Thirteen years ago, cradling our newborn son, Cohen, Christina, and I were blissfully naive new parents. In our youthful exuberance, we envisioned a life woven with travel, a key pillar in how we’d raise our family. Little did we know just how deep that rabbit hole would take us.
Fast forward thirteen years, and that tiny bundle is now a 5’10”, 150-pound young man with hands that could palm a basketball and a schedule that dictates our lives. His younger brother, Dylan, not far behind, is a whirlwind of hockey practices, school clubs, and shoe sizes that change faster than we can say ‘road trip.’
These days, Christina and I are more likely to share a harried high-five as we race out the door in opposite directions, shuttling the boys between hockey arenas and school events. On the rare occasion where we find ourselves in the same room, it’s to share a stolen sip of wine before collapsing into bed, dreaming of far-off lands.
But through all of the crazy schedules, school performances, and hockey rink madness, we’ve always found a way to keep travel a part of our lives.
On this little corner of the internet that you so generously grace with your time, I’ve always shared my belief: sharing your passions with your children is a powerful gift. It shows them that any dream, no matter how big or bold, can become a reality. Let your children see you follow your dreams, and they’ll know that they can do the same.
So, my family continues to travel, and we continue to use the world as a way to educate and inspire both ourselves and our children (and hopefully you as well). Each year, we may look at our calendar and say, “I have no idea how we’re going to do it.” Yet, every year, we still find a way to experience awe-inspiring travel adventures.
And let me tell you, 2024’s adventures? They were some of our biggest, boldest, and wildest yet.
Buckle up!
So, I want to thank you for following along. I want to thank you for sharing your adventures with us in our comments, our social media channels, and our Family Travel Support Group on Facebook. And I want to show you everything that we got up to in 2024.
Family Updates From 2024
2024 was a year that tested us, a year of soaring highs and heartbreaking lows. Through it all, we clung to each other and to the values that we hold dear, including our commitment to experiencing the world as a family.
The loss of a beloved family member to mental health struggles brought a stark reminder of the importance of self-care and supporting one another. Even our travels weren’t without their challenges. We had moments where we felt we just weren’t doing anything right. Yet, through it all, we pushed through, trying to find new ways to navigate the pressures of life and reconnect as a family.
But every challenge has been a lesson learned, and we’re embracing each new day, ready for whatever it may bring.
Cohen
Cohen, on the cusp of high school, continues to amaze us. It’s not just his grades but the way he dives deep into his studies, uncovering hidden angles and exploring ideas far beyond the expected. Take, for instance, his current science project: a presentation on the medical effects of Psilocybin (not many eighth graders would tackle a subject so complex). I can’t help but marvel; this is a topic I wouldn’t have even considered at his age!
In sports, Cohen excelled at everything he joined, from volleyball and track and field to his love of chess. He was voted the captain of his Brampton 45’s AA hockey team and has used the position to help inspire a team of incredible boys to three tournament wins and one of their best seasons ever.
Dylan
Sixth-grader Dylan, like his easily distracted dad, has found an incredible ability to focus when he sets his mind to it. He’s mastered the art of creating his perfect learning environment and recognizing when he needs to shift into it. And it’s paying off. His grades are soaring, and his creativity shines through in the imaginative stories and projects he brings home. It seems that he inherited my love for storytelling.
Dylan has found his niche on his hockey team this year. He might be one of the smaller kids on his team, but his speed, determination, and laser focus (when he’s on a mission) have set him as one of his team’s standout defencemen. He’s taken those tools and used them for soccer (football to my friends outside of North America), track and field, and flag football.
Christina
Christina, the master of organized chaos, continues to amaze me. Her laser focus and organizational skills are the secret behind our meticulously planned adventures. This year, those same talents propelled her forward in her career as she embarked on an MBA journey, with classes that took her from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the historic cities of Germany and across the United States. This ties her studies back to our shared love of travel.
