No Turning Back Now
Aug 24 - Sept 13: Copenhagen → Stockholm → Norway
Three weeks. Scandinavia overdose. We’ll see if the sun sets at all.
Oct 18-22: New York City
Mostly here to eat, shop, get rejuvinated by the vibes, and catch up with people.
• • • •
Under Consideration (2026)
I’ll pick one trip from each block. Not planning to do all of them in a single go. I'm not that unhinged.
Early Jan (5-7 days)
Mexico
- Just need any reason to get some sunshine and warm weather in Jan
- Criteria: warm, direct flights, and enough food to make up for Toronto winter.
- Not dying to go, but it’s always there if I get trigger-happy with Air Canada points.
•••
Feb/Mar (3 weeks)
Australia
- Contender mostly for the variety—coastal cities, outdoors, and the ease of covering ground. Timing is ideal for summer, but not sold on any single “must-see.”
New Zealand (South Island)
- South Island’s landscape is the appeal: mountains, open roads, real sense of distance. But it's far and accommodations in South Island are shockingly limited.
Argentina (+ Santiago, Chile?)
- Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and possibly crossing into Chile.
•••
Late May/Early June (3 weeks)
Iceland
- Absurd landscapes. Basically another planet with road signs. But everything’s expensive, and the ‘value’ equation is thin. Probably won't be fascinated by culture or food, however.
Croatia (+ Montenegro)
- Gorgeous coastline, legit history, but cruise ship crowds can kill the vibe. Not sure if I can time it right to make it enjoyable. Southeast Italy (Matera, Bari, etc.)
- Old cities, deep history, an a shot at finding both great food and unpolished culture without massive crowds because it still seems a little off the radar.
Spain (Valencia, Madrid, San Sebastian, Mallorca)
- This is the food run. Each city has its own claim. Expect more culture in the rhythm of eating and wandering than in “sites.”
- I've been to Spain a few times to visit Barcelona, Seville, Granada but there's still so much left to explore.
•••
Late Aug/Early Sept (9-10 days)
Azores or Madeira
- Great for a true reset. Nature first, minimal crowds if you hit the right week. Not chasing culture or food, but might find surprises.
Banff & Jasper
- Still haven’t witnessed the Rockies. Might give it a try if the wildfires don't ruin it again.
•••
Oct/Nov (3 weeks)
Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, PCH
- Went 10 years ago, but still top of my list for a repeat. Want to finally catch peak fall foliage.
- Could combine this with Argentina too.
Argentina
- Might sync with the Brazilian or Mexican Grand Prix, both happen back-to-back in this window.
- Could also merge this trip with California for a proper 2.5–3 week stretch. This is the slot I’d rather do Argentina if timing lines up, but it’s not locked.
Iceland (mid-Sept)
- Only makes sense if I do it mid or late September.
- October/November is a gamble: much colder, weather is unpredictable, daylight’s limited.
Japan (mid-Nov)
- The only place where timing for both food and culture matters. If I can nail autumn colors, it’s a win.
- This would be my 3rd visit b/c I can't stay away from Japan for too long without triggering withdrawal symptoms.