Travel Year in Review
Must dos from all my 2024 stops
As a travel year, 2024 had it all. From weekend trips with family to bucket list hikes with friends to an anniversary trip turned proposal, I feel incredibly lucky to have made so many memories on vacation this year.
It’s also the year I began this side project and finally started writing about my favorite thing in the world. To wrap things up, I’m looking back on all the places I’ve been and giving you one must do in each location (this was torture). Thanks for being along for the ride!
Blue Mountains, ON
This mountain town was never on my radar until I saw it on TikTok. Since it was just three hours from Buffalo, I planned a long weekend as an early anniversary celebration. It was the perfect quick winter getaway (only topped by a surprise proposal from my now-fiancé).
If you’re from WNY think of Blue Mountain Resort like Holiday Valley if the village of Ellicottville was at the base of the slopes.
Must do: Take a thermal journey at Scandinave Nordic Spa.
Mt. Snow, VT
My sister, dad, and I met in Wilmington, VT for a short ski trip that delivered big views. The trails at Mt. Snow suited our skiing skills perfectly and we were up and down the Sunbrook lift enough to get our money’s worth.
The tiny village of Wilmington was a wonderful host with plenty of good restaurants and a brewery all within walking distance from our Airbnb.
Must do: Get a schnitzel at Alpenglow Bistro in downtown Wilmington.
Phoenix, AZ
I haven’t written about this trip for the newsletter yet, but it was a delight. A spring escape from the rainy weather in the Northeast, this trip had it all—sun, cacti, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Dramatic MLB wins (and losses) would become a recurring theme of my 2024 travels, but watching an extra-innings win for the Diamondbacks was the first of the year.
Must do: Stroll the Desert Botanical Gardens (just don’t forget your sunscreen).
Pittsburgh, PA
If my 2025 travel predictions hold true, Pittsburgh’s star might be on the rise. As a longtime fan of the city, I planned a weekend trip for myself, my fiancé, his brother, and his sister-in-law (her first time!).
This was my second dramatic baseball watch of the year with the Pirates winning on a walk-off hit, followed by Friday night fireworks. I also returned to PGH in November for a concert. I just love this city.
Must do: Go to a Pirates game at PNC Park, the best MLB stadium in my humble opinion.
National Parks, UT & AZ
From the vastness of Grand Staircase-Escalante to the hoodoos of Bryce to the lightning strikes of the Grand Canyon to the breathtaking valley views of Zion, it’s too hard to break this trip down to just a few lines. You’ll need to visit the parks yourself to see what I mean.
Must do: Hike Angel’s Landing. It’s worth the hype.
Boston, MA
Another frequent stop of mine, this trip’s purpose was to see a favorite band reunite for the first time in more than 20 years (shout out Something Corporate). Boston makes a great base for a New England road trip or the primary stop for history lovers like me.
With my sister living just outside the city, expect Boston to make my travel list again and again.
Must do: Walk the Freedom Trail for all the must-see historic sites.
Central VT
Vermont is one of my favorite states, and it is unmatched in the fall. We hit leaves right at peak and had stunningly sunny beautiful weather. I still can’t believe it.
While Stowe and the Northeast Kingdom can grab the spotlight in the fall, the charming towns of central Vermont had so much to offer. From craft cocktails in Woodstock to hikes on the Appalachian/Long Trail to a woodland sauna, this region delivers.
Must do: Unwind at Savu Madbush Falls.
Cleveland, OH
Another city you’ll see on my travel list most years, I come to Cleveland for concerts and events that never seem to make it up Lake Erie.
This time, it was a whirlwind day trip for game three of the ALCS. Yep, another baseball game with a win for the home team (unfortunately, I was rooting for the Yankees this time).
Must do: Try the Polish Girl sandwich at Mabel’s.
Toronto, ON
My last trip of the year was another whirlwind concert trip. Loaded with glitter, we crossed the border for The Eras Tour and made it back to Buffalo the same night.
If you’re heading to Toronto from the Buffalo area, I can’t recommend taking the GO Train enough. It’s free to park at most suburban stations, and you won’t need to worry about sitting in gridlock traffic on the Gardiner. For this particular trip, we took the train from Burlington.
Must do: Have a pint at Town Crier. Prost!
All of my 2024 trips hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see what travels 2025 will bring. Thanks for joining me in the early stages of the Kerri On Travel journey. I have so much planned for next year and hope to keep growing this space. Many more guides, packing lists, and travel musings will be headed your way soon. Happy New Year!