Kevin
The online travel world is constantly shifting, and this year brought its share of challenges, including some disheartening changes from Google that caused a collapse in the traffic to my websites. But my passion for sharing off-the-beaten-path travel inspiration hasn’t wavered.
In fact, it was incredibly rewarding to be recognized by the travel media industry this year. I was deeply honored to receive photography awards from the Travel Media Association of Canada, a Best Travel Blog award in the prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Writing Awards, and both a Best Landscape Photo award for my shot of James Bond Island in Thailand and a Best Travel Service Story award for my piece on ‘How To Travel With A Baby’ from the Society of American Travel Writers Canadian Chapter.
Our Travels In 2024
Despite the whirlwind of daily life, our travels somehow keep getting more epic each year. And 2024 was a whole new level of adventure. We found ourselves face-to-face with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos, endured a massage so awkward it’s now a legendary family story, savored a meal at the world’s oldest restaurant, and rediscovered the magic of one of our favorite cities.
New York City
New York City has become my annual kickoff to the travel year. For the past decade, I’ve been joining the whirlwind of the International Media Marketplace (IMM). Imagine a day packed with 36 back-to-back meetings with travel industry insiders, all buzzing with potential stories and exciting destinations.
This is where I hunt for inspiration to fuel our family’s next adventures. Beyond the meetings, IMM is a chance to reconnect with my incredible network of friends in the travel world. We swap stories, brainstorm ideas, and, most importantly, figure out how to bring these amazing experiences to life for readers like you.
This year, I carved out some time to escape the conference buzz and wander into Chelsea Market. The place was alive with holiday cheer, a sensory explosion of twinkling lights, delicious aromas, and the sounds of carolers. It was the perfect dose of New York City magic.
Montebello, Quebec
Fresh from the whirlwind of New York City, I had just one day to switch gears before embarking on a father-son winter escape to Montebello, Quebec, with Cohen.
We’d had a taste of Montebello’s wild side a couple of years earlier during a family adventure at Parc Omega. Imagine sleeping in cozy cabins with a pack of wolves roaming just beyond your window! It was an unforgettable experience.
This time, Cohen and I ventured beyond Parc Omega, eager to discover more of Montebello’s magic. We explored the snowy peaks of Kenauk Nature, sampled artisanal cheese and decadent chocolate in town, and even experienced the thrill of dog sledding through a winter wonderland. And for a touch of luxury, we indulged in the beauty of Fairmont Chateau Montebello, home to what might be the most stunning indoor pool I’ve ever seen.
Cohen and I were so captivated by Montebello that we knew we had to share it with the whole family. We returned in August for a summer weekend, eager to experience its charm in a different season. Ready to plan your own Montebello adventure? Discover all the incredible things to do in this Quebec gem here.
Mississauga, Ontario
Here in Canada, many provinces celebrate Family Day, a special holiday dedicated to ditching the daily grind and reconnecting with loved ones. It’s a refreshingly simple concept, free from the usual commercial hype. And the perfect excuse for a staycation.
This year, we opted for a staycation in our neighboring city, Mississauga.
Celebration Square transformed into a winter wonderland, where we laced up our skates and glided across the ice. We roared with laughter (and maybe a few screams) at the Jurassic World exhibit, where life-sized dinosaurs came to life. The competition heated up at F1-Speed as we unleashed our inner race car drivers, and we cheered on the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors’ farm team, from the stands.
It was a whirlwind weekend of family fun, proving that sometimes the best adventures are found right in your own backyard.
Inspired to plan your own Mississauga staycation? Check out all the fun things to do with your family here.
Spain (Plus a bit of the United Kingdom)
After a month of the usual routine, March Break arrived like a glorious thunderstorm, washing away the every day and bringing a much-needed ten-day break from school and hockey.
This was it – the kind of freedom we live for. And we booked an epic multi-generational road trip through southern Spain.
