It’s that time of year again, when we should all start thinking of where we would like to go in the coming year. Do we want to plan a whole extended family outing. Or do we just want to do things with the wife and kids? I think 2025 is going to be a good year to visit locally. Plan on visiting your own state or a neighboring state.
However, if you’d like to travel a little further away, go for it. We have some great choices for you to pick from. From beautiful waters, to towering mountains. There is somewhere amazing to check out in 2025.
Glacier National Park
Every year I have listed Glacier National Park as a place to visit. Originally, it was said that all the glaciers would disappear by 2020. Of course, that date has passed and the glaciers are still there but they are shrinking, sometimes at an alarming rate.
Some people now claim that all the glaciers will be gone by 2030. In reality no one really knows when they will be gone (if ever). One thing that is for sure, the glaciers are shrinking.
Now there are placards that read “ When they will completely disappear, however, depends on how and when we act” and another that says “Some glaciers melt faster than others, but one thing is consistent: the glaciers in the park are shrinking”.
Epic Universe in Orlando
A brand new theme park will be opening this year in Orlando, Florida. Universal’s Epic Universe will be opening sometime in the Summer of 2025 and fans can not wait. You can bet that it will be a very crowded event throughout the rest of the year.
This theme park will be the largest Universal Theme Park in the US. The park will be broken into many different lands including a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter land focused on the Ministry of Magic. A Universal Monsters area known as Dark Universe. An area linked to the vikings and dragons of How to train your Dragon.
Perhaps the one land everyone is looking forward to is the Super Nintendo World. Go bananas with Donkey Kong. Or see if you can beat Bowser and save Princess Peach. One thing is for sure, this theme park is going to be a lot of fun.
Washington DC
Starting in the Spring, a visit to Washington, DC is a good idea. The Nation’s Capital is beautiful in the spring when the Cherry Blossoms start to bloom. Plus all of the amazing museums, monuments, and sights to see.
I would probably stay clear of the city in early January. However, the rest of the year should be a great time to visit no matter when you can. Mid to late March to Mid April is usually the best with the cherry blossoms.
The city really comes to life in the summer too. All of the extra tourists walking around visiting the different museums is amazing. If you want to beat some of the crowds make sure you start your day off early.
Your best bet is to stay overnight for the best chance to get a head start. We like to stay at the Holiday Inn right near the National Mall. You are just minutes away from the Air and Space Museum.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
2025 is the perfect time to make that trip out to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in Wyoming. Both National Parks are located in western Wyoming and almost sit on top of each other.
Grand Teton NP has some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. If you are a landscape or wildlife photographer, you will be in heaven. If you just enjoy being out amongst nature, you too will really enjoy a visit to Grand Teton. There are over 250 miles of trails to enjoy.
Yellowstone was the first National Park in the World. After just a couple of minutes you will know why this place is so special. With over 2 million acres of land, you will see stuff you can’t find in your own backyard. There are many geothermal areas within the park so be on the lookout.
Also be on the lookout for wildlife. Just remember not to get too close. Stay around 25 yards away from elk and bison, and 100 yards or more away from wolves and bears. Don’t be one of the people who play the stupid game and win the stupid prize of a trip to the ER. Remember, there is not much out there and it takes time to get aid to you.
Stay Local / Explore your state
Why not just stay local and explore the state you live in instead of going somewhere far away? I know what you are thinking, you are thinking there is nothing to do where you live or your state is boring.
Every state has something great to offer. In Nebraska you can visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha. Or visit Chimney Rock in Bayard.
In Rhode Island (the smallest state) you could visit Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Also in Newport is the Marble House off Bellevue Ave. Or take in the stunning views from Cliff Walk.
Grab yourself a National Parks Passport Book and see what national parks, monuments, and historical sites are near you. You might be surprised at what you find is close by. Plus it will give you ideas on where to go next.
This coming year will be an exciting one no matter what you decide to do. I for one will be trying to visit more PA State Parks. Hopefully, I can have at least 50 checked off my list. Currently I have 24 checked off. Maybe I’ll be able to add another 26 in 2025.
Now is the perfect time to start planning and saving for your 2025 trips and vacations. Stay local or book a trip to a National Park. Plus don’t forget to plan a trip to Washington DC in Spring or Orlando in the Summer. Now get out there and explore!
Kozmo Photos 