2025 Recap
2025 was a year of unexpected challenges and loss, as I mourned the passing of my Grandpa and faced my dog’s diagnosis of lymphoma cancer. We’re currently navigating her treatment, which has been tough on everyone. Despite these hardships, I have done my best to stay hopeful. I was fortunate enough to travel to four countries and go to three U.S. National Parks. Here are some places I traveled to and bucket list items that I have accomplished this year.
#1: Belize-
Belize was a relaxing vacation we went on in January. We traveled to a beautiful resort along the beach, with stunning sunsets and warm weather. I enjoyed going snorkeling in the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. We went fishing and tried fresh fish, saw the infamous Mayan Ruins, and went cave tubing. The history of the Mayans was fascinating, as we learned about their blood sacrifices to their many gods. Cave tubing was a relaxing adventure. There was a mini waterfall and bats hiding out inside the cave. Overall, this trip was amazing, and it was nice to escape the cold, snowy winter of New York!
#2: Cartagena-
Cartagena, Colombia, was yet another adventure that Tom and I decided to go on in 2025. We stayed at a perfect location within walking distance to Cartagena’s old city. The old city was very colorful, home to cobblestone streets surrounded by well-preserved stone walls built to defend against pirates. The best day was going on the Rosario Islands tour. We loved relaxing at Playa Blanca and seeing five different small Islands! On this trip, I had a pina colada out of a pineapple! YUM! If you ever travel to Cartagena, I would advise you to always keep your belongings close, as I did not feel safe in the old city.
#3: Budapest-
Traveling to Budapest and Vienna with my sisters, Talia and Sarah, for my 31st birthday was one of the highlights of 2025. Budapest was iconic, as we got to see the many statues and unique buildings throughout the city. Highlights of the trip included going to the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, seeing the Buda Castle District, and relaxing at the Gillert Baths. The first night, we went on the Danube River Cruise, where we got to enjoy unlimited champagne and see the iconic Parliament Building light up the night sky. After the cruise, we had a delicious beer at the ruin pubs. The next day, we went to Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Saint Stephen was Budapest’s first Christian King. The interior had intricate details that took my breath away. Then we strolled along the Chain Bridge and went on the funicular to get to the Buda Castle District. This district is home to the Fishermen’s Bastion, the old town, and the Hungarian National Gallery. The next day, we toured the Parliament Building. The building is home to the Hungarian Kings’ Crown. Overall, Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe!
#4: Vienna-
Highlights of Vienna included seeing a classical concert featuring ballet, orchestra, and opera, as well as touring the Hofburg Palace. We also toured the Empress Elizabeth Sisi Museum, which was unique as we got to see her fashion choices, travel adventures, and fascinating life. Her son killed himself, and she wore black for the rest of her life until she was murdered in Geneva. We had hot chocolate and chocolate cake at Cafe Central, one of Vienna’s famous historic coffeehouses.
#5: White Sands National Park-
Visiting New Mexico with Ari was one of the coolest road trips that I have ever done! We went to three national parks. White Sands National Park was absolutely stunning, and the mountains in the background left me captivated! We even went sledding down the white sand for an epic adventure!
#6: Carlsbad Caverns National Park-
Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States. Walking through the cave to see the intricate stalactites and stalagmites was so unique. The natural entrance trail is where we began our adventure down into the cave.
#7: Guadalupe Mountains National Park-
This park has unique wildlife that you might not see every day, from rattlesnakes to mountain lions! We actually saw a rattlesnake and got skeptical and opted to do the shortest trail! A rattlesnake bite can be fatal if you do not get immediate attention. That would be the worst experience, so please KEEP a lookout if you go to Guadalupe!
Bucket List Experiences:
In the Fall, I did every fall activity on my bucket list. Here is a list of everything we did during this season: visiting a corn maze, sunflower field, apple picking, pumpkin picking, painting pumpkins, going on a hay ride, and more!
In the Winter, I went ice skating, skiing, as well as celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah. I loved going to Bryant Park for the Holiday market, having hot chocolate at Frosty’s, and going to the top of Summit One Vanderbilt. Hiking in the snow is one of my favorite activities during the season.
In the summer, I went to the beach many times, one of my favorite places on earth. Memories from Beach Haven, Robert Moses, and Jennings Beach were highlights of the Summer for me. We had boat days and went jet skiing on the lake. I spent most days in my pool. I basically spent every second outdoors.
In the Spring, I went to the Botanical Gardens, where we saw amazing plants and the stunning cherry blossom trees. I had a picnic and enjoyed the changing of the weather!
Hardships:
Dixie’s diagnosis was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through. She means the world to me, and hearing that your dog only has two to four weeks left to live broke my heart. Tom and I were skeptical at first about chemo, but it is what is keeping her alive today.
My Grandpa’s passing was very hard on me, as we got along quite well. He loved plants, photography, nature, planets, UFOs, space, and birds. May he rest easy in heaven.
Relationships:
I enjoyed spending time this year with my family and friends. Memories with loved ones will be cherished forever, from traveling to Europe with my sisters to going to the Caribbean with my boyfriend. The road trip in New Mexico with my best friend Ari will be remembered forever!
Future Trips:
In 2026, I am planning another adventure with my sisters in Europe. This year we might go to Germany. I am also planning a trip to see Ari in Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2026. She moved to New Zealand right after our trip to New Mexico. I would like to go to the Caribbean with my mom and dad this year as well.
Conclusion:
Overall, 2025 was not the best year because of the many hardships that I went through and am going through, but I am going to remain hopeful and positive. Next year, I hope to travel more and enjoy life! May you have a wonderful 2026!