2017: A New Year. New passport stamps. 🙂
I’ve been meaning to share a few of the destinations on our 2017 globe-trotting horizon and today is (finally) the day! In past years, I’ve shared our travel plans closer to the beginning of the year, however, considering that only one out of our next four adventures was actually planned at that point, it was probably better that I waited until now. (Don’t let me fool you, that’s only an excuse to try and justify my procrastination.) 😉
You guys, I am SO EXCITED about our travel plans for 2017!
Over the last five months I’ve been busy planning our next big international adventure, and I’m thrilled to announce that we are headed to TURKS & CAICOS! Each year we spend our anniversary somewhere new — from the southern Caribbean, to the fjords of Norway, from Hawaii, to the Land of Smiles, to magical Mo’orea — and we are ecstatic to explore this pristine archipelago in the Caribbean. The island of Providenciales is one of the world’s best beach destinations and we’re soaking it all in by staying on Grace Bay Beach (which was recently rated the #2 Beach in the World according to Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards). Turks & Caicos is home to the third largest barrier reef so there will be a few mermaid adventures during our vacation along with plenty of long afternoons relaxing on that famous white sand beach.
After jet-setting to the Caribbean, we’re turning our sights across the pond, specifically: PARIS! Ahhhh! I am SUPER excited about this trip! When Cody and I began discussing a potential trip to the City of Lights we assumed that we would go sometime in the next year or two — it was most definitely not on our radar for 2017 — however, after our discussion, I started tracking airfare on Kayak.com (I know that’s not a surprise to most of you). 🙂 Just a few weeks later, airfare dropped SIGNIFICANTLY and we both agreed that we couldn’t pass up such an incredible deal. So we spontaneously booked our European Getaway. WOOHOO! 🙂 (I have to admit that this might be my favorite unexpected adventure to date).
In between researching and planning for the two dreamy getaways above, I’ve also started thinking about our annual Christmas Trip. If you’ve followed along here at Pictures & Plane Tickets then you know that we’re quite partial to a Hawaiian-style Christmas, however, this year we’re thinking about mixing it up and heading somewhere new!
There’s something so exciting about being able to plan a trip to absolutely anywhere in the world. Destinations I’ve only dreamed about are suddenly a very real possibility and I’m filled with wonder and excitement as I gaze over my world map and review my Bucket List and my 101 in 1001 goals list. At this point in time we’re thinking about heading South to explore the exotic tropical jungles in Central America; the destinations currently on our radar include: Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, or perhaps a Western Caribbean Cruise.
Aside from the international getaways, we’re also planning a few local trips in our down time — this year I’m hoping to make it to a couple of new National Parks, enjoy a weekend getaway to Las Vegas, and possibly fit in another fun adventure this fall. Stay tuned!
So… have you been to any of the destinations mentioned above? I’d LOVE to hear your advice, recommendations, and awesome travel tips. I’ll be forever grateful if you’re willing to help us plan our 2017 getaways! 🙂 Let’s meet up down in the comments.
Thank You! Merci! Muchas Gracias!
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Hello, I live in Mexico and every time I travel around I believe that this country has it all. I wrote several articles on my blog about Mexico`s destinations. Mexico is another planet in terms of culture, food, colors, tastes etc. Mexico city is worth visiting and you should spend at least 2 – 3 days here.You will love it! There are many getaways around Mexico city and the beaches are amazing as well. I`ve been to Cuba, the beaches are lovely, but I should say that Mexican beaches are maybe even better. Also you can do all types of activities here – raft, canyon, visit jungles etc. Did I tell already about how amazing Mexican food is? I believe that Mexico is not good enough at marketing:)
Hi there!
Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide such great information. I really want to get to Mexico at some point; the beaches look amazing and I’ve heard the scuba diving is awesome. And I love Mexican food, I have no doubt that it’s even better in Mexico. 🙂 I’ll head over to your blog and read up on Mexico as a vacation destination.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
Krystle
Your travel plans sound amazing, enjoy! I haven’t been to any of these places yet but I am sure it is going to be great! 🙂
Thanks, Becky! 🙂 I am excited to check out a few new destinations this year… if only I could make a decision on our Christmas trip… Hopefully soon!
