Looking Back on a Year of Travel, Food, and Little Luxuries

As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about all the places I visited, the meals that stuck with me, and the moments that made my trips unforgettable. 2025 was full of quiet side streets, markets, indulgent dinners, and even a few unplanned adventures that turned into memories I’ll cherish forever.

Travel has always been a part of my life, but this year felt different. Everything was more intentional, and somehow calmer at the same time. It was a year of savoring the moments, discovering hidden gems and not just the see-and-be-seen spots, and finding experiences that stick with you long after you make it back to your own bed.

From oversaturated tourist traps to quaint villages I never considered stopping in, this year was a reminder that thoughtful travel is about both the big sights and the small pleasures along the way. And while the destinations may change, the joy of exploring and sharing those experiences only grew until I finally felt ready to make something of it.

With all of these thoughts in mind, I wanted to share some of my highlights from every trip I've taken, even to those places I call home and have returned to time and again.

Gothenburg, Sweden

• Eating Swedish meatballs at Saluall food market

• Going to a Swedish Hockey League game

• Visiting the historic and beautiful Feskekörka

Rome, Italy

• Eating cacio e pepe at Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurant in Rome

• Doing a tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum 

• Wandering shops with cute kitchen items and sampling different foods and drinks

Florence, Italy

• Shopping in Florence’s best perfume shops

• Getting a new haircut and color from a local stylist

• Eating amazing steaks Florentine style

Read my top 5 things to do in Florence here!

Tuscany, Italy

• Trying local wines from different vineyards

• Exploring a historic and stunning estate 

• Buying many award-winning fresh olive oils to take back with me

New Jersey, United States of America

• Going to Asbury Park to look at the Jersey Shore

• Strolling through Princeton and enjoying the old buildings on campus

• Driving all over to some of my favorite stores and restaurants I miss

Walt Disney World → Florida, United States of America

• Getting to go on the new Tron roller coaster for the first time

• Eating a Mickey-Mouse-shaped ice cream bar

• Watching the Festival of Fantasy parade 

Nassau, Bahamas

• Walking around the local shops at the cruise port

• Sightseeing at the famous Atlantis resort

• Getting a day pass to sunbathe at a resort or beach

Coco Cay, Bahamas

• Relaxing and tanning on Chill Island

• Enjoying the daybeds and scenery in the adults-only area

• Drinking as many Miami Vices as possible while in the strong sun

Stockholm, Sweden 

• Trying different types of meatballs at Meatballs for the People

• Getting immersed into the world of Abba at the Abba Museum

• Strolling through the gorgeous historic district of Gamla Stan

Gothenburg, Sweden (again)

• Going to Liseberg amusement park for a day

• Eating and drinking in the historic Haga district

• Spending a spa day at Gothia Towers

New York, United States of America

• Going to the Met

• Eating a bagel while walking the High Line

• Enjoying time in the sun at Central Park

Boston, United States of America

• Eating a lobster roll a day

• Trying clam chowder and a hot dog in Faneuil Hall

• Walking the Freedom Trail

Disneyland Paris, France

• Staying at the immersive and stunning Marvel Hotel

• Going on the Avengers rollercoaster five times in a row during extra morning hours

• Eating French treats shaped like Mickey Mouse all day long

Paris, France

• Enjoying a glass of wine and crème brûlée in Montmartre

• Roaming the winding streets and taking in the Parisian architecture 

• Shopping for skincare in French pharmacies 

Akvedukten i Håverud, Sweden 

• Seeing a boat, a car, and a train cross the aqueduct simultaneously 

• Enjoying a glass of wine and appetizer in a sunny park

• Shopping local businesses in the tourist shop

Budapest, Hungary

• Eating lángos every chance possible

• Enjoying a day spa

• Taking a sunset bottomless drink cruise down the Danube

New York, United States of America (again)

• Enjoying dinner at Pastis in Chelsea

• Sipping on a mind-blowing drink at Jac’s on Bond

• Strolling through the cobblestone streets of South Street Seaport 

Mellerud, Sweden

• Spending Christmas in the small village

• Trying a bag of Swedish candy from a pick-and-mix

• Enjoying this year’s seasonal mulled wine

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I turn the page to 2026, I’m excited for more of the moments I cherished from this past year. New cities to explore, restaurants to discover, and unique experiences to share. My goal is to continue curating stories that feel personal, stylish, and immersive. It’s something I’ve been doing for so long, but now I can be more intentional with how I share these moments. I dream of making the kind of content you find yourself reading with a coffee in hand while imagining yourself stepping right into the adventure.

Here’s to another year of travel, experiences, and inspiration. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us, not only myself, but Carry-Ons & Couture.