Our adventure began in vibrant Madrid, where we soaked up the city’s energy before stepping back in time at Restaurante Botín. Imagine dining in the world’s oldest restaurant, a place that’s been serving traditional meals from its original wood-fired oven since 1725! It was like tasting history.
With Christina’s parents joining us, our road trip wound its way through Spain’s enchanting heartland. We explored the historic streets of Toledo, Avila, and Segovia, marveled at Cordoba’s Mezquita, and lost ourselves in the passion of Seville.
Then, a quirky border crossing into Gibraltar – a little slice of Britain on the Spanish coast – where we encountered the mischievous Barbary macaques. Our journey culminated in the dramatic clifftop city of Ronda and the magnificent Alhambra in Granada.
This epic Spanish adventure is still fresh in my mind, and I can’t wait to share all the stories and photos with you. Stay tuned for detailed articles, but in the meantime, you can catch a glimpse of the highlights on our Instagram channel.
Vienna, Austria
We’re firm believers in turning layovers into mini-adventures. So, when our flight from Granada to Toronto routed us through Vienna, we jumped at the chance to extend it into a 24-hour exploration of this beautiful city.
Our whirlwind day in Vienna was a feast for the senses. We strolled through grand squares, marveling at the architecture of historic churches. We indulged in scoops of creamy Viennese ice cream, a perfect treat between sightseeing stops.
And the highlight? A breathtaking live concert featuring the timeless music of Beethoven in the city where he composed many of his masterpieces. It was a tantalizing taste of Vienna, leaving us wanting to return for a longer stay to uncover more of its treasures.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
As the last patches of snow melted away and the promise of spring filled the air, our family schedule finally eased up. The boy’s 2023/2024 hockey season ended, and the anticipation of tryouts for the next began.
With warm weather in the forecast and a free weekend on our hands, Dylan and I seized the opportunity for a father-son getaway to one of our favorite spots: Niagara Falls. We mapped out an action-packed day, exploring the iconic attractions along the Niagara River, from the thrilling Journey Behind the Falls to the mesmerizing Whirlpool Aero Car.
We capped off our adventure with an unforgettable dinner at Table Rock Restaurant, savoring delicious food with a breathtaking panorama of the Falls illuminated at night. Want to plan your own adventure along the Niagara River? You can read about our full Niagara Falls itinerary here: [link to article]
Saskatchewan
While I can technically say I’ve set foot in every province and territory in Canada, there are some places where my exploration has been far too brief. I knew I had only scratched the surface. Saskatchewan was one such place.
Previous work trips to Saskatoon (before my travel writing and photography days) had been limited to conference rooms and hotels. So, when the opportunity to finally explore both Regina and Saskatoon arrived this June, I was ecstatic. I was about to discover the treasures of one of Canada’s most underrated provinces.
Saskatchewan did not disappoint. It shattered my expectations and proved itself a destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s radar. Immersing myself in the rich Indigenous culture and history at Wanuskewin Heritage Park was a profound experience.
Regina, the provincial capital, surprised me with its exciting culinary scene, from innovative cocktail bars to unforgettable restaurants. I was truly happy to have had the chance to learn more about the province, and I’m anxious to get back and explore some of the province’s outdoor wonders.
Newfoundland
June is always a whirlwind. It marks the start of peak travel season, a dizzying mix of conferences, press trips, and family adventures all crammed into a few short weeks. Amidst the whirlwind, one event stood out: the annual Travel Media Association of Canada conference. And this year, it was being held in one of my absolute favorite places on earth: St. John’s, Newfoundland.
The conference gave me a chance to reconnect with my travel industry friends against the backdrop of St. John’s, a city brimming with history and colorful row houses perched on the edge of the Atlantic. A few years ago, our family, along with my Mom, traced the footsteps of Vikings along the historic Viking Trail on Newfoundland’s west coast.
This time, I’d be exploring the island’s eastern edge. My itinerary included whale watching just off the coast of St. John’s and a unique glamping experience along the rugged coastline of the southern peninsula.
