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Happy New Year / Bonne année / 新年快樂!

A very warm welcome into 2026, and I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. It’s unbelievable that we’re already over halfway through the 2020s; this year will be one of the busiest I’ll have since a long time, with many things going on throughout much of these next 12 months. I’m both nervous and excited, but more so the latter, as I can’t wait for these big moments to come.

Before I discuss what’s to come in 2026, let me take a second to reflect on this past year. Overall, 2025 was a decent year with lots of big changes: from starting anti-depressants to getting engaged to becoming a cat parent, I had plenty of good moments throughout, and I felt a lot calmer and happier than I had been the year prior. If 2024 had been the year for struggling with mental health, 2025 was the year for making changes and ending up for the better. I genuinely think I’m in a much better place now than before.

I didn’t travel as much in 2025 as the year prior, with most of my trips being domestic. I did, however, see a lot more of the United States than before, visiting new states like Texas, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Louisiana throughout the year. My partner and I also took our first international trip together to Denmark, where we got engaged! After over three years together, we decided to take this next step in our lives, and we couldn’t be happier.

Outside of travel and work, I’ve also been enjoying the simple pleasures at home: I previously mentioned that my partner and I adopted two kittens over the summer, and while they’re a lot of work, they’re also a lot of joy. Never would I’ve thought I’d become a cat person (as I hadn’t owned cats before), but here we are! ❤

I’ve also continued to enjoy indoor climbing on a regular basis, and I’m really happy with how much I’ve improved over the past year. Climbing has been a great way to get out of the house and learn a new skill, all the while getting into good shape. I intend to continue with the sport, setting new goals and benchmarks and, most importantly, remaining as injury-free as possible!

What do I have in store for 2026? As previously mentioned, there are a lot of big things to come. To start, I have a huge trip coming up in the next few months, and while I don’t reveal where just yet, I’ll say it’ll be probably the biggest adventure taken so far in my life. I’m unbelievably grateful for this opportunity, and I absolutely can’t wait!

Although I’ll have this upcoming trip to look forward to, I actually won’t be traveling as much this year, due to big changes going on in my life. Most importantly, I’m getting married!!! My partner and I are currently engaged, and our wedding is set for this summer. There are still so many things to take care of in preparation for the ceremony, but we’re absolutely ecstatic and we can’t wait for the Big Day to come!

Finally, I have my 10-year blog anniversary to look forward to in July. Hard to believe that it’ll be a decade of Rebecca Goes Rendezvous, an entire decade dedicated to travel and adventure. It’s surreal to look back on how it all started, as a young, 23-year-old living and working in France while also backpacking Europe and figuring her life out. It feels as if my time abroad was a fever dream, and while I do miss it all, I cherish the good times had when I was younger, and I’m glad for the opportunity to move forward, grow, and become the full-fledged adult I am today.

Overall, I’m looking forward to 2026. It’ll be a busy year, but also a fun one: I’m in a better mental state than I was compared to 2024, and I’m doing my best to enjoy the simple joys in life with my family, friends, and fiancée around me. I wish all of you a wonderful year ahead– let’s make it a good one! 🙂

— Rebecca

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Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

57 thoughts on “Happy New Year 2026!”

  4. You were in Wisconsin?! Did I miss that post? Where in WI? (I was born and raised there and my mom and brother still live there.) Minnesota’s right next door! Next time, swing by!
    Happy New Year, Rebecca. Can’t wait to hear about this big trip, and congrats on all the great things you’ve accomplished in 2025 and that are awaiting you in 2026!

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    1. I haven’t written about Wisconsin yet! I only spent a day in Milwaukee as a day trip from Chicago, but I had a lovely time. I know another blogger who lives in Wisconsin (and grew up in Minnesota), so I have a reason to return and perhaps visit all of you! Here’s to a wonderful 2026 ahead filled with more adventures 🙂

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  12. This is such a wonderful post, my dear Rebecca. I am always happy to read about your success and achievements, no matter how big or small and how you always so openly talk about the importance of mental health. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and successful Happy New Year 2026. May this year bring good health, happiness, and new opportunities into your life. Aiva 🙂 xx

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    1. Thanks, Aiva! 2025 was a solid year, and I’m looking forward to what 2026 brings. Lots of big events will happen this year, and I can’t wait! I hope you have a wonderful year ahead, Aiva, with more travels and good times with your family 😊

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  20. Bonne Année, Rebecca! And what a busy year 2026 will be (in a good way)! I can’t wait to find out where you’re traveling to this year, and also about your wedding. That’s a huge, yet exciting step to take indeed!

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  22. Happy New Year! It sounds like 2025 was great for you, and I wish you an equally wonderful 2026. May you have safe, exciting travels, and a wonderful wedding.

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  23. Happy New Year Rebecca, and congrats for everything you’ve accomplished in 2025! I’m so looking forward to seeing where your big trip of 2026 will take you and to keep following you on your adventures on here (and Instagram)! May this year bring you lots of joy and happiness!

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