Our Most Memorable Travel Experiences of 2012
It’s that time of year. Time for everyone to share their “Year in Review” articles, reflecting on the year that was. So, in an effort to stick with tradition, we share our most memorable travel experiences of 2012. You can read last year’s review here.
It was a big year for us – one of our biggest on record – but our travels were somewhat limited, at least comparatively speaking. 2012 was a year of transformation and growth. It will go down in history as the year that we introduced our baby to the world and the year we graduated from cramped condo living to owners of a spacious house in beautiful North Vancouver.
As such, world travel dropped down a few notches in the priority rankings – but we’re stoked that we achieved our 2012 travel goal of visiting 5 countries with Baby B. He’s become quite the little globe-trotter!
1. Our first family trip with Baby B – Palm Springs, California
Our first family trip to Palm Springs taught us that traveling with a baby is not as scary as it sounds. We were very happy, and relieved, that Baby B’s first flight was a success – he seems to be a natural!
Read more from our trip to Palm Springs:
- Our First Family Trip to Palm Springs, California
- Traveling with Baby – Not as Scary as it Sounds
- The World’s Largest Rotating Aerial Tramcar
- The Extraordinary Landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, California
2. River boat cruise down the Mosel River in Germany
The Mosel Valley is our favourite part of Germany. The region is famous for its steep vineyards, fairy-tale castles and cute medieval villages. One moment that stands out from our time in the Mosel Valley was an afternoon river boat tour that departed from the town of Cochem (pictured above).
It’s easy to fall in love with this part of the world!
3. Returning home to Windsor, Ontario
The passing of my beloved grandmother was the reasoning behind an impromptu trip to Windsor, Ontario. I was born in Windsor, but hadn’t been back for a visit in over 20 years. The trip was filled with sadness but it was comforting to be around our family and friends, many of whom we hadn’t seen in several years. It was also great to introduce Baby B and Nicole to the city where I was born, a place that that occupies many of my childhood memories.
Here are photos from our trip to Windsor, Ontario (that’s the Detroit skyline above).
4. Helicopter tour over the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Molokai
One of the highlights from our trip to Maui was a heli-tour over West Maui and Molokai with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Floating over the earth in a helicopter is a thrilling ride, one that everyone should try at least once in their lives. We can’t think of a better way to experience the Hawaiian Islands.
Read more posts from our trip to Hawaii:
- Video: Helicopter Tour over the Hawaiian Islands
- Photo Essay: Heli-tour of West Maui & Molokai
- Tiger Sharks, Hammerheads and Eagle Rays in Maui
- Ziplining through the Forests of Haleakala in Maui
5. Discovering Le Petite-France in Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg instantly became one of our favourite cities in France, primarily because we fell in love with Le Petite-France. Le Petite-France is a cute neighbourhood on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical centre famous for it’s medieval half-timbered houses, baroque sandstone buildings and the Strasbourg Cathedral (the world’s fourth-tallest church).
We think Strasbourg should be on every France itinerary, especially if traveling during the summer months.
6. Riding the World’s Steepest Cogwheel Railway to Pilatus Kulm in the Swiss Alps
When we decided to add Luzern to our Swiss itinerary we did a quick search to educate ourselves on its popular attractions. We wanted to take full advantage of our surroundings and get outdoors, but we needed to find an excursion that was also baby friendly. The Golden Round Trip is a fun excursion that includes a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and a ride up the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the peak of Pilatus Kulm (altitude 2,132 metres or 7,000 feet).
Read more from our trip to Luzern, Switzerland:
- From Our Lens – Cruising Around Lake Lucerne
- Luzern, Switzerland – We Love Surprises
- Photo Story: The Golden Round Trip to Pilatus, Lucerne
7. Road tripping to Cariboo Country in central British Columbia
We love road trips. We love playing old songs on the stereo, eating crappy food and making pit stops at strange gas stations in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately for us, there are few places in the world that can compete with the natural beauty that British Columbia has become renowned for.
See photos from our road trip to Caribboo Country in BC.
8. Wine Festival in Reil, Germany
Our distant family owns a vineyard and guesthouse in Reil, a century old village in the Mosel Valley of western Germany (near the borders of France and Luxembourg). Every year, on the first weekend in September, the villagers and winemakers of Reil celebrate the harvest by throwing a 3-day street festival.
It’s always a good time when the German and Canadian sides of our family get together to celebrate!
9. Introducing Baby B to the Eiffel Tower
Okay, so Baby B had no clue where he was and he had no interest in the Eiffel Tower, but it was a special moment for us as newbie parents. To be able to snap photos with him in front of one the world’s most recognizable landmarks was a very cool experience – one that we will look back on with big smiles. Hopefully he’ll feel the same way when he gets older!
Baby travel tip – Paris hotel rooms are small and super expensive, so consider Paris vacation rentals as an accommodation alternative. Having a kitchen means you can boil water, store baby food in the fridge and wash toys and bottles.
