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
Read This Next
Saudi Arabia to Welcome Nammos Resort AMAALA
Daily
Mar 9, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 9, 2026Saudi Arabia to Welcome Nammos Resort AMAALA
Nammos, the global luxury brand, is set to deliver its unique glamour and sumptuousness to Saudi Arabia this spring with the launch of Nammos Resort AMAALA, its first property in AMAALA’s Triple Bay.
Sponsored Content
Ireland: The Pinnacle of Golf by the Sea and Beyond
With the legacy of The Open at Royal Portrush still fresh, Ireland secured its place among the world’s most exceptional golf destinations. For those in search of championship courses, dramatic landscapes and renowned hospitality, the island offers an experience unlike any other.
March 2026
Mar 9, 2026The Galápagos Islands Overdeliver on Awe
Four days into our weeklong voyage around the Galápagos Islands, my brother and I stepped onto Bartolomé Island. The shells of Sally Lightfoot crabs looked like red diamonds bursting through the dark, volcanic rock. Turquoise water stood in shocking contrast.
Daily
Mar 9, 2026The Lake House on Canandaigua to Host 24-Hour Continuous Live Immersive Sound Bath for Spring Equinox
In celebration of the spring equinox, the rare moment every year where light and darkness are balanced perfectly, The Lake House on Canandaigua will host a 24-hour live sound bath experience in its lakefront Event Barn. This event is believed to be the longest continuously programmed live sound bath experience in the United States.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Slideshow
Mar 9, 20265 Reasons to Put Knoxville, Tennessee, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Knoxville, Tennessee, with us.
Avelo Airlines Launches Credit Card
March 2026
Mar 8, 2026An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
Sponsored Content
Daily
Mar 6, 2026World’s First Antarctica Hybrid Cruise-Sailing Experience Debuts
Terra Nova Expeditions recently launched a world-first hybrid cruise-sailing Antarctica expedition. This groundbreaking itinerary combines a purpose-built expedition vessel with an intimate polar yacht experience into one seamless journey.
Sponsored Content
From Bethpage to Adare: Following the Ryder Cup to Ireland
In September 2025, the eyes of the golf world will turn to New York, where Bethpage Black hosts the Ryder Cup. The drama, rivalry and passion of this iconic event will once again capture global attention. But, for golf fans, the story doesn’t end there. In 2027, the Ryder Cup will cross the Atlantic, arriving at one of Europe’s most celebrated courses: Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland.
Daily
Mar 5, 20267 Hotels and Resorts for a Luxury Destination Micro Wedding
Couples increasingly prioritize intimate “micro” weddings with elevated experiences over over-the-top soirees. Smaller guest lists allow for more personalization and flexibility. These properties around the world offer fabulous settings for a destination micro wedding.
ShareThis