Hawaii Tradition
Vali Dicus (dicus@curatedtravelcollection.com) and family continued their tradition of traveling to Hawaii the day after Thanksgiving, splitting time between Maui and Oahu’s North Shore. From familiar favorites at the Grand Wailea to a long-awaited stay at Turtle Bay, the trip focused on slowing down, family rituals, and meaningful full-circle moments. A true family favorite.
December: Ending the Year in Hawaii
Suzanne Flynn (sflynn@curatedtravelcollection.com) also closed out the year in Hawaii, a fitting end to a year filled with connection, celebration, and unforgettable travel. It’s always a good time to visit these incredible islands.
There you have it, our favorites from this year! While we definitely enjoy our trips, these experiences aren’t just highlights; each one shapes how we plan travel for our clients. It’s our job to understand destinations deeply, test experiences firsthand, and ensure that when we recommend something, it’s rooted in real knowledge and real moments.
Want to plan your visit to one of these amazing destinations? Reach out here or contact one of the advisors here and we’ll share all of our insider tips.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Here’s to another year of meaningful travel and to helping you create trips that become your own favorite stories.
Relax, we’ll take care of everything,
Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection
P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.
