Every year brings its own adventures, big and small. From weekend getaways close to home to international trips across oceans, each journey has shaped our family’s story and sparked new misadventures along the way. This Year in Review archive is where I gather the highlights—favorite destinations, unexpected detours, and the moments that made each year unforgettable. Come wander back through time with us, one year at a time.
Whether you’re looking for trip inspiration or just want to follow along on our journey, here’s a look back through the years.
{Start Here : 2025 Year in Review}
Our Yearly Travel Reviews
Travel isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about the moments in between. These posts are my way of remembering the stories behind the miles, and hopefully sparking ideas for your own adventures too.
2025 | Alpine Adventures & Coastal Drives
2025 took us across both continents and seasons. We spent two weeks exploring Austria — with Innsbruck quickly becoming our favorite — along with time in Bavaria, Germany, and even a short stop in the Netherlands. Back in the U.S., we cruised the Kansas stretch of Route 66, returned to California’s beautiful central coast, and hit the slopes skiing in Utah. In October, we road-tripped through New England from Maine down to Boston. We closed the year year with the festive magic of the Christmas markets in Rome and Prague.
2024 | Milestones & Market Wanderings
2024 was full of adventures both near and far. In the U.S., we hiked among the striking red rocks of St. George, celebrated Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg, and cruised a stretch of Route 66 through Tulsa. Later in the year, we embraced the holiday spirit with a tour of Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets, from Paris and Alsace to Freiburg, Germany, and Basel, Switzerland. To top it off, our trusty old car proudly rolled past 400,000 miles — a milestone that marked just how far our journeys have taken us.
2023 | Adventures Near & Far
With our daughter’s passport finally approved, 2023 turned into a year of making up for lost time. We visited six countries — from hiking through the frozen beauty of Banff in Canada to wandering the romantic streets of Paris and savoring the magic of Christmas markets in Austria and Germany. Costa Rica gave us unforgettable animal encounters, while Belgium charmed us with its history and flavors. Back in the U.S., we explored the desert trails of Phoenix and even stopped by Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo. After years of waiting, it felt amazing to stretch our travel wings again!
2022 | Exploring Close to Home
2022 became the year of U.S. road trips, and we made the most of it — visiting 16 states! Highlights included exploring the underground wonder of Mammoth Cave, hiking through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and taking in the vibrant colors of a fall trip through New England. We also enjoyed unique experiences like the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit and a peaceful canoe trip down the Buffalo River. While we had international trips planned, they were put on hold as we spent months navigating delays with our daughter’s passport. Even so, the year reminded us that there’s plenty of wonder to discover right here at home.
2021 | Adventures Close, Far & Almost
2021 gave us a mix of adventures near and far. We explored the rugged beauty of California’s Central Coast, the rolling landscapes of West Virginia, and even made a return to Universal Studios for a weekend. One of the biggest highlights was a study abroad trip I took to Israel- a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk through history and experience a new culture firsthand. Not everything went as planned, though- our much-anticipated family trip to Germany was canceled the day before departure due to another wave of restrictions. While disapointing, the year reminded us to cherish the trips we did take and look forward with hope to future adventures.
2020 | A year of Change & New Beginnings In Tennessee
2020 was a year of change as we packed up life in Florida and moved to Tennessee in the middle of a very unusual summer. With so much of the world on pause, we found joy in the outdoors, spending weekends exploring Tennessee’s many beautiful state parks and discovering just how much natural beauty was right in our new backyard. As things slowly opened, we began taking short trips into nearby states — Virginia, Alabama, and Kentucky — uncovering new places to love and settling into this new chapter of adventure.
{read the 2020 Year In Review}
2019 | Theme Parks & Coastal Living in Florida
2019 was a year of sunshine and magic as we embraced living on Florida’s Space Coast. Most weekends were spent at the theme parks — from the wonder of Disney World and thrills of Universal Studios to the marine adventures at Sea World and the unforgettable experience of Discovery Cove. Beyond the parks, we found quieter moments exploring Florida’s state parks, taking scenic drives along the beaches, and even enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour at Cape Canaveral. Living in Cocoa Beach gave us the perfect mix of ocean views and endless adventures.
{read the 2019 Year In Review}
Thanks for coming along on these highlights and reviews of our years of traveling. Every corner of the world adds to our story and we are so grateful to share that story with you, one year at a time.
May the years be kind and your heart be full.
