Every year we send in pictures from our 2024 travels to be featured in the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards program; and as I was going through my pictures, I found myself reflecting on my year in travel.
To kick off the year, a couple of my friends and I headed to Hollywood, Florida, to see the Dancing with the Stars tour. The show was happening at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, so we decided to stay there so we didn’t have to worry about having to Uber to the show or anything. Thanks to the beautiful Florida weather, we were able to spend our days lounging by the pool and sipping fruity cocktails. At night we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the resort’s Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and seeing our favorite professional dancers do what they do best.
Florida
Not too long after that trip, I packed my bags again to explore Germany. We started our trip off in Tegernsee exploring the small lakeside town while staying at the stunning Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt. Next, we made our way over to Schwangau for a stay at Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa and to visit the famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Lastly, we headed to Cologne and made Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensburg our home base while exploring the lively city.
Germany
In the summer months, my family and I went on our annual two-week vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey. Our days were filled with our favorite restaurants, sweet treats, days soaking up the sun on the beach and family time.
Ocean City
August brought me to Nashville, a destination I’ve never been to. Although it was just a short trip for the 2024 The Trazees, I was still able to explore Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and more.
Nashville
I found myself on two trips in October. For the first one, I went to Las Vegas for a long weekend to visit a long-distance friend. We tried our luck at the slot machines, blackjack tables and more at the various casinos, tasted different brews at a beerfest, and enjoyed each other’s company as we caught up. The second October trip was to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where, if you’ve read my latest blogs, you’d know I stayed at the beautiful Casa Velas, spent time lounging by the pool and exploring downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Las Vegas
Puerto Vallarta
Lastly, in December, the whole team flew across the country to Los Angeles for the 21st annual GT Tested Readers Survey awards hosted at the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills
Overall, I’d say 2024 was full of great trips, and I can’t wait to see which destinations 2025 brings me to.
— Mary Melnick, social media & editorial coordinator
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