That’s a wrap on 2025 travel! We’re sharing all the trips we went on this year and giving you a little wanderlust inspiration along the way!

Together we took 33 trips to 17 countries, 10 U.S. states, and 3 national parks. We put out 76 new episodes about these travels and more so explore the deep dive trip episodes if any of these destinations pique your interest.

Come on our adventures with us in real-time, and check out other years and their travels in last year’s travel recap!

2025 Travel Wrapped – Episode Transcript

0:40

Speaker 2

Hello fellow travelers. Welcome to this week’s episode of the Travel Squad Podcast. Today we’re bringing back our annual travel recap episode to really go over and appreciate all the amazing places that we’ve been this year, all the great experiences that we’ve had across 2025, and hopefully inspire you to take some of these trips for yourself.

1:01

Speaker 3

I always love doing these episodes because I feel like this episode right here is truly what inspired us originally to start the podcast past, you know, that drunken night that we were in a cab in Mexico City and we’re saying we’re cool, we travel.

And again, this is not to show off, but just what people can do with full time jobs when you make travel a priority.

1:21

So we’re going to highlight all the countries we visited, States, and just give you guys a general recap.

1:26

Speaker 1

Yeah, what a year it’s been.

We were able to fit in so much travel this year and I also feel like this year we really stepped up our travel game using points and miles and business class flights.

Kim took her first first class flight and again, it’s to inspire you guys and we hope that you guys had a really fun successful year of travel.

1:46

And if you didn’t use this inspiration to do that in 2026?

1:50

Speaker 3

So collectively we went to 16 countries.

Obviously we’re going to count the US because we did traveling within the US and we do live here.

But we went to Thailand, Singapore, China, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Portugal, England, Canada, Italy, France, Monaco, Georgia.

2:08

Yes, it’s a country, not only a state.

And Mexico, so collectively 16 countries amongst us.

2:14

Speaker 2

This year we only went to three national parks.

Typically in years past, national parks have been on the higher end of this list, but we’ve done so many of them.

This year we went to Glacier Bay, Key, Knife Yards and Big Bend National Parks.

2:27

Speaker 1

We also went to 10 different states.

We traveled throughout California, Alaska, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Hawaii and Tennessee.

2:37

Speaker 3

And along the way, you know, we’re dropping new episodes for you, talking all about our adventures.

So collectively we had 31 full size episodes that launched this year, as well as 45 mini, just the tips that air on Fridays.

2:51

Speaker 2

And across all of the destinations that we’ve been to, between the three of us, we took 33 different trips that either were for some form of vacation work or just travel in general. 33 trips, that’s something like 3 trips a month we’re averaging here.

3:08

Those are pretty good stats for y’all.

3:11

Nashville, Sacramento, Mammoth, Thailand & Singapore

So let’s dive right into January and recap our adventures throughout the year.

3:16

Speaker 2

I started the year off strong on a Nash Vegas trip.

It was my friend Chelsea’s birthday on January 6th and every year we go and do something for her birthday.

It’s right after New Year’s, so we really hit the ground running.

We went to Nashville for a weekend trip.

3:32

It was your classic Nashville trip.

Honky tonks, brunch, music, partying, snow.

A flight got delayed because of snow.

We stayed more, went to a rage room which was pretty cool.

We went to a Taco Bell with a live music stage.

3:47

We had a lot of fun there.

So if you’re looking for a classic Nashville trip of your own, we aired an episode on this on February 18th that has a lot of recommendations so you can go to Nashville for yourself.

3:58

Speaker 1

Jamal and I started our first trip of the year going to a friend’s wedding.

So Jamal’s really good friend Jay, he got married in Sacramento.

We’re from Woodland, which is just about 15 minutes outside of Sacramento.

So Jamal and I haven’t done a ton of things in SAC.

So we actually stayed downtown near the wedding venue and we woke up and explored Sacramento, went to the state capitol, we went to a Yemeni coffee shop that was really amazing.

4:23

And then we spent some time with Jamal’s family while we were there.

4:26

Speaker 2

I also in January went to Mammoth, California, California.

So I guess we did a lot of California here in January.

Mammoth is also in Northern California.

It’s a mountain snow destination.

My friend Charlotte is known for being the snowboarder, like EDM partier, these like quintessential views of these like snow parties.

4:46

I saw a TikTok about it and I sent it to her and I said, I want to do this with you.

She was like, well, lo and behold, I actually have a trip coming up just like that.

And so it was this girl Drax has a birthday every year with over 300 people, people that go to it.

We rented out a bowling alley where everyone was themed in Viking outfits.

5:03

We did wine tasting, people went snowboarding, and then we had a big party the next night.

So it was just quintessential.

And even if you don’t snowboard or like adrenaline snow activities, you can still go to Mammoth and have a great time.

5:15

Speaker 1

You had such a great time, you lost your phone at one of these parties.

5:19

Speaker 2

And I got it back.

5:20

Speaker 1

Well, that’s always good.

5:22

Speaker 3

Also in January, this was our first big trip of the year.

Brittany and I went to Thailand and Singapore.

If you guys want to hear all about it and have us go more in depth, go back and listen to our episodes that aired.

They aired between February 28th and March 18th.

5:39

So we have it scattered in between of like Bangkok mini episode, our time in Phuket, Shangmai, our business class experience that we had with Singapore Airlines and of course our time in Singapore.

So you could recap all of those episodes in that time frame.

But what an experience we had.

5:55

You know, there’s very few countries that I go to that immediately after I leave, I say I’m ready to go back.

Obviously I, like other countries, want to go back, but very few captivate me to be like, no, I would cancel my next new place and come back here.

And Thailand was really one of those places and I loved it a lot from our short time in Bangkok.

6:16

Enjoyed the beaches of Phuket, lounging at our hotel on its own private beach, the more laid back atmosphere and temples of Shang Mai.

I just really loved it a lot.

6:27

Speaker 2

Thailand has always been on the top of my list of one of my favorite countries in the world.

I’m so glad that you agree with me on this.

6:32

Speaker 1

Yeah, I want to go back and I want to explore some more areas.

We didn’t make it to Cheng Rai love to go there.

I would love to go to some of the islands that we didn’t get to make it to, so I would definitely go back to Thailand.

6:43

Valentine’s in Orlando, Singapore, and Oahu

February around Valentine’s Day I went to Orlando, FL.

It was supposed to be for a work trip and then the work part of it got cancelled, but I ended up going anyway because I had a friend out there who made this the most romantic Valentine’s Day weekend I’ve ever had.

6:58

It was like heart-shaped red rose on the bed when I came in the hotel room.

We stayed at the Hilt Insignia Disney Resort Hotel, so it had this amazing lazy river and shuttle to Disney.

And of course we went to Disney Epcot and had an amazing day drinking around the world there.

7:16

We have a reel on that on our Instagram and we have an episode on Epcot.

It’s actually a video episode where you can see me and Brittany in Minnie Mouse ear that aired on June 10th.

If anyone’s interested in going to Epcot, we know we have a lot of squaddies who love Disney like we do.

7:31

Speaker 3

And in February, I’m just going to say it again, we went to Singapore.

Obviously, our Thailand Singapore trip spanned between January and into February.

So we enjoyed our time here in Singapore.

It is a city state, nation, so you don’t need too much time to explore.

