What I love about the start to a new year is the feeling like anything is possible. It’s like the clock has reset, and you have a new slate to create the life you want, and to be the best version of yourself. In this new year, with travel and all that makes you happy, that’s our wish for you.

It’s Off To The Races

I generally don’t pay attention to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, but this year, I celebrated the New Year with friends who do. Apparently, 2025 was the Year of the Snake. While it was a good year in reflection, there were unusual challenges along the way. By the end of the year, I once again proved that I could overcome anything — but my progress wasn’t the rocket I wanted it to be. Instead, it seemed like everything took so much longer than it needed to, similar to how a snake slithers through life. It wasn’t until the end of the year that the momentum I had at the beginning of 2025 returned. Looking back, there were certainly things that I needed to shed, as snakes do, and a general clearing of energy and even some people. But I’m done with that, and there is something so exciting already about 2026.

It could be that this renewed energy is because we are in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse. Or, it could be that I have a clearer plan and am ready to go get it. Regardless, I’ve always had an affinity for horses, and the characteristics of this year are passion, energy, freedom and dynamic bold change. So, sign me up; I’m ready to take on the world.

The Best Version of Yourself

Ironically, except for 2025, I start out the year by writing down my goals and the steps needed to get there. It’s not a laundry list plan, but rather 4-5 specific goals I set my sights on to achieve. From there, I make the plan.

I don’t know why I skipped this step last year, but I realize now, in hindsight, how much I need this laser focus to feel grounded. Not that I didn’t learn and have some meaningful achievements in 2025 — but what a difference it made to not have the goal posts in sight. So, to start out the New Year, I spent some quality time thinking about what I want, and how I will achieve it. In writing out my goals, I also realized how my priorities have shifted.

Normally, when I set my goals, Galavante and travel are the first priorities. Travel is no longer a goal, but rather an expectation, like breathing air itself. This 2026 hits different, and my health and being the best version of myself is my number one focus. We only have one life to live (at least that we know of). So, I want mine to be long, and at the highest quality of health. Apparently there’s a health club for that, charging $10k a month if you check out our article on luxury gyms. Wellness is an $8 trillion industry, even larger than travel. In my opinion, it’s optimal when you can combine the two, so expect to see plenty of ideas this year.

One thing though I likely won’t find at the wellness center or even in travels is true happiness. When I think about what success will look like in 2026 for me,  want to be the happiest version, with the best people in my life, and doing what I love. I owe so much to Galavante as the foundation of being my best self.

Wishing you all the best this 2026, and for you to be the happiest and best version of yourself.

Christine Drinan, Founder

Christine’s Other Musings

The House Favorites
Merci, Grazie, Vielen Danke
Welcome Back, New York