Celebrating Sunshine Vibes; 5 Spots For Your Next US Summer Vacation
The Capricious Traveler’s 2021 Travel Wishlist
Photo: Christine Roy
We made it through 2020 guys, and boy is it refreshing to kick off the year reminding ourselves of the beauties of the world and how lucky we are to travel and enjoy them.
From Los Angeles to New York, there’s always more to see and more to love; whether it’s a new destination or a familiar place. Let’s set the travel standards high and explore my 2021 Travel Wishlist.
Destination #1
Palm Springs, CA
Celebrations are in order for my fellow Capricorns this season, and my birthday wish this January is to relax and count my blessings with my love, under the palms, with good drinks and fresh eats. What better place to do this than Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs is a local destination not too far from LA, where it’s mostly sunny all year long – making it an ideal choice for a bit of poolside lounging during the day. It will be a new travel destination for me so I’m looking forward to being a tourist, walking around the town, and capturing some of the iconic retro styles that make Palm Springs the gem that it is.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a fun weekend trip with your girls, it seems like Palm Springs has a little something for everyone. Which makes their AirBnB and hotel options unlike any other. It’s been such a treat scouting all of the options for our stay. Do we Indulge in a desert chic home, or luxurious hotel and spa? Do we opt for mountain views or stay more towards the town’s center, where walking is ideal? Either way, I’m excited to bring in my birthday relaxed and recharged. Palm Springs is the perfect local dreamy weekend getaway I’ve been longing for and an ideal destination to kick off my 2021 Travel Wishlist.
Destination #2
New Orleans, LA
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, the city that changed my life and my favorite in the US will forever be, New Orleans. As one of my most visited places, I try to visit this beautiful city every other month, so my 2021 visit is long overdue.
I’m usually in town during February for the infamous annual Mardi Gras celebration, however, this year is a little different. Relaxing and indulging is on the menu as I eat my way through the city and catch up with some of my closest friends who I’ve missed so much over the last year.
If you’re a first-timer, the abundance of activities and adventures in New Orleans are endless. Check out Urban Adventures where you’ll find things to explore like the French Quarter and the beautiful Garden District. New Orleans city tours offer amazing experiences showcasing the city’s architecture and art. Take some time to discover the history and culture of NOLA and find out why I love it so much. New Orleans will always have a place in my heart and a place at the top of my travel list.
Destination #3
New York, NY
Let’s bundle up and head to the east coast for my next 2021 Travel Wish List destination, New York. I visited the Big Apple many years ago and I’m excited to travel back in the spring. I’m looking forward to visiting popular landmarks, exploring the most delicious eateries, and celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday with good friends and company.
Spring seems like a magical time to visit the city. From evening strolls through Central Park to taking in the sight of the famous Brooklyn Bridge; sign me up for all things fun in the city that never sleeps. Central Park itself is truly a gem. Aside from being the biggest park in the state, there are so many fun and romantic things to do while there like gondola rides and making a wish at the Bethesda Fountain.
Along with taking in the glitzy lights of Times Square and the historic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, you’ll find me on a mini food tour, treating myself to New York style pizza and discovering unique cocktails and culinary options the entire time. New York, here we come!
Destination #4
Paris, France
My 2021 Travel Wishlist, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the most romantic (and my favorite) city in the world, Paris, France. Having been there twice before in the winter, I’m excited to visit this beautiful city this time around during the summer. Prior visits were also solo, so I’m looking forward to visiting the City of Light with my love. With the weather hitting mid to high 70’s and low 80’s in June, I can’t wait to pack light and take in some beautiful “warm” days in the city.
As the capital of France, Paris has many beautiful things to do and adventures to discover. It’s known for its architecture and sight-seeing, so it will be a treat for my friend to see some of the city’s greatest landmarks! We’re talking, of course, the Eiffel Tower along with the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe… the list continues!
Paris also has some of the cutest arrondissements and the chicest hotels, so depending on how long our stay will be, we’ll likely hotel hop. Agoda makes booking super fun and easy.
Dining options are endless in this beautiful city and I can’t wait to pamper my taste buds with some of my favorite Parisian eats. Paris is a wonderland and I’m looking forward to slowing things down to take in the scene and energy of the city, catch up with friends and make a few new ones. In short, Paris is a city you’ll never forget. Counting the days until we meet again.
Destination #5
Montego Bay, Jamaica
It’s getting warmer and we’re going tropical. Next up is Montego Bay, Jamaica. I originally wanted to celebrate my birthday here at the beginning of the year but decided to postpone the trip to when things are hopefully a bit safer and the weather’s a lot warmer. I’m very much looking forward to lounging on the beautiful beaches, sipping tropical cocktails, and indulging in the local cuisine of the island – YUM!
Montego Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches to explore and has an entertaining day and nightlife. Sipping and people-watching are on my to-do list at Tropical Bliss Beach along with having drinks and laughs with friends at Margarita Ville downtown! Montego Bay is also the home to one of the most beautiful bioluminescent lagoons in the world, and I can’t wait to see it first-hand. I still have some time to find ideal accommodation so I’ll be browsing AirBnB for the perfect villa to ensure our stay is one that won’t be forgotten. If anyone has any recommendations I’m all ears!
Destination #6
Mexico City, Mexico
I’ve never visited Mexico City (also known as CDMX), and there’s a lot that excites me about visiting a metropolitan city with such beautiful architecture and delicious, yummy food! October seems like a perfect time to hop across the border and enjoy a solo trip here.
The Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico and Palacio Nacional are some notable places I’m looking forward to visiting, along with landmarks to the likes of the Angel de la Independencia, Zocalo, and Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe. All must-sees while visiting this historical and culturally rich city.
Mexico City offers an abundance of culinary tours which is right up my alley and definitely on my To-Do list. When traveling solo it is always fun to book an event or class. It allows you to mix and mingle with the locals and also meet other travelers looking to explore a new city! I’ll be making my list and checking it twice over the next few months, making a bunch of notes of things I’d like to see, places I’d love to visit, and surely restaurants I’ll be scouting.
Destination #7
Miami, FL
Last but (definitely) not least, the final destination on my 2021 Travel Wishlist is none other than Miami, Florida.
I was lucky to visit Miami in December 2019 to attend the annual and iconic Art Basel. I loved my time here so much; I decided I would attend every year. Art Basel brings together talented worldwide artists to showcase their incredible art to the masses. It also brings a vibrant energy to the city. Highlighting all that South Beach has to offer in such a cool way, with exhibitions on the beach and various neighborhoods, it becomes like a cool scavenger hunt throughout the city.
The late nights, the early mornings; Miami is the perfect destination to close out the year. I look forward to ending 2021 on a sweet note and linking up with my Brooklyn to Basel friends as we soak up some sun and get our art fix on the iconic South Beach.
How About You?
Where are you looking forward to traveling in 2021? Ready to brave the international waters and travel abroad, or do you intend on staying local and discovering some of the many gems the US has to offer? Either way, we encourage you to do a bit of fun planning to make the most out of your travels this year. And if you’ve been to any of the destinations listed above, please tag us with all of your tips and recommendations.
Happy Traveling!
xo
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