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A Year of Travel Memories and Adventures in 2012

I waited until last weekend to do this post just in case the Mayan calendar was right and the world ended last Friday.  Luckily, we’re all still here to finish off a memorable year.  I’ve always loved reading other travel bloggers’ year-end posts to relive their travel memories with them and see which adventures I missed.  I’m celebrating my first full calendar year of travel blogging and excited to finally do my first round-up post.

2012 travel moments collage

We started our first day of 2012 on a Caribbean cruise.  I’m usually not a New Year’s resolution type of gal since I’ve broken more than I’ve kept.  But, our family resolved to try new adventures this year and 2012 was a year of first-time experiences and a lifetime of memories – eating unusual food, zip lining, snorkeling, cave tubing and exploring new regions and countries.  This is our year’s favorite travel moments, some lessons learned and some favorite photos.Norwegian NCL star cruise ship image

Favorite Trip

This was probably the busiest year of travel for us.  We visited six countries, nine states and went on two seven-day cruises.  We think it’s pretty good for two working parents with limited vacation times and kids tied to a school year calendar.  Luck and timing had a lot to do with it.   Our family’s favorite trip would have to be our 10-day summer trip to the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden and Iceland.

Frederiksborg slot castle image

It was a whirlwind tour of castles, churches, canals, wildlife sightings, stunning scenery and strange food.  Traveling to this part of Europe was a totally unique experience since its culture and food was so unfamiliar to us.  Iceland’s awe-inspiring beauty and quirkiness was such a fantastic way to start our trip and made us long for a return visit.

iceland Golden circle great geysir

Copenhagen has always been near the top of my travel list and the city didn’t disappoint with plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Copenhagen Nyhavn

Our day trip to Malmo gave us a glimpse into one of Sweden’s quaint and charming towns with unusual street art and sculptures, a castle and a beautiful park.

Malmo sinking house art exhibit

Favorite Travel Experience

I had not heard of cave tubing until I started looking into what we were going to do while in Belize for a day during a cruise stop.  Exploring one of the America’s largest cave system on an inflatable tube was an adventure we couldn’t pass up.  This unique underground experience involved hiking through a forest trail, crossing against a strong river current and floating into what the Mayan civilization believed were entrances to Xibalba (pronounced She-bal-ba) or their version of hell/underworld.  Many of the caves were used for sacred rituals and ceremonies.

Belize cave tubing

Floating on our tubes, using our arms as oars and with only our helmets’ headlamps, we saw some remarkable rock formations inside the cave that have been around for thousands of years.  One of my favorite moments was floating afterwards on the calmer parts of the river and listening to the sounds of the jungle and the water.

Belize cave tubing floating in river

Favorite International Destination

If I were to pick one country we visited this year that I would return to again and again, it would be Iceland.  Its rugged beauty and out of this world landscape was both impressive and unforgettable.  We were only there for four days but it left such a lasting impression for our whole family for its diverse attractions, friendly locals and distinctive offerings.  Where else can you find whale and puffin on the menu and also have a hotdog stand as its most famous restaurant?

Hallgrimskirkja church reykjavik

Despite our short stay, we had the opportunity to see and do many things.  It helped that we were there with almost 24 hours of sunlight in June.  My husband’s dream of dipping in the Blue Lagoon finally came true.  Sure, it’s unnatural but the whole experience of soaking and relaxing in its therapeutic waters was enough to start our vacation the right way.

iceland Blue lagoon bridge

My favorite part was the Golden Circle Tour.  This 190 mile (300 km) round-trip route that covers three of Iceland’s spectacular attractions – a national park, geysers and waterfalls is a trip that should not be missed.  As a nature lover, this was my paradise.

iceland Golden Circle Gulfoss

Favorite USA Destination

While we love exploring new countries, we also love exploring the good old USA.  We had an annual pass to the US National Parks and managed to visit six parks this year.  Our family’s favorite would have to be our long weekend trip to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah last August.  The stunning landscape and rock formations have easily made these two of our favorite parks.  Despite the sweltering conditions of the summer heat, we managed to do some hikes including a three-mile, uphill climb to see the famous Delicate Arch.

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park

Canyonlands was an unexpected surprise for us.  Utah’s largest National Park was uncrowded with many scenic overlooks and breathtaking red-rock canyons, spires and sculpted rock formations.  We only visited the Island in the Sky district but we treasured the experience and glimpse into this magical place.

