I absolutely love writing this blog post each year. Throughout the year I think about what experiences and places might make this list. And when it’s time to write – it’s a fun walk down memory lane as I reminisce about the previous year of travel. I hope it’s fun for you to read and enjoy the awards we bestow on our favorites and the best of the best (and a few duds too) from our year of travel; the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025.

2026 begins our 10th year of travel as part of The Grand Adventure. What a remarkable ride it has been. Not sure exactly what the next few years will bring…but we already have some things booked and are working on more.

2025

What an incredible year. We have had a wonderful year of travel; both long stays and short, independent travel and guided. Though we prefer longer stays (and we had some good ones) we had a lot of short stays too. We visited the Cook Islands, Australia, Singapore, Bhutan, France, Luxemburg, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and 18 US States. Here are the winners of the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025!

Destinations – Ten Countries and 18 US States

Favorite Country – Bhutan and Honorable Mention Australia

Australia won this award two years ago and we visited AGAIN in 2025, but we have to give this coveted Ninth Annual World Travel Awards prize to Beautiful Bhutan for 2025. This amazing destination was a big bucket list item for me, and it did not disappoint. We used a tour company called My Bhutan and they took such great care of us. We loved it. Bhutan is likely a once in a lifetime destination given how expensive it is. But Australia is a place we will visit again and again and we are already planning to see that amazing country again in 2027.

Favorite City – Bordeaux France and Honorable Mention Dijon France

We had a really long and amazing stay in France this year, basing ourselves for most of that in Bordeaux. A new to us city, surrounded by so many fun things to do. I think I could live in Bordeaux. The food, the wine, the history…it’s all there. We also visited several other French cities and we really loved Dijon. Small, manageable, historic and delicious. There is so much more to France than just Paris. I am so glad we had this long stay.

Favorite Small Town – Duncan British Columbia and Stowe Vermont

We did two big road trips this year. The first one, from Seattle to Vancouver Island British Columbia; the second across the USA from Seattle to Maine. Both provided some wonderful adventures, scenery, culture and history. We found tiny Duncan British Columbia to be a marvelous surprise, peppered throughout the community with incredible and authentic totem poles. This was one of my favorite things we enjoyed on our BC trip.

Stowe Vermont was also a lovely spot, and we spent several hours enjoying the fall colors in town as well as riding the gondola up for spectacular views.

Favorite Island – Cook Islands and Maui USA

We always love a visit to Maui, one of our favorite places in the world. But 2025 introduced us to the Cook Islands. The island of Rarotonga made us imagine what Maui or Oahu must have looked like 50-75 years ago. Laid back, great seafood, kind locals and beautiful beaches; we would definitely return. Cook Islands was a first for us, so it’s place in the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards is a bonus.

Most Expensive Country – Bhutan

Bhutan, which wins the favorite country award for 2025, is also very expensive. You need a guide to visit Bhutan due to government regulations designed to preserve its culture and environment. While independent travel is possible within certain areas, a guide and driver are mandatory for all tours beyond the cities of Paro and Thimphu to ensure adherence to these regulations and to provide an immersive cultural and logistical experience.  Additionally Bhutan requires all international visitors to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is currently $100 per person per night . This fee used to be $200 per day but has been dropped in recent years. Our ten day tour with My Bhutan cost $10,000 and included all transportation, most meals, all activities, amazing guide and driver, all accommodations and the SDF fee.

Least Expensive Country – Cook Islands

We flew from Honolulu to the Cook Islands for 9 days and stayed at a basic but lovely little resort called Palm Grove. Our small individual cabin included a tiny kitchen and we cooked our meals a couple of days. But breakfast was included with our room, and restaurants were delicious and affordable. We used the public bus on several occasions, and although a bit old it was worth it not to worry about having a car. We also walked to many places, and we felt safe walking on the two lane road that circles the island because there is minimal traffic. This small and unpretentious island was a wonderful surprise and very inexpensive.

Favorite Airbnb – Bordeaux

We stayed in fewer Airbnb’s this year than in the past, but our long stay in Bordeaux France was in a unique, newly renovated three story townhouse about a mile from the historic core of the city. We loved it and would definitely stay there again.

Favorite Hotel – Middle Beach Lodge Tofino British Columbia

We had talked about a British Columbia road trip for several years, and this past July we made it happen. One of our favorite stops on this trip was the gorgeous Pacific Ocean destination of Tofino. Here we stayed at the beautiful Middle Beach Lodge. We loved it so much.

Favorite Bed & Breakfast – Covered Bridge B&B Glen New Hampshire

Our month long road trip across the USA included four nights in the tiny town of Glen, New Hampshire. We fell in love with the Covered Bridge House Bed & Breakfast for the great hospitality, location, hosts and breakfast! Highly recommend.

