Top Travel Experiences in 2015

2015 was a huge travel year for me, with thirty-five flights and thirteen countries if you include Canada, my home. After sifting through the photographs, stories, and memories from the past year, here are my top travel experiences in 2015 in chronological order.

Swimming in Four Seasons Hualalai King’s Pond

Snorkeling in the 1.8 million gallon King’s Pond with more than 4000 tropical fish, plus one friendly eagle ray, was like swimming in a massive aquarium.

King's-Pond-Top-travel-experiences-in-2015 — Four Seasons Hualalai King’s Pond

Guests at Four Seasons Hualalai can swim in King’s Pond daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. using complimentary snorkeling gear.

Flying First Class on Lufthansa’s 747-8i

For me, every flight in Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8i First Class cabin was so much more than transportation from point A to point B. It was an exquisite travel experience and always left me wishing my flights were longer!

Single red rose, Escada amenity kit, Monocle magazine, glass of champagne next to the windows in Lufthansa first class cabin — Lufthansa First Class 747-8i

Discovering the Secrets of the Barri Gotic

I returned to a favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona with Context Travel and learnt that the Barri Gotic, also known as the Gothic Quarter, keeps a few secrets. Fortunately, the knowledgeable docents at Context Travel know this area intimately.

Top travel experiences 2015 Plaça Nova, Barcelona — Plaça Nova, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Exploring Expo 2015 Milan

With food as the focus and over 140 participating countries, Expo 2015 in Milan was a once in a lifetime opportunity to eat and drink my way around the world.

A fondue pot, two forks and bread dripping with cheese at the Swiss Pavilion restaurant, Expo 2015 — Cheese fondue at Expo 2015 Milan

Navigating Milano’s Navigli

I was surprised to learn that Milan was once a port city with canals connecting all the way to the Adriatic Sea. I loved exploring the picturesque Navigli neighbourhood on a summer Sunday during the monthly Mercatone del Naviglio Grande, one of Milan’s largest flea markets, located one either side of a navigable canal.

Flea market Sunday at Naviglio Grande Milan — Navigli Grande Milan

Adventuring in the Dolomites

I can’t stop thinking about the jagged peaks of the pale Dolomite mountains in northern Italy. If you have been there, you will understand. If you haven’t been to the Dolomites, plan a trip. I’m planning my return.

Jagged mountain peaks in the Dolomites — Italian Dolomites

Visiting Vienna

Imagine gorgeous green space, world-class attractions, luxury shops, and historic Viennese cafes, and you can guess why I love Vienna.

Schonbrunn Palace fountain Vienna — Schönbrunn Palace

Running the Lululemon SeaWheeze Half-Marathon

Lululemon’s mass participation 1/2 marathon + party weekend in Vancouver was everything you would expect from a company that believes in fueling happiness – swag galore, abundant yoga, scenic SeaWheeze half-marathon, healthy post-race brunch, and an awesome after-party.

Chartering the Four Season Koh Samui Siam Seas

In December, I discovered that the only thing better than a day at the Four Seasons Koh Samui was a day onboard on the 42-foot Siam Seas yacht with my family, and the fabulous Four Seasons Koh Samui crew.

Four Seasons Koh Samui Siam Seas top travel experiences in 2015 — Four Seasons Koh Samui 42-Foot Yacht the Siam Seas

Floating down the Mekong River at Sunset

2015 came to a close in Laos and floating down the legendary Mekong River, the 12th largest in the world, whose waters flow through six countries, was one of those “pinch me” moments.