1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Where Vibrance Meets Natural Beauty

Brazil is at the top of my list, and it’s easy to see why. From the music, to the allure of golden beaches, food, beautiful people, and views, it’s a destination overflowing with culture and beauty.

What I’m Excited For:

Rio de Janeiro Carnival: Visiting Brazil during Carnival season is a dream! The streets come alive with dazzling costumes, samba parades, and contagious energy. Experiencing this celebration firsthand would be unforgettable. As someone with family from Trinidad, I’ve experienced Trinidad Carnival firsthand and absolutely love it. I’m familiar with how it works, but I know Brazil’s Carnival is incredibly popular in its own right. I’d love to visit and experience how they celebrate it in their unique cultural way.

Visit Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor): I’d love to take a helicopter ride to see this iconic statue, with panoramic views of the city. It’s also one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and I’d love to check all of them off in my lifetime (2/5 completed). I’m fascinated by the faith and art history behind this landmark. I think it’s a truly beautiful universal symbol of unity, love, and spirituality. A fun fact I discovered is that in 2010, it was restored and illuminated with eco-friendly lighting to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Walk/Take Photos on the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón): I’ll always remember this from Pharell and SnoopDog’s “Beautiful” music video, which features the famous steps (If you haven’t seen it, go watch NOW). It’s covered in a colorful mosaic of tiles from visitors and through mail contributions from around the world.

Visit the Beaches and Favelas: I always hear about Brazil having some of the most beautiful beaches, with clear turquoise waters and white sands. The most famous beaches are Copacabana and Ipanema, and I can’t wait to visit, lay out, get an amazing tan, enjoy a refreshing coconut or caipirinha (Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, lime, and ice), play beach volleyball, and of course, people watch.

As for the favelas, I understand the need for caution, but I’m deeply interested in experiencing the less-glamorized aspects of their culture. I’d love to take a safe, guided tour led by an ethical guide or organization that works directly with the residents and actively supports local businesses.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazilian Food: I have a broad palate and am always excited to try dishes from other cultures. I’ve already had Brazilian cuisine and absolutely loved it, so I can only imagine how much better it tastes straight from the source. Just thinking about pão de queijo (chewy cheese bread), feijoada (black bean stew with meat), banana-da-terra (Brazilian plantains), and churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) is making my mouth water!

Outfit Inspiration: The fashion in Rio, especially during carnival season is all about vibrancy, bold colors, and festive style. I would incorporate lots of color and prints, but opt for lighter clothing to beat the summer heat. Crop tops, mini shorts, flowy dresses, beachwear, dramatic accessories, and Havaianas would be staples in my suitcase.

My Brazil Style Pinterest Board

2. Seoul, South Korea: A Blend of Tradition and Trendsetting Modernity

South Korea has been on my radar within the last couple years, and 2025 feels like the perfect time to dive into its fascinating mix of tradition and modern culture. It’s unique for it’s global K-pop phenomenon, cutting edge technology, and world-renowned skincare innovations that have set trends in beauty and self-care worldwide.

What I’m Excited For:

Korean Spas (Jjimjilbang) and Wellness: I’d love to unwind at a traditional Korean bathhouse. I feel like self-care is taken to a whole other level in Korea, which is right up my alley. You can enjoy hot saunas, spa treatments, massages, and some even sleep overnight in the relaxing communal spaces (not sure if that part is for me, but I love the concept).

Jeju Island: This stunning, picturesque destination is the largest island in South Korea. It’s perfect for a luxe escape—think volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and serene beaches. I’d love to explore the Hallasan National Park, Manjanggul Cave, and the smaller island of Udo.

Korean Beauty and Skincare: Skincare in South Korea is a must! I can’t wait to experience their renowned beauty rituals and products firsthand. The beauty and skincare industry here is highly competitive, with numerous clinics offering a wide range of treatments. The demand, cultural emphasis, and technological advancements make the costs much lower and more affordable compared to other countries (especially America where I live).

With so many Korean products trending on social media, it would be a dream to visit their beauty superstore, Olive Young and see what’s actually popular there compared to U.S. I’ve also heard amazing things about their scalp and color analysis treatments.

Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea

Library: As a fellow book and aesthetics lover, the Starfield Library is a DREAM. Ever since I saw videos of this stunning library circulating on the internet, I’ve added it to my list of must-visit spots. It is located in COEX Mall, the largest underground shopping center in Asia, it boasts over 50,000 books. The library features a modern and contemporary architectural style, with the most striking feature being the massive floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that extend vertically, drawing attention to the library’s height and creating a sense of grandeur.

Korean Food: Asian cuisine has always been one of my top choices, but specifically Korean BBQ. I’d love to have an authentic experience where you grill your own meat at the table, often paired with various side dishes (banchan). I can only imagine how much more delicious it is here, with much fresher and better- quality ingredients.

City Street, Seoul, South Korea

Outfit Inspiration: I’ve observed Seoul fashion to be very trendy, versatile, and heavily influenced by Korean street style. This style combines minimalism, layering, and playful accessories. I can envision a preppy skirt vibe with a blazer, graphic tee, fun glasses, and chunky loafers. This would be my chance to step a bit out of my usual style comfort zone and incorporate more pops of color, fun statement pieces, while also keeping it chic polished.

My South Korea Style Pinterest Board

3. Cairo, Egypt: A Journey Through Ancient History

Egypt has always held a certain mystique for me, and 2025 is the year I finally plan to experience it for myself. From the iconic pyramids to the Nile River, it promises a journey unlike any other. I’ve always been fascinated by the subject of ancient history, so it’s only right to go to one of the birthplaces, where some of the world’s most remarkable civilizations and cultural achievements originated.

What I’m Excited For:

Visiting the Pyramids: The Giza and the Sphinx are at the very top of my bucket list. The site is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three, as well as the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Sphinx stands guard at the entrance with a captivating presence and mysterious smile. I’d also love to explore the surrounding desert with camel riding, sandboarding, and of course capturing scenic photography. I’ve also heard about music festivals and parties at the pyramids of Giza, and I think this would be a surreal experience to have.

Giza, Greater Cairo, Egypt

Historical Sites: If there’s one place I would want to explore ancient history, it’s Egypt. My top picks are The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (home to over 120,000 artifacts, including treasures from King Tut’s tomb) and The Grand Egyptian Museum (a new museum scheduled to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, offering an immersive experience). I’d also love to visit the City of the Dead, also known as “Al-Qarafa”. It’s home to a vast and historic cemetery that has been used for burial purposes since the Islamic conquest of Egypt in the 7th century. Lastly, I’d like to visit the mosques, such as the Muhammed Ali Mosque, and many others.

The Nile Cruise: A luxury cruise down the Nile, stopping at ancient temples, sounds like the perfect way to explore Egypt in style. It provides breathtaking views of the lush riverbanks, traditional villages, and golden landscapes. Most cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan, passing through many historical sites. Some ancient landmarks I’d love to see include the Valley of the Kings (the burial site of pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun), Luxor Temple (known for its stunning architecture, especially at sunset), and Temple of Hatshepsut (a striking mortuary temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most famous female pharaohs).

Red Sea Riviera: After all the history and adventure, I’d love to unwind at a high-end resort on the Red Sea. It’s lined with stunning coastal cities like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and El Gouna, each offering luxurious resorts and private beaches. I’d also love explore Pharaoh’s Island, which is off the coast of Taba. It features a Crusader castle built by Baldwin of Jerusalem and offers fascinating views of the Red Sea.

Pillars in Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt

Egyptian Food: I’ve actually never tried Egyptian food, so I’d love the first time to be in the home country. I’ve heard that they have delicious street food featuring shawarma (spiced meat often served with pita bread and tahini), as well as staple dishes like Koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and sauce), and Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel).

Outfit Inspiration: I think this is the destination I’m most excited to pack for. I can visualize myself with long Cleopatra-esque braids, flowing dresses, lots of gold prints, costume jewelry (I wouldn’t wear my most expensive pieces, considering safety), and scarves for my head or as a shawl. The style exudes a great balance of modesty, practicality, and comfort considering the hot climate, but I’d still love to mix in chic, stylish looks while while still respecting Egyptian culture.

My Egypt Style Pinterest Board

These three destinations are more than just places on a map—they’re experiences waiting to be lived, stories waiting to be told, and memories waiting to be made. I can’t wait to update you when these are checked off of my list this year.

Where are you dreaming of traveling in 2025? Follow and message me on instagram @travelwithnyela so we can chat!