2026 Destinations and Travel Goals

By Kate | January 15, 2018

When the new year begins, I try to revisit last year, and see if I accomplished my goals.  In 2026, I went to most of the places on my 2026 Bucket List. I didn’t make it to Cuba because U.S. tourist, visa, and visitor rules changed after President Trump won the election and his US administration changed the Cuba travel rules. Therefore, Cuba stays on my list for next year. I am focused on National Parks and hiking for 2026.

My Best Year Bucket List Travel was 2017

Nevertheless, when I think about travel, I reflect on the countries and cities I want to visit next year. To me, sometimes cities draw me to the country because for me they are iconic and reflect a country, community, and lifestyle.

In 2017, I traveled to Hungary, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria. All were on my bucket list. I visited these cities: Budapest, Kraków, Bastogne, and more. Thankfully, my hope turned into reality with my consulting schedule. Fortunately, my consulting supports my travel schedule/ I believe I will see more next year. These are fantastic locations in 2017.

Where do you think I should visit?

Kraków, Poland

In the city of Kraków, Poland, I saw the 14th-century Wawel Castle above the medieval old town. Cloth Hall, a Renaissance trading post in Rynek Glówny (market square). Poland, an Eastern European country on the Baltic Sea, is known for its medieval architecture and Jewish heritage.

I also visited the Holocaust memorials in Berlin, Krakow, Warsaw, and Vienna. I did go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Museum.

Auschwitz- Birkenau isn’t a vacation destination, but everyone should go to it once in their life. It is a must-see location, so we never forget, especially in today’s political climate.

In Warsaw, the capital, I saw Polish history, the Jewish Ghetto, art, and the old city. Most importantly to me is the Warsaw Uprising Museum and Polin Museum, honoring Jewish history and the city’s WWII-era resistance against German occupation.

The U.S.A. Destinations

Love Virginia and Washington D.C. These are two great American destinations! Therefore, DC was on my Bucket List and remains on it.

TOP INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION

Done 2017! – Belize First on my Bucket List for 2017 is Belize. I went on a Mission Trip with my church to build a home for a woman in Belize.

DONE 2017!  My IMPERIAL TOUR

I went to Budapest, Hungary, and Poland on solo travel, plus I went to Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg with my dear friends Silvia and Kristen. I discovered my ancestry and roots in Germany, then on to Austria, Budapest, divided by the River Danube, and on to Krakow, scene of the Jewish Quarter, and Warsaw, Hungary’s capital.

Favorite 2017 Pics

Here are some of my favorite pictures and the best views I saw.

Bastogne, Belgium

Berlin, Germany

Budapest, Hungary

The 19th-century Chain Bridge connects hilly Buda district to flat Pest area. Now the two districts are united as one city, Budapest. A funicular goes to Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum. The city captures life from Roman times. Trinity Square is home to a 13th-century Matthias Church, and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion is where I can stand and see sweeping views.

Vienna, Austria

Warsaw, Poland

Krakow, Hungary

2026 Destinations and Travel Goals

HAVANA, CUBA – TRUMP’S CHANGES in 2017 made this impossible.

I didn’t have the opportunity to visit Cuba; it just didn’t happen. Havana is Cuba’s capital. 16th-century Old Havana and Spanish colonial architecture are what I wanted to see. It would be like stepping back in time, and I can’t wait to see it. Havana includes the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a fort and maritime museum. The landmark National Capitol Building is famous for being a movie backdrop. It was built in the 1920s.  So I want to see that someday. Old Havana’s baroque Cathedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja reflect the city’s vibrant architecture; I love looking at buildings.

I also have New Zealand and Antarctica on my list for 2026 Destinations and Travel Goals.