Those sound like amazing travel plans, enjoy! I haven’t been to any of these places yet but I’m sure it is going to be great 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to T&C!! I used to have a friend that worked at a resort there. It’s on my list. And Paris will forever be a fave place.
Elle,
T&C looks so beautiful, right? 🙂 I cannot wait to relax on Grace Bay beach and scuba dive in that incredibly blue water. Paris sounds so dreamy. I can’t wait to go check it out for myself. I’m excited for the small cafes, the museums, people watching, the wine, the food, the DESSERT… Any favorite tips you would like to share?
I swear we have so much in common! Our next trip is going to be to Grace Bay in T&C. It’s supposed to be one of the best beaches in the world, which definitely peaks my interest! However, we won’t be going for a bit, so make sure you check out that beach while you’re there so I can live vicariously through you!
Hey Shauna,
That’s awesome! 🙂 We are staying right on Grace Bay Beach and I’m super excited to check it out. The photos look soooo dreamy. We have quite a few adventures planned during our visit so hopefully you’ll find our experiences useful when you start planning your trip.
Have a great week!
Yay!!!!!!!! Cannot WAIT to see photos!!!
Wow, so many exciting destinations, especially the Caribbean 😀 Charlie has been to Belize and Mexico and loved it, especially Belize. I am sure you guys love it wherever you go as you have a great sense of appreciation for new destinations 😀
I’ve been to Paris years ago, loved Versailles, such a beautiful place. The whole Paris is like an outdoor museum 🙂 I’d love to visit smaller places in France though, sit in little cafes, eat good food and drink lots of wine 🙂
Kristina!
Hi my friend. I could give you the biggest hug right now. Thank you SO MUCH for your advice! Where did Charlie stay while he was in Belize? We are thinking of spending half of our time near San Ignacio in the jungle and the other half on one of the cayes. (If we end up going there, of course). You are completely right… we love exploring new places and will find adventure no matter where we are. Thanks for the great reminder that no matter our decision, it will be the right one. 🙂
Through my research it feels like Paris is one big postcard. So many beautiful buildings, art, gardens… I can’t wait to see it all for myself. I will definitely take some time to sit in the smaller cafes and just enjoy being there and in the moment. And I can’t wait to try that famous Parisian wine. 🙂
Thanks again for stopping by. I really appreciate your help.
Ahh you’re giving me serious wanderlust right now!
Hey Jamie!
I have serious wanderlust as well! 🙂 I’m hoping that we can make a decision on our Christmas trip sometime within the next few months. Soooo many places, so little time. 😉
Hey Jamie,
You’ve been to Paris, right? Did you have a favorite part?
Hey, yes I’ve been a few times! Theres a lot I haven’t done but I do have a number of things I really loved. What’s your email? I will send you some things I liked!
Just emailed you. Thanks for your help 🙂
I just posted the first part of my Morocco Adventure” – check it out on my website http://www.giselleroeder.com. I envy you the freedom to do all the travel planning and DOING it. Quite a number of places you mention I have visited in the ‘last century’. Now I’m just dreaming of all I have done and what you are going to do. Do you think you could share my Morocco story?
Hi Giselle,
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for Turks & Caicos or Paris? 🙂 What about Belize or Costa Rica? I just started reading about Belize, it looks so beautiful there.
I enjoyed reading your story about Morocco. That sounds like quite the experience. It seems like it would definitely be a culture shock at first. I’ll see if I can get creative and incorporate a link to your fascinating story on one of my upcoming blog posts. 🙂
What do you mean re Turks, Caicos or Paris? I have been in Turkey and have some pics – but I think I don’t understand what you are looking for.
Morocco 2. part is coming tonight.
Giselle,
Sorry, I wasn’t very clear in my comment. 🙂 I was wondering if you had been to any of the specific destinations in my post because I’m trying to narrow down our Christmas vacation destination. I’m in the planning/researching stage now, so I am looking for advice from my blogging friends. 🙂
Hope you’re having a great day.
Krystle