Happy New Year, Indeed: Two Getaways for Winter 2015

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed ringing in 2015 and look back on 2014 with happy memories. I certainly do!

Chris and I spent much of 2014 adjusting to a more stationary life after our trip around the world. We weren't traveling to an exotic locale every day, but we managed to find new adventures both near and far. 2014 brought us to Miami, a Caribbean Cruise (through a polar vortex), Austin, the Outer Banks, Nantucket, Maine, Vermont, Costa Rica, NYC, Jamestown RI, and several trips to see family in Puerto Rico.  

In 2015, we'll be focused on making some exciting investments in our future - all of which will be revealed and (hopefully) celebrated in good time. Although much of our time and resources will be dedicated to these new projects, we will still find time to travel. In fact, we already have two trips planned this winter - a family visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico (including a quick jaunt to Fajardo) and a weekend in Quebec, Canada for their annual winter carnival. Here is a preview of the adventures ahead (and of future BV blog entries!):

Puerto Rico

Although, it has technically only been winter for a week I am already sick of the cold weather here in Boston. Chris and I are escaping the sub-zero temps and heading to PR to for a post-Christmas celebration with family.

Can't wait to see these faces (and more) soon!

Since we'll be there for over a week, we plan to spend a few days in Fajardo at the El Conquistador Resort.  Hopefully the weather will co-operate and we'll see some of the pristine east coast beaches in all their white-sand glory.    

Palomino Island Beach near Farjardo, Puerto Rico

Playa Medio Mundo in Ceiba, Puerto Rico  (Photo credit: puertoricodaytrips.com)

Quebec Winter Carnival

Most people in the Boston area flee to New England ski resorts and mountains during the winter since they are within a 2-4 hour drive from the city. This winter, we want to try something a little different and have opted to spend a weekend in Quebec for their annual Winter Carnival. This is a two week festival complete with:

• massive ice castles
• sledding
• ice climbing
• unbelievable snow sculptures
• snowshoeing
• colorful night parades
• dog sled races
• ice canoe race

Other reasons why I'm excited about this adventure include poutine, practicing my French, and staying at the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel. Chris is looking forward to trying to local fare, including the signature drink called Caribou made of hot red wine, whisky, and maple syrup. Here are some pictures of the festival from past years. Fingers crossed we get good weather because that could really make or break this trip!

One of the big attractions are the snow sculptures and ice castles.

Ice canoe race.  Canadians are intense (and a little insane).  (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Brave souls polar bearing it at the "Bonhomme's Beach - The hottest place in Quebec!"  (Photo Credit: Reuters)

While we have our winter get-aways planned, the rest of the year is a blank canvas and I'm constantly dreaming of new adventures both near and far. This year, I plan to realize/share more of these dreams and will hopefully round up a few guest posts from other travelers to offer up some new perspectives. 

Cheers to new adventures in 2015!