Favourite Travel Experiences of 2010
byWhile we stayed very close to home for a few weeks in February 2010, I spent even more time on the road. From snowshoeing to swimming in the Caribbean, the following are some of my Top Travel Experiences of 2010.
January 2010
Destination: Iowa
Highlights: Ringing in 2010 with John’s family
Destination: Sun Peaks Resort
Highlights: The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival
February 2010
Destination: Prince George
Highlights: The outdoor ice oval, dog sledding, the 2010 Olympic torch relay, and snowshoeing in the Ancient Forest
Destination: Whistler
Highlights: Taking the Alberta Train up and watching women’s downhill during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
March 2010
Destination: Sunshine Coast
Highlights: Exploring Gibsons Landing, Skookumchuck Narrows, and Pender Harbour
April 2010
Destination: Burlington, Vermont
Highlights: Attending ‘Bloggerpalooza’ at Ben & Jerry’s headquarters
May 2010
Destination: Victoria
Highlights: Speaking at WordCamp Victoria, visited Craigdarroch Castle, and staying at my first B&B.
Destination: New York City
Highlights: Spending a week in this legendary city with Keira
July 2010
Destination: Iowa
Highlights: Watching the 4th of July parade roll down the street in ‘Anytown, USA’, seeing the Mississippi and visiting Dubuque, rolling through Grant Wood’s ‘Stone City’.
Destination: Dyersville, Iowa
Highlights: Playing baseball at the ‘Field of Dreams’ movie site
Destination: Galena, Illinois
Highlights: Taking a day-trip from Iowa to visit this historic town
Destination: Tulalip Resort & Casino
Highlights: Fine dining, spa, entertainment, and a cruise around Tulalip Bay, Everett and Mukilteo
August 2010
Destination: Toronto
Highlights: Attending the GoMedia conference and taking a historic walking tour
September 2010
Destination: Squamish
Highlights: Attending the inaugural Live at Squamish Music Festival (Day 1, Day 2) and staying at Howe Sound Inn & Brewing
Destination: Britannia Beach
Highlights: Getting a preview of the refurbished Britannia Mine Museum
Destination: Tofino
Highlights: The waves, the rain, the forest, and the top-notch accommodations at The Wickaninnish Inn and the Long Beach Lodge
October 2010
Destination: Harrison
Highlights: Staying at the legendary Harrison Hot Springs Resort and catching my first sturgeon
Destination: Kelowna
Highlights: Staying at the Delta Grand Okanagan and covering the Western Canadian Music Awards
November 2010
Destination: Nanaimo
Highlights: Walking tour of downtown Nanaimo, exploring its shops, history and up-and-coming culinary scene
Destination: Victoria
Highlights: Afternoon tea at the Empress, tea tasting at Silk Road, discovering the Magnolia Hotel, and paying our respects to pioneers and historic figures at Ross Bay Cemetery
Destination: Whistler
Highlights: Going behind the scenes at the Westin and heading out with Canadian Snowmobile
December 2010
Destination: Akumal, Mexico
Highlights: Going to Mexico twice in two months (October & December) and hanging out with my husband as he operated the Team 1040 on-location broadcasts.
Destination: Iowa
Highlights: Family time
My travel companions this year included John Biehler, Keira-Anne, Kris Krug, Jenny Miles, and my husband, John Bollwitt. Thanks to them, and the hard work and dedication of local tourism representatives, 2010 was a spectacular year.