My Most Cherished Travel Experience

Look no further for inspiration!

As the new year approaches, many of us are eager to embark on travels, especially after a long pause. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on the beautiful memories and remarkable experiences (not to mention delicious meals!) that travel brings. 

Here’s a glimpse into the experiences shared by a few seasoned explorers, showcasing the unforgettable moments that arise when discovering the world.

Siena, Italy: Samantha F.

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering and savoring the best pasta and pizza I’ve ever tasted (and I hail from New York City!), all while wandering the ancient cobblestone streets and admiring buildings that date back to B.C.!

Every time I stumbled upon a gelato shop, it looked so tempting that I couldn’t resist indulging, no matter the hour. The classic flavor, “stracciatella,” is my favorite. Hailing from Northern Italy, it features a creamy base with delightful chocolate shavings mixed throughout.

The Bahamas: Andy A.

I enjoyed deep-sea fishing off Grand Bahama, where the waters were absolutely gorgeous. Just being on a boat with friends was a joy, but catching a sizable mahi-mahi was a thrill! The crew prepared it right on the boat, and we took it to a nearby restaurant where they cooked the fish in three different styles that same afternoon. It became one of my most memorable meals. 

Copenhagen, Denmark: Erik M.

While chatting with some fellow travelers at a bar in Copenhagen, I made a spontaneous decision to go bungee jumping with them. The very next day, I booked it with a Canadian I had just met, and we enjoyed an amazing bike ride to a secluded inlet in the harbor, free of ships. She jumped first, and when it was my turn, I nearly touched the water—it was an exhilarating rush!

Aruba National Park: Shawn M.

After disembarking from our cruise, we rented an ATV and navigated the streets, stopping to discover perfect snorkeling spots. Next, we ventured into Aruba National Park, a desert-like area dotted with cacti. It was a striking contrast to the bustling shops in the capital. There was only one restaurant there, and they served delicious local fish. The island’s rich biodiversity truly amazed me.

Gothenburg, Sweden: John A.

I ascended to the city’s highest point under the midnight sun. From that vantage, I could gaze over the rooftops and even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the distance. It was a breathtaking sight unlike anything I had ever experienced.

California: Corrine B.

I journeyed to the West Coast to backpack the Eastern Sierras with my dad for the very first time. I was amazed by how the terrain changed with each passing mile—and by the small number of people we encountered that week!

We reached Green Lake, a stunning place to camp. We set up right by the water, making it feel like our own little front porch.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Corey N.

During a cruise to Cabo, we embarked on a snorkeling adventure to various reefs and encountered countless vibrant fish. I was the last one to jump in—I enjoyed it that much. Then, our captain received a call from another boat about whales breaching, so we took a quick detour and got so close that it felt like they might leap right onto our boat!

They were enormous, and we could see that two of them were babies swimming alongside their mother.

Seville, Spain: Jeremy N.

While in Seville, I participated in an architecture tour that highlighted an incredible blend of modern and historic buildings. In the city center, we visited the 'Metropol Parasol,' a massive wooden structure that locals liken to interlocking mushrooms—and I wholeheartedly agree!

However, the Plaza de España was truly the standout. The entire area was adorned with intricate Andalusian tiles, and the artificial river featured beautiful bridges with rowboats gliding by. 

Iceland: Leah M.

While Iceland is rightly celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food it has to offer!

Located along the 'Golden Circle' just outside Reykjavik is a restaurant called Friðheimar, situated in a large greenhouse. They exclusively grow tomatoes, which means every dish, from starters to desserts, features this ingredient. Their signature tomato soup came with a condiment caddy and a live basil plant for adding fresh leaves. After visiting the geysers, it was the perfect comfort food.