France (But Not The France You’re Thinking Of)
Just off the southern coast of Newfoundland lies a hidden gem that few people in Canada have ever heard of. This small archipelago defies typical North American geography. These islands aren’t Canadian, nor American, nor even part of Greenland’s icy domain. These islands, Saint Pierre and Miquelon are a little slice of France tucked away in the North Atlantic.
I’m talking proper France, not a French-speaking cousin like Quebec.
Despite being just a short ferry ride from Newfoundland, the moment I stepped ashore, I was transported. The language, the culture, the atmosphere – it was undeniably French. The heart of the archipelago is the charming fishing town of Saint-Pierre, a place where colorful houses cling to the hillsides, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air. History whispers from every corner, and, of course, the legendary French cuisine is a highlight.
I spent my days exploring the island’s natural beauty, watching adorable puffins take flight from the rugged cliffs and hiking along scenic coastal trails. I delved into the island’s rich history, meeting locals whose families have called these islands home for centuries, their stories woven into the fabric of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
And a fun little tidbit? I discovered that locals have a fondness for a certain Canadian treat – Tim Horton’s Timbits – often trading their exquisite French pastries for these bite-sized delights when they visit the mainland!
Sauble Beach
Near the end of the summer, we get together with Christina’s family for a gathering in Sauble Beach, Ontario. Just like every year, we joined the fray, eating all of the Filipino food we could get into our bellies, swimming in the cool waters of Lake Huron, and taking in our favorite Sauble Beach attractions.
Ecuador, The Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands
The moment school doors closed for the summer, our family was off on another adventure. We found ourselves soaring towards Quito, the historic capital of Ecuador, jammed into a valley high in the Andes Mountains.
This was the trip we’d been dreaming of, the one that filled our late-night conversations. Quito is a city where history whispers from every cobblestone street, where grand plazas are framed by majestic colonial architecture, all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks.
Our journey then took us to Otavalo, a vibrant town famed for its colorful Indigenous market and surrounded by cascading waterfalls. Before dawn, we rose to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Cotopaxi, its snow-capped peak glowing in the first rays of light – a truly iconic volcano. We challenged ourselves with a hike to the rim of Quilotoa, where a stunning, turquoise-blue lake filled the volcanic crater, its surface shimmering mysteriously. And this was only the beginning of our Ecuadorian adventure.
Next, we flew to Santa Cruz Island to embark on an eight-day expedition through the legendary Western Galapagos Islands. Here, we came face-to-face with incredible marine life, including the jarring sight of 16-foot hammerhead sharks gliding right above Cohen’s head.
We snorkeled with playful penguins and graceful sea turtles and walked among ancient Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. It was a truly transformative experience, pure magic from beginning to end.
You’d think that would be enough for any trip, but our Ecuadorian adventure had one more chapter: the Amazon rainforest. A flight to the frontier town of Coca and a three-hour journey down a tributary of the Amazon River brought us to our eco-lodge, a gateway to the jungle’s wonders. We spent our days fishing for piranha in murky waters, navigating through a labyrinth of ancient trees, vines, and exotic wildlife on jungle hikes, and ascending towering trees for a breathtaking view of the rainforest canopy, a vibrant tapestry of green stretching as far as the eye could see.
The stories from this trip will be coming later in 2025. In the meantime, you can find the shorts from our trip on our YouTube channel.
Huntsville, Ontario
Every once in a while, I get a call that’s too strange to ignore. This one came from Mitsubishi. Yep, the car company. They wanted me to come up to Huntsville, Ontario, to test drive their Outlander PHEV cross-over on a wild overland journey through the Muskoka’s near beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park.
And I was invited to bring my whole family along for the experience.
We joined a bunch of car enthusiasts, travel media, and journalists on a rough ride that tested the vehicle’s capabilities and our own skills as drivers, and it was a blast. The car, well, it was good. It is not amazing or anything that I’d consider a game changer, but it is a solid adventure vehicle that would be suitable for 90% of our adventure travel lifestyle. It’s not something I’d trade my 4Runner for, but I sure enjoyed the ride.