7:48

And of course, if you’re flying Singapore Airlines, which we were great place to stop and do a stopover.

Singapore is a city of opulence.

So we decided to redeem those credit card points, almost how you were talking at the beginning of the episode, Brittany, about our travel hack in these days, utilizing points, etcetera.

8:05

And we stayed large here at the Saint Regis, which was a great experience.

Of course, we explored all that Singapore has to offer, the famous things that you see on all those reels and Tik Toks.

So check out that episode as well.

And again airing February 28th through March 18th, that whole Thailand Singapore trip.

8:23

Speaker 1

We also went to Oahu, so we went to Hawaii.

It was the last the big islands that we needed to hit off.

We had previously gone to Kawaii, Big Island, Maui, and so this is the last one we needed to visit.

So we did do that and we have an episode on Oahu which aired March 25th, but we also have another episode.

8:44

It’s a mini and it’s called Which Hawaiian Island is Right for You?

And it talks about all four of the Hawaiian Islands and which one might be the best pick for you depending on what kind of personality you have.

8:54

Speaker 3

You know, I just want to say real quick that Oahu really shocked me.

I wasn’t expecting to not like it, but you hear a lot of people say, oh, Waikiki is just so crowded.

It has Honolulu, which is a big city.

You just really don’t get that island feel.

And maybe so, but I still enjoyed my time there.

9:10

But there are other spots of the island that are just really nice, really unique, and definitely as a sleeper, I really feel I enjoyed Oahu a lot.

9:19

Speaker 2

The episode that you did on which Hawaiian island is right for me has inspired me to go to Oahu.

I think it is the right island for me and I can’t wait to see it.

9:29

Speaker 1

Maybe you’ll add that to your list in 2026.

9:32

Speaker 3

I keep telling Brittany that she should go with you, Kim, on that one just to go to Oahu.

I think you guys would have a good time.

So you guys need to find those Southwest sales because Southwest has really good flight prices to Hawaii sometimes, especially Oahu.

9:45

San Diego, Asia Tour, and Jamaica Retreat

Getting into March, I had to actually come out to San Diego.

I had a work trip here in San Diego that was just a couple days, so I didn’t get to do a whole lot, but I did go to my favorite restaurant in the entire world, B Shock Ramen.

Best ramen in the world?

10:02

Speaker 3

That’s a stretch, Kim.

That’s a stretch.

10:04

Speaker 2

So if you’re in San Diego, B Shock Ramen is where to go eat.

And I also got to stay at the Westgate Hotel, and I love the Westgate has the most amazing rooftop pool and gym there.

So yeah, maximizing work trips for pleasure was definitely a theme of this year for me.

10:20

Speaker 3

Really like the Westgate hotel.

Kim, Brittany and I have never stayed there but one time we did a Sunday brunch there.

Really good brunch at the Westgate.

10:28

Speaker 2

It’s so beautiful, Yeah, the food’s great, service is great, and it’s got that old classic historical look to it.

10:35

Speaker 1

In March, Jamal and I went to Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan.

We have an itinerary for all three places individually and these episodes aired between May 13th than May 27th.

But we specifically planned this trip around Hong Kong Disney because it’s the last Disney park in the world that we needed to visit.

10:53

And then I was like, well, you know, while we’re on that side of the world, why don’t we go ahead and add on South Korea.

So we did go to South Korea, added a new country to our list.

We did a DMZ tour, we explored Seoul, really love South Korea, and I hope to go back soon because it was so much fun and there’s so much more to do in South Korea.

11:13

And then we also made a pit stop on the way back to Japan, visited Tokyo Disney Sea again and explore Tokyo and had a great time in Japan.

As Jamal said earlier, there’s a few countries that he would go back to and Japan is always on his list, so he couldn’t say no to Japan.

11:31

Speaker 3

I’d go back to Japan tomorrow and I, I love it so much.

This time, like you said, Brittany, we only explored Tokyo, but if you paid attention to the dates we were here in March, this is when cherry blossom season is.

And of course, there’s no tried and true that happens on this exact week, etcetera, etcetera, because it depends on the season, the weather, the winter, all of that.

11:53

But we caught a few of those early cherry blossoms going.

They weren’t in full bloom, but we were in several parks that had several trees going and that was really nice.

And a couple days after we left, unfortunately, that’s when everything came into peak bloom.

So if you ever go for that type of tourism to Japan for the cherry blossoms, just know that you may time it to the best that you think it is, but you never know what it’s really going to be.

12:17

But what a great experience all around on that trip, hopping to three different countries.

Of course, Hong Kong is not a country part of China, but nevertheless loved it.

12:26

Speaker 2

Still counts.

12:27

Speaker 3

And it still counts.

12:28

Speaker 2

In March I took a trip to Jamaica.

I went on a week long trip to Hedonism Resort in Jamaica.

It was an all inclusive, amazing, really unique style of trip.

And one of the things that I said last year was that I wanted men to start paying for more of my travel and so this trip was paid for by someone else.

12:50

Loved it.

12:51

Speaker 1

That’s really funny.

And you know, actually it brings up a good point.

You said Jamaica and I don’t think we mentioned that in the country is that we went to this year.

So that actually makes our country total 17 instead of 16.

13:02

Speaker 2

Add that one on.

So Jamaica’s a really, really cool place.

The people there just have the best attitudes.

Everyone’s in a great mood.

It’s beautiful.

And then staying at an all inclusive resort for the very first time was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

It’s definitely something, again, all inclusive resort I want to do in 2026 and that was amazing.

13:24

So that was a very unique style of trip.

That episode aired on April 29th.

If you’ve ever heard of Hedonism Resort, you’re interested in that.

Go ahead and listen to it, but just be cautioned it’s not an episode for everyone.

13:36

Dallas, New England, and the Chic South of France

In April we didn’t do much travel collectively, but Jamal and I did our annual trip to Dallas for Easter.

We always go visit my sister for Easter weekend and had a great time with my family there.

We always do a boy’s day and a girl’s day.

So for the girls day, we went and had a spa day at World Springs.

13:54

I know, Kim, you’ve been there before and that’s.

13:55

Speaker 2

Why?

I love World Springs and in May of 2026 they are targeting to open one in Austin.

14:01

Speaker 1

Oh amazing.

Such a wonderful day spa.

We spent a few hours there, went to all the different little Hot Springs, cold plunges, saunas, all of that floated in their version of the Dead Sea for a while.

14:12

Speaker 2

Britney did a 5 minute cold plunge.

She’s absolutely insane.

14:16

Speaker 1

I did, yeah.

It was, It was amazing.

And then from there, we flew to Austin and spent two days with Kim recording content and doing some things around Austin.

14:26

Speaker 2

We actually recorded a few video episodes.

First time we’ve ever done video episodes.

You can find those on Spotify, check them out.

Put a face to the name.

14:37

Speaker 3

In May, Brittany and I did some East Coast traveling to New England.

We ended up going to Rhode Island and Connecticut.

So if you want to hear all about that trip in depth aired June 24th.

But Rhode Island was our 46th state for me and Brittany of the 50 and Connecticut made 47.

14:56

So when we were in Rhode Island, Kim, I know you’ve been before we did the Newport mansion.

Seen all that old money history that you have on the East Coast.

We did the Vanderbilt Mansion as well tour on that.

And then in Connecticut, we explored the campus of Yale.

