Leana’s Best and Worst Travel Moments of 2019

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To go along with Nancy’s post on the same topic, I’ve decided to put together a list of my own.

Worst

Top of the list: realizing that flying to Costa Rica is a bad idea and having to cancel all the associated reservations. But not before driving for three hours to Fort Lauderdale in the rain, and spending the night there!

Knowing precisely when to pull the plug on a trip can be a challenge. But in my case, it really should have been a no-brainer. Hurricane Dorian was moving steadily towards the state of Florida, and most flights ended up getting cancelled. Unfortunately, just a few days ago, I had to cancel a trip due to family emergency and will write a post on it at some point.

Another 2019 travel moment that I would describe as the “worst” was walking into a cabin we booked at the last minute (in order to join my in-laws instead of going to Costa Rica) and seeing a lumpy bed with the blood-stained pillows. This was our consolation prize after canceling the reservation in a fancy rainforest resort:

Needless to say, we didn’t spend the night. Hey, it looked quaint on website photos.

Best

In January of last year, me and my cousin-in-law accidentally booked a stay in Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa during the same weekend. As a result, our kids had a blast playing together.

I’ll never forget my son’s face when we pulled into Hyatt parking lot. The getaway itself was a surprise, and he looked so darn happy. But then my son saw his cousins and his mind was officially blown. He even told me that his brain couldn’t handle all the excitement. As a parent, I live for moments like these.

But the main travel highlight of the year was visiting Yellowstone National Park with in-laws and kids. I’ve wanted to see it ever since I moved to United States, but kept putting it off for some reason. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?

Yellowstone is a natural wonder unlike any other. It is simply the most unique area I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and I’ve been to some pretty cool places. Norwegian fjords, Denali National Park… They  don’t hold a candle to sheer majesty that is Yellowstone and nearby Grand Teton. At least in my opinion.

I’m especially grateful for the fact that my FIL was able to come with us. Even though he was driving me nuts with constant alerts on his phone, I am so happy that at the time he still felt relatively healthy to go. Literally days after we came back, he had an emergency surgery and his health started to deteriorate steadily.

It may sound corny, but every day spent with loved ones is a precious gift. I will treasure these memories for as long as I live.

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