My Best Travels of 2016

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“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return”. –  Leonardo da Vinci

I love this quote. Living in Southwest Minneapolis, our home is right under the flight path to   the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport and over the years I’ve come to know when the “big boys” or 747s are coming in to land from their 12-hour flight from Japan. At times, the planes can be loud and annoying, especially during a summer evening when we want to dine outside. Yet being close to the airport comes in handy when you are a diehard wanderlust. Simply looking up in the sky and watching the planes come and go makes me feel excited about the next adventure.

Today is my birthday and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful loving family, good health, caring friends and another year of amazing adventures. As the last month of the year comes to a close I reflect back on all the fantastic travels both near and far. I’ve been to some new places and some that I haven’t been to in decades. All in all it has been a terrific year of adventure.

Here are a few select memories from some of my favorite destinations of 2016.

Arizona and San Diego

We ended last year with a trip to Arizona for Christmas and San Diego for the New Year. I will always feel like Tucson is my second home and I’ve grown extremely fond of all the wonderful things San Diego has to offer.  Being outside in late December and early January without my heavy winter coat is always a pleasure.

Me, my dad and my sister take a rare moment to grab a photo together.

My favorite shot in Sabino Canyon

Torrey Pines Reserve California

Snowbird, Utah

For the second year in a row, my daughter Sophia and I met my Dad for a weekend of skiing at Snowbird, Utah. They had just gotten a huge dump of snow and I took nine-year-old Sophia on the back side of the mountain which wasn’t groomed. She wasn’t pleased but made it down the bowl. I was so proud of her! I love our three-generational ski trips!

Me and my girl

Nicaragua

In February, I was invited to review an all women’s learn to surf program in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. I’d never been to Nicaragua before and loved it. I really enjoyed exploring nearby Granada, and I also got to finally meet fellow blogger Debbie and her husband Ron. It was a fun winter getaway!

Me and my board, “Snow White” learning to surf

Me and Debbie (blogger of Rewind and Retired in Nicaragua) in San Juan del Sur.

Arizona again

For spring break, the kids and I went back to Arizona to visit my parents in Tucson. It was lovely weather and we enjoyed lots of hiking. The bonus: All the cactus were in bloom! Not so great: My son Max was in a cast since he broke his arm snowboarding so no swimming.

Tennessee

I had never been to Tennessee and I can’t say this visit was truly a trip. However it was an adventure as I flew down to rural Tennessee to pick up our new puppy, Winter! Flying with an eight-week old puppy through Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, was quite the adventure. Needless to say, I’m glad I have this off my list.

London and Prague

After three weeks of restless sleep (who knew getting a new puppy would be like having a baby again?) I headed to London and Prague with my mom and sister. I hadn’t been to either destination since 1993 when I lived in France. I enjoyed my time in both cities but especially feel in love with the beauty and romance of Prague. What a picturesque place!

Leaving Buckingham Palace and looking back towards Central London

Climbing aboard The red double decker Original Tour bus.

Ely and Lutsen, Minnesota

In June, we took our first road trip with our pup. It wasn’t fun as we soon discovered Winter gets carsick. Looking back the memories are hilarious but at the time it wasn’t much fun having the dog vomit all over the car. We have been going to Lutsen on the North Shore of Lake Superior for years, however, Ely was a new destination for us. We stayed at a cabin on Lake Mitchell and it was a wonderful couple of days.

Sunrise

Winter at four months. He is a true water and hiking dog. He loved it up north.

Romania

My dad and I did a week trip to Romania. Neither of us had ever been there before and it was a surprisingly delightful find. The people are warm and friendly, the culture and nature are superb and the cost of traveling there was very economical. It was a wonderful trip despite being pretty short.

View looking back down

The Apostle Islands

My husband and I got a rare weekend away to Hayward, Wisconsin, the launching off point to the Apostle Islands. We stayed at a lovely B&B, enjoyed hiking, sailing, kayaking and dining out. It was a magical time and I am hoping to go back!

Sailboat Ride in the Apostle Islands

One of many hiking trails through the green forests of the Bayfield Peninsula

Back to Ely

We enjoyed our time in Ely so much that we made a trip back in the fall for a long weekend. The colors were spectacular and of course Winter loved it even more. He is definitely a water dog!

A rare family photo with Winter

Florida

In October, the kids had a school break and we headed to Orlando and Key West. The kids finally got to see Harry Potter at Universal Studios and we got to enjoy some sunshine and craziness in Key West.

Sophia gets her magic wand

A ride on the Hogwarts Express

Heading out to the mangroves

Looking back, it has been a busy year but full of magic and delight. The kids are finally at a good age to travel and we have embraced our time together exploring both near and far. We’re looking forward to our first big family trip this April to Costa Rica. Until then I’m sure I’ll be getting itchy feet. But don’t worry…I have a special trip coming up soon in January. A true wanderlust can never stay still for long.