15:12

We went to Gillette State Park, the town of Mystic, which was really cool, really unique.

And then of course, Connecticut is known for pizza.

We got some pizza in New Haven and really enjoyed that.

So that was a fun time meandering on the East Coast.

15:27

Speaker 2

Towards the end of May, I went to the South of France.

I have been dreaming of the South of France for as long as I knew it existed.

I always wanted to go there.

It just looked so chic, so quintessential European vacation.

15:42

Beautiful beaches, beach clubs, fancy things, fancy people and it lived up to everything I thought it was going to be.

So I have actually met Zana, our OG squatty member Zana in Paris.

We spent about 8 hours exploring Paris, which was really cool to see the Eiffel Tower in real life and see a bit of that.

16:01

And then we took a train to the South of France.

We stayed in Nice, had so much beach time, went to beach clubs, we explored the medieval town of Ezz.

I went into Monaco and saw just the most beautiful yachts and buildings and nature around Monaco, and Monaco is its own country so it was really really cool to see travel by train.

16:21

It exceeded all of my expectations.

The only thing I didn’t do was that I really wanted to go to San trope, not realizing San trope is kind of a trek to get to from Nice.

It’s probably about a three ish hour journey each way and you can’t really take A direct so it ended up being a little too much work for the short amount of time that we have there.

16:39

But it’s definitely on my future list.

I want to go and just spend time in San Tropez, go to beach clubs, go with people that enjoy partying and dining out and that kind of lifestyle.

16:49

Speaker 1

Yeah, sounded like an amazing trip.

I do want to make it to South of France.

It’s on my list.

16:53

Speaker 2

And the South of France episode aired on July 8th, so you can go back in the feed and find that.

July 8th of 2025.

Monaco mini episode aired July 11th, 2025.

17:04

Exploring Alaska’s National Parks and Travel Squad Shop

Towards the end of May, while you guys were on that trip, Jamal and I went to Alaska to head off 2 of the national parks.

Alaska has eight national parks and prior to this trip, we had not been to any of them.

We had previously been to Alaska before on a cruise but not had been to any of the national parks.

17:20

So we decided that we are going to break up our National Park trips in Alaska to like 2A year.

So it’ll probably take us four years to hit all eight of them.

So this year we did Kenai Fjords and Glacier Bay national parks, two different national parks.

17:36

You have to take a plane to get between them and we have an itinerary on each one.

Kenai Fjords aired July 29th and Glacier Bay aired August 5th.

So definitely check those out.

There was a lot that we saw and did in key knife yards.

17:51

We did a hike and we saw Mama bear in her cub.

We took an amazing cruise with major marine tours.

We saw a ton of whales, a wildlife, sea otters, bald eagles, everything that you want to see in Alaskan wildlife and in Glacier Bay.

We also did take another cruise and we were actually able to spot a coastal brown bear with a dead mountain goat.

18:11

It was really, really amazing.

18:12

Speaker 2

How exciting was it eating the goat?

18:14

Speaker 3

It was not eating the goat, it was just guarding in it.

And if you go back and listen to the episode and just to kind of refresh your memory on it, Kim, if you have forgotten our Ranger who was with us, because even though it was on a cruise and these are operated by like private entities, they do require all the cruises that go through Glacier Bay to actually have an official National Park Ranger on it.

18:36

And so we were all in debate, including the park Ranger saying like, hey, did this bear kill the goat or did he just happen to come across a dead goat that had fallen off of the Cliff?

And was protecting it so it was really cool to get as close as we did to it with obviously being safe since we were on a boat and he’s not going to jump and come swim towards us or anything like that.

18:58

But really cool to see a grizzly, so to speak out in nature that way in brown bear and I just love Alaska.

We’re planning and we’re going to talk about a little bit later at the end of this episode what we’re going to be doing in 2026.

But Alaska is on our To Do List for those two other national parks that were penciling in for the year.

19:16

And I’d I love it out there.

So I’m really excited to just such raw nature in Alaska.

19:22

Speaker 2

Quadis, I want to remind you about shop travelsquad.com where we have all of our itineraries listed for you.

Everything from the one day itineraries, the free itineraries, the multi day, the best selling Japan itinerary.

All of that can be found right there on the site.

19:38

And please subscribe to our newsletter too, because every newsletter we do release a promo code for the month that puts the itinerary is on sale.

Sometimes they’re buy one, get one free, buy one, get one half off.

Sometimes we put like this winter, we put on warm weather escape itineraries were on sale.

19:55

So get that promo code special in the newsletter and go to shoptravelsquad.com to get your itineraries.

20:02

Mykonos Wellness Retreat and Quebec City Conference

Now in June, I went straight from South of France to Mykonos, Greece for a Wellness retreat.

This was the first time I really ever went like country to country on a big long trip like this and it definitely felt exciting.

It felt like a whole new trip starting.

20:18

It was a whole new trip starting even though it was same trip and it was very, very different coming from South of France going to Mykonos Wellness retreat.

I’ve never done retreat travel.

I was so excited for this retreat.

I had it booked almost a year in advance.

And just to paint the picture for you, luxury fitness and Wellness resort on the hilltop in Mykonos with an amazing ocean view. 14 women, all within their 20s or 30s, successful, ambitious, beautiful, kind.

20:46

So there’s a lot of like friend connection.

Imagine going to Mykonos with 14 of your girlfriends.

That’s what this was.

But there was a Wellness element to it.

There was spiritual sound, healing, tarot card reading every single morning started with two hours of weightlifting and Pilates.

21:01

Amazing meals, dinners out, nightlife.

I went to the iconic Scorpios nightclub with my girls and we had VIP bottle service.

It was everything I could have ever asked for in a Mykonos vacation, let alone Mykonos retreat.

And it got me so jazzed up about retreats that I am looking to do another one in 2026.

21:22

Speaker 3

When we were recording this, Kim, you got me jazzed up for retreats.

Quite honestly, I know this was an all girls 1, but just in general, it really kind of set the mood and the atmosphere for it.

But I just want to say something real quick.

We did a terrible job in counting because when we did our country recap, we did not include Greece either.

21:38

So we forgot Jamaica.

We forgot, so add another one to the list here.

So we did a lot more traveling than we thought as we’re recapping it right now.

21:46

Speaker 2

Good catch, Jamal.

Those were mine.

I left off because you know that that’s the type of traveler that I am.

I will forget my toothbrush even though we all know we need to bring that.

21:56

Speaker 3

Oh, you just did so many that you forgot also too.

That’s can’t.

21:59

Speaker 2

Keep track of all this travel.

That was a theme for me this year too.

Just go, go, go constantly.

And shortly after returning from this Greece trip, we had a very, very exciting trip.

And where was that?

22:11

Speaker 3

It was in Quebec City, Canada, so this was a squad trip, so to speak, but also business trip.

We went for the T Bex conference.

That episode aired talking all about Quebec City on August 19th.

But they had the conference in Quebec, which was really cool.

22:28

But experiencing Quebec City in Canada was really something fun and unique.

We’ve all been to Canada before, more particularly, you know, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario.

But the province of Quebec is unique because they still speak French there due to their French roots.

22:47

Quebec City, of course, is the capital of Quebec, but it’s such a European city in terms of like the cobblestone streets, the architecture of the buildings.