Best View Lodging – Tofino

The Middle Beach Lodge (mentioned above) was so cozy and included a wonderful view from multiple vantage points. We were in a standard view room, but the lodge also has stand-alone cabins, stand-alone tree houses, and stand-alone multi-bedroom houses. I hope to visit again.

Food & Drink

Favorite Cuisine – France & Germany

Food is a big part of our travels and the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards bestows credit to the best. Of course France is always a winner for incredible cuisine, and our long stay in France did not disappoint. But we also love the food of Germany, and heartily enjoyed meats, stews, sweets and drinks on our Christmas Market tour in December.

Best Food Tour – Bordeaux and Switzerland

We try to take a food tour in most places we visit. For us it’s such a great way to learn about the local marriage of food and culture. We had an outstanding tour in Bordeaux early in our month long visit, and learned about regulations of French boulangeries, Cheese and much, much more.

In Switzerland we had a unique opportunity to to take have a culinary experience of the beloved Swiss dish Cheese Fondue. We learned so much, ate so much, and enjoyed wine pairing too. If you ever have a chance to do this I really recommend it.

Best Cooking Class – Bordeaux and Bhutan

Well another tie is in order. We take a lot of cooking classes and always enjoy them. During our long stay in Bordeaux we spent an evening with The Gastronome, where we learned to make the local Bordeaux specialty of Caneles. DO THIS CLASS if you are in Bordeaux.

Our tour in Bhutan included a cooking class, where we learned to make incredible Bhutanese dumplings with fresh and local ingredients. The we ate them along with many other traditional Bhutanese foods. Delicious.

Best Meal – White Mountain Cider Co. Glen New Hampshire and Parapluie Dijon France

Well if you follow My Fab Fifties Life you know we love to eat! Whether it’s an authentic food cart or fine dining we make a point of enjoying the local cuisine. Two stand-out meals came to mind when we discussed this category. Impeccable meal at the White Mountain Cider Co., in Glen New Hampshire sitting next to a cozy fire and sipping great wine. And just as memorable, a Chef’s Tasting Menu at Parapluie in the fabulous city of Dijon France. We really fell in love with Dijon and hope to visit again!

Best Beer – Germany

Well that was fun! While in Germany in December we had a unique experience learning about and tasting the specialty of Bamberg – rauchbier. Made with malt dried over an open wood fire, this smokey brew was surprisingly delicious. We tried five different kinds and ate it with a wonderful spread of German meats, cheese and pretzels. Definitely try smoky rauchbier.

Best Wine – Saint Emilion France

Spending a month in beautiful Bordeaux France gave us such a leisurely opportunity to explore the wine regions of the area, including Saint Emilion where we visited twice. This fabulous medieval town is a cultural and historic gem, in addition to being one of the most amazing wine regions in the world. We loved it!

Culture

Most Authentic Cultural Experience – Bhutan

Our time in Bhutan was truly magical. This tiny country is proud and protective of its culture and customs. As a visitor you are treated with great respect and our guides were amazing, funny, generous and so knowledgeable. We loved every day.

Most Amazing Man Made Structure – Tigers Nest Bhutan

Long on my bucket list, the day we hiked up to the Paro Taktsang Monastery (nicknamed Tiger’s Nest) was an incredible once in a lifetime day. The hike was steep but manageable. Our guides made sure we went early in the morning, and since we were on a private tour we could move quickly. This meant we were the second people to arrive at Tiger’s Nest. Having it to ourselves provided wonderful photo opportunities and a peaceful and serene experience. I am so grateful I was able to do this.

Best Gardens – Melbourne Australia

The Melbourne Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and accessible city gardens in the world. We love it and would go back over and over. And it’s free.

Best Market – Christmas Markets

Our ten day Viking River Cruise in December gave us the opportunity to to visit ten European Christmas Markets. This was a first for us – both the markets and a river cruise. Our top three markets were Baden Baden, Heidelberg and Nuremberg.

Best Museum – National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum Cooperstown New York Honorable Mention Carnavalet, Paris

Our cross country road trip gave us a chance to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. We had talked about doing this for years and it was a fun day to finally visit.

We also had an opportunity to visit a new to us museum in Paris, thanks to our local friend. The Carnavalet is fascinating and covers a wide range of topics. We did not have time to see it all but we will definitely go again on our next visit to Paris.

Best Walking Tour – Luxembourg France

Brand new country to us – we spent three days in Luxembourg in May. It’s one of the countries we just kept missing…but now we have been and what a beauty it is. We walked and walked in Luxembourg City, including an amazing guided walking tour we booked through Viator. Definitely worth it when you are new to this city.

