Best of I&S Travels 2017

My goodness. If anyone ever told me Steven and I would get to travel as much as we did in 2017, I would have skeptically raised my eyebrows. 

Steven's job involved consulting with a 100% travel schedule this past year. What does that mean, you might ask? Well, he traveled to his client every Mon-Thurs for over a YEAR! I thought when we got married that our long distance would be over. Little did we know it meant we'd simply be "less" long-distance.

Believe it or not, I think our long distance through dating actually represented God's provision for us to better handle our first year of marriage spent 50% of the time apart. A little blessing in disguise. Though everything doesn't always happen the way you want it to go, God has a good plan to sanctify us and teach us how to depend on Him rather than insist on our own comfort. 

A silver lining did exist... we had tons of travel miles, hotel nights, rental car and credit card points to use for our personal travel!! That little blessing became a big blessing. 

We definitely took full advantage, traveling to 17 destinations this year!!! Wow! I didn't even realize that number until now. We have also had the answered prayer of Steven taking on a more local role based in Chicago next year. :)

Till then, here's a recap of the places we've gone and both of our favorite memories from each place in our own voice. Enjoy!!

1. Saint Martin - Jan 13-15, 2017

See blog post here!

Saint Martin is the consummate weekend getaway. A drivable island infused with Dutch and French culture bordered by beaches and palm trees. What more could you ask for?!

I: "Being on the beach where the planes fly in is crazy. You literally feel like you're in the middle of a hurricane and it's so loud. Honestly, this was my favorite trip of the whole year :) It's the best island with the cutest and friendliest people and you can do the whole island in a weekend!"

S: "I enjoyed driving around the island visiting each unique little cultured area within the beautiful island. Oh, and meeting Jean Baptiste, a restaurant owner who invited us into his kitchen."

2. Durham & Chapel Hill - Jan 27-29, 2017

See blog post here!

Durham & Chapel Hill are amazing college towns that have the small town vibe with city sights. Southern charm and delicious fried chicken make them worthwhile visits, especially to reunite with old friends (like Cameron)!

I: "Seeing Cameron in her natural Duke Law habitat and meeting her dog, Stella. We may have fed her a lot of marshmallows..."

S: "Going to the Duke Chapel. Filled with lovely music and lots of beautiful scriptures."

3. Austin, TX - Feb 8-17, 2017

See blog post here!

Austin's character is so fun, colorful, and authentic. Lively city to go out with friends and enjoy good tacos, brews, and warm weather.

I: "I had a work offsite to Austin that I extended the weekend for to reunite with my friend, Shelly, from Ann Arbor! I loved getting to try on real cowboy boots and eating Torchy's tacos. Also, Shelly taught me the secret of making a poached egg in a water kettle...#lifechanging."

S: "I never made it :("

4. Amsterdam - Mar 4-6, 2017

See full blog post here!

Amsterdam - the land of stroopwafel, Red Light District, canals, and biking culture. A must-visit in your lifetime given the rich history of the city and the allure that awaits.

I: "The FreeDam Walking Tour!!! I learned so much - it was phenomenal. Read the original blog post to learn the history. It absolutely fascinated me and I would do it again!"

S: "Taking Ivana to Venus & Adonis. Was it for our anniversary? (I: No, that's in June). Oh, maybe it was belated Valentine's Day then. I take you to too many nice things. (I: sigh)."

5. Ghent - Mar 6-7, 2017

See blog post here!

Ahhhh Ghent <3 A cute medieval town with castles to visit and mom and pop bakeries to peruse. Don't miss the Flemish stew!!

I: "Aw, I loved the little bakery too. I think our Airbnb made the time in Ghent amazing too - a cute little balcony and a full kitchen where we cooked dinner one night + Netflix"

S: "Going to that little bakery (Bakkerij Benny & Ingrid) and meeting that nice little woman who held the door open for us and told us how wonderful this little town was."

6. Bruges - Mar 7-8, 2017

See blog post here!

