My ABC's of Travel!

As I'm sitting at home dreaming of my next trip (currently not scheduled!), I'm left feeling little wistful for travel. The ABC's of travel have been floating along blog-land for awhile, and I figure now is the perfect time to join in and look back on some of my fondest travel memories! Without further ado, here is a little bit more about my life of travel and favorite memories:

A // Age when you first traveled internationally
Oh, this is a tough one. I've been traveling for as long as I can remember. My family used to have an annual fishing trip in Canada when I was younger, so I suppose Canada was my first international destination- and I'm guessing I was younger than 5! I would have been 12 when I first traveled to Mexico, 15 when I traveled to Costa Rica, and 16 for my first European experience.

B // Best foreign beer you've had and where
This one is so easy it is hardly a question! The best foreign beer I have had is definitely at Oktoberfest. Beyond just having great German beer, Oktoberfest is an experience in itself that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetimes!

C // Cuisine: Favorite experience
Street food while in Thailand! I'll be honest- Nick was much more adventurous than me- but the street food in Thailand is to die for. So cheap, and so delicious!

D // Destinations: Favorite, Least Favorite, and Why?
My favorite place I've ever traveled to is probably Sweden. While not a favorite for many, Sweden holds so many cherished memories for both Nick and I that it will always hold a special place in our hearts. Not only did we travel throughout Sweden, but Sweden was also our first home as a married couple and we spent the majority of our first two years married in Sweden. My least favorite place I've ever traveled to is...well, there really isn't one. I suppose for now I could say Amsterdam- only because I've never gotten to actually visit the city, and every time I fly through there I seem to have excessively long flight delays!

E // Event You've Experienced That Made You Say "WOW!"
I think this one is a cross between the Full Moon Party in Thailand and Oktoberfest. Both of them are such extremely different experiences, but definitely something that everyone should experience once while in their lifetime!

F // Favorite Mode of Transportation
I've got to say, I love flying. I don't know what it is about it, but after countless international trips I still love the feeling of it. I always want a window seat- hello, that view! I'll never forget the first time that I flew with Nick. We were going to Las Vegas, and he commented on how I stared out the window the entire time, because the novelty of flying had worn off for him. To me, flying represents so much more- it represents the excitement of going somewhere new (or old!), meeting the people there, and having great experiences. I hope I always love it!

G // Greatest Feeling While Traveling
There are so many great feelings you experience while traveling that it is difficult to narrow it down to just one. I suppose that the moment I love the most is when each new adventure officially begins, when you arrive in a new destination and begin your day. The whole trip is ahead of you, and you have the ability to make it wonderful!

H // Health While Traveling
I've always enjoyed a good workout, and despite being difficult, it is important to take care of yourself while traveling. After all, you will enjoy experiences much more if you are healthy! Follow these 9 tips to staying fit while traveling in order to make each and every vacation more enjoyable. Remember- moderation is key!

I // Incredible Customer Service
The best customer service I have ever received while outside of the U.S. is definitely at Lo Zodiaco. Lo Zodiaco in Rome is my worldwide favorite restaurant, and a must to anyone visiting Rome!

J // Journey That Took The Longest
The longest travel journey I have ever had was definitely my honeymoon. I can't decide which journey was longer- the trip there, made infinitely long due to my excitement of traveling; or the trip home, made infinitely long because my time in paradise had just ended! All in all, it was about 22 hours on the plane each way, and that doesn't include the time spent in airports waiting to board flights and take off. While it was a long journey, it is definitely one that I can't wait to repeat!

K // Keepsakes From Your Travels
Much of the time, when I travel I do not purchase souvenirs. The memories of the trips themselves are enough of a keepsake. Beyond this, Nick and I have a scratch-off travel map that we love to update upon returning home from each and every trip!

Christmas in Paris was amazing, although the Eiffel Tower was a slight let-down!

L // Let-down Sight- Where and Why?
One of the let-down sights- and perhaps, even cities- that I've experienced was the Eiffel Tower and Paris. I certainly enjoyed my trip to Paris, but visiting in the middle of winter with damp, rainy weather was not ideal. I'd be curious to see how my opinion changes if I ever visit during the warmer, prettier months- but for now, it was an underwhelming experience!

M // Moment Where You Fell In Love With Traveling
I don't know if there was a definitive moment for me. My family traveled a fair amount when I was younger, and if I'm honest, I never really appreciated it. We spent time all throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, in addition to trips to Costa Rica, Germany, Austria, Italy & Switzerland. Even beyond the family trips, I took a few solo trips throughout my teens and early twenties, and it wasn't until I moved abroad that I really grew to love traveling and experiencing new things. So for me, it was definitely a gradual thing that only came as I grew to appreciate it. Now, the thought of staying in one place for too long makes my skin itch!

