Best of the Year: Our Favorite Travel Moments, Music & Milestones

This past year was one of big transitions, unforgettable adventures, and deep gratitude. We traveled across Mexico, Europe, Canada, and the U.S., celebrated milestones both large and small, danced with friends old and new, and officially settled into a life that continues to surprise us in the best ways.

What follows is a “best of” list—highlights that stood out, along with a look at everywhere we went and the music that soundtracked it all.

Top 8 Highlights of the Year

• Surae Ziplining at Montmorency Falls (Québec City)

Watching Surae zipline across Montmorency Falls—taller than Niagara—was one of the most powerful moments of the year. For someone with a real fear of heights, this was a huge leap of courage. Seeing her fly across the roaring falls was emotional, exhilarating, and the perfect symbol of the year she was stepping into before starting college.

• Kayaking Through Mangroves to See Flamingos (Sisal, Mexico)

Our most breathtaking adventure was kayaking through the mangroves near Sisal with Agua del Mar Ecoturismo. As we paddled quietly through the narrow waterways, we spotted hundreds of vibrant pink flamingos gathered in a shimmering lagoon. While most visitors head to Celestún, this experience felt peaceful and intimate—almost no other boats, just nature putting on a spectacular show.

• Excursion to Sumidero Canyon (Chiapas)

Our trip to Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero), just outside Tuxtla Gutiérrez, was absolutely awe-inspiring. Towering canyon walls rose dramatically above us as we cruised through the river below, surrounded by wildlife and sweeping natural beauty. It was one of those moments that makes you feel very small in the best possible way.

• Día de Muertos in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos

  On October 31, we headed to Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, a town in Jalisco known for its over-the-top Día de Muertos celebrations—and it absolutely lived up to the reputation. The town plaza was transformed into a massive skull-shaped cemetery, with glowing graves honoring loved ones and lighting up the night. Between the intricate tapetes, beautifully layered altars, a moving parade, a projection show on the church, fireworks, and live music by Dinamo, the evening felt both joyful and deeply meaningful. It was a powerful reminder of how beautifully Mexico celebrates remembrance, life, and connection.

• Celebrating My 50th Birthday in Mexico

  My 50th birthday celebration kicked off with an incredible seafood dinner at La Paceña followed by a full-on dance party with my favorite local DJ, Johnny Guzmán—and I danced so much I ended the night with blisters and zero regrets. Having Kathryn and Josh there, along with a mix of new friends, made the night feel incredibly special. I felt loved, celebrated, and deeply grateful.

•  Sayulita & a Baby Sea Turtle Release

  Sayulita delivered one of the most unexpected and emotional moments of the year. We arrived at the beach just in time for a baby sea turtle release, watching hundreds of tiny turtles make their way toward the ocean. We were invited to name our turtles—I named mine Russell, after my dad—and as I watched him reach the water, I cried. It was pure magic and one of those moments that stays with you forever.

• Hiking the Piódão–Foz d’Égua Trail (Portugal)

  This hike felt straight out of a fairytale. The Piódão–Foz d’Égua trail winds through quiet forests, ancient stone paths, and past moss-covered rocks and storybook schist houses tucked into the hillsides. We barely encountered another person, which made it feel like a secret world—peaceful, dreamlike, and completely unforgettable.

• Settling Into Life in Lake Chapala

  Life in Lake Chapala has been filled with color, connection, and constant celebration. From fiestas and parades to sunsets, neighbors, animals, and everyday moments that feel anything but ordinary, this place continues to affirm that we made the right choice. It doesn’t feel temporary or transitional—it truly feels like home.