Sudbury, Ontario
Now, I love to travel through my home province of Ontario. In fact, I love it so much that my friend Chris and I started up a website called Ultimate Ontario that is all about travel in the province. I have a special love for the north of the province, and the gateway to that region is the city of Sudbury.
After the summer chaos, training, and school prep were done, I set my eyes on a weekend in the city to dive deeper than ever into the adventures of northern Ontario. I joined local fishermen Frank Clark and Len Talarico, went on a Hawk walk with a local falconer, visited the beautiful Onaping Falls, and enjoyed the city’s amazing and underrated food scene.
Japan
We pulled off a miracle in October. Somehow, we convinced the coaches of both Cohen and Dylan’s hockey team to let them miss two weeks of games and practices at the beginning of the season so that we could embark on an 11-day journey through Japan.
Starting in Osaka, we immersed ourselves in the local food scene (and the wonders of the local 7-11s). We had an emotional visit to Hiroshima, then spent three days in Tokyo, taking in the organized chaos of the world’s largest urban center. We explored the tranquility of Osaka, got a 5-second glimpse of Mount Fuju before the clouds took over, and enjoyed one of the most awkward massages in Hakone.
I can’t wait to share the stories from our Japan adventures. Look for them in a couple of months. In the meantime, you can find a lot of our adventures posted on our Facebook Page.
Georgia (The Country, Not The US State)
The country of Georgia would mark my 53rd country, and it was not on my travel radar for 2024. But when I was asked to speak at the Society of American Travel Writers conference in Istanbul, Turkey, I figured, “Why not make a side trip?”
Christina joined me, the first time that she and I had traveled alone together since we visited New Orleans, Louisiana, when Cohen was just a baby. It was a wonderful chance to reconnect while exploring a brand-new and very exciting country.
We spent three days walking the old town of Tbilisi, visiting ancient cave villages, exploring some of the world’s oldest churches, and tasting the amazing Georgian cuisine that we had heard so much about during our travels in Europe and Asia.
Turkey
After Georgia, we were back in Istanbul. Conferences are typically dry and “don’t see the outside of your hotel” kind of experiences. Luckily, the travel industry does things a little bit differently. I was invited to experience some new angles of the city that I hadn’t had the chance to see before, like Prince’s Islands, as well as some old favorites like the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market.
Toronto
The coming winter had one more experience in store for us before we settled down for the Christmas holidays. I joined my good friend, Tracy, the PR manager for the Chelsea Hotel, for a winter weekend in the city.
The boys and I went skating at Nathan Phillips Square, visited the Hockey Hall of Fame, and filled our Christmas shopping lists at the Toronto Eaton Centre. We took in the Distillery District Winter Village and just drank in the holiday ambiance of Canada’s largest city.
Looking Forward To More Travel In 2025
From the whirlwind of New York City to the wilds of the Galapagos and the depths of the Amazon, 2024 was a year of unforgettable journeys. We explored ancient ruins and vibrant cities, witnessed the wonders of nature, and immersed ourselves in different cultures.
Each destination, from the charming French outpost of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the vast landscapes of Saskatchewan, left an indelible mark on our souls, reminding us of the beauty and diversity our world has to offer.
And as the year draws to a close, our hearts are already filled with anticipation for the adventures that await in 2025. The call of the wild beckons us to South Africa and Tanzania, where we hope to witness the majesty of the African savanna and create memories that will last a lifetime. And that’s just the beginning. We’re eager to see what other corners of the world will capture our imaginations and fill our travel journals in the year to come.
These journeys are more than just stamps in our passports; they’re the threads that weave our family closer, the experiences that shape our children’s understanding of the world, and the fuel for our shared passion for exploration.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible year of travel. We’re grateful for your support and hope our adventures inspire you to embark on your own.
Where will your travels take you in 2025? Share your plans in the comments below!
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