2025 Travel Dreams, Realized: A Year of Magic Together
- Denise Lang
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: you didn’t just take trips this year - you created memories, inside jokes, and “remember when…” moments that will be told for years.
At Reach for the Magic Destinations, it’s an honor to be invited into that process. This year, our team helped turn 500+ vacations from “someday” into “we actually did it!” and we’re taking a moment to celebrate where you traveled, what you shared, and what’s ahead for 2026.
By the Numbers: 2025 at a Glance
In 2025, RftMD travelers…
Took 500+ trips around the world
Vacationed everywhere from Costa Rica to Ireland, Hawaii to Italy, and so many places in between
Visited France, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, and more
Sailed on Alaska cruises (with more interest than ever!)
Relaxed at favorites like Beaches Turks & Caicos and Sandals Resorts in Antigua, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Jamaica, and beyond
Filled their days with magic at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line (all ships!), and Aulani
Had a blast at Universal Orlando Resort, with a growing buzz around Epic Universe
And behind the scenes?
Industry reports suggest that working with a travel advisor can save the average traveler 4–8 hours of planning time per trip. With over 500 trips on the books, that means our clients likely saved somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of research, comparison, and logistics this year alone.
That’s a lot of hours traded for pool time, family game night, and actually looking forward to your vacation instead of stressing over it.
Rising Destinations & Trip Styles We Loved
Destinations on the Rise
This year, a few trends really stood out:
Alaska cruises are having a moment - more interest than ever in glaciers, wildlife, and dramatic scenery.
First-time European trips are on the rise, with travelers finally saying, “We’re not going to wait anymore,” and heading to places like France, Italy, and Ireland.
These weren’t just box-checking trips; they were dream-come-true journeys many families and couples had been talking about for years.
How People Traveled
Your trips came in all shapes and sizes, and we loved the variety:
Multi-generational vacations where grandparents, parents, and kids all came together
Celebration trips for anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and more
Kid-free getaways so couples and friends could rest, reconnect, and remember what it feels like to just be them again
From castle stays and cruises to theme park adventures and beach escapes, every style of trip had its own kind of magic.
What We Heard From You: Meaningful, Slower, More Intentional
A huge theme we heard again and again in 2025:
“We don’t just want to go somewhere - we want it to mean something.”
Many of you shared that you were craving:
More meaningful trips that reflect your values and your season of life
Slower vacations with built-in downtime instead of minute-by-minute schedules
Extra days for rest before, during, or after big travel days
We saw more people adding a buffer day at the start of their trip, lingering at the resort instead of rushing out on checkout day, or choosing itineraries that allowed for wandering, napping, and simply being together.
That’s the heart of what we call the Magic of Togetherness, and it’s been beautiful to see.
Travel Planning in 2025: Closer-In Bookings & a Shift Back to Planning Ahead
One of the biggest trends we noticed this year?
Many travelers booked much closer to their departure date than in years past. Life has been full, and sometimes the decision to travel happens fast; but that also meant navigating tighter availability, higher prices, and limited room choices at popular resorts.
The good news: we’re starting to see a shift back toward early planning.
More families are already securing Spring Break and summer 2026 vacations.
Some resorts are showing limited availability well into 2026, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
If you’ve got a dream destination in mind, planning ahead is one of the best gifts you can give yourself - future you will be so grateful.
50 Shining 5-Star Reviews (And a Few That Made Us Tear Up)
This year, we also reached a special milestone:
50 five-star Google reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Each one represents not just a trip, but a relationship and a story. Here are a few that truly capture what we aim to do for every traveler:
“Our trip was up in the air until the very last minute due to hurricane Beryl… Hannah went above and beyond helping us make the best decision we could. She was in constant contact with us and with her contacts at the resorts. We couldn’t have done it without her. We 10/10 recommend using her to book your next vacay!”~Corky, 10-year anniversary trip
“Our trip advisor, Amy, has been absolutely amazing! She has made planning our family Disney trip practically stress free. We have 20 people going… Amy has been on top of things at every step. I truly appreciate all the time she put in to planning our trip. I will definitely use her again, and I would recommend her to everyone I know!”~ Renee, multi-generational Walt Disney World vacation
“We were on the road headed to DFW when I got a notification that our flight had been canceled… My wife had a great idea that we could contact Hannah and see if she could plan a trip to Disney World. This was at 3:00 in the afternoon when I reached out to Hannah and she had us a room at Disney World that night! … We literally could not have pulled it off without Hannah planning this trip!”~ Lane, last-minute Disney “plan B” that became a core memory
These stories are exactly why we do what we do: so when life throws a curveball, or a hurricane or a canceled flight, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The Heart of It All: Togetherness, Care, and Inclusion
Beyond the destinations, 2025 was full of moments that reminded us what matters most:
Grandparents seeing the parks through their grandkids’ eyes
Parents finally exhaling on a beach after a hard season
Friends reuniting for long overdue trips
Travelers navigating complex needs (mobility, sensory differences, dietary restrictions, anxiety) and feeling more supported and prepared
Our mission is to help you experience the Magic of Togetherness with care, clarity, and inclusive planning. Whether that means researching accessible rooms, helping you avoid sensory overload, or simply making the planning feel lighter, we’re here for it.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Travel Dreams on the Horizon
If 2025 was the year of “We really needed this,” we’re hoping 2026 will be the year of “We’re so glad we planned this.”
We’re already helping families, couples, and groups plan:
Adventures by Disney itineraries filled with hosted, worry-free experiences
River cruises that blend culture, comfort, and easy exploring
More Alaska cruises (yes, the fascination continues!)
Loads of Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line vacations
Thrill-filled getaways to Universal Orlando Resort (including all the excitement around Epic Universe)
European adventures, including France and beyond
Sun-soaked escapes to Punta Cana and other Caribbean favorites
If you’ve been thinking, “We should really take that trip…” this is your nudge.
Ready to start dreaming? Let’s begin your Vacation Conversation and turn those 2026 “maybe someday” ideas into a trip you can’t wait to countdown to.
Here’s to more memories, more magic, and more togetherness in the year ahead.
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