Travel certainly makes me feel alive. Sometimes I want to pinch myself because I can't believe what a dream my life has become.. and all because of travel. If you would've told me 10 years ago what my life would look like, I probably wouldn't have believed you. It's not too good to be true, it's not some magic elixir. It takes hard work and sacrifice, but it's completely possible to have your cake and eat it too. I've stumbled upon something that truly makes my heart happy and I want to shout it from the rooftops so that others can live their dreams too.
So along that vein, here is a walk down memory lane. These are some of my favorite travel photos from our recent adventures. Notice, I've named it "part one" because it was SO hard to choose just 10. Be on the lookout for more travel photo related blogs in the future. And until then.. take a look at our photo gallery.
Without further ado, here are our top 10 travel photos... so far :)
1. Trevi Fountain, Rome
This is one of my favorites because it really captures the feeling of the moment--pure joy! Here we are throwing coins into the newly renovated Trevi Fountain, cashing in on the saying that promises a return to Rome to those that toss in a coin. To date I've tossed in 3 coins and the promise hasn't failed me yet. I'm so pumped to be headed back next summer. You can check out the itinerary here if you feel so inclined. The beautiful lady to my left is our guide, Elena. She really made our trip special because of her love of life, constant upbeat personality and love of travel. We are kindred spirits for sure!
2. Arc de Triomph, Tour de France, Paris
This one captures my whole heart. I love this picture so much I have it hanging in my house. This trip was incredibly special for so many reasons. It was Roman's first international trip (he was such a trooper), and as an avid cyclist, it was the fulfillment of one of Jordan's lifelong dreams--to attend the Tour de France. It was incredibly special for him to share this moment with his firstborn son. This particular year was the 100th annual Tour de France, so the country went all out! There were jet planes flying overhead spouting plumes of red, white, and blue in their jet streams, the Arch was turned into an illuminated light show the likes of which I've never seen before. It was incredible. The winner was Chris Froome. Paris will always hold a special place in my heart, and this was an awesome way to experience it for the first time. I've been back several times since and it lives up to every single magical expectation, time after time. While the Tour de France won't be taking place when we return next March, we will definitely hit the Arch of Triumph again, along with many, many more Parisian highlights. Check it out here.
3. Segrada Familia, Barcelona
There's nothing quite like experiencing living, breathing history being made right before your eyes. This photo is outside of the Segrada Familia, a masterpiece of art and architecture melded into one, by none other than Gaudi himself. It was breathtaking to watch as this centuries old masterpiece is still being constructed. Gaudi has his hand in so many corners of Barcelona. He really gives the city it's eclectic feeling and nowhere is that more apparent than at this magnificent cathedral. I can't wait to go again and see how it continues to progress.
4. Stonehenge, England
This was a lucky shot captured during a long layover in England. We had just enough time to rent a car and drive out to Stonehenge before heading off to our final destination. While driving on the opposite-side of the rode felt much like taking our lives into our hands, especially while being so jetlagged, we were soon rewarded. It was unreal to drive down the country road and BOOM, there is Stonehenge off to the side. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that was someone's morning commute every day.
5. Hot Air Balloon, Dubai
This was my number one bucket list item, believe it or not! I will forever have warm fuzzies about this dream come true. This was Christmas Eve, and we took a 4 am Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Dubai desert. We watched the sun rise, we rode over camel farms and had a crash landing--all before lunch time. This was definitely one of the most amazing moments of my travels over the years. Fun fact: my sunglasses fell off my head as we were landing this baby and I thought they were gone forever. Luckily enough, I found them only a few hundred feet away and unscathed.
6. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
This has to have been one of the most surreal experiences of our entire lives, travel or otherwise. I'd always wanted to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, and we finally got an inexpensive chance when we were visiting Jordan's parents in Dubai. We booked a cheap, economy flight and a budget-friendly hotel and off we went. Amid recent turmoil we found ourselves as the only tourists in the area. This is a picture of the most mind-blowing moment where passersby wanted a picture of us, and not the beautiful background. I would highly recommend Egypt to any adventurous travelers out there. It is a country rich in history and art with so much to offer, no waiting in line, and a warm welcome from everyone.
7. Fish Pedicure, Athens
This tops my list of weirdest life experiences. On a lunch break in Athens, we passed a shop that gave fish pedicures. If you know me, you may know I have an irrational fear of freshwater fish.. don't ask.. it's irrational. This was quite the hurdle for me as it both explores a cultural curiosity and conquers a lifelong fear. The fish basically eat all the dead skin off of your feet. I'm not sure how hygienic it is, especially considering the fact that it is outlawed in many countries, but all in all, it was a cool experience, and if you are wondering.. it tickles like hell! While this excursion isn't exactly listed on the itinerary, we could probably squeeze it in.
8. Gondola Ride, Venice
Who hasn't dreamed of riding in a gondola since they were a little kid? I certainly did, and let me tell you, it lived up to every single expectation. Winding through the narrow canals and listening to everyday life happening in the balconies and windows above is surreal. I love experiencing other people's worlds, if even just for an afternoon. Although it wasn't planned, I enjoyed that our gondola driver and I had coordinated outfits. As I was 7 months pregnant on this trip, I especially appreciated this moment to get off my feet and relax, the Venetian way.
9. Nice, France
I think everyone on this trip could agree that the evening we spent exploring Nice was one of the highlights of our travels. Watching the sun set over the pebbled beach was beautiful beyond words. While we did misplace our GoPro camera this night, it didn't taint the joy we felt this entire day. I think most of us started planning our return trip that night. I especially loved that two of my besties were with me on this trip. These two lovely ladies have been such beautiful additions to my life, and I consider them two of my best friends, and we wouldn't be what we are if it weren't for travel. They say, friends who travel together, stick together.
10. Zaanse Schans, Windmill Village, Netherlands
This was from our most recent travel adventure to Amsterdam. We were celebrating our anniversary and this windmill village was the highlight of the trip. It was beyond quaint. We watched a clog-making demonstration, we sampled gouda cheese and chocolate, and we explored the winding pathways and ivy-clad cottages of this fully operational village. It wasn't just a tourist trap, it's an actual town where people still live and it's a definite must see on our upcoming tour back to Amsterdam.
Travel doesn't have to be out of reach. It does take some prioritizing and planning, but it's totally achievable, even on a limited budget like ours. Take a look at some of our upcoming tours, and start living your dreams today.