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I’ve been wanting to write a post about my best travel moments for quite a while, and since we can’t travel right now, I figured there was no better time than the present.

This post features my best travel moments from the past 8 years, going back to 2012. This is pretty much when I discovered my love for travel.

Like most of you, I can’t wait to get back out there. But until it’s safe, I’m happy to spend this time reflecting on past travel moments and hopefully dreaming up future plans as well.

My 10 Best Travel Moments of All Time

1. Experiencing the Blue Lagoon during a storm (2019)

If you’ve visited Iceland before, you know most international flights land in Reykjavik in the very early morning. This means if you head straight into Reykjavik, you’ll have to wait several hours to check into your hotel.

Fortunately, the famous Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik, making it the perfect first stop after your flight lands.

If you’re lucky and you plan it right, you can even get there when they open and have the place to yourself (well almost) for a few hours. Which is exactly what I did.

After getting checked into the Blue Lagoon, ditching my luggage in a locker and taking my shower, I made my way to the entrance of the lagoon.

Since I was visiting Iceland in December, the night sky was still pitch black even at 8:00 a.m. It was also freezing cold outside, so there was steam coming up off the water, creating a slightly eerie scene to be honest.

As I waded deeper into the lagoon, I found myself alone in the darkness, with the sound of the wind howling around me.

For about an hour, the wind just got stronger and stronger. My ears were freezing but my body was warm beneath the surface of the water.

I loved this moment so much for two reasons. First, I didn’t expect in a million years to find myself practically alone at the Blue Lagoon.

There were no more than a handful of people, and the place is so big I had entire sections all to myself.

Second, the howling wind and the darkness around me, combined with the unknown and excitement of a new country. It was one of the most peaceful and surreal experiences of my life. It was pure magic.

2. My first trip to South America (2019)

I just made my first trip to South America last February. I was super excited to finally visit Cartagena, which I’d been wanting to visit since all the way back in 2014 after I went to Costa Rica.

If you’re wondering, there are fliers all over the hostels in Costa Rica advertising sailing trips from the San Blas islands (in Panama) to Cartagena. The photos intrigued me back then and it’s still a trip I’d love to make one day.

Anyways… I got to spend 3 fun filled days on a girls trip exploring the colorful streets and white sandy beaches of sunny Cartagena.

We took beautiful photographs, tried delicious food, and hit up all the trendy rooftop bars for cocktails.

It was amazing to finally get down to South America and I can’t wait to explore more of the continent.

3. Getting my first view of Lake Atitlan (2018)

Another one of my best travel moments happened while on a trip to Guatemala in 2018. The bf and I flew into Guatemala City, spent that first night in a hotel near the airport, then made the drive out to Lake Atitlan the following morning.

What I didn’t know about Guatemala is that the countryside is absolutely beautiful. Lots of windy roads and potholes for sure, but the country is also very green and lush.

But the best part is that as you get close to Lake Atitlan, you’re climbing this steep and windy road for what feels like forever.

Then you finally reach the top, make a turn around the mountain (volcano?), and there it is! The massive, stunning, Lake Atitlan.

It’s so much bigger in person, and that first glimpse of the lake is one I’ll never forget.

I’m pretty sure I gasped when I first saw it, or shouted with joy, one of the two. Either way, it really surprised the hell out of me how amazing it was to see in real life.

Honestly, if you’ve never been, you absolutely must go to Guatemala. Plan to spend at least 3 days exploring Lake Atitlan before moving on to the rest of the country.

4. Spending the night in the Sahara (2018)

I visited Morocco (and the African continent) for the first time in 2018 after booking myself a spot on an all girls group trip with We Are Travel Girls.

It was a present to myself for my birthday, and I gotta tell ya, it was everything I had hoped it would be.

My favorite travel moments from this trip were in the Sahara desert.

We started out by riding camels out to the campsite, which is actually more awkward than you’d think. Camels are not comfortable to ride.

After arriving at the campsite, we got to just relax and enjoy being in the desert. It was perfect.

My favorite part was enjoying the night sky after the sun set. You wouldn’t believe how many stars you can see when there’s no light pollution for miles.

It was absolutely spectacular. I could have stayed there staring up at those stars forever.

5. Watching the sunset from the top of the Eiffel Tower (2018)

Another of my best travel moments happened on my first trip to Paris. Like many first visits to the City of Light, the bf and I spent the majority of our time checking out all the touristy spots around town.

However, our trip was also timed to land on my bf’s birthday. So to make it extra special, I booked us tickets to the top observation deck of the Eiffel Tower. I even timed our visit for sunset. See how romantic and thoughtful I am? (Just kidding, sort of.)