Chocolate covered Belgian waffles. That's all you need to know about Bruges. Specifically from Chez Albert. Do it. You will not regret!!

I: "Omg, the chocolate covered waffles. Seriously so good."

S: "Hands down, eating the Belgian waffles." 

7. London - Mar 8-12, 2017

See blog post here!

London is magical - it's a huge cosmopolitan city with tons of art, Harry Potter enthusiasts, and British culture like watching the changing of the guards, enjoying afternoon tea, and wandering their many museums and galleries.

I: "We were at the Apple store charging our cell phones when we found a Groupon deal for afternoon tea for $21 euros in total!! It's normally ~$20 each so it was a steal. Afternoon tea technically ended at 4pm and they still let us in, so we got a private tea room all to ourselves!"

S: "Eating at Google. Just kidding. Probably walking through Camden Market when I saw my life flash in front of me. A man ran through the crowd in a chase and I almost went after him too."

8. Puerto Rico - May 5-11, 2017

See blog post here!

Despite our earlier assumptions, Puerto Rico isn't much cheaper than the US if you visit given they use the dollar. However, it is a quick and easy place to go for a fun and exotic feeling family vacation! Beautiful beaches and ferries to take you to nearby islands make it both accessible and convenient to travel!

I: "One day, it stormed as we visited the black sand beaches. I remember stomping through the sopping wet sand with Steven and his two sisters as we tried to cover our heads with already drenched towels from the onslaught of rain. So memorable and I don't think I've ever been so soaked."

S: "Canoeing in Mosquito Bay where we saw the glowing flies...and got eaten alive by mosquitoes..."

9. Orlando - Jun 23-25, 2017

See blog post here!

Orlando is oftentimes visited only for Disney World, but we got to experience a true homegrown weekend at local breweries, tubing at a state park, and having a photoshoot at the Kraft Azalea Gardens with our friends, Hunter & Meredith. Plus, we celebrated our 1 year marriage anniversary :)

I: "One day, we spontaneously decided to visit a nearby suburb called Winter Park and visit open houses for $1M+ homes. Twas so fun to dream!!"

S: "Pretending to be a rich Asian kid buying a big Winter Park home..."

10. Calgary - Jul 1, 2017

See blog post here!

Celebrating Canada Day in Calgary is phenomenal if you want to feel like a local in Canada celebrating one of their biggest holidays of the year. There are parades and festivities across the entire country of Canada, and tons of red and white worn by all. 

I: "I adore all local experiences. I loved the diversity of Calgary and how we didn't feel foreign at all. Everything feels like a slower pace of life and you can't help but feel content :)"

S: "Seeing a friendly and multi-cultured city filled with love and compassion - a city to be modeled after!"

11. Banff National Park - Jul 2-4, 2017

See blog post here!

2017 = the year to visit Canada! Given their 100th anniversary for the country of Canada, all national parks provided free entrance! Lake Louise and Moraine Lake wowed with its brilliant turquoise hues, making Banff National Park a worthwhile venture in gorgeous nature. Amazing place to visit with friends like ours (Elle, Alex, Dasha & Sal).

I: "Mountains are a rare sight in the MIdwest so it's always a treat seeing them! Loved all the blue hues of the water and mountain peaks. I also enjoyed all of our impromptu photoshoots and fun Boomerangs."

S: "When I left the group and hiked up on the rocks to see Moraine Lake by myself... a moment of bliss and pure joy. I also thought it was fake because it was so blue..."

12. Jasper National Park - Jul 4-6, 2017

See blog post here!

Jasper National Park probably ranks 2nd in terms of national parks to visit to Banff, and is only a few hours drive away. If you're visiting Banff, definitely hit up Jasper as well! Beautiful forests, mountains, and hikes await.

I: I loved Mt. Edith Cavell's glacier trail. I've never experienced glaciers before and it was way cool to do so without needing winter gear!"

S: "When we saw the nice family of cow elk at our campground. It was nice to walk in peace with them and enjoy some mother nature."

13. Dubai - Jul 10-16, 2017

See blog post here!

