OUR 2025 TRAVEL YEAR
It’s hard to believe that 2025 in all its chaotic glory is coming to our close. We had some great domestic and international adventures this year and many unforgettable moments, including a post-trip stomach bug that knocked everyone out (ew).
Here’s where we went this year, what we did, what we ate, our top memories and biggest fails.
January: Grand Cayman
Why we picked it: We picked Grand Cayman for warm weather and a cheap direct flight. We loved it.
Vibes: North side, think slow, gentle wave beaches, quiet, no crowds.
What we did: We saw starfish and sting rays daily and ate too many conch fritters to count. The kids fell in love with snorkeling and beach soccer. We loved visiting the Turtle Center, botanical gardens and the tiny animal sanctuary on the east end.
What we ate: We loved experiencing the Jamaican influence on the island (Jamaica and the Cayman Islands have a long and very intertwined history) and trying specialty Caribbean foods like jerk chicken and cassava cake.
Top memory: eating fresh fried seafood at a beach side stand on the east side of the island. This trip really surprised me - Grand Cayman isn’t always marketed as a cultural foodie destination and I love that we found quieter spots that fit the interests of our family.
Biggest fail: I felt rushed when it was my turn to snorkel because husband and big kids had already done so, while I waited on the boat with the toddler. Stupid mom guilt - reminder to take my time and enjoy my experiences too!
APRIL: KANAB, UTAH
Why we picked it: We picked Kanab as our base since it’s mid-way between the main attractions we wanted to see: Antelope Canyon, Zion and Bryce.
Vibes: Small town, think huge red rocks and SW scenery.
What we did: lots of day trip drives to Zion, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Canyon (the biggies), plus some cool local gems.
What we ate: shockingly huge portions of mostly American fare - burgers, pizza, some great ice cream and treats.
Top memory: All of the scenery on this trip was truly unforgettable but I think Antelope Canyon really blew me away. I loved our Native American guide (required because you’re on Navajo land) and it felt like such a cool experience to get down into a slot canyon and walk around.
Biggest fail: We had to stop in Vegas on the way home, where we more than likely contracted a stomach bug, blegh. It happens
OUTER BANKS, NC
Why we picked it: We normally go to another part of NC but wanted to try the outer banks. Corolla was appealing due to it’s quieter vibe and nature / animals.
Vibes: We stayed in the north end of Corolla, lots of traffic coming in but we didn’t feel it once we were there. Tons of shops, restaurants, very walkable and safe.
What we did: Beautiful mornings on the beach, afternoons in the very warm, bath-tub like pool, I got to go on lots of runs. We also liked the (somewhat stinky) sound
What we ate: Cooking at a rental is not like cooking at home. We try to pare it down but also keep meals balanced. We do quesadillas with cheese and black beans, sausage and veggie lasagna and will get some local fish to cook for fish tacos at the rental. We tried a new varietal of crab that we loved (Jonah crabs, which we had to get since that’s the name of one of our kiddos).
Top Memory: Beach side runs where I ended meeting the kids and husbands, seeing their little faces run towards me never ceases to be magic.
Biggest fail: The fireworks were a letdown, and it wasn’t just us. Everyone that was sitting around us kept complaining about the same specific firework being released over and over, it was bizarre BUT it made us and the kids really giggle.
august: finger lakes
Why we picked it: This was a return trip to the Fingerlakes - we went a couple years ago and loved it so much.
Vibes: We stayed in a house rental in Hammondsport, NY.
What we did: We visited farms, did beautiful hikes and one very exhausting bike ride, bought local cheese and meats and did nightly charcuterie boards.
What we ate: The Fingerlakes is known for it’s wine but the cheese is also amazing. We found a great Amish market with local meats, cheeses, breads and amazing pies. We also loved the local ice cream spots.
Top Memory: The Corning Museum of Glass blew us away. The kids still talk about it.
Biggest Fail: Construction at Watkins Glen prevented us from enjoying a lot of great views we saw on our last trip. Kids were grumpy after 2 miles of hiking for very little outcome. We cheered everyone up by finding a great ramen place in town afterwards.
October: Philly
Why we picked it: We are from the area, the kids had a silly week of half days at school.
Vibes: We stayed in a hotel outside the city but nearby, with an indoor pool.
What we did: So since we are from the area, we loved seeing lots of our old friends and introducing the kids to some touristy things. We did a historic Philadelphia walking tour, visited the Franklin Institute and trekked to Longwood Gardens.
What we ate: Reading Terminal Market is always an experience I love. While it can be crowded and chaotic, the variety and quality of food you get there is incredible. We all ate from different places (Amish mac and cheese, Italian meatball sub, Salvadorean arepas) and loved our food.
Top Memory: My very introverted toddler did NOT want to leave Longwood - it’s such a special place.
Biggest Fail: Not getting a cheesesteak! My husband got one but I went out with my girlfriends, worth the trade off but still I’m annoyed.