Drea As I sit down to write this, surrounded by holiday decor and the smell of pine candles in the air, I’m finding it hard to believe it’s the end of the year. But alas, here we are, and it’s a good time to take a beat, pause and reflect on the year we’ve had. For me, as a passionate traveler, that includes some of my favorite travel memories of 2025.
In 2025 I traveled to old favorites and new finds – from places close to home like Orange County, Palm Springs, Arizona, and Oregon, to those farther afield like New York, England, Scotland, and Japan (a bucket list trip finally came to life!). But it wasn’t the destinations that made this year special – it was the unexpected moments. And perhaps not surprisingly, several of these moments come from that bucket list trip I had dreamed of for so long.
So take a break from last-minute shopping, wrapping and holiday partying and settle in for a few memories that stood out this year. From intimate meals and personal challenges, to accidental discoveries and spontaneous joy, you’ll find a little bit of everything. These aren’t guidebook highlights – they’re the meaningful moments that remind me why I travel.
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Moment 1: Finding Serenity in a Takayama Restaurant
Midway through my Japan travels, I wanted to explore on my own, so I broke away from our small group for the afternoon. As I was searching Google for places to have lunch, I found a place nearby with amazing reviews. Physically finding it was a bit more difficult – there was no sign, the door was hidden, and it was in a nondescript alleyway. After walking by it three or four times, and pulling up the google images, I finally realized that the place I thought was someone’s house was actually the restaurant.
As I pulled back the faded grey curtain, the vibe completely shifted. I stepped into a warm, cozy, colorful cocoon – maybe 8 counter seats and a couple tables. The only people I saw were two other diners at the bar and an older gentleman behind the counter.
Turns out the two other diners were locals, and kindly explained to me that this gentleman has run this place for years, and serves the same exact dish – one dish – every day. It’s simple, humble, comforting and delicious. And you can tell it’s made with love. I watched the chef prepare each item thoughtfully, carefully, and then serve it proudly.
As I took my first slurp of soup and bite of food, I felt like I’d been transported. Not only was the miso soup the best I’ve had in my life, but it was as if I’d escaped the tourist trail and found unexpected serenity. With friendly patrons, a kind chef, and a Japanese soap opera playing on the screen above us, I was reminded that sometimes the best travel moments happen when you slow down and let the experience unfold.
Moment 2: Navigating Darkness (and Fear) in a Buddhist Temple
That same afternoon in Takayama, Japan, we visited a Buddhist temple. One of the monks offered us the opportunity to go in the kaiden meguri – a pitch-black maze underground, where you have to feel your way through, find a lock, and make your way out. It’s an exercise in how you react when things are unknown and unclear, and a way to help you navigate that uncertainty better.
I realized that in moments of fear, my chest tightens, I slow down and become more alert. I had to consciously think through it and remind myself I am safe to settle my nerves and make my way through the maze with ease.
This was not only a unique experience I had never seen in any guidebook or tour offering. It was more than that. The monk was sharing a deeper piece of their culture with us. It was also a metaphor for how this mirrors travel itself, and life quite honestly. We’re always navigating uncertainty, faced with the unknown, and regardless we need to keep going. It reminded me that I’m more resilient, stronger and more adaptable than I sometimes give myself credit for.
Moment 3: The Accidental Art of Shrine Stamps
On one of my first days of my solo trip in Tokyo, I was still in awe at every temple and sight I saw. As I was visiting Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, I saw a huge line. Naturally, being a rule-following type, I got in that line, having no idea what it was for!
Someone kindly explained it was for a shrine book. I then asked what that was, and learned that people bring these books to each shrine and temple they visit. Each temple has a unique stamp, often done in handwritten calligraphy identifying the temple name and the date.
It sounded like both a nice way to support the temple and an interesting discovery, so I bought a book and once I saw that first stamp, I was hooked. After that, I got a stamp at nearly every temple I visited.
This became a chance to be present and appreciate every place I visited, vs rushing through and onto the next site as we are sometimes apt to do. It also became a cherished keepsake and piece of art in a way. Watching them skilfully, delicately draw the stamp and hand the book back to you with intention was a meaningful exchange.
My book is now a unique memory of my trip and something I can take with me on my next visit. It just goes to show the best travel souvenirs come from saying yes to things you don’t understand yet.
Moment 4: When an Impromptu Highlands Visit Becomes the Highlight In Scotland
My mom and I spent two weeks in the UK this fall, with Edinburgh as our final stop. We had our itinerary set, and hadn’t planned on visiting the Scottish highlands as we didn’t think there would be time. On our second-to-last day, as rain set in and we grew sluggish, we made an impromptu decision: scrap the itinerary. Instead we headed for the Highlands, going all the way to Loch Ness.
This ended up being the highlight of our Scotland visit. It also gave my mom and I some good relaxing time together while turning over the guide reins to someone else for the day. People often think tours or guides can make things more restrictive, but the flip side is it can give you ease and time to just connect with each other, without the stress of logistics and decisions.
The lesson? Stay flexible. Tours (and itineraries) don’t have to be restrictive – sometimes they’re exactly what you need to slow down and just be together.
Moment 5: Dancing in the Streets of New York
When my friend invited me on a girls trip to New York, I immediately said yes! While I’d been plenty of times, New York is one of those cities that always has something new to offer. On our first day there as we strolled through the city, we noticed streets were blocked off and some side streets were quite bustling.
Being adventurous and willing to go where the wind took us, we decided to check it out. That’s how we found ourselves right in the middle of the Hispanic Heritage Parade! The side streets are where each group was staged, practicing for their official start. We flamencoed with Spain, twirled with cultural dancers of Peru, and shimmied with the lively Colombian crew.
That was the start of our trip, and it only got better. The whole week unfolded that way – calm Central Park walks and bustling Broadway shows, old friends and new discoveries, familiar New York and a deeper bond with my friend. It allowed me to rediscover New York City while making new memories in the process.
The realization? Just when you think you know a place or a person, they surprise you. Stay open to the magic (and the trip), even in places you’ve been to a hundred times. Having that spontaneity and openness is what makes travel (and life) fun!
Conclusion
These five moments weren’t on any itinerary or must-see list – they just happened when I stayed open, curious, and willing to follow my instincts. What they all share: presence, openness, and human connection. They remind me that the best travel isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about showing up fully.
What travel moment from 2025 is sticking with you? I’d love to hear what made your year special – tell me in the comments!
Wherever you spend your holidays, however you close out your year, I hope you have moments worth remembering.
Happy travels – and happy holidays – kindreds!
RELATED POSTS
- Planning your own Japan adventure? Start Here
- Did I inspire a solo trip? Here’s 10 Reasons to Travel Solo and my Beginner’s Guide to Solo Travel
- Are you and your family taking a trip in the new year? Check out my article on Multi-Gen Travel Tips.
- Considering a mother/daughter getaway? Take a look at what I learned traveling with my mom.
HELPFUL LINKS
Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing and planning:
- Custom trip planning: Need help planning your holiday travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
- Car, activity and hotel bookings: https://www.expedia.com, https://www.viator.com, https://www.tripadvisor.com
- Flight comparison: https://flights.google.com
- Save restaurants and your hotel in a Google Maps list. https://maps.google.com
- Favorite luggage: I love Away luggage, I have several sizes that work for different types of trips: https://www.awaytravel.com
