As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself with a cup of tea in hand, reflecting on what has been a year of profound contrasts for our family. Early in the year, we said goodbye to the heart of our nomadic clan—our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Judy. After a courageous battle with illness, she left us, and not a day goes by that we don’t feel her absence. Yet, in every journey we embark on, we carry her spirit with us, knowing she’s part of all the family adventures we take.

This year also marked a turning point for our family—a time to reclaim the world after years of travel restrictions, health challenges, welcoming a new baby to the family, and even celebrating the publication of a first novel. We embraced the call of adventure, packed our bags, and created cherished memories across 11 breathtaking countries.

From the vibrant energy of bustling cities to the serenity of secluded mountain retreats, each destination wove a unique story into the fabric of our family’s journey. What made this year even more extraordinary was experiencing it all together, navigating the joys and challenges of traveling as a family. From exploring the world as a wheelchair user to adventuring with an 8-month-old baby, each moment brought its own lessons and triumphs.

As I look back, I’m reminded of the highlights, the hurdles, and the wisdom gained along the way—each making 2024 the most unforgettable travel year of our lives. Join me as I relive these treasured moments and the stories that shaped our year.

A Year of Discovery

Every family trip started with a buzz of excitement and endless curiosity. Each destination was a new adventure—full of thrilling surprises, meaningful cultural discoveries, and breathtaking moments that reminded us just how incredible the world truly is.

This year, we journeyed from bustling cities to charming countryside escapes, each adventure leaving its own unforgettable mark. But one thing stood out in every experience: the world is a vibrant, beautiful tapestry, waiting to be explored by those ready to embrace it with open hearts and minds.

Highlights from 11 Countries

Each of the 11 countries we visited felt like a unique chapter in our journey:

• Savoring gelato in Florence’s historic center, as the cathedral bell tower cast its shadow over the bustling Piazza del Duomo.
• Enjoying fresh lemonade at a charming café in Prague on a beautiful sunny day.
• Wandering through Kyoto’s vibrant markets, losing ourselves in the endless variety of flavors and culinary delights.
• Marveling at Iceland’s stark volcanic landscapes, embarking on a campervan road trip that left us utterly speechless.

Every destination held its own unique magic, offering sights, sounds, and experiences that left a lasting impression. From bustling markets filled with vibrant colors to serene landscapes that took our breath away, each place had something special to offer. From every culture, we brought back more than just souvenirs—we carried with us the kindness of strangers, warmth of human connection, and stories shared over meals. These moments turned into memories too extraordinary to forget, reminding us of the beauty and diversity the world has to offer.

Navigating Planes, Trains, Ferries, and Buses

Travel in 2024 wasn’t just about the destinations—it was about the journeys getting there. Did I mention we managed to pack in:

• 19 flights using 8 different airlines, where the service ranged from impeccable to terrible.
• Four ferry rides ranging from 30 minutes to 7 hours, with each one offering exquisite views and a chance for life to slow down just for a little while.
• Four Shinkansen train rides in Japan, marveling at the high-speed precision that made traveling not just efficient but outright luxurious.
• Two European high speed trains in Italy and Portugal, providing a comfortable, economical and relaxing way to move between cities.
• Too many metro, subway, and bus rides to list, each one offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives and bustling energy of the cities visited.

For us, public transport was more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B—it became its own unique adventure. Some of our most cherished memories include watching the youngest member of our nomadic family light up with excitement at the sight of trains and forming connections with locals on every journey we took.

While navigating train stations and bus stops can be challenging with a wheelchair, a bit of forward planning and a willingness to take the scenic route can turn each trip into a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Campervan Life

If there’s one lesson our 2024 travels taught us, it’s this—you can’t rush magic. Over the years, we’ve embarked on countless campervan road trips, and this time, we set our sights on Iceland as the perfect destination for our next adventure.

One key takeaway from our Iceland trip? Choose your rental company wisely. After 30 years of traveling, I managed to pick a dud—despite thorough research and glowing reviews. Unfortunately, this led to a less-than-stellar experience, which I’ll delve into further on our Iceland blog.

That said, while the rental company fell short, the magic of traveling by campervan in Iceland exceeded all expectations. From camping at the foot of thunderous waterfalls to waking up in the heart of serene national parks, the journey allowed us to immerse ourselves in some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable.

Every campervan sunrise and bonfire-lit sunset brought with it the simple, undeniable joy of uninterrupted family time. It’s these quiet, beautiful moments together that made the trip truly unforgettable.Play

Lessons Learned Along the Way

For me, travel has always been about more than simply checking countries off a list. It’s about the connections you make, the lessons you gather, and the opportunity to see the world from a fresh perspective. Traveling as a family—including a wheelchair user and an infant—brought unique challenges and dynamics, offering profound lessons that will stay with me forever.

Adapting to travel with a wheelchair

Traveling with a wheelchair user presents unique challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. While we often need to adapt—such as seeking out elevators or rerouting our plans—these moments have been enriched by the kindness of strangers. In Japan, locals eagerly guided us to accessible paths, while in Europe, railway staff went above and beyond to help us board trains safely. These small yet meaningful acts of generosity transformed our journey, reminding us of the profound humanity that connects us all.

Packing Light

If there’s one practical takeaway from this year, it’s this—pack less than you think, even when traveling with kids. Over time, we realized we didn’t need much to be happy. A few clothes, some cherished snacks, and a willingness to enjoy the ride worked wonders for simplifying the travel experience.

Living in the Moment

The most profound lesson we learned was this: true joy is found in life’s simplest moments. From the shared gasp of wonder as we witnessed our first Icelandic waterfall to the pure delight on our youngest family member’s face as he savored his first gelato in Florence, these fleeting experiences became cherished memories we’ll carry with us forever.

Why Travel Matters

Travel is the ultimate gift of perspective. For our family, it was a powerful reminder of how deeply connected we are as humans, no matter how far apart we may seem. Each place we visited offered its own unique story—stories of resilience, culture, and shared humanity—that left an indelible mark on us. Stepping out into the world—away from the glow of screens and devices—felt transformative, reigniting our passion for discovery and adventure.

For me, family travel in 2024 didn’t just broaden our horizons; it solidified my love of travel and adventure. Watching my little clan of nomads experience new sights, sounds, and flavors for the first time was nothing short of magical. Whether it was wandering through bustling cities, exploring breathtaking gardens, or simply sharing quiet moments under a foreign sky, each memory felt like a gift. It was a reminder that the world, with all its diversity and staggering beauty, is out there waiting to be explored.

And there’s nothing more meaningful than soaking it all in with the people who matter most. The laughter, the awe, the connections we made—it all reminded me why we travel in the first place. The wonder of the world is calling—are you ready to answer? Pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone, and let the adventure begin.

Looking Ahead to More Adventures

As we bid farewell to 2024, my heart is filled with gratitude, though touched by sadness. The loss of a beloved family member remains a deep wound, yet we’ve found comfort in knowing she would have wanted us to keep pursuing life’s adventures and exploring the world with open hearts.

With that spirit in mind, I can truly say this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Travelling as a family—including a wheelchair user and a baby—taught us a powerful lesson: adventure is for everyone.

Looking ahead, we’re already starting to dream about what 2025 might hold. Will it involve more campervan trips? Or taking our first cruise? Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—we’ll be chasing the magic of shared experiences again.

Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime, to celebrating every little victory (and laugh), and to dreaming big about the journeys yet to come.

Happy travels, always.