Happy New Year! Have you decided to make a resolution? I wouldn't be surprised if "travel" or "travel more" was somewhere on your list of things to do in 2023. It is for MANY people and you are not alone in thinking about this. I could offer tips for how to plan for any trips you may want to take this year, but I already have several posts on this blog about that.
Instead, I'm going to preview some of the trips I have planned for the year. This will help you know what posts to expect and when they will be published online. It can also be a way to put ideas in your head about where you may want to go this year if you don't already have solidified travel plans. Keep in mind that I also don't have all of the details for my 2023 trips finalized which is why I'm only previewing them. I will update this post with links to blog posts recapping each of these trips throughout the year as I get them published.
At some point last year, I realized I have never properly visited Dallas. I've previously visited a few times when traveling for work, which inspired my work-related travel tips post. A few months ago, I was able to get find really cheap flights from Austin to Dallas and back. I decided to schedule a weekday day trip to Dallas in February where I will hopefully get the chance to enjoy more of what the city has to offer and maybe even catch up with some family and friends in the area.
Road Trip - Destination To Be Determined
As I've written about previously, I love a good road trip! I haven't taken a road trip in some years now and I have a desire to hit the road again. I don't have a specific destination in mind, but I'm considering a visit to Louisiana. It's an easy road trip to drive and I know my way around pretty well. You can't go wrong with good food, casinos, and a state with a rich history and strong family ties! I see this being a good trip for the spring or summer season.
One thing I love about living in Austin is how close the city is to San Antonio. My favorite city in Texas to visit is San Antonio and it's only about 1.5 hours away with traffic. I made plans to take a day trip in late 2022, but had to postpone it due to some other activities that were added to my schedule. I had an entire day planned out and I don't want all that hard work and careful planning to go to waste. Maybe I will make the trip later this spring. Stay tuned for my San Antonio feature!
After a winter day trip to Dallas, I plan to return in the fall for my first trip to the State Fair of Texas. I want to watch the rodeo, enjoy some carnival rides, and eat my way through the main thoroughfare. If I the timing works for my schedule, I may attempt to make this trip the same weekend as the Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl to support my alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin, as the football team takes on University of Oklahoma. If that specific weekend doesn't work, then I'll find a better time during the month-long operation of the State Fair to make the trip.
Miami, Key West, and the Bahamas
This trip will be the highlight of my year! I booked a cruise through Virgin Voyages back in August as a birthday gift to myself for my 27th birthday at the end of this year. I've never been on a cruise nor have I visited any of the locations the ship will be docking at, so everything will be a completely new experience for me. Depending on the NBA schedule for the 2023-2024 season and the timing of my vacation, I might be able to attend my first Miami Heat game. That would be the cherry on top! Going to a home game for my favorite NBA team as my first ever Miami Heat game to attend! Whether I can go to a Heat game or not, this birthday trip will be a good one.
Looking to the Future
Most of my plans depend on my work schedule, but I will find a way to squeeze in as many new experiences and trips into 2023 as possible. I think all of my travel plans for the year can be achieved, but I'll need to be very strategic and possibly willing to travel during seasons I normally wouldn't want to. Don't be too surprised if I end up back in Las Vegas at some point before the year ends. It seems I always find a reason to return and that Usher residency is very tempting.
My resolution last year was to become more dedicated to running Kimi's Travel Thoughts and I'm proud to say that last year was incredibly successful thanks to readers like you! This year is all about making memories and keeping the momentum from last year going for Kimi's Travel Thoughts, and I'm excited to share these experiences with you throughout the year! Have suggestions for anywhere else I should go or what I should do at these destinations? Let me know on social media or leave a comment below! Kimi's Travel Thoughts is on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Feel free to leave comments below, tweet (@KimiThoughts), or leave a post/message on Facebook (@KimisTravelThoughts) to share your 2023 travel plans or ask for advice on planning trips this year!