Cheers to 2026 ✨
Hello, 2026 — and Happy New Year from Shutter & Compass
As we step into a fresh year, we’re feeling energized, curious, and excited about what’s ahead. Travel continues to evolve, and so do we. This year is all about inspiration that fits real life — whether that looks like a spontaneous weekend getaway, a thoughtfully planned cruise, a foodie-focused night out, or a long‑dreamed‑about international adventure.
One of our quick fall getaways was spent at the Middleburg Oktoberfest…and the Corgi Races!!! Megan and Shelby COULD NOT resist! How could we NOT go?!
At our core, Shutter & Compass is for women who love experiences. Women in their 20s discovering the joy of travel, couples and friend groups planning unforgettable trips, empty nesters embracing freedom, and solo travelers chasing confidence and comfort — all with a touch of luxury and a lot of heart.
Looking back on 2025 (just the highlights 😉), we loved diving deeper into incredible local spots across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. From waterfront favorites like Chadwicks and cozy classics like Cheesetique, to standout meals at Corso Italian, sweet stops at Don Churro, cocktails at Brass Rabbit, and craft pours at Lark Brewing, local storytelling became one of our favorite ways to connect — and we’re just getting started. I mean, look at those CORGI’s?!! Was that day “planned” and official? Nope. Did we just decided to up and go…Yep! Look at those puppieeeeesssss! Shelby wants them all. Now back to the point…local storytelling has definitely increased with the partnerships and collabs, as well as just fun outings!
Some of our most memorable moments blended food, fun, and pure creativity. We loved immersive pop‑ups like The Upside Down Bar, inside Problem Child DC, located near Nationals Park, making it an easy additions to a DC day or weekend itinerary. From the Stranger Things themed cocktails and nostalgic décor to better‑than‑bar food we’re still talking about, these experiences reminded us how powerful storytelling can be. Bonus: we loved that teens were welcome until 9 PM — a huge win for families who still want something fun and elevated. And let’s be honest - were you even a part of the 2025 holiday season if you didn’t enjoy Stranger Things?!! We also loved heading to Tiki Thai in Reston, Virginia! Oh my goodness. Deliciousness with all of the warmth of tiki vibes in December.
On a national level, 2025 was a big year for theme park travel. We explored Disney and Universal from multiple perspectives, shared honest resort comparisons, and leaned into the excitement surrounding Universal’s EPIC Universe. From stays at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Shades of Green, to iconic favorites like Loews Portofino Bay and the stunning new Helios Grand Hotel, we’re excited to bring even more behind‑the‑scenes looks, planning tips, and hotel deep dives in the year ahead. Now, we did have our podcast scheduling slow down a bit — what can we say — we’re human, and life was definitely happening to both of us last year. But, stay tuned. More to come soon! A few fun captures from EPIC — ahhhh! And after seeing these, we want to go back already!
We also continued learning how to travel smarter, not harder. In 2026, you’ll see more content on leveraging credit card points and miles to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs — especially for flights. From using Rakuten strategically to maximize rewards, to pairing it with American Express for even more value, we’re excited to keep sharing what actually works for us. The plan is also to have some great leading experts on this to help us navigate this newfound travel energy! As we grow in 2026, we’re also excited to continue opening the door to intentional brand partnerships that align with our audience and values. From restaurants and hotels to entertainment venues and travel brands, we love collaborating with businesses that care about experience, storytelling, and connection as much as we do. Our goal is always authentic coverage — thoughtful photography, honest insights, and content that inspires our community to explore with confidence.
And now… the big tease. ✈️🌍
Last year’s major focus was Disney, Universal, and EPIC. This year? International travel takes center stage. New destinations, new cultures, and stories we can’t wait to tell — and yes, we’re keeping the details just mysterious enough for now. Stay tuned.
As always, we want to know what you want to see more of in 2026. More local guides or more far‑flung adventures? Hotels, restaurants, cruises, theme parks — or all of the above? Weekend trips or bucket‑list journeys?
Tell us in the comments, vote in our polls, or send us a message. This community helps shape every itinerary, every guide, and every story we share.
Here’s to a year filled with unforgettable experiences, beautiful places, and travel that meets you exactly where you are. 🥂
Happy New Year,
Disclaimers
Affiliate Disclosure: Shutter & Compass, LLC participates in affiliate and referral partnerships. Some of the links in The Compass Journal are referral or affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, sign up or apply through these links, we may earn a small commission or bonus, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our travel content and keep the blog running.
Accuracy Disclaimer: The information above is current as of January 26th, 2026. Always refer directly to official websites for the most up-to-date details before making decisions.
