2017 Top Travel Moments for FindingJillian

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2017 Top Travel Moments – My Year in Review –

What was my best travel moment of 2017? That’s a hard question because I was blessed with so many great moments traveling this year.  This year, I spent time in Florida alone with my husband, I made a quick trip to the Big Apple with my Mother-in-Law and also went on a 7 night cruise to the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman & Montego Bay) with hubby, kids and grandparents.  It was a full year and I’m thankful for each experience. 

So, what were my 2017 top travel moments?

My First Top Travel Moment  – Cozumel, Mexico!

 

Ok, this lovely island off the cost of Mexico makes the list because I originally had low expectations. We had only been to Cozumel once before and it was a port stop on a very short cruise over Thanksgiving. During that trip we simply walked around the port and returned to the ship because that trip wasn’t really about the ports but squeezing in a quick get-away.

However, this summer, with grandparents and teenagers to entertain, I needed a plan. We ended up at taking a quick taxi ride to Chankanaab Park and had a really great day. In fact, I am already looking to book another cruise that includes this port. Next time, I’m anxious to try Nachi Cocom and Mr. Sanchos which are both highly recommended by fellow bloggers.

I actually feel like there is so much to do in this area and the cruise port area is nice. There is even a tour that teaches you how to make margaritas and salsa. What’s not to love about Margaritas and Salsa?!!!

If you missed my post about my cruise carry-on bag you can read here or see how I prepare my cruise cabin for a great week here?

Next Top 2017 Travel Moment –  Sticking with the topic of Cozumel, I will add, Swimming with the Manatee in Cozumel.

In 2011, we experienced the Dolphin Encounter at The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. That was an amazing but pricey experience for our family of four. A Manatee experience was an option at Chankanaab and it was roughly half the cost of the dolphin experience!
It was the most amazing experience. These beautiful creatures created by God are unbelievable. They are massive and gentle and curious.
And, our visit to Chankanaab Park was so perfect for our group which included a 15 year old shy girl, two young men who were recent high school grads, my husband and I, and my 70 year old in-laws. Can you imagine a place that would be a hit for that monthly cru? In addition to Dolphin and Manatee experiences, they offer an all-inclusive food/beverage option, a pool, beach area, zip lining, a Sea Lion show and more!  I’ll do a full review of Chankanaab Park soon.

Two call outs, both for Cozumel, is not to say that we didn’t enjoy our other cruise ports.  Like I mentioned, Cozumel was just an unexpected delight.  I think we were all focused on Grand Cayman being our highlight.  You can read my review of the Grand Cayman Turtle Center in this blog post.  In Montego Bay, Jamaica, we had a little hiccup but that’s a story for another time.  Stay tuned.

 

and my #1  2017 Top Travel Moment …drum roll please…my birthday in Marco Island, Florida.

You may realize by now that I absolutely LOVE cruises. It’s my favorite way to travel. But, I have to say that spending my birthday in the beautiful, sweet, small town of Marco Island, Florida, tops my list for 2017.

My husband and I are in search of the perfect small beach town where we can retire. We are in full research mode. My husband planned this trip for my birthday and we had never been to the gulf side of Florida before. We flew into Fort Myers and drove the short hour to Marco Island where we stayed at the Hilton right on the beach.

I have to say that driving over that small bridge onto the island was nothing less than magical. I didn’t want to leave and my husband was ready to call a real estate company and check prices. Now, we are a few years off from making that leap but the people are so kind, the water is clear and the town has that non-touristy vibe that we are searching for. I also really loved the Hilton. It’s much smaller than it’s neighbor next door, the Marriott, but the rooms were great, the pool was lovely and the beach access was awesome!

If I convey one thing to you via my mediocre photography skills about Marco Island, Florida, it’s the sunsets. Bare with me while I get cheese-eey for a moment. Watching the sun set on Marco Island is like knowing in your heart that there is a God, He is good..and the world is going to be ok. In the current climate that is 2017 in the United States, I need that precious reminder.

Happy New Year Everyone!  I wish you love, peace and many travel adventures in 2018!

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Happy Travels!

Jillian