38 thoughts on “My Best Travels of 2016”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂 Appreciate the kind words. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  3. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    Happy birthday Nicole! May you witness many more beautiful sunsets and sunrises!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Why thank you! So kind of you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
        arv! on said:

        🙂

  4. A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
    A Wandering Memory on said:

    Some great memories there… I never caught up with you on Nicaragua – will see if I can find it… My 2016 review will soon follow also as am going to be offline for a while. As always you are an inspiration

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! 🙂 Enjoy your time offline. It is always nice to take a break! 🙂 Happy Holidays!

      Reply ↓

  5. Happy birthday. Here’s to another year of adventures.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Another year older, another year wiser I like to say!

      Reply ↓
  6. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    You definitely got around in 2016! Of all those pretty pictures, I think my favorite is Winter chilling on the pier!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lexi! I love that one too. He is laying right by me now in my office. I love it. What are your plans for the holiday and new year?

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        Chicago! But also listing the house after the holidays … :(((( On to Cuba for a week in January. Have a great Christmas and New Year!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Sounds amazing Lexi!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Sarah for your wonderful comment! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  8. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Happy Birthday Nicole! What a year you have had. I look forward to hearing where the wanderlust winds take you in January!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! I signed up to go on the Lokal Travels Adventure trip I wrote about! I’m going on January 2nd for a week to the Osa Peninsula with a group of people. Should be pretty fascinating. I’m definitely itching to travel. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  9. Strong quote by daVinci–what a year that you’ve had and such grand adventures and memories. Did you hear that Al Gore met with the president-elect? I am hoping against the odds that it will open him to the reality of climate change and the critical phase we are globally and here.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! Yes I did read that about Gore’s meeting and that made me feel hopeful. Not so sure about his choice for EPA head yet I think he is trying to appease his supporters. Yet I am thinking he is going back on so many crazy things he said to get elected. I’m wondering now what he really stands for. Will be following closely. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  10. Ahhh, Nicole I love this post. Thanks for including me in your photos. I had no idea how many trips you took this year until you combined them into one post. You must have a collection of thousands of photos. Happy birthday mi amigo. Hope your day has been fantastic!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! Yes it was a busy year and I didn’t realize how busy it was until I wrote the post! 🙂 Looking forward to reading more about your trip!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Danke! 🙂 Nicole

      Reply ↓
  12. Ron Hillmar – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – I was born in 1973 in a small town in the middle of Holland, not coincidentally the green heart of the Netherlands. From early on my parents took me on some far away travels, including a year abroad as a 5-year old in the Amazon jungle of Surinam, which probably ignited my love for Mother Nature and all it´s beauty and ugliness. Since my return trip to Surinam in 1988 my interest for photography grew and especially the interaction between humans and the planet we live on and the influence we have on it. On that first journey I started photographing and exploring things and places which were left behind by us and nature embraced (again). After that my camera came with me on many journeys around the world including amazing places like Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Southwest US, many countries in Africa and ofcourse around Europe. It was a matter of time before I wanted to move abroad and focus on photography and my interest in abandoned structures and landscapes started by settling in Zaragoza in the Northern part of Spain. After 2 years exploring the province of Aragon and all its landscapes, abandoned villages and many other trips around Spain we moved to Madrid. A year later we took a big leap to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the amazing beauty of South East Asia is now at my doorstep.
    Ron Hillmar on said:

    That´s a nice collection, great adventures, wishing you the best for the end fo the year, enjoy!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Ron! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  13. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Some beautiful views and a wonderful year of activities, Nicole. Lovely to see you and your young adventurers as they grow up. Hope the birthday was a lovely celebration. Here’s to another fabulous year! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo! you are right as I started my blog about six years ago and yes you’ve seen the kids grow. It is fun to have all my memories here. Thanks for sticking around! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  14. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    Absolutely wonderful round-up of your adventures, Nicole. Fantastic photos and an inspiration to your readers to see the world! A belated happy birthday to you. Here’s to a great year ahead with family, friends and traveling. 😀

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Jane! Appreciate it! 🙂 Happy Holidays to you too!

      Reply ↓

  15. Your year was chock-full of new adventures. It is so good to see your father looking so healthy. A belated birthday wish to you Nicole and my wish for a truly blessed holiday for you and your family. I hope the upcoming year is as promising as this year seems to have been.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you LuAnn! It has been quite the year, the biggest change was getting our puppy! It has been an adjustment but he has gotten me outside so much more than before. It has been really nice! Happy New Year to you too and I’m so glad you came back to the blogging world. I sure missed you!

      Reply ↓

      • Thanks Nicole! It is good to be back, even if I don’t post as much as I’d like to. Hopefully that will change next year, but I am not putting any pressure on myself to do so.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes I know what you mean about posting. It is hard to post as frequently especially when you need to research, write the post, edit the pictures and put it all together. The post I just wrote on the Gobi Bears took me two full days! I can imagine a lot of your posts take a lot as well as they are so well researched, put together, and written. I adore them! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Welcome to the blogging world! It’s been six years for me and I love it! ✨🌟

      Reply ↓

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