But really, getting to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower was awesome. Especially getting to do it while watching the sunset over Paris.

If you’re going to visit Paris, I really recommend getting a ticket to the top deck. It’s such a unique experience and I promise it’s one you’ll want to remember.

6. Seeing the Venice canals for the first time (2018)

After exploring Rome and Naples for a few days, the bf and I hopped on a train to Venice.

The Italian countryside is as beautiful as you’d expect. Picture rolling green hillsides, small towns, and throw in the occasional castle on a hill for good measure.

The ride from Naples to Venice is just a few short hours. It’s a nice break from all the walking around and sightseeing of the days prior. Put on your headphones, relax, and enjoy the view.

The amazing thing about arriving in Venice by train is that you’re greeted by the Grand Canal as soon as you step outside. It’s so frickin cool.

You’re immediately immersed in the city and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, complete with gondolas, vaporetti, and that uniquely Venetian architecture.

Note: Vaporetti is plural for vaporetto, which is basically a large public boat (like a public bus) that’s takes you along the Grand Canal with stops at the various docks along the way.

7. Finally making it to Europe for the first time (2018)

Not even just one of my best travel moments, but also one of my fondest memories in general, is my first time visiting Europe.

I think everybody probably feels this way, but landing in Rome was epic. (Well, until we ended up standing in the immigration line for 3 hours, but that’s another story.)

Rome is such an incredible place to be. You literally stumble upon old Roman ruins just walking around the city. And I don’t just mean the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Panthoen. There are ruins all over the city, one’s you’ve never even heard of. It’s really cool.

Plus, Rome is a fun city. There are exceptional restaurants everywhere, gelato shops on every corner (almost), and scooters buzzing around. Plus, people are out having fun until all hours of the night.

The Italians know how to live, and you learn this quickly when you visit Italy. They have great food, great wine, and they don’t work too hard. What’s not to love?

8. Visiting Mexico during Dia de los Muertos (2017)

For years I’d been wanting to experience Dia de los Muertos in Mexico.

I became familiar with the holiday from all the events that began to spring up in Los Angeles around Halloween every year. I admired the brightly colored decorations, marigolds, and painted skulls, and I was intrigued.

As I learned more about the holiday I began to appreciate the annual celebration and remembrance of deceased loved ones.

It’s a stark contrast to our relationship with death here in the United States. Where it seems, we pretend it doesn’t exist, until it does.

I finally got my chance to see Dia de los Muertos celebrated in Mexico during this visit to Mexico City in 2017.

And while I know it’s not part of the tradition, I enjoyed the Day of the Dead parade put on by Mexico City that year. It was loud, colorful, and wild. I loved it.

My travel partner and I had initially intended to visit Oaxaca during this trip as well. I had read Oaxaca was a beautiful place to stay, enjoy the holiday, see the ofrendas, and sample fantastic Oaxacan cuisine.

Unfortunately, life had other plans for us. We ended up booking our flight into the wrong city (long story), and ended up in Huatulco instead of Oaxaca.

Fortunately, a good time was still had. I even stumbled upon a fantastic little Italian restaurant while I was there, which is always a win.

9. Seeing sloths in Costa Rica (2014)

The first solo international trip I ever took was to Costa Rica when I graduated college for the second time (also a long story) in 2014. I was actually inspired to visit Costa Rica by reading the travel blogs of other solo travelers.

It seemed like a good place to start for someone so interested in traveling, but relatively inexperienced.

Not gonna lie, I booked a totally amateur itinerary. I missed most of the country’s popular destinations, but not out of some desire to travel off the beaten path. I simply didn’t do very good research.

But even though I planned my trip poorly, I still had an incredible time. It’s Costa Rica after all, and it’s beautiful.

My favorite part of this trip turned out to be the wildlife. I was just blown away staring up into the trees watching the little sloths. They were seriously the highlight of my trip.

Remember, this was my first international trip. So seeing sloths in the wild was exciting for me. It was like my travel dreams were finally coming true, and they were.

This trip to Costa Rica opened up a whole new world for me. It made me realize that traveling is exactly as exciting as I thought it would be.

But also, it’s much more accessible and not nearly as expensive as so many would have you believe.

10. Hiking the Mist Trail to Half Dome in Yosemite (2012)

For most of my life I’d never been all that into the outdoors. That is until I discovered my love for hiking.

Once I realized how much I enjoyed hiking and being in nature, I started researching the best hikes in California (which is where I live).

From this research I quickly learned there were some pretty epic hikes to be done in my state.

But the one that sounded the most adventurous was the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park.