10. Exploring Zurich’s Old Town
It didn’t take long for us to connect with Zurich. It has a lot of similarities to our hometown Vancouver, with its waterfront parks and close proximity to snow-capped peaks and endless outdoor adventure. However, unlike Vancouver, Zurich is loaded with historical buildings and remarkable classical architecture. We found ourselves constantly reaching for our camera, snapping photos of virtually every building in Zurich’s Old Town.
See more photos from our trip to Zurich, Switzerland.
More 2012 travel experiences that didn’t make our Top 10:
- A Colourful Autumn Trip to Whistler
- Exploring the Streets of Louisville, Kentucky
- A trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Cruising down a Volcano with Maui Easy Riders
- Strolling down Memory Lane in Victoria
What was your most memorable moment of 2012?
And what are you looking forward to most in 2013?
Great list, Strasbourg is one great city, actually reading your post reminded me I have been there this year, lol how could I forget it?
Hah… well, you know you’ve had a successful year of travel when you forget where you’ve been! 🙂
What a year! I’ve only done the Alps and the Eiffel Tower. Wishing you a fantastic 2013
It certainly was a great year! Thanks Andrea, best to you as well!
I love looking back my the travels for the year, it brings back so many great memories. I also love that you guys travel with a baby, and totally make it work! I plan to live by your example when I start a family someday.
Thanks so much for the kind words Candice!
Traveling with a baby isn’t as scary as it sounds… you just need to slow down and plan more… which is totally doable.
Best to you in 2013!
Strasbourg looks so cute! I think baby B did awesome on the road.. judging from the photos. Lol. Cheers to another great year, guys!
Baby B did very well on the road… he’s a trooper!
Thanks so much Kieu, best to you guys in 2013!
What a year! Baby B is going to be one well-traveled little guy!!
Your photo of Strasbourg makes me want to visit ASAP!
He certainly is… though we get the feeling our trip to Mexico in January is going to be a totally different experience… he’s now walking!!!
Have fun in Edinburgh this NYE! 😉
Cochem looks amazing… I love towns that look like that and I particularly love a UNESCO heritage site. You pretty much can’t go wrong.
Congrats on traveling the world with a baby! Even though I don’t have any kids (yet?) it’s nice to know that there is still life and travel after baby!
Thanks Colleen! Yes, a life of travel can certainly be achieved with a little one… but late nights at the pub are likely out of the picture for a couple more years 🙂
Best to you in 2013!
So many amazing trips! Wishing you and your family more safe and happy travels in your new year!
Aryn
Driftwood and Daydreams
Thanks so much Aryn, best to you as well in 2013!
Wow! Impressive travels and traveling baby! Will echo what you said about Strasbourg and Luzern – two of our favorite places we visited last summer (along with the Black Forest area – Freiburg was magical). We also particularly loved both Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. – two other inspiring 2012 destinations we hope to return to in the years ahead.
Happy NewYear and wishing you safe and awesome travels in 2013.
Hi Marcy – it sounds like you’ve also had a successful 2012 – good on you!
Best to you in 2013!
I happened upon Zurich when they were hosting the Iron Man. It was such an incredible scene. If ever there is a time to see Zurich, it’s during that summer competition.
I can only imagine. The Iron Man is quite the physical event… not sure you’ll find either of us competing anytime soon!
You had quite a year considering that you were traveling with a baby! That railway ride looks so fun.
We certainly did – thanks Jenna!
What are you looking forward to most in 2013?
You make traveling with the kids look like fun, and I like his Canucks shirt! 🙂 All the best to your family in 2013 and happy travels! -Jeremy
Hah – yes, one of us is typically sporting a Canucks shirt or hat when we travel. It’s a magnet for other Canadians and often leads to fun conversation.
Best to you in 2013 Jeremy!
Aw, what a wonderful year you’ve had and what a beautiful family. I love the shot of the three of you during your road trip. Congratulations on having it all! You’ve got the career, the kids and the love. Who could ask for more? Here’s to an even more epic 2013. I can’t wait to see what you guys are up to.
Thanks so much for the kind words Deb!
Yes, we feel quite fortunate to have everything we need in life… best to you and Dave in 2013 (though I think your 2012 will be hard to top!!).
Wow, what a year! This was my first time reading your blog. Can’t wait to read all about your next year’s travels. Happy New Year!
You had a great year! Congrats for Baby B 🙂 He’s very cute! Happy 2013!
Quite the year of traveling! I hope your 2013 is filled with more great experiences.
Great article – the pictures are awesome. Where are your travels taking you this year
Wowzers what a year! The helicopter ride looks like an epic thing to do there. Definitely on my to do list for this year.
This is a great list! And it’s so nice to see your little boy enjoying the sights as well. Good Luck this year and hope you three have a great time traveling to more cool places in the world.