So here you are in Canada, which you sometimes don’t feel is any different than the US, but yet here you come to this province, this city, and it really is.

23:06

So what a fun time in Quebec.

23:08

Speaker 1

There’s so much nature outside of the city as well.

We went on a waterfall trip, got to see some amazing waterfalls and do some hiking.

Kim did some fine dining and eating on a food tour that she went on.

23:20

Speaker 2

Food tours are where it’s at.

I got to say, I’m in love with food tours now.

23:24

Speaker 1

And you also went to a spa?

23:26

Speaker 2

Strom Spa in Quebec is a Nordic spa.

It was absolutely gorgeous.

You could spend an entire day there.

They had free lemon salt scrubs and red light beds and tons of different pools, Infinity overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.

It was just amazing.

23:42

And I do want to say to this marks a pretty big milestone for the Travel Squad podcast because it was a business trip.

It was our first travel creators conference, but it was also one of our first times we were hosted by a tour tourism board, the waterfall trip and the food tour and even different experiences that we had on our own out at different restaurants around town.

24:06

We’re hosted by the tourism board.

So it was kind of like a little bit of our dreams coming true.

Squatty’s, we’ve always dreamed about doing trips like this and turning our passion for travel and helping others travel into more of a business.

So shout out to you Squatty’s for helping us just by being a part of this community and helping us achieve our dreams and goals.

24:26

Speaker 1

Too.

24:27

Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Southern California Amtrak

In July, Jamal and I took a big trip to Switzerland and we added on the country of Liechtenstein too.

These episodes aired September 2nd and September 12th.

Switzerland.

We did a ton of travel between different cities.

We went to Interlochen or Matt Lucerne and we ended in Appenzell and Appenzel is a very close to Liechtenstein, which is the 6th smallest country in the world, so we spent an overnight there as well.

24:52

But Swiss Alps are just so amazing, so gorgeous.

It is a hikers paradise.

Switzerland as a country, you know, it was a little expensive and it was not Jamal’s favorite due to the food there.

But overall, for the scenery, it’s 10 out of 10.

25:08

Speaker 3

I did like Switzerland, despite what you feel.

I projected Brittany and what I said about it.

I mean, I really do.

Like you can’t deny the beauty.

25:17

Speaker 2

It’s the most beautiful country in the world.

25:19

Speaker 3

No, no doubt, no doubt on that.

And where I was just saying what I said about Switzerland is I feel like to some degree and go back and listen to the episodes and this isn’t to like be a hater on it.

I would go again and do it.

Would I spend as long and do exactly what we did again?

25:35

I don’t know, right?

But I feel like Switzerland to some degree is like a tourist trap because all the sights to see require you to take a train or a gondola up to the top of the mountain.

You know, not to say that they don’t have roads or anything like that, but you can’t take your car to the top of the mountain.

25:52

Just historically they’ve geared themselves that way and now that costs money and so you want to see all the sights.

Then it just becomes cumbersome that way.

That was my gripe on Switzerland.

But still, in general, thought it was really beautiful, enjoyed it, no doubt.

I want to just reiterate that for everybody.

26:09

Speaker 2

In July I went to Southern California for 4th of July to visit some family that I have in the area.

Met up with my mom, spent 4th of July with the fam, then I went down to San Diego.

I took the Amtrak from Anaheim to San Diego.

Have you guys ever done the Amtrak in California?

26:24

Speaker 3

I’ve taken Amtrak, but not that route that you’ve done.

I’ve taken Amtrak from Davis to San Francisco.

26:30

Speaker 2

Before, I was pleasantly surprised, so I splurged on the first class ticket, which was only like, I don’t know, 5 or $10 more than the regular class ticket.

26:40

Speaker 3

You got a splurge on it for that price and they give.

26:42

Speaker 2

You come on Max, they have an attendant that helps you find your seat.

There was almost no one on the train with me.

The seats were comfortable.

I brought a little drink with me.

It was a great experience.

I would definitely take the Amtrak again.

The only thing is I would be much more careful about times because this marked the second time in 2025 that I missed a train and it caused an issue in my travels.

27:04

The first time was in Paris and that was a 400 dollar issue.

And then in July I also went finally on another work trip to Orlando.

So the one that had originally been scheduled for February got rescheduled for July.

And every time we go out to Orlando to visit this particular client, the Co workers that I go with love Disney.

27:22

So we did Disney Magic Kingdom.

That was my first time there.

So now I’ve done 3 of Disney World parks.

27:28

Speaker 3

Which one are you missing?

Hollywood Studios.

Yes, Hollywood Studios.

All right, well, you’re not missing too much on that one.

27:33

Lake Tahoe, Splash House, and Georgia Wine Fest

That one’s my least favorite Disney World, but still got to go to it.

But in August, Brittany and I ended up going home.

By home, we’re talking to Sacramento Woodland.

For my mom’s birthday.

We took a day trip from Woodland to Lake Tahoe, which Lake Tahoe is only two hours away.

27:51

And I love going to Lake Tahoe.

If you haven’t been before, such a great place.

It straddles the border between California and Nevada.

You have all this nature in the mountains, the largest Alpine lake in North America.

Just super beautiful and very nostalgic to me.

And we used to go to to Lake Tahoe at least once a month when I was a kid.

28:08

So to go back with my mom here on her birthday and my sisters and Brittany, really good time.

We also did a little exploring of our own backyard, so to speak, and did a Sacramento River cruise because there are two major rivers in Sacramento, one of them the Sacramento River and the American.

28:24

So we took a Little River cruise, did that.

It was nice, despite the fact that it was a really hot day, but nevertheless enjoyed time doing something that I’ve never done in Sacramento for all the years that we’ve lived there.

28:36

Speaker 2

August I return to my favorite festival in the entire world, Splash House in Palm Springs, CA.

We have talked about it on this podcast before.

I think I’m going to do a mini episode on it next year because it’s just that epic.

It’s a four day weekend festival.

28:52

Friday to Monday you stay in the hotel where the festival is hosted at.

There’s three different connecting hotels.

You can shuttle between them and then Friday and Saturday night there’s also a big after party at the Air and Space Museum.

DJs.

If you love tech house music, if you love pool parties like I do, if you love the most nice, kind, amazing people, you will love Splash House in Palm Springs.

29:15

And after six years of a hiatus, it was just so good to be back home.

29:21

Speaker 3

Did you get your Splash House?

Tat Kim?

You were going to get one the last time you were there.

Did you get one this year?

Was there any inspiration to get it or negative?

Or is that for the next year’s Splash House?

29:32

Speaker 2

I don’t know if I’ll be doing a tattoo, but I did meet a new lover and that is better than a tattoo.

29:40

Speaker 3

That may inspire a permanent hat, who knows, But nevertheless, he left a little tat on your heart.

Did he not hate there forever?

29:48

Speaker 2

After Splash House, I had about a week to recover and then I was off on a Euro trip.

I met up with our friend Matt Horkey in Georgia, the country of Georgia, for the Wine Cast Festival.

And this was stepping it up from Quebec, another opportunity to be hosted by the Georgia Tourism Authority.

30:08

I got to say traveling when the tourism board hosts you is the best way to see the place.

We always say see a city with a local.

That’s the best way to do it.

I’m going to step it up and say the local tourism authority because they want to show you everything that’s amazing about their country and you learn so much about the country to the history, the modern culture.

