As we embark on a new year, this is the time of the year that Nick and I sit down and look at our calendars, discussing when and where we plan to explore this coming year. In 2014, going along with my goals for the year, we have a handful of locations that we’d like to try and visit this year, some near, some far, some we’ll get to, others we might not, but I like to at least have a list to work from. We already have a few locations and trips already planned, so I won’t include those here, but you can take a look at our upcoming travels page to see where we’re already going to be heading this year!
But this year, these are some of the locations I hope to visit and experience. Some of them are quick weekend trips, others much larger, but all of them have made their way to the top of my travel wish list for this coming year!
Eastern Washington
This quick weekend trip for us, a 3 hour drive from Portland, is an area I really would like to explore this year, taking in the barren landscape and the “up and coming” wineries along the way.
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The most northern point of Oregon, I’d love to spend a weekend and return to this coastal town.
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Amsterdam, Holland
We’re planning on spending a week in Northern Europe in the Fall and Amsterdam is high on my list. I went through the city many times as a kid, but I’d love to go back and take it all in again now.
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Bruges and Brussels, Belgium
The quaint streets and canals of Belgium are calling my name and I’m hoping to incorporate visits into our European Fall trip.
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Copenhagen, Denmark
This Scandinavian city has been high on my travel list for a while and I’m hoping to fly through here and spend a few days on our way through Europe in the Fall.
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Santa Barbara, California
I’m hoping to make a 3 day weekend turn into a trip to Santa Barbara, complete with sunshine, red tile roofs and mission style architecture.
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Eastern Oregon
There are so many spots in Eastern Oregon I’d love to see, but Smith Rock outside of Bend, Oregon is on the top of the list for a quick weekend trip.
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San Juan Islands, Washington
We’re hoping to spend 4th of July weekend up near the San Juans, taking the ferry over to the islands to take in whale watching and the gorgeous scenery.
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San Diego, California
Hard to believe, but I’ve never been to San Diego. I really want to make a weekend trip down there this year and experience the city.
After having to cancel our weekend trip to Whistler this year, I’m hoping to get up there for a weekend sometime this year to take in some snow and sipping hot chocolate in front of a fireplace.
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Kiki says
I spent many family vacations in Bend and just love visiting there still! Such a beautiful place to explore. I also really hope to make it to Copenhagen, Denmark it has been on my travel bucket list for a long time.
Casey Martin says
I haven’t been over to the Bend area for years so I’m anxious to go back for a weekend this year. And I just booked our tickets to Copenhagen for October and got an amazing deal… check out Norwegian Air, they now fly direct from the US to Copenhagen for ridiculously low fares!!!
Dannielle Smith says
You don’t have to drive three hours for some Washington wineries, there’s a few in/around Battleground that you can visit. Also, if you haven’t been, you should plan a trip to Gold Beach in Oregon and go on a Rogue Jet tour, it’s so fun, just make sure you pick the longest one! You’ve got a pretty awesome list here.
Casey Martin says
Yes, I know Battleground area, I’ll have to check that out too. I’ve also done Gold Beach before, but good recs!
Helene in Between says
I love this!! I need to make my own list!!
Casey Martin says
It’s always so fun to sit down and make a list of places to see! 🙂
Babes in Thriftland says
Sounds like some really amazing trips! When I went on my big Europe trip this summer, I went to Amsterdam, Brussels and Bruges. I really loved all 3! I have a bunch of posts on my blog if you wanted to get some ideas. I could also chat endlessly about them so feel free to email me too!
Emma Julia says
I might sneak in & take you up on the offer too – they are all on our list this year 🙂
Jenn @ A Country Girl's World says
These all look like great places! I definitely need to make a list of day trip places for this year 🙂
Casey Martin says
Yes!!! I Love making our list at the beginning of the year!
Asia Reynolds says
I went to San Diego in November last year and it’s BEAUTIFUL. Definitely a nice place to be.
Casey Martin says
I hear that a lot! Can’t wait to hopefully visit this year!
Emma Julia says
Fab list Casey!!
Leah says
Looking forward to seeing all of your new adventures.
Rima says
oh gurl you must hit San Diego. It really makes you not wanting to leave hahaha…
Casey Martin says
Yes, I know! I really want to make it there this year!
Jane {In the Pink and Green} says
Great list! I have actually never been to San Diego either but I’m super jealous because Cam has a conference there this upcoming week! It’s only 2 days though so not really worth me tagging along, but I’m hoping to make it down there sometime soon! I also really want to go to Whistler and the San Juan Islands as well 🙂
Casey Martin says
It’s so nice that we have so many amazing locations so close to us!
Pat says
you have the wrong Astoria in your photo. that one is from NYC. The tri-borough bridge and the hells gate bridge.
Casey Martin says
Thank you for pointing that out… I’ve changed out the image. 🙂
Chantal says
I love that you fit in so many US locales too. The US has so much to offer for vacations!
Casey Martin says
It’s one of my goals this year to see more of the US (especially places on the West Coast that are fairly close to us!)
Kathleen Walpole says
I love San Diego! The area around the harbor has some great restaurants!
Casey Martin says
I keep hearing amazing things about San Diego… we’re hoping to hit it later this year!
Dallas Ashley says
First off, let me just say that I only recently found your blog and I’m loving it already. Belgium is high up on my list as well, though I don’t think I’ll make it there this year. Good luck to you in 2014, hope you get to visit all the places on your list!
Casey Martin says
Ahh welcome!!! So glad to have you! I’m so excited to try and make it through Belgium this coming Fall.
ifs ands Butts says
How lucky to be a hop skip and away from so many beautiful places!
Casey Martin says
Very true… often we overlook the places close to us, but sometimes they are the best 🙂