Mesa arch canyonlands

Favorite Local Destination

Our home city of San Diego is known as America’s Finest City.  Unfortunately, we’ve taken the numerous attractions in this beautiful city for granted over the years.  One of our favorite places to visit is Balboa Park, and we finally explored more of the park last year than previous years.  We plan to spend more time and explore more of its museums and attend events here next year.

balboa park botanical building

Speaking of local events, I had to include a memorable visit to the Carlsbad Flower Fields with my daughter last year.  The rainbow of colors and feast for the senses were enough to make us go back here next year.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad ranch

Favorite Cruise Port

Our two cruises this year included seven ports in three countries.  One of the benefits of cruising to islands, you otherwise wouldn’t consider for an extended land vacation, is finding its many hidden gems.  For us, that was Belize.  While Belize City wasn’t someplace to hang out in for an extended time, its outlying areas offered a variety of attractions worth visiting like the fantastic Belize zoo, pristine beaches and Mayan ruins and pyramids.  belize zoo junior Jaguar image

Most Embarrassing Travel Moment

Unfortunately, travel doesn’t always go as planned.  We got lucky this year and didn’t experience major flight delays, lost kids or luggages or trips ruined by unforeseen circumstances.  I’m including this for some lessons learned, it was memorable and because this has also been my most embarrassing travel moment.  Or maybe I blocked out a lot of other things that happened before this.  We were in the central California region last May visiting a mission and Solvang (Danish capital of the USA) preparing for our Denmark trip.

Central California vineyards
Central California vineyards

We checked into one of the chain hotels around 8 PM after a full day of sightseeing.  But, when we opened our assigned hotel room, we walked in on another family already in there. There was momentary silence of shock and embarrassment for all of us.  Awkward was an understatement. Needless to say, we apologized and retreated out of there quickly.

Fortunately, the family was only watching TV.  The front desk staff was apologetic and upgraded us to a suite.  While checking in a busload of tourists earlier, they inadvertently gave our reserved room to someone whose last name started with the same two letters as ours.  This was a first for us and hopefully the last.  We’ve learned that this happens quite often even at 5-star hotels to other travelers.  Our lessons learned from this experience:

  • Never let your kids walk into any room first. I don’t even want to think about what my kids could have walked into and what things they could have seen.
  • While in the room, always put the chains or bolt locks on as a safety precaution. You never know who can walk in on you.

Favorite Surprise

It still amazes me what the power of links and Google does in helping strangers find my tiny corner of the Internet.  My favorite surprise in 2012 was an email from one of the US National Park Rangers who found my blog.  He wanted to use a picture of my kids “holding” the Statue of Liberty on a Junior Ranger CD the parks were releasing.

Songs for Junior Rangers CD

The Songs for the Junior Ranger CD was released last October and my kids’ picture is on the CD jacket holding the lyrics booklet.  It was an extra special moment buying this CD at Washington, DC’s National Mall after they completed their Junior Ranger activities.  The CD is sold online and available at most US National Parks stores. We never expected a touristy picture would be in national circulation.  They think they’re famous now and thought this was so “cool”.

Songs for Junior Rangers CD

The Kids’ Travel Memories

Since my kids are a huge part of this blog, I also decided to ask them what their favorite travel memory was for 2012.  It’s no surprise that my animal-loving, 10-year-old daughter picked our Iceland puffin tour and her first time snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico as her top two favorite travel moments.  Seeing thousands of puffins in the wild and closely watching these adorable birds was the highlight of my kids’ Iceland trip.

Iceland puffins on akurey island

She loved being surrounded by all the colorful fish in Cozumel’s warm waters and is now hooked on snorkeling.

Chankanaab Snorkeling

My little daredevil, 7-year old son picked zip lining as his favorite travel moment.  Zip lining in Roatan, Honduras was a first for all of us last January.  He loved being high on top of the trees.  While the thrill of zip lining for the first time was an incomparable experience, our second time last month was an even better overall experience since we actually knew what to expect.

Boy Zip lining

Our 2013 Plans

We are grateful for the opportunities we had and feel very lucky to be able to give the gift of travel to our kids this past year.  This has been such a memorable year in travel and in my blogging journey.  I have met so many wonderful people and made online friends who I hope to meet in person at a travel blogger’s conference (TBEX) in Toronto in June.

We’ve got more travel plans in the works and resolve to try more new adventures in 2013 including fulfilling a childhood dream of visiting castles and charming towns in Bavaria Germany and adding a sprinkle of Hawaii.  We’re off to Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park in  a few weeks to hopefully sand board.  I’m also excited to be a part of a new family travel site launching next month (detailed post here).

THANK YOU to all of you who have read, commented, supported and shared my posts and for being a part of our traveling family.  If you’re new around here – Welcome, and I hope you visit again soon!  Wishing all of you a safe, healthy and prosperous 2013 with plenty of travel adventures.  Happy New Year!

cozumel sunset
A sunset in Cozumel to inspire your travels

*What were your memorable 2012 moments?  Any big plans for 2013? 

50 thoughts on “A Year of Travel Memories and Adventures in 2012”

  1. What? You were in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and not Norway?! :)
    Also, my daughters want to take that cruise: jaguars, snorkelling, zip lining…

  2. Thanks for virtually taking us with you so many places this year. The only place I’ve been on your list is Balboa Park. We’ll also be sand dune sledding in a few weeks. Great Sand Dunes NP was the last place we did it. Between lost hotel reservations, having to find another hotel, and sand that was too hot to touch by 10 a.m. in the summer, the stream between the dunes and the visitor’s center ended up being our favorite part of the visit. Looking forward to where you take us in 2013!