30:29

You get a ride everywhere you go.

I was escorted through Georgia.

It was the best way to see it.

Plus, with Matt Horkey, he has been to Georgia multiple times, so he knew a lot about it and taught me a lot about the food, the language, the people.

We explored nearby areas, went to the Kasbegi Mountains, and then the Winecast Festival was just the coolest wine and Film Festival to be a part of out here in this amazing country.

30:51

Drink so much wine on this trip and you know what?

Usually after a trip where I’m eating and drinking a lot, I feel like I need a detox or a cleanse.

I didn’t feel that way leaving Georgia.

I left just happy and fulfilled and not overweight, which was great.

31:08

Speaker 3

That’s always A+, especially if you are actually eating a lot of food and drinking a lot of beverages.

31:14

Speaker 2

Yeah, Georgia’s an amazing country.

We aired that episode on September 23rd, 2025.

You have to go back and listen to it.

Georgia’s the most underrated country in the world, and you need to go to it.

I said what I said.

31:25

Kim’s Switzerland, Amalfi Coast, and Thrifty Traveler Hacks

So this was a Euro trip.

So I went directly from Georgia, literally partying on the last night of Georgia to the airport, got on a flight at 5:00 AM and flew to Switzerland to meet Charlotte in Zurich.

31:43

We met up in the Zurich airport.

We got on a train.

We went straight to our hotel in Bern where we were staying and burn Switzerland is that place when you see the reels and and tick tocks of Swiss people who jump in the river and swim home in the summer.

31:59

We saw that on day one in Switzerland and it was mind blowing.

So cool.

We wanted to jump in with them.

We didn’t have any dry bags at the time but or else we would have.

32:09

Speaker 3

That would be a fun experience to do that with the locals.

Just go and jump in and do the swimming.

I think that would be really fun.

Really.

32:15

Speaker 2

Yeah, we really wanted to, but then the first day was the best weather day.

The other days were more drizzly and rainy, so we really missed our opportunity, unfortunately, so we have to go back.

I would go back just to do that, and it was just so beautiful.

We went to Grindelwald, which is gorgeous.

We went to Lauderburn and we did the Stews Ridge hike, which I know unfortunately for you guys, it was foggy when you were there, but it was the most beautiful hike I have ever done.

32:39

Speaker 3

Way to rub it in.

I’m pretty.

32:40

Speaker 2

Sorry, she’s.

32:41

Speaker 3

So sad about that one but it was still a fun hike even with the fog because just the area that you’re at is pretty cool but knowing what was down there to see if it was a clear day.

But I’m glad you lucked out.

But ironically enough, 2025 was a bad year for Brittany and I hiking with obstructed views because of weather, so I’m glad you didn’t have that happen to you.

33:03

Speaker 2

Yeah, I was fearful because you went before us and then we were planning to do this.

And it took us so, so long to get out there between trains and buses.

So it was worth it, though.

Amazing hike.

And then we went to Zermatt.

We saw the majestic, magical Matterhorn in robes on the balcony of our hotel drinking wine.

33:22

It couldn’t have been more perfect.

And loved Switzerland and so we didn’t want to repeat episodes on Switzerland since we just did a lot of similar stuff in your episode.

But we did a must see places and tips for Switzerland episode that we aired on September 30th.

33:37

So listen to both if you’re planning a trip.

You can get good Nuggets and inspiration from both.

33:41

Speaker 1

Yeah, what a great episode and what an amazing country again Switzerland is, and I will be back to do that Stews Ridge hike in peak hiking weather with no clouds in the sky or the sun’s out shining.

You can see the lakes below and no fog.

I’m going to make it back one day.

33:55

Speaker 2

I’ll go with you, I love Switzerland.

33:57

Speaker 1

OK, perfect.

And before we dive into September, I want to remind you, Squatty is that if you haven’t already, take a look at Thrifty Traveller.

It’s a subscription service and it helps you find the best flight deals and hotel deals as well.

They send those deals straight to your inbox.

34:14

You can subscribe for their premium membership or their premium Plus and we have a promo code for you where you can get $20 off your first year subscription with promo code TSP.

This subscription service has helped us find tons of deals so that we can redeem business class flights and find great cash flights as well and what we always use when we travel.

34:37

Speaker 2

So going into September was the third leg of this massive Euro trip that I took.

This is the longest travel I’ve ever taken.

It was about 3 weeks long and Charlotte and I went from Zermatt, Switzerland to Posa Tono in the Almafi coast.

It was a massive travel day.

34:52

And what’s so funny is as we’re going on this 14 hour journey, Charlotte’s like, gosh, why did we go so far?

And I said it was your idea to go from Switzerland to Almafi coast.

It was your idea.

But anyway, it was trains, buses, flights, everything.

35:10

We got in finally, and I love the Almafi coast.

It was absolutely gorgeous.

We took an Italian cooking class.

We went to Music on the Rocks and partied in a cave.

The second cave I’ve partied in.

If you remember back to bone of our very first episodes in Cuba where we talked about the Trinidad cave party, I do recommend partying in caves.

35:28

That was so fun.

We hiked the path of the gods we went to to Arienzo Beach Club, the iconic beach club in Positano.

It was so fun and we really got to experience this very very unique destination Squatty’s.

I don’t want you to get confused Instagram with reality because there are a lot of considerations for visiting Positano.

35:47

We aired a full episode on it on October 7th, 2025.

Make sure to go back and listen to this because you will need these tips if you want to visit the beautiful Amafi coast.

35:58

Portugal, London, Miami Girls Trip, and Woodland Wedding

In September, Jamal and I went to Portugal and England.

This was a couple’s trip that we did with one of our couple friends, a friend that Jamal has been friends with for probably over 20 years now.

And his wife Melissa, really, really wanted to go to the island of Madeira.

So we plan this trip around that.

36:15

We spent five nights in Madeira.

It’s an amazing volcanic island.

It’s known for its hiking and Madeira and wine.

We had a great time just exploring the island, seeing everything that you can do there, eating all of the great food, and then flying to Lisbon for four nights, which feels like a European San Francisco.

36:34

We had such a fun time in Lisbon.

It’s a city that I would go back to again and again.

The food was great, the people were great, the sights were great.

I don’t think I could get tired of it has beautiful cobblestone streets.

I know Jamal fell in love with the city as well.

And then we moved on to London, England, where we spent two nights.

36:52

We’ve been before, but we felt like we had to redeem ourselves and put out a new episode on England this time around.

We spent two days just seeing all of the sites and it was a really good way to spend our time in London.

And these episodes aired between October 14th and October 28th.

37:10

Speaker 3

The reason also we did London minus the redeem that you’re talking about because people ragged on us on what we said about London the first time we had gone.

37:18

Speaker 2

By the way, we have not gotten any negative comments on our Redemption London episode yet.

37:26

Speaker 3

TV time, we’ll see what happens and if somebody wants to chime in, especially now once they hear you say that.

But also main reason why we did London again, quite honestly was because our flights were routed through there.

And we say all the time like yes, you may want to go someplace, yes, that place may even require more time.

37:44

But if your flight happens to be going through there, take the opportunity if you have the time to squeeze in a day or two.

Yes, it’s going to be short, but you could see the highlights and at least get a taste and flavor of the location.

So we loved London the first time we went.

38:00

So we’re like, we’re flying through here, let’s just spend another couple of days.

