Before we wrap up the year, Nancy and I have a tradition of reflecting on the travel experiences from the last 12 months. Technically, 2018 isn’t over yet, and I have one more trip to go on. But let’s ignore that and get down to business, shall we?
Leana’s best/worst travel experiences of 2018
Best:
I would have to go with spotting Bora Bora island from the plane for the first time. I know I made a big deal about staying in an overwater bungalow at a fancy resort, and it was oh so special. Wait, did I just hear a collective yawn from our readers?
Still, nothing compares to seeing the gorgeous lagoon of Bora Bora (and Otemanu mountain in the middle) from the air. It’s just a speck in the ocean, but what an incredible beauty! I can see why Polynesian voyagers of old decided to park their canoes and call it a day after coming across this island.
In modern times, Bora Bora served as a US military base during World War II. After the war was over, several American soldiers refused to leave. I don’t blame them.
I have to say, seeing the island from the plane was a quintessential #AvGeek moment for this decidedly non-AvGeek gal.
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Worst:
This one is a tie. I would have to go with being stuck in Los Angeles traffic on the way to the airport, and wondering if we would even get to see Bora Bora at all.
Another bad memory is wandering around Melbourne airport while waiting for my in-laws to bring a rental van to pick us up. There were no places to sit, and it was taking forever.
Meanwhile, my kids were super cranky and exhausted. On top of it, my husband was sick and at one point said he had enough of this adventure. He asked for his passport and proceeded to walk to a nearby hotel (no luggage).
He told me he was going to buy a ticket home and get on a plane the next day. I burst into tears, not knowing what to do. He did come back, though. Travel (and life) isn’t always sunshine and roses. I wish!
Nancy’s best/worst travel experiences of 2018
Best:
My best travel experience of 2018 was when we rented a condo on the beach for three weeks in Daytona Beach Shores. More specifically, the best moments happened every day of those three weeks in the evenings during the sunset. Every single night, we would take the elevator downstairs and enjoy the beautiful sky and waves.
This time of day at the beach was so relaxing and serene. We enjoyed this experience so much that my husband is now on board with moving to the beach after our kids finish school in Texas.
Worst:
By far, my worst travel experience was falling at the pool at Disney’s Aulani Resort and tearing my hamstring. I wasn’t running or even going to the pool, just walking by to head to the beach for a sunset photo. The walkways were very slippery!
First of all, wiping out was very embarrassing and I felt like an old lady. Secondly, it was very painful and really put a damper on our remaining days at Aulani.
But, if this is the worst thing that happened to me on vacation this year, I guess it’s not so bad.
Readers, what are your best/worst travel moments of 2018?
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Worst: Waiting an hour after a 5 hr flight for our minivan rental – they kept trying to see if I wanted a small SUV (there were 6 of us with 6 pieces of luggage). Then they charged me 3x’s what I reserved because they wrote down that I had a sports car. Thank goodness the manager at the drop off location fixed everything for me and was very apologetic (even gave me a discount). Forgot to mention my broken toe…I just felt stupid for doing it in the first place.
Best: Seeing New York with the family, taking the kids to WDW for their 1st time, and New Orleans with just the hubby.
@Stephanie Yikes. Rental car mishaps are the worst. I remember reserving a full-size car in Vancouver and them giving us the smallest Kia model instead. It was so tight, and we are all tall people. Fortunately, I complained to the manager when we returned it and got a discount as a result. It pays to speak up politely!