Dubai is a magical city - the luxurious hub city in the UAE known for the only 7 star hotel in the world, the amazing man-made Palm Jumeirah, and amazing gold and spice souk markets. I went for a work trip with Steven (but we'll be going back together in 2018)! Definitely one of the best trips of the entire year.

I: "One night, our client took us out on a yacht to experience the skyline of Dubai at night. Every day in Dubai was 100 degrees or more with humidity and that night was no different. However, it felt completely magical to be halfway across the world in such a vibrant city - one of the moments where I've never felt so alive (and sweaty)."

S: "I'll have more to say next year."

14. Maine & Boston - Sept 1-4, 2017

See blog post here!

New England energy and intellect infuses Boston, a quaint and the quintessential collegiate town. Maine is nature perfected with the gorgeous Acadia National Park, amazing local eats like The Standard Baking Co, The Honey Paw, and potato based donuts from The Holy Donut. Don't forget fresh LOBSTER! <3

I: "100% eating fresh lobster at Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound!!! It's a little shack on the side of the street, but so affordable, fresh, and delicious. They literally boil the lobsters in front of you and sharing it with Zoe & Lyubo made it even more memorable.

S: "Eating in Little Italy and stopping by the side of the road in Maine to have amazing lobster + Lubo's face below."

15. Mexico City - Sept 15-17, 2017

See blog post here!

Mexico City reminds me of Chicago a little bit - it has pockets of distinct neighborhoods and no two are quite the same. We also happened to visit on their Independence Day (#CelebratingAllIndependenceDaysinNorthAmerica). From eating grasshoppers and churros in a cave to hiking to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun & Moon to visiting the historic Zócalo city center, I have to say this made the list of our top 3 trips of the year for sure! 

I: "Eating grasshoppers is equal parts unnerving and also oddly satisfying?! It's a yummy crunch at the same time it's a sickening feeling of did I just crunch the head??"

S: "Climbing up Teotihuacan was a huge accomplishment. So many steep stairs!!"

16. San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea - Oct 10-15, 2017

See blog post here!

All of northern California is breath-taking. The windy hills of San Francisco and amazing hole in the wall eats and desserts. Monterey has the 17 Mile Drive filled with amazing seaside views. Carmel-by-the-Sea is truly the cutest small town with delicious food and wonderful art. Honestly, it's hard to get better than this in terms of sightseeing minus the smoky after effects of the recent wildfires :(.

I: "I adored Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was everything I could hope for in a city - a drive away from Highway 1 views, the best French cuisine from La Bicyclette (mussels & truffle mushroom pizza), and tons of amazing boutiques. Cue all the heart eye emojis."

S: "Eating the delicious dim sum from Good Mong Kok Bakery and walking down the streets of Chinatown while chomping down on a siu mai." 

17. Christmas in SoCal - Dec 15-25, 2017

See blog post here!

Can you believe we didn't travel for almost a full 2 months?! It felt like such a huge hiatus for us, but then again - we had to rebuild our vacation days! SoCal is where all of my mom's extended family lives so I've always had a love for SoCal. My cousin, Joanna, describes Los Angeles as a place that's not as exciting to visit, but an amazing place to live given the sights and eats are mainly found in the suburbs. We visited Arcadia, Venice, San Gabriel Valley, Irvine, and Anaheim and I would whole-heartedly agree with her!

I: "Seeing all the generations of my family gave me fresh perspective on life and valuing one another. As my grandpa gets older and his body weakens from Parkinson's, every moment felt precious. I love walking alongside my cousins as they grow up from tiny tots into young teens. Oh, and it's always a treat to have all the Chinese food!"

S: "Flying my drone in beautiful San Pedro. I'll be making a film of our time there - get ready for I&S Films!!"

(No really, perhaps we will have I&S Films...what do you think?)

Thank you to everyone to made it all the way to the bottom! Hopefully this post is helpful as you consider trips for 2018. We love ideas from others on YOUR favorite places to go too!! Get in touch, we'd love to travel together :D Happy New Year!