And once more, we enjoyed our time greatly in London.

38:06

Speaker 2

And this you were able to do because you booked international flights to and from London and then from London you had booked the Portugal legs, right?

38:15

Speaker 3

That is correct, because Thrifty Traveler, coming in clutch had sent us a notification of a great deal leaving Los Angeles to London with points.

Unfortunately it wasn’t business class but total collectively for point value for Brittany and I round trip and economy was just ridiculously stupid and cheap that we were like why would we spend couple 1000 bucks let’s just get rid of 30,000 points collectively between us for round trips and it was amazing.

38:42

Speaker 2

There you go, squaties.

That’s a great hack.

You don’t have to use your points to fly to the destination that you’re trying to get to Portugal in this case.

If there’s a deal to London, then you go London to Portugal or whatever other two destinations you find deals for.

That’s such a great idea.

And you know, being a quote UN quote seasoned traveler, it’s not even really something I’ve thought about.

39:01

I’ve thought about that a lot when I’m trying to find a cheap flight, say if I’m trying to go to Greece, I’m like, OK, I know there’s a direct into London from Austin, I’ll do that.

But like when I see a deal, if I don’t want to go there, sometimes I disregard it.

But now you have opened my eyes.

39:17

Speaker 1

Yeah, it’s a great way to see another country and great way to travel using less points or miles or even like if you find a really great cash deal.

39:26

Speaker 2

In September, shortly after coming home from my Euro trip, I then turned back around and went on a Miami girls trip.

Hey, I have this great group of girlfriends out here in Austin and we’ve for the first time decided to travel together.

We got this great stay suite at this Hilton in Hollywood, FL.

39:46

It was right on the ocean.

It had a beautiful pool.

It had beach beds and chairs out on the beach that we could use as hotel resort guests with drink service at our beach beds.

It was phenomenal.

It was like we’re on a tropical vacation in Miami here or Hollywood at the resort.

40:04

We went to space.

Space Nightclub, the iconic Space nightclub in Miami.

It was so much fun.

We went out for great dinners.

It was just the perfect two day girls weekend getaway in Miami.

And then the following weekend I went to Woodland.

So we did a lot of hometown Sacramento, Woodland, Northern California travel this year, didn’t we?

40:22

We did.

It was my best friend Jamie’s wedding celebration.

So I went up literally for one night.

I think this is the first time I’ve ever traveled one night.

If it wasn’t for work, I flew in in the morning, went to her wedding that night, and literally went from her wedding after party to the airport.

40:40

I’ve been doing that a lot and I think that’s a hack.

40:43

Speaker 1

I was going to say this is the first time you’ve done that though.

Maybe your first one nighter, but it’s not the first time you’ve gone from a party to the air.

40:50

Speaker 2

That’s right.

And I do think that’s a hack.

You don’t need to spend money on another night of hotel.

I wanted to get home.

I wanted to see my pets.

So I was home by like 2:00 PM and got to rest on the plane.

And that’s the other thing.

You sleep the entire flight home.

It’s amazing.

41:06

Louisville, Glamping in Texas, and New York’s Finger Lakes

Going into October, Kim and I did a girls trip.

We were actually invited out by Super Stays to go to Louisville, KY.

So Kim and I did a 2 day girls trip.

We have an itinerary and the episode aired on November 11th.

We packed a ton in in our two days there.

41:23

We went to the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Derby Museum, we did a ghost tour, we went to a winery, we went to an Arboretum.

We ate some really great food and had a good time exploring Louisville.

And it’s such an underrated.

41:39

Speaker 2

City, I loved it.

I was so pleasantly surprised by it and I would definitely go again.

I have to go back for the Kentucky Derby.

Everyone was so friendly there.

41:48

Speaker 1

Oh and how can I forgive our spa day with salt Wellness where we had hour long massages, red light therapy and a Halo therapy as well I really think.

41:58

Speaker 2

That this passion for spas and niche that we’ve been building out here has LED us and specifically me to certain things, right?

We ended up partnering with Salt Wellness.

It was one of the best experiences ever.

But they just so happened to have that brain tap and it did a brain scan and it opened up my eyes to how old my brain is.

42:18

Brittany’s over here young and healthy and that’s why she can do 5 minute cold plunges.

So it’s just travels so funny how it kind of leads you to the next step or like who you’re supposed to meet, where you’re supposed to go.

And I thank Salt Wellness so much for opening my eyes to brain issues that I’ve been having.

42:34

Squatties, not to alarm you, It’s nothing crazy, but I got to work on some things out there, Kim.

42:39

Speaker 3

‘S just getting old is what she’s saying.

I think Kim’s just getting.

42:42

Speaker 2

Old I need to do more barefoot walks on the beach, I need more beach vacations, and I need more forest bathing.

So we need more mountain vacations in 2026.

42:51

Speaker 3

More of those mykonos Wellness retreats is really kind of what you’re saying you need, but not necessarily in retreat style if you don’t want to.

Just more holistic one with nature, places to just heal the body from within that.

43:02

Speaker 2

That’s right, And I actually did do a retreat.

I went in October, I went to Camp Hideaway Retreat in Fredericksburg, TX that’s out in the Hill Country, wine country and was invited out there for just a one night retreat to see this amazing property.

It was also a big group of women who are all different types of content creators in their different niches.

43:22

We did roasting marshmallows by the fire.

We had this big long beautiful dinner out in nature with the sun setting in a beautiful sunset.

We did branding of our own like charcuterie boards and we stayed in luxury tent suites.

43:38

It was so cool.

It ignited my passion re again for glamping which was amazing and I need to do a lot more glamping now in 2026.

43:48

Speaker 1

I do love glamping, it is always an amazing time and the setups are always so fantastic.

And we actually released a mini episode on five glamping destinations you need to visit.

So check out that episode because if you haven’t been glamping, this will inspire you to for sure.

44:03

Speaker 3

Also in October, Brittany and I went on our own trip to upstate New York to the Finger Lakes region.

We had gone with Brittany’s dad and girlfriend.

This was a really fun experience.

I’ve been to New York City before, but quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve really been anywhere else in New York except for Buffalo to go to Niagara Falls and we continued on to Canada.

44:22

So this was a nice trip.

Just exploring the northern state region.

You have a whole bunch of lakes that are thin, hence the name Finger Lakes that were created by glaciers at one point in time.

But we were here for fall foliage color, so we got to see the leaves change.

This region is also known for its wine, so we did a mix of wine tasting and of course there is a ton of waterfalls too.

44:45

So we’re exploring waterfalls, gorgeous, the state parks, the fall foliage wine.

So this was a nice easy weekend getaway that I really enjoyed.

44:54

Speaker 1

Yeah, it was such a nice weekend getaway.

We haven’t actually aired the episode yet.

We’re going to be airing it in February of 2026, so stay tuned for that because it’s also going to be released with an itinerary so that you know exactly how to spend your time in the Finger Lake regions.

45:09

Mexico’s Wine Country and Orlando EDC Festival

So in November, Brittany and I, we were just on that wine tasting binge and we wanted to do some more.

So luckily for us here in California or more particularly San Diego, we are are very close to Mexico’s wine tasting region, Via de Guadalupe.

45:26

You’ve heard us talk about it many times here at the Squad.

