The Local Foreigner team maintains a lively Teams chat discourse and Whatsapp group - swapping tips, experiences, stories, and photos from every corner of the globe and at all hours. Hive Mind is a peek inside the group think.

For planners, there’s nothing like the glory of a blank calendar at the beginning of the year - 365 little squares just waiting to be filled with adventures and new experiences. We polled the team to see where they’re headed in the new year (and what they’re scheming, even if the tickets haven’t quite been bought yet.)

The Chic Siblings

Menorca, spain and Ischia, italy

“Everyone loves Capri and Mallorca, but I prefer the slightly more laid-back vibes on their sister islands, so going back to either Ischia or Menorca would be a dream. You get all the benefits of being along the Amalfi or in the Balearics, but with fewer crowds and a bit more local flavor. Plus, Menorca in particular has recently gotten some great additions and upgrades to its hotel scene.”

-Elizabeth Walsh

Southern Sands

jose ignacio, uruguay

“It’s been a minute since I was in South America, so in 2025 I’m thinking it’s time to go back to José Ignacio. It used to be a little fishing town, but now it’s a sandy getaway for families, honeymooners, and celebrities alike, because of the charm of its countryside and the action of the wintertime beach party scene. But I mostly want to go to eat at La Huella and El Garzon [drool emoji].”

-Alex Erdman

The French Alps (in all seasons)

Chalet Pelerin | Le Miroir, France

“If I could have my way, I'd take all my friends to Chalet Pelerin, one of Eleven’s properties in the French Alps. In the summer, private guides are on hand for hiking or mountain biking during the day, or even whitewater rafting or canyoneering. And then at night, there’s a chef on hand to make you local specialties for dinner - how fun would that be?”

-Missy Fauser

“I’m most excited for the Local Foreigner EDU to Chalet Pelerin to close the ski season. From its location in Le Miroir, you can access seven different ski resorts, plus off-piste skiing and snowshoeing. The house has a Finnish sauna and indoor saltwater pool, and a hot tub on a balcony overlooking the Mont Pourri glacier, so that’s where you’ll find me.”

-Kelly Brennan

Lemur Fever

Miavana by Time + Tide | Madagascar

“With the cold weather setting in, I'm so happy to have a trip to Madagascar to look forward to at Time + Tide’s epic Miavana. You reach the island of Nosy Ankao by helicopter, and there are just 14 villas fronting some of the world’s most epic white sand beaches - it’s one of those places that takes work to get to, which is my favorite sort of place. Madagascar has been on my bucket list forever and I can't wait to say, ‘All hail the New York Giants!!’ to the first lemur I see - after all, there are over a hundred species on the island!"

-Camilla Catlin

The Kalahari to the Okavango

South Africa + Botswana

“It’s time to get back to Africa (though honestly, when is it not?), and the way I want to do it this time is by focusing on diversity of landscape. I’d start at Tswalu, in the sands of the Kalahari Desert - the focus here is not checking off the Big Five, but instead you’re going in search of smaller and rarer game like aardvarks and pangolin (there are also meerkats!) Then, I’d head up to the totally unique Jack’s Camp, in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where you can get out in the desert on horseback or quad bike. And I’d finish with a few days at Xigera, in the Okavango Delta. The game in the Delta is incredible, but it’s also all about the different perspective of experiencing the landscape from the water, gliding through the channels in a mokoro, watching elephants and hippos in their natural habitat. Plus, the designs of these three lodges are each totally unique, and some of the most impressive in the world.”

-Jillian McNeilly

Horseback Safari

Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

“Okay, this is a little niche, but my absolute dream is a horseback safari through Kyrgyzstan. The scenes in the Tien Shan Mountains look like you’ve stepped back in time to a place untouched by modern life. Picture galloping along the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and crossing ancient mountain passes—no fences or roads. Shared meals in traditional yurts, swimming with the horses in Song Kol Lake, and nights full of front-row seats to the Milky Way. This is the kind of trip that reminds you how incredible the world can be..”

-Tati Stroud

And everyone wants to go to…

The Dolomites, Italy

“In 2025, I am really looking forward to going to Forestis in the Dolomites and Austrian Alps.”

-Jordan Habberstad

“Dreaming of Forestis.”

-Missy Weil

“Forestis (always).”

-Alex Kramer

“Dolomites Ski Safari.”

-Kate Mitchell

“Dolomites in summer.”