Best Overall Historic Site – Rock Carved Sanctuary Saint Emilion France

This place. Mind blown. We visit Saint Emilion twice. The first time for the wine with a guide; the second time on our own for the wine AND to visit this incredible Rock Carved “Monolith” Sanctuary. Built in the 11th Century it really was one of the most amazing things I have seen.

Best Performance

Seattle is our home base and we see great performances when we spend time at home. 2025 was no exception and we LOVED the David Byrne concert we went to this past November. If you ever have the chance to see him in concert do it.

Best One Day Tour – Bordeaux France

Through VIATOR we booked a full day wine tour out of Bordeaux to visit the two prominent wine regions; Saint Emilion and Medoc. This was incredibly educational day learning how France grades their wines and regions and grapes and vintages. Very different than in the USA and it was fascinating. We visited six wineries in two appellations and had a spectacular lunch too.

Best Multi-Day Tour – Bhutan

A favorite destination for 2025, Bhutan, was also our favorite multi-day tour. A well thought-out and inspiring ten day visit to this amazing country. Made possible really because of our guides (see next category).

Best Tour Guide – Llamo and Dan with My Bhutan

Kind, helpful and so educational, our time in Bhutan was first class, thanks 100% to our wonderful guides from My Bhutan Tours.

Funnest Tourism Kitsch – Jolly Green Giant

It’s not a USA roadtrip with out stopping at some of the kitschy iconic roadside entertainment. My favorite this past fall was the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth Minnesota.

Nature

Most Incredible Natural Site – 12 Apostles Australia and Dune Du Pilat Arcachon France

We stayed more than a month in both Australia and France, and though we had visited both countries before, we took the time to see new things. Two natural phenomena were astonishing and beautiful and made for a great day trip and photography. The 12 Apostles along Australia’s Southern Great Ocean Road is a must when in this part of this beautiful country. And Dune Du Pilat is an amazing sand dune on the French coast in Archachon, an easy daytrip from Bordeaux .

Best Wildlife Encounter – Australia and Yellowstone National Park USA

We never get tired of Australia and we are hoping to visit again in 2027. Australian wildlife is the most unique in the world and we love that. On this last trip we saw koalas in the wild for the first time – a dream come true for me.

Our Fall USA roadtrip took us to Yellowstone National Park. We had not been here in more than 30 years. We saw so many animals from bison to grizzly. What a treat.

Best Bird Watching – Bhutan

Our amazing Bhutan guides (see above) were highly skilled in identifying birds of the region and we had so much fun with them seeing dozens of new-to-us birds in Bhutan. A highlight was the hoopoe, a very unique looking bird that had evaded us for years. We finally saw it in beautiful Bhutan. Additionally we were very lucky to see the endangered Black Neck Crane while in Bhutan. Although it was past the time these birds usually migrate, we were lucky and saw a few.

Best Sunrise – Yellowstone National Park USA

Watching the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake on a cold crisp September morning was a treat.

Best Sunset – Maui Hawaii

Always a favorite, sunset on the island of Maui

Best Beach – Australia

We had great beaches in Maui and the Cook Islands but a real treat was visiting Brighton Beach, a southern Melbourne suburb. This beautiful beach is home to the historic and iconic bathing boxes.

Best Waterfall – Niagara

We took a three hour detour on our cross country road trip to see Niagara. We had been there before, but it was decades ago, so we decided why not? It is a spectacular thing to see.

Best Natural Beauty – Australia and New England USA

Australia blows my mind each and every time and this year, New England in the fall was also breathtaking.

Athletic Pursuits

Best Hike – Bhutan; Honorable Mention Big Tree Trail, Meares Island Tofino Canada

We did several hikes in Bhutan and loved them all, but of course climbing to see Tigers Nest was a lifelong dream.

Our visit to British Columbia Canada and the Tofino area gave us several hiking opportunities. But one of the most unique things we did was take a small boat to tiny Meares Island to hike the Big Tree Trail. Not long (about three miles) but one of the most difficult and interesting hikes I have ever done.

Best River Rafting Short Trip – Bhutan

Bhutan gave us so many opportunities to do so many different things, including a fun (and wet) day on the river.

Best Golf – Maui

We golfed a lot this year, both at home in the Pacific Northwest in on the island of Maui. Golfing is one of my favorite things to do when in Maui.

Best Place to Run/Walk – Maui

Early morning runs in Maui are like heaven. Before it gets hot, before the traffic and the people, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the world.

Best Sporting Event – Melbourne Australia

Australian Rules Football! We spent a month in the beautiful city of Melbourne. And it was Football season, Australia style. Rules for Australia football are very different, and the fan mania is almost as fun as what it happening on the field. We enjoyed going to the local Collingwood Magpies match and had a blast – even if we didn’t always understand what was going on.