We have a couple episodes talking about Via de Guadalupe, but we went and did a weekend wine taste, I shouldn’t say weekend, it was just actually for the night.

So we had a really good time back down in Via de Guadalupe and I really enjoyed it.

45:41

But the one thing I will say about Via de Guadalupe this time from the previous times is it is still a lot more affordable to go wine tasting there than here in the United States.

But because it’s so close to the US and lots of Americans crossover, the prices aren’t so friendly as they used to be.

45:57

And I did notice that in my wall at this time, but won’t stop me from going back again.

I’ll tell you that I always enjoy it.

46:03

Speaker 1

Yes.

I mean, we’ve been to Via de Guadalupe so many Times Now.

So we have a favorite taqueria that we go to.

So we went and visited that taqueria.

Before we went, we did visit two different wineries that we hadn’t been to before.

One of them was called Vina Cava, which I think Kim you’ve been to.

46:17

Speaker 2

It’s in a cave, It’s so cool.

46:19

Speaker 1

Yeah, really, really cool.

And then the other one was called a Chiqua and we did A5 wine tasting there.

When we walked in, it was completely empty.

We were the only people there, so it felt like a private wine tasting in both locations.

And then we stayed in these little cabins that were just down the street from our favorite breakfast spot and restaurant, La Cocina de Don Estella.

46:40

They have the best elote pancakes ever.

You have to have them if you go there.

And it was just a nice overnight trip, couples trip that we went on.

46:49

Speaker 2

I love that.

I would really love to go back to Vice sometime soon.

November I went back to Orlando for another work trip.

Like I hope I don’t go to Orlando in 2026, is all I can say.

As much as I love that city, going three times this year was enough to hold me over.

47:06

Speaker 1

You have to go to do the last Disney part though.

That’s.

47:09

Speaker 3

Exactly what I was going to say.

If you go, make an excuse to go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and just knock it off.

47:14

Speaker 2

We will have to do that if I go back.

There happened to be a lot of events in Orlando, so I had two different work obligations here in Orlando, did 1 during the week and then I picked up working with Coca-Cola at EDC Orlando.

So that was so cool.

This year I’ve been working a lot of festivals and next year I’m committed to working outside of Austin, TX, outside of the state at more festivals and multi day events.

47:40

So I’m trying to get a job in the Bay Area for the Super Bowl.

I want to go to New York for the US Open.

I want to go to Miami for F1, Vegas for F1.

So I have all of these dates in my calendar that I’m kind of reserving that I’m going to be doing these work slash pleasure trips.

47:59

And this was cool too because we got to meet honorary squatty Aaron, who was also at EDC Orlando.

So squatty.

So if you ever see me working at an event we posted on Instagram, come up and say hi.

48:09

Disneyland, Big Bend, and San Diego Staycation

Moving on to December, Brittany and I had gone to Disneyland with my family.

My mom and sisters did not come from Northern California for Thanksgiving because the following week we have a family friend that lives down here who hosts an annual Christmas party.

They wanted to come down for that and they did.

48:26

And we were like, well, let’s go to Disneyland the day before.

So we ended up going to Disneyland, seeing the holiday theming, and we had a really great time.

I know we talked about Disneyland often enough, especially talking about how many times you went here in Orlando and what we did internationally earlier on in the year as well, but going to Disneyland just never gets old.

48:46

Speaker 1

And seeing it during the holiday season all lit up and festive, it’s one of my favorite times of the year to see it.

48:51

Speaker 2

In December I did another glamping trip, finally got to go out to Big Bend National Park with my lover that I met at Splash House.

If you remember back from August and we did a road trip out here from Austin, we stayed in this amazing bubble hotel called Bubble Terlinga.

49:07

It’s a 2 bedroom bubble hotel with a couch, a full bathroom, bedroom, hot tub to watch the beautiful stars in the dark desert night sky.

It was so amazing and we even rode donkeys into Mexico from the National Park, ate Mexican food, drank margaritas.

49:24

I had a Margarita in one hand and the donkey strap in the other, riding it back into the US.

49:31

Speaker 3

Classic, I love it.

49:32

Speaker 2

It was so fun.

We will have an episode coming out on that in 2026.

49:37

Speaker 1

So the next two things that we’re going to mention we actually haven’t done yet, but we will do by the end of the year.

Jamal and I are actually doing a staycation in downtown San Diego.

We’re staying one night at the US current hotel.

And the reason we’re doing this is because I have a $300 American Express hotel credit that was going to expire if I didn’t use it and there was nothing else I really had planned to use it for in the future.

50:01

So we booked A1 night stay there to book the hotel.

It costs $335.00.

So realistically we’re paying $35 for this one night gives us $100 in food and beverage credit, breakfast for two, early check in as early as 12 and late check out guaranteed up to 4:00 PM.

50:20

So we’re going to do a little staycation in downtown San Diego, check it out a go to a restaurant floor a little bit more because even though we live here, it’s not often that we go downtown to explore.

Just the other day we went to Seaport Village and we don’t do that often as well.

50:36

So would be tourists in our home city.

50:38

Speaker 2

I love that.

That’s a really nice hotel too.

And then the last thing to close out the year, I will be coming to San Diego to see Brittany and Jamal over Christmas week.

I’m actually staying in my very first trusted house sitter stay.

So I’m staying at a house in PB for free watching 2 cats.

50:55

Click the link in our bio news code 12 trust to get a discount off your first year membership if you want to do that.

But I’m so excited to go to San Diego, see people spend time there, walk on the beach, and then my friend Morgan and I are going to be doing a couple of nights stay in Temecula going wine tasting out in this beautiful region.

51:11

So stay tuned for an episode on Temecula Wine Tasting.

51:15

Exciting Destinations and Adventures Planned for 2026

I mean, what a recap we just had here of all of 2025.

And again, I really hope that this does inspire you squaddies to just be able to say, yes, we can make travel possible if we do make it a priority.

So real quick as we’re wrapping up this episode, we want to talk to you guys all about what we have officially planned so far in 2026.

51:38

Speaker 2

I think for me, my travel style is going to be a lot more work trips.

Like I mentioned, I’m going to be taking events in other cities and then building on little vacation into that, maybe using some of my PTO days to go do these things.

So I will also be trying to maximize actual vacations over holidays and paid time off that the company’s already giving so that I can get more flesh.

52:00

We just posted a reel on that if you want to learn how to maximize PTO days for 2026.

I also want to do more trusted house sitter free stays.

So I’m looking at Oahu and West Palm Beach, FL as two places I want to go next year but date TBD.

I’m going to let this day dictate when I go.

52:17

And then more hosted trips.

I want to work with more tourism boards, more wine organizations, more festivals, and I want us to see the best of these destinations so that we can bring it back to you squatties.

52:29

Speaker 1

What a great way to intro into 2026.

Kim.

I think that was a really comprehensive intro and how we’re going to utilize PTO days, trusted house sitters.

I was actually looking at getting on the platform as well and more hosted trips.

So starting off in January, we’re actually actually doing a squad trip.

52:47

We’re going to New York City, We’re going to be using our New York City City passes to see some of the most iconic attractions in New York.

We’re spending three nights there.

I think each of us are right.

52:57

Speaker 2

Going to the QC Spa on Governors Island, I’m so excited.

53:00

Speaker 1

And then we are leaving out of New York and we’re doing a squad trip to Egypt.

