2018 Passport Kids Best Travel Moments

At this time of the year we always like to reflect back on adventures and think about the moments that were highlights from our travels.

The start of this year was the second half of our 1-year around the world trip. We followed the sun during our Canadian winter months and spent time in Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Lifou, New Zealand and the USA before heading back to Canada in June.

After returning to Canada we made a major decision for our family to move further out west to Kelowna, British Columbia. So the process of moving, back to school for the kids, and a new job has filled our year. We have settled into our new city and loving the adventures that we can explore in our own backyard. At the beginning of the year we had no idea where that rest of the year would take us, how our journey would unfold or where even home would be. Amongst all the uncertainty and change we knew we wanted to live 2018 to the fullest, and we did!     

This past weekend we sat around the breakfast table and reminisced about our travels, we also had some time to reflect as we decorated our christmas tree with all the new ornaments that we collected along the way.

So in no particular order here were some of our highlights from 2018:

Diving in Thailand

Luca had the opportunity for his very first dive at 8 years old. He saw sharks, turtles and so many fish. He did amazing and loved it. Jamie had many dives in Thailand too and was able to get his certification.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A place that had been on my bucket list for so many years. Early morning sunrise was the most peaceful time to explore the grounds.

Everything about Fraser Island, Australia

A treat for all of us, so much to see and do on this largest sand island in the world. We loved everything about Fraser Island. Lake McKenzie, a tour around the island and seeing whales from above in a small plane for Luca and I.

Cruise out of Sydney Harbour

Our cruise was to take us to out to some of the South Polynesia islands and explore some islands in small doses. A treat for us to splurge on a cruise but we knew the chance of us being able to cruise out of Sydney Harbour would be probably unlikely in the future. A new experience for us and our first big cruise ship we had ever been on.

The view from up top of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

A very rough sea to get out to this beach, but well worth the adventure of getting out here. A truly remarkable sight to see from above and even better to see how soft the silica sand is.

Caravaning around New Zealand for 31 days

We spent just over a month living and touring around both the South and North Island of New Zealand. Living and travelling on these four wheels and touring around the country was the best way for us to meet friendly people, stop anywhere we wanted, and live the simple life. A great adventure that our family loved.

Driving the Great Ocean Road, Australia

A spectacular drive along the coast was a great road trip for our family. Lots of pit stops to enjoy the scenery, watch surfers catch some waves, and finding koala in the wild were our highlights.

Discovering the world that Hobbits live in at Hobbiton, New Zealand

A tour of Hobbiton in the green rolling hills of New Zealand was cool to learn about how the films were created amongst the beautiful scenery.

Feeding Kangaroos

One thing our kids wanted to see were kangaroos. We saw many in the wild up when we were in Airlie Beach, but the kids having the chance to feed some kangaroos at the Australia Zoo was a special moment for the kids (and me too). How cool is this?!

Moving to Kelowna, BC, Canada

A huge decision for our family to make. After travelling around the world, we wanted to make a change for our family and our lives. To uproot our family away from all our family, our jobs and to make a home in a new city was big for us. Another adventure for our family!

Weekends at the Lake in Saskatchewan

Lake life is where it is at in Canada during the summer and we arrived in time back home to enjoy the most of our summer. Wakeboarding, boating, campfires and camping fun for the whole family. Great times living lake life!

Visitng NASA Spacecenter in Houston, Texas

After exploring so many places on earth, it was time for us to check out how space has been explored. So many things to learn, and going to the mission control was intriguing to learn how they did so much so many years ago. As we toured the center watching my kids eyes go wide and realizing what will be accomplished in their lifetime is unbelievable.

Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s greatest natural wonder! Rough waters made it tough to snorkel but we rocked the jellyfish suits to see below in the underwater world. I also had the first chance to dive for the first time! Amazing!

Walking through the Redwoods in New Zealand

Walking through the treetops in the massive Redwoods. If I could package the smell of these trees it would take me back every time.

Exploring Thailand and Cambodia with our family

We were fortunate enough to have family come and join us along our journey and explore parts of Thailand and Cambodia with us. We had so much fun discovering these new places and experiences with them. Creating memories with our extended family and a lifetime of stories for us to share together.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Known as the 8th wonder of the world this did not disappoint. Making it through the snow we were able to have see the spectacular area called Milford Sound in New Zealand

Being blessed by a monk in Cambodia

A highlight for me was to take in the spiritual elements of Cambodia and have some time for self reflection in Angkor Wat.

Experiencing Stampede in Calgary, Alberta

A week full of Calgary Stampede – rides, fair food, games, rodeos and sharing this all with close friends was fantastic. We went up to the top of Calgary tower and checked out a few concerts in some outdoor venues. A great event that is hosted by this city yearly in Canada.

Mudding in Texas

A day full of ATV mudding in Texas. Drinks and BBQ on the tailgate of the truck and fun getting stuck in the mud.

So, believe it or not, we are even more unclear on where 2019 will take us, we have no flights booked to go anywhere and no other arrangements made. We are still in search for a house for our family, and still trying to plant a few roots here in Kelowna. We are going to take advantage of the places and activities that are close by – lakes, rivers, mountains, camping, hiking, biking and the outdoor wilderness. One reason we moved out to British Columbia was to live close to places that we have always wanted to explore more. After travelling to so many countries and places we have realized we haven’t seen enough of our own country Canada. But, let’s be real… I still have a stack of travel books beside my bed to fill my wanderlust and constantly searching for cheap flights. Being so close the Vancouver airport has opened a whole lot more options for long weekend getaways. Who knows where 2019 will take us, but we will be ringing in the New Year with family and friends in Whitefish, Montana USA.

Our sincerest Thanks to all of you who have followed our journey. You continue to support us and our travel dreams by reading my posts, commenting on our Facebook, Instagram and checking out our Pinterest. It really does help to know others are along for our journey and that we have helped a few families travel more. Make 2019 your best year yet!

Much love,

Nicole, Jamie, Luca & Sofia

The Passport Kids