Weather

Hottest Day – Australia

We were in Australia during the down under summer. Luckily we had a pool! Hottest day 95 degrees F.

Coldest Day – Heidelberg Germany

Visiting Heidleberg Germany in December meant some chilly temperatures, but it was the wind on this day that had us shivering in our boots. Coldest day 25 degrees F.

Wettest Day – Maui

In all the times I have visited Maui, we had never experienced the kind of extreme weather, rain and flooding that we saw in January. Mind blowing damage. Luckily no one was hurt.

Craziest Weather Experience – Paris France

While visiting Paris in May, we encountered another incredible weather event – hail the size of golf balls. Luckily we were inside, just preparing to leave a museum when the skies darkened and the most intense storm came out of nowhere. The hail was so big and so strong it broke windows in the museum.

Travel

Longest Travel Day (Flight) Bhutan- India -Singapore-Zurich-Bordeaux

8934 miles 23 in the air and a total travel day of 40 door to door

Longest Travel Day (Car) Buffalo Wyoming to Rochester MN

11 hours drive 781 miles

Most Unexpected Flight Experience – Bhutan

After taking off from Singapore on our flight to Bhutan, we learned that the King and Queen of Bhutan were on our plane. When we landed, all the passengers waited to disembark until His Majesty and his entourage exited the plane and the runway. Watching from my window seat we had a great view. But in respect to Bhutan rules, I am not sharing a photo of His Majesty. Such an unexpected experience.

Most Stressful Flight Experience -Bhutan

When it came time to leave Bhutan, a brush fire near the airport was causing us a lot of stress. We had to make our connection in Singapore or lose a lot of money. We waited a LONG time to find out if our incoming flight was going to be able to land (it finally did) and at last we boarded and took off!

Strange (and a bit rude) Train Experience – France

We spent ten days traveling by train from Bordeaux visiting great cities such as Lyon, Dijon, Luxembourg City and finally Paris. It was our first time using the French rail system and the Eurail pass. We did not realize our tickets had not been properly validated. The conductor, instead of explaining to us what we had done wrong, instead berated us rudely (and mostly in French) calling us names in front of all the other passengers. It was very strange experience.

Excellent Ferry System – British Columbia

Our ten day visit to British Columbia gave us the opportunity to enjoy the amazing ferry system available there. On time, inexpensive, clean and efficient. We enjoyed it very much.

Best Cruise Experience – Christmas Market Cruise

We had never done a river cruise until this past December, when we spent ten days on board the Modi with Viking River Cruises. The itinerary focused on European Christmas Markets. I’m not sure we would do this again (it’s very expensive by our standards), but we had an enjoyable time.

Best Airport – Changi Singapore

Changi wins again. It really is a remarkable and beautiful airport. Everyone should see it.

Expensive But Worth It

Bhutan

Our ten day private tour in Bhutan cost us $10,000. This included our guides, transportation, most food and all accommodations. This also included the tourist tax of $100 per day that the government uses to protect the beautiful culture and environment of Bhutan. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Best Photo of the Year

This was really hard for me to chose this year. So many opportunities for great photography in 2025. But after much consideration I have chosen this image. I love the reflection, the color and the unique shapes. Captured on a beautiful sunny day in late April in the small and historic French village of Bergerac, a couple of hours from Bordeaux.

Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025

There you have it. The best of the best of My Fab Fifties Life travel of 2025. Amazing, memorable and unique adventures with new cultures and fantastic experiences around the world. We sure hope you will consider visiting some of these places and enjoying some of these unique experiences too – the ninth annual world travel awards 2025. We always are available to answer questions or help you with your own travel plans. Please let us know if you do visit any of our suggestions.

What next?

As I post the Ninth Annual Travel Awards 2025 I am in Mexico. We just arrived after an incredible tour of Cuba. Over the next year we will visit anywhere from 10-14 more countries. See our plans here. But we will also be taking six months at our home in Washington State from March-August as I recover from knee replacement surgery.

The Ninth Annual World Travel Awards

It takes me weeks to write this post so I hope you have enjoyed the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025. My goal is to inspire you. The world is so amazing…not everyone is going to want to go to places like Bhutan. I understand that. But I hope you have learned something and perhaps are motivated to step beyond your comfort zone. We hope you will continue to follow us around the globe. You could really help us by your comments, pins and shares of this post so others can follow as well. Thank you and stay fabulous. This travel blog wouldn’t be possible without all of you.

More From the Past

If you would like to see our Travel Awards from the past, you can click on any of these links; 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Follow our 2026 adventures on Instagram where we post daily.

Be sure to check back NEXT FRIDAY for my post about Beautiful Cuba!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OF TRAVEL!!! We appreciate it when you comment, share and pin our blog posts – especially this one!! The Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025. Stay tuned! Lots of adventures ahead! Thank you.