1. New Destination
In September my husband and I spent 2 weeks on the Greek island of Crete. Staying in 3 different locations – this is the most time we’ve ever spent in one place. Even with renting a car – we only scratched the surface of this beautiful island! Welcoming people, the Mediterranean climate, so much history, Greek food/wine, and mountain or beach activities – it’s a fantastic destination!
2. Keeping it Local
Since my husband moved to the U.S. 10 years ago – we’ve made a point of also trying to explore our home state of Colorado. We started off 2024 with a trip to The Wild Animal Sanctuary (just east of Denver). Go for the animals, the Rocky mountain views, and all the new things you’ll learn!
3. Perfect Road Trip
Luck was with us during our last minute autumn road trip visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming! Peak fall color, warm weather, not many crowds, and so many wildlife sightings – it’s one for the books!
4. Tastiest Meals
My love affair with Greek food started numerous years ago and I was in heaven sampling all the Cretan dishes on Crete! I lost track of all the Greek salads I ate… but I also loved tasting the Gemista (stuffed vegetables), Antikristo (traditional bbq), and numerous other local specialties.
Also a shoutout to Barcelona – a Spanish tapas restaurant in Denver. A great night spent there with friends… small bites, lively atmosphere, and friendly service!
5. Connecting with Friends
2024 was a special year for reconnecting with old friends. I attended my first concert at Red Rocks with a childhood friend – what a venue! We also spent a few days at Lake of the Ozarkswith my bff… such fantastic days on the lake and exploring this new to us area.
6. Hotel Room Views
When you’re going to splurge on your hotel room – Greece is the place to do it! To end our Greece trip – we were spoiled at the Elounda Palm Hotel with our infinity pool, sea views, and room service!
7. Most Fun Day Trip
Friends of ours recommended we should drive out east to Grover (Colorado) to check out “The Biggest Little Rodeo in the West”. We may have been the only “outsiders” here – but what a great day! The locals helped us learn the rules for many of the events and my husband loved photographing new subjects!
8. Best Vacation Day
The scenery, the wildlife, the blue skies – my husband and I were on a high during our first day in Yellowstone! We started the day watching the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake, spent time in Lamar Valley, walked around Mammoth Hot Springs, and lost count of all the wildlife sightings. Admiring (and my husband photographing) the bison up close and having them run past our car was a thrill!
9. Prettiest Drink
I’m partial to a refreshing Mojito… but I’ve never drank one as colorful as the ones at the Elounda Palm Hotel on Crete. Memories of summer.. sipping on this one amongst the palms, in this idyllic setting in Greece.
10. Favorite Hike
With its picturesque countryside of rolling hills and small villages – Epen holds a special spot for me in The Netherlands. Hiking through the pastures with the Dutch cows was a perfect start to our 3 week Europe trip!
If you’d like to read more about my top 10 – click these TBK article links for more details:
3 Reasons You Should Visit Limburg in The Netherlands
The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary in Yellowstone
3 Reasons to Visit the Colorado Wild Animal Sancturary
5 Reasons You Should Visit the Greek Island of Crete
3 Reasons to Stay at the Elounda Palm Hotel
Cheers to a travel filled 2025! 🙂
Until the next adventure – bon voyage
Kris
