This is the second half of our “2025 Year in Review” series (you can find Part 1 here!). Read on to learn more about some of our favorite domestic trips from 2025, and perhaps gain some inspiration along the way!

Domestic Journey #1: Southwest Colorado Sampler

This summer marked a first for Set Forth: the chance to plan a trip right here in our backyard of Durango, Colorado! When Steve reached out to collaborate on a trip from his home in California to Durango, with the goal of getting in some world class mountain biking, enjoying nice meals in town, and spending time with his adult daughter who would be joining from elsewhere in Colorado, Set Forth jumped at the chance to put together a trip that would highlight everything that makes Durango an amazing place to play and live!

As we worked with Steve, we learned that he had actually visited Durango once before, in the 90’s, riding some of the area’s very first mountain bike trails. That additional layer of nostalgia, and the opportunity to highlight how far Durango’s recreation infrastructure has advanced in recent years, made our time working with Steve especially meaningful and rewarding.

The end result was a carefully curated, action packed week that highlighted the very best the region has to offer: jaw-dropping cycling through alpine meadows near Coal Bank Pass, endlessly-fun riding right downtown, creative restaurants, and of course some time relaxing in the Hot Springs. Our lesson from Steve’s trip? You can find adventure anywhere — even in your own backyard!

Domestic Journey #2: A Magical Week in Maui

Last winter, we were excited to connect with Dan and Sharon, the parents of an early Set Forth customer, in order to help them plan a 50th Anniversary trip to Maui. From the very start, we were impressed by how motivated they were to put together a great trip, and by the youthful energy they exuded each time they talked about the chance to go on an adventure they had long dreamt of.

Ultimately, we built a trip with a little less hiking than some Set Forth trips (and no mountain biking or skiing!), but just as much joy and relaxation as you could possibly fit into 10 days. Dan and Sharon reported back with many high points and happy moments, including the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of attending a Luau. From my (Nate’s) perspective, the best part of their trip was receiving a consistent stream of joy-filled photos and text message updates throughout — my own front-row seat to an obviously-awesome experience. Clearly, “adventure” is not limited to a certain type (or a certain age!) of traveler!

Domestic Journey #3: Orlando the Set Forth Way

Over the last two years, Set Forth’s customers have mostly been adults — solo travelers, a whole bunch of couples, and a good number of families with adult children. While we certainly don’t mind that work, it does make it feel like a real treat each time we get the chance to plan an adventure for a family with kids. It’s a great excuse to make sure that “fun” is the core focus of each part of the trip!

Perhaps no planning process epitomized that fun-focused ethos more than our work with Greg and his family last fall. Greg had a vision of a multifaceted family trip to Orlando. Greg’s sons had a vision of repeatedly ripping around on the rollercoasters at Universal Studios. Thankfully, it was relatively simple to combine their visions, and add some Set Forth suggestions (a day of bass fishing on Lake Toho, off-the-beaten path options to avoid overcrowded beaches, etc.), to put together a week that checked all of their boxes. The takeaway? Any good trip, regardless of if it includes kids, should focus on fun first. The rest will follow!

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