    1. Thanks Michele! I hope we get to do the sand dune sledding aka sand board at Great Sand Dunes and lucky we’re going in the winter. I think the stream is dried up though. I’m looking forward to following you along on your travels too.

  3. What a wonderful wrap-up of a year. With all your fabulous posts one wouldn’t remotely guess that you travel as little as you say you do.
    I wish you many great adventures in the coming year and I look forward to following along with your traveling family. And congrats to the kids for getting on a CD cover. That is VERY COOL.

    1. Thanks for all the support Leigh and I really hope to meet you in person in Toronto! I wish we had more travel time throughout the year but we make do with our limited schedule. Looking forward to following along your adventures too.

  4. That was a wonderful year of travel. Good tip about keeping the chain on the hotel
    door and kids not going first – something I would not have thought of. I agree
    with your daughter on the snorkeling – no zip lining for me. Looking forward to a
    year of travel in 2013.

  5. What a beautiful round-up. I’ll have to come back here again and again to check up on the posts I’ve missed in the course of the year. And perhaps go outside to look for the sinking houses in Malmo.

    1. Thanks Mette! Love reading roun-up posts as they really do give you a chance to go back to articles we missed throughout the year which I will be doing on your blog too. We only found one sinking house in Malmo as part of an art exhibit so hopefully you get to find more and write about them :)

  6. I loved discovering your blog this year! And I’m happy to read that your favourite place was Iceland, and your favourite trip was to Scandinavia! I’m fast falling in love with Scandinavia – the standard of living is so high, the air so fresh, and the beauty so awe inspiring! (I also second Sophie’s comment – you must visit Norway!)

    I can’t believe how stunning Carlsbad Flower Field is! I would love to go there, as well as so many of the other places you’ve written about and photographed on your blog. I hope 2013 has just as many treats in store for you and your gorgeous family!

    1. Thank you Shing! You are too sweet! You are so lucky to live close enough to Scandinavia to visit. We hope to get back and explore more and yes, Norway of course. I loved finding your blog this year too and look forward to reading more of your adventures especially your take on iceland. Best wishes for 2013 to you too.

    1. I loved reading about your backpacking trip and for taking me back to the Philippines. I’m sure you’d love cave tubing. I heard they have it in Palawan. Happy New Year to you and wishing you more travels around the world in 2013.

  7. Mary,
    Great compilation. You guys had an awesome year! I really enjoy seeing small kids having so many wonderful experiences. Imagine a kid talking about his/her experiences in Iceland or Cozumel (instead of discussing video games or something technology related). It sounds too good to be true (but now I know where to find those kids). Just get prepared for the adventures they want to try once they are a little bit older. :0) And by the way, that worst travel moment was really weird.

    1. Thanks Ruth! It’s amazing what opportunities are given to kids nowadays. We know all of these experiences will have a positive imapct on the kids. Yes, that emabrrasing moment was too weird and I hope doesn’t happen again. Best wishes to you and your husband for 2013 and of course, more travel adventures.

    1. Thank you! It was an amazing year that will be hard to compare to and beat but we’ll try. Cave tubing was so much fun and we’d love to do them again. Happy new Year to you too and wishing you more travels!

  8. What? You’ve only been blogging for a year? I thought you were an old timer with all your followers leaving you so many comments on every post! You’re awesome!

    1. Thanks Sonja! Well, a little over a year :) I appreciate all the commenters and being part of a great community helps a lot. I still have more networking to do though. I hope you get to visit the Scandinavian region in 2013.

    1. Thanks Allison! Likewise – it has been great to find your blog and follow your family around Utah and the National Parks. I hope 2013 will have some wonderful news for your family and wishing you more travel adventures.

    1. Thanks for stopping by Claire! Iceland was breathtaking and was definitely unforgettable. We got lucky to have experienced such a banner year in travel. There are some things about Belize that remind me of the Philippines. :) Best wishes and more travels for you in 2013.

  9. congratulations on your first blogiversary. I am very jealous that you made it to Iceland, one of the countries I am very much looking forward to visiting in the future.

  10. Wonderful memories guys and congratulations on your first blogiversary! That’s such a milestone. It’s been a pleasure to be following your adventures guys. My favourite adventures of you were Paris, Iceland and posts from San Diego x Keep it up!

  11. wow! all those places ive been dreaming to go. quite fortunate to have journeyed places like this. im amazed at the dipping at the blue lagoon. i like to experience that.

    cheers to more exciting trips this year!

  12. Wow, what a fabulous roundup, and so many wonderful memories in 2012! You’ve definitely inspired me to research more about Iceland…I always see great deals advertised for there, so am definitely thinking of making it a destination!

  13. Oh my gosh! I am in love with your blog! We lived in England for 8 years and didn’t do as much traveling as we would have liked although we did some. I adore traveling and hope to get back to it soon. I am a new follower just so I can get the scoop on places to visit with kiddos. Found you through Bloggy Moms.

  14. What an amazing year you’ve had! Love the Junior Ranger CD, though I think your kids are especially fortunate thanks to all these great experiences you two have given them. The Iceland photos make me want to get on a plane right now :)

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