It’s a nine day trip.

There’s actually seven of us going with four days of that trip being on a Nile River cruise, and we’re going to see all of the highlights that Egypt has to offer and we’re so excited to take this trip.

53:18

Speaker 3

In February, Brittany and I are having a Florida redemption trip.

Couple years back we went out to Florida in February to do a swim with the manatees, but weather did not cooperate when we were there and it became rainy.

And when it’s rainy it’s just really bad weather with the rain, too stormy to take the boat out.

53:37

And of course the manatees with the rain aren’t necessarily in the little area where they usually are, so it had to be canceled on us while we were there.

So we’re doing that Florida redemption trip in February, but while we were there, but while we are there, we’re going to push Gardens in Tampa and Animal Kingdom on the Disney property.

53:55

So we’re fitting in a couple theme parks along the way.

53:58

Speaker 2

I want to do a weekend in Tampa too at some point next year.

54:01

Speaker 1

Yeah.

And I’m really excited for this redemption trip, especially to swim with the manatees.

And this year our swim with the manatees is actually going to be hosted by Explorida.

So, you know, there was a reason it was cancelled in the past.

And I’m so excited for this redemption.

54:15

Speaker 2

Trip great.

We are just having a very Florida February because I’ll be going out to Miami mid month over the three day weekend for Presidents Day.

Meeting my lover out there and doing some Miami things.

We’ll see what happens.

54:29

Speaker 3

TBD.

54:30

Speaker 2

TBD and we’re I think it’s about time we’re going to need another Miami episode with all the time we’ve been spending out there.

54:35

Speaker 3

As of now, we don’t have anything planned for March amongst us, but in April, Brittany and I are going to Turkey and Lebanon.

So we are going to go to Istanbul and Cappadocia, just really explore all that Turkey has to offer.

But since we’re in that part of the world and very, very close, we are also making a pit stop into Lebanon.

54:55

It is going to be a family trip, my family, my mom and sisters are going to come too, because maybe a lot of you at the squad know this, maybe some don’t.

I am Lebanese from my dad’s side, so my mom wants to go one last time before she’s unable to go anymore and travel becomes too difficult.

55:12

So my mom and sisters are not coming with us to Turkey, but we are meeting them in Lebanon after our Turkey adventures.

So I’m really looking forward to this one all around because I love that region of the world.

Always good stuff, good food, everything over there.

55:27

Speaker 1

And this isn’t official yet, but I, I think in May we’re planning for an Iowa trip that’ll be state #48 for Jamal and I.

We only have three states left and we need to knock them off.

So when’s the better time to go to Iowa than then?

55:39

Speaker 3

And in June, I’m planning on going to Mexico City for the World Cup.

The opening game of the World Cup is Mexico versus South Africa on June 11th, 2026.

So I tried to put myself in for the early draw to get tickets.

I was unable to do so, but I’m going with a couple friends to Mexico City.

55:58

We’re going to watch the game in the fan zone or in the bars and of course explore a little bit because I really think what a great world atmosphere, party type vibe to be.

And then the World Cup, I mean it’s really bigger than the Olympics.

People go crazy for it.

So I’m excited to be amongst that.

56:14

Speaker 1

And then in July, we’re going back to Alaska, we’re going to two new national parks.

We’re going to Rangel St.

Elias and we’re going to Lake Clark National Parks.

56:23

Speaker 2

And then in August, we have a big month.

We’re going to Kazakhstan for the T Vex Asia conference and that is going to be really, really exciting, totally crazy part of the world that we’re going to see and return to this amazing event.

And then I’m kind of considering going to Bali after because there is a Pilates Wellness retreat called Goddess Retreats that’s so cool.

56:47

They have unlimited spa sessions, Pilates every day and it’s like kind of a spiritual thing too.

And it’s just absolutely gorgeous.

So I’m really considering maybe just hopping over there.

It’s only 8 hours flying to get there whereas if if you’re coming from the US to Bali it’s like 35 hours.

57:02

So I’m considering that.

But I also know I will be going back to splash house in August so I’m kind of playing with dates.

Do I go splash house retreat Kazakhstan or splash house home break Kazakhstan retreat TBD?

57:17

Speaker 3

Either way, it sounds like a good plan that you have going on for the month of August, Kim.

You’ll figure it out and make it happen.

57:24

Speaker 1

And then in September, Kim and I are doing a girls trip.

We are doing a four night fall foliage cruise with schooner J&E Riggan.

It’s going to be an amazing kind of like off the beaten path, exploring off The Maine coast, going to lobster bakes, lighthouses, little islands, watching the fall foliage, learning about boat life, learning how to cook on a boat, all the things.

57:50

Speaker 2

A 100 year old historic sailing ship, which is going to be just an amazing experience.

I cannot wait for that.

And then October, I know Jamal really shuts down the travel opportunities in Q4 because of work.

So Britt, I’m just dropping this little idea.

58:06

If we want to talk crazy here, maybe we do a little girls Willamette Valley wine trip.

58:11

Speaker 1

Wow, sounds amazing.

We’ll have to leave Jamal behind because he can’t travel in Q4.

58:16

Speaker 3

I’m busy.

I’m busy.

You know what?

Me being busy in Q4 pays the bills for you to travel the rest of the year, Brittany.

So I I don’t, I don’t want to hear it.

58:24

Speaker 2

And then in November, my friend Morgan and I are talking about doing a long weekend in Tulum to go to an all inclusive resort or or maybe even not all inclusive.

We’re still figuring that out.

But Tulum is looking like November, then December.

There’s not a lot planned right now.

58:40

So these are all kind of up in the air.

But this year I’m going to San Diego for this week off that I have.

My company’s always closed, Chris, on this eve to New Year’s and going to San Diego for half of it, going to be home for the other half.

The year before I went to Iceland.

So little on off situation here. 2026, I want to kind of go big again.

58:59

I’m thinking maybe Australia, maybe Vietnam or Thailand or maybe even the Caribbean.

But I am kind of reserving Caribbean for when I moved to Florida and can easily get there.

So still up in the air.

Squaddies, if you have any ideas for where would be a good place to go over the holidays in December next year, let me know.

59:16

Either way, we have a lot plan for 2026.

There’s going to be a lot more that comes up as the year goes on.

We’ve kind of intentionally left it a bit more open than we typically have.

I know Brittany went really crazy last year and booked Jamal out and he might have gotten a little tired.

59:30

Speaker 3

Maybe, maybe I don’t want to say I’ve gotten tired.

I just need a little bit less, right?

And it’s not the big international ones, it’s that peppered in between.

She wants to do like 2 weekend trips and I’m just like gosh, I need time to be home.

You know, like you give me a honey do list, need time to relax, decompress.

59:49

I mean going on vacation again, I say this from a point of privilege is a burden.

Sometimes you got to pack then stress yourself like when you come back, you know, and just re acclimate yourself.

So I’m just saying just a little slow.

But it is barren the second-half of 26.

1:00:05

But I can assure you Brittany will not keep it barren the second-half of 26.

So we have stuff planned.

1:00:10

Speaker 2

Yes, stuff will come up and I’m proud of you guys for doing that because you used to book things out 1-2 years in advance.

But it’s important to keep keep it open so that we can take the opportunities that are going to come to us next year.

So, so excited for them.

Squaddies, thank you so much for tuning into our recap episode this year.