So many gorgeous photo opps at this stunning property!

N // Nicest Hotel You've Stayed In 
Off the top of my head, I probably don't know the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in- mostly because I really haven't stayed in too many super nice hotels! When traveling, I like to spend my money on experiences and really getting a feel for a destination versus the hotel. If I had to pick one, I would say CHIC by Royalton in Punta Cana!

I was super excited to fly over the Grand Canyon last week on my way out to California!

O // Obsession- What Photos Are You Obsessed With While Traveling?
I mentioned above that I absolutely love flying. So, naturally I take tons of pictures out of the plane window...I'm not sure why, but there is just something about being up in the air that is magical to me! I love looking out the window while flying, whether it is snapping pictures of clouds, city scapes, or dozens and dozens of farm fields lined up like little boxes.

P // Passport Stamps- How Many and From Where?
Being that I just got a new passport one year ago, I actually don't have that many passport stamps! Right now, I've got stamps for the U.S., Sweden, the Netherlands (Amsterdam is usually my connecting airport!), and the Dominican Republic.

Q // Quirkiest Attraction You've Visited And Where?
The quirkiest (let's be honest, strangest) attraction I've ever visited was the Painted Skulls of Hallstatt, Austria. On my very first trip to Europe, my Mom, brother and I toured the Bone House, featuring over 700 skulls that are painted and decorated. Quite an eery, interesting, and definitely strange experience!

R // Recommended Sight or Experience
Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest. I can't recommend it enough. I was fortunate enough to attend Oktoberfest in Munich for the last two years, and had an absolute blast both times. The first time was with three friends, and the second time was with three of my family members. No matter who you are visiting with, Oktoberfest is bound to be a fantastic time and the memory of a lifetime!

S // Splurge- Something You've Spent Extra on While Traveling
My Nikon D3200! Now, I'll be honest- I didn't spend extra money on this while traveling. However, I am still kicking myself for not purchasing a nice camera years ago. If you are on the fence, do it! This will be the best way to ensure that your travel memories are crisp, fresh, and crystal clear for years to come. Memories might fade, but these pictures sure won't!

Enjoying a stop in Flåm while on our Norway in a Nutshell tour!

T // Touristy Thing You've Done
One of the more touristy things I've done is definitely going on a Norway in a Nutshell fjord tour with my family while in Norway. While Norway may not be the most popular tourist destination, I'd be willing to bet the majority of tourists visit for the fjords and experience a Norway in a Nutshell fjord tour. There are other (smaller) companies, but the market is pretty much dominated. And for good reason! This tour is one of the highlights of my last year, and I only wish I could go again- soon!

U // Unforgettable Travel Memory
I would have to say that the most unforgettable thing I've ever done while traveling is actually moving abroad to a country I had never been to, let alone pointed out on a map before. My two years in Sweden taught me so much, and changed me more than I ever thought possible. They exposed me to a whole new world (literally), and it is something that has changed my life. Can something be more unforgettable than that?

V // Visas- How Many and For Where?
I've only ever had to obtain one Visa, and that is for my stay while in Sweden! Being an American, there really are not too many places we must obtain Visas for.

Wine tasting while at Chandon!

W // Wine: Best Glass & Where?
The best glass of wine that I've had was definitely most recently while visiting Napa Valley! I'd never been to a vineyard before to wine taste- and wow, was this trip awesome! I was a guest of four different vineyards, and each one was absolutely amazing- they provided such a unique experience. For anyone looking to go wine tasting, look no further than Napa Valley!

X // eXcellent View and Where? 
Flying over the Grand Canyon while visiting Las Vegas. I'll never forget how amazing of a trip this was. For those traveling to Las Vegas, this is certainly a must-do!

Y // Years Spent Traveling
Well, this goes back to the beginning of this post- but pretty much my whole life! Like I mentioned earlier though, the more I have travelled the more I love it. So I hope this number just keeps on growing!

Z // Zealous Sports Fans?
I've loved sports my entire life. If you combine that with my experiences as a professional hockey player's wife, I think I've seen a great array of sports fans- from those who couldn't care, to those who it's all about drinking, to those where it is life or death. It pains me to say it as a Minnesota Vikings fan, but the Packers fans at Lambeau Field are incredible. For any football fan (especially those with a Packers rivalry!) you have to check out a game at Lambeau Field!

And that will wrap up my ABC's of travel! What about you- what are some of your favorite travel memories?