The Mist Trail is 14.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 4800 feet to the top of Half Dome.

It takes the average hiker anywhere from 10 to 14 hours to complete the hike. It’s truly exhausting, but boy is it worth it.

My favorite memories from this experience were hiking up the section of granite stairs situated alongside the massive waterfalls. The waterfalls are so powerful, it was just crazy to me that I could be so close to them.

Completing the hike up to Half Dome was one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done in my life, but also the most rewarding.

Yosemite is one of the most stunning national parks in the US, but the scenery along the Mist Trail will knock your socks off.

I haven’t gone hiking in a good while now, but I hope to one day resume with a trip to Machu Picchu to conquer the Inca Trail, or one of the circuits in Patagonia.

Wish me luck.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my 10 Favorite Travel Moments as much as I’ve enjoyed writing about them. If you enjoyed this post please consider sharing. It really helps me a lot. Thanks for reading.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

If you’re a frequent traveler, I’m guessing you’re also a fan of funny travel memes.

As frequent travelers, we often find ourselves in amusing and precarious situations. Many of which can be perfectly summed up in a great travel meme. 

So just for fun, I’ve put together this list of the 25 Best Travel Memes on the Internet. You’ll find inspirational travel memes, airline travel memes, social media travel mems, and many more.

Enjoy!

Best Travel Memes on the Internet

1. No children travel meme

This is my personal favorite travel meme. It describes my life perfectly.

I don’t have kids so I don’t have to worry about family responsibilities when planning to travel. I’ll go wherever the cheap flights will take me and try to never miss out on a good flight deal.

2. Hotel travel meme

This is one of the most hilarious travel memes I’ve found.

I don’t tend to mess with housekeeping much, but I have to admit this is really funny.

I’ve actually worked in housekeeping before, many, many years ago. I’ve seen some things. But definitely nothing like this.

3. Airplane travel meme

Agreed! There’s something relaxing about flying and looking down on the world below. 

Funny travel quotes like this also perfectly sum up how I feel about flying. I love being away from everything, not knowing anybody, and just having this time to myself.

I’ll listen to a good book or podcast and just enjoy the quiet. You can’t go anywhere until the plane lands, so you might as well make the most of it.

Does anybody else find flying therapeutic?

4. Group travel plans meme

I think this travel meme sums up everybody’s experience when planning a trip with friends.

At least until we learn to stop asking people to join us beforehand. Now I just tell people my plans after I’ve booked my trip.

If they want to join, great! if not, they can stay home. 

I also love how the pics in this travel meme include dogs! Dogs are the perfect recipe for a funny vacation meme.

5. Packing travel meme

This is one of my favorite funny travel memes going around on social media. I think it’s one we can all relate to.

Personally, I buy lots of clothes I never end up wearing, mostly because I’m a terrible shopper.

Yes somehow these clothes always end up in my suitcase. It’s amazing how that works sometimes.  

6. Airline baggage policy travel meme

How perfect is this funny travel meme?

Airline baggage policies often both amuse and infuriate me, mostly because many are a bit ridiculous and don’t make much sense.

I do understand the airlines need to make up for the cost of low ticket prices somehow, but I feel they could do a better job explaining their convuluted baggage policies.

Not all airlines are bad at this, but some certainly are.

I think many also miss that the weight limits are not because the plane will be too heavy, but because the airline is limiting the weight of the bags for baggage handlers.

You wouldn’t want to be lifing 100 pound suitcases all day either. Keeping them closer to 50 pounds is safer for the staff moving your bags on and off the airplane.

7. Water at the airport travel meme

This has happened to me too many times. I’ve since learned to bring a refillable bottle in my carry on.

I can’t imagine how much money this has saved me in just the past year. Now if I could just remember to buy chewing gum before I get to the airport. 

To be totally honest though, while I may not be spending money on bottled water at the airport, I sure don’t seem to have a problem spending money on wine at the airport. Who’s with me?

8. Carry on bags travel meme

I’ve seen this a million times as well.

Fortunately, I usually manage to squeeze my bag in somewhere in the overhead bin. 

It always makes me wonder how some people have so many items when the airlines’s baggage policy states each passenger gets one carry on.

I’m starting to think people just hide their bags when they go to the counter for check in.

9. Airplane boarding meme

Some people take FOREVER in the aisle. I don’t even understand how whatever they’re doing could possibly take that long.

Do they not see the line behind them?

Seriously though, can someone explain this to me?

10. Reclining airplane seat meme

I’ve never been one to recline my seat on an airplane because it doesn’t make the flight any more comfortable.

I also don’t want to squish the person behind me.

Like everybody else, I hate it when the person in front of me reclines their seat. For some reason, this always happens when I’m watching a movie or eating.

Why someone would recline their seat during meal service is beyone me, but it happens. If you paid for your seat on the plane, you can recline it if you wish. It’s really not that big of a deal. I’m usually just happy to be on a plane in the first place.

11. Southwest Airlines meme

I love how seriously some folks take the boarding situation on Southwest Airlines.

I never really put much thought into it other than to ensure I check in right away to get a good boarding position.

I’ve definitely overheard some squabbles between passengers before though. This usually seems to happen when someone tries saving a seat for someone else who hasn’t been able to board yet.

I don’t really get why people insist on doing this. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get to sit by your friend or partner during a flight.

And if it is such a big deal, why didn’t you just pay the $20 for the first boarding group? Makes no sense to me.

As for me, I head to the back of the plane to grab a window seat and silently hope no one sits next to me.

12. Reward points travel meme

Gotta love The Office…and travel reward points. 

I don’t know about you, but I always make my purchases using a credit card that gets me points for travel.

I personally use the Chase Sapphire and a few Marriott rewards credit cards. I use the Sapphire for airfare and the Marriott cards for my hotels. It works out perfectly.

If you don’t already have a good travel rewards credit card or business travel rewards card, I strongly encourage you to get one. Use it for all your daily purchases, you’d be surprised how quicly those points add up.

Just be sure to pay it off in full each month. The reward points are no longer worth it if you’re paying hundreds of dollars in interest fees to carry a balance.

But if you can handle the card responsibly, say hello to free flights and hotels.

13. Airplane boarding travel meme

Any meme with John Goodman makes my list. 

Plus vacation memes about people blocking the airplane aisle are so accurate. I don’t understand this aspect of traveling by plane.

When I’m boarding a plane I usually feel awkward if people are waiting behind me to pass. So much so that I’ll do whatever I can to limit my time in the aisle.

If I’m taking longer that a few seconds, I’ll usually just step out of the aisle to let other pass if there’s room to do so. Not sure why everybody doesn’t do this.

Also, what’s up with people waiting until they board the plane to start digging things out of their carry on roller bag? Why? Just why?

14. The summer tourist vacation meme

My own reaction is similar. I live in Los Angeles and know that certain areas of the city are just off limits come summer.

I’m talking about you Santa Monica and Hollywood Blvd. 

Even when I make my travel plans I consider the possible crowds for the destination I want to visit. I usually avoid Europe entirely in the summer. Not only are there too many tourists, but the prices are way too high.

I’d much rather travel in the spring and fall when everybody else is back at work. You wouldn’t believe all the deals you can get by opting for off season travel destinations.

15. The Alpaca Road Trip Memes

Every list of funny travel memes needs an alpaca road trip meme. Plus, this one shows the true spirit of a road trip.

Road trips are best when they’re spontaneous, with the right people who are down for anything.

16. Waiting for my friends to travel meme

People often ask me when we’re going to travel together?

I used to entertain these comments with destination ideas and time frames. Now I just respond by suggesting they let me know when they’re ready to book the trip.

This is usually the end of the conversation. I think many people just like to talk about traveling, but don’t really have any intention of doing it. 

17. Always posting on social media travel meme

We all have that friend who has to post every single photo they take on Facebook. You know the one.

18. Parents traveling without you meme

Many of us can relate to this in one way or another, whether it be travel or something else. It always seems your parents start doing cool things after you’ve grown up and moved out.

19. Covid Travel Meme

So many of us had travel plans this year that were cancelled. I know some of us handled it better than others. Here’s to hoping we’re out of this soon.

20. I wish I was quarantined in Paris travel meme

This was absolutely me for the majority of the pandemic. I live in a suburb of Los Angeles and would have given anything to be stuck somewhere more interesting.

21. Airlines travel meme

I’ve only done this once, and never again. Unless I find a spectacular deal. I’m willing to deal with a lot of things for a good airfare deal.

22. Cruise Travel Memes

I don’t think anyone had it worse during Covid than the cruise industry. I have no idea how they plan to operate again, but I’m sure things will be interesting when they do.

23. When your mom is always worried travel meme

I absolutely relate to this one. No matter where on the planet I go, my mom is always worried about the safety of the destination. Most of the destinations are likely safer than where I live, so I’m not sure what she’s always so worried about. But that’s moms for you.

24. Airline seating travel memes

In all honesty, it never ceases to amaze me how little room some airlines leave for passengers between the rows. I’m lucky I’m on the small side.

25. Airport Travel Meme

I admit it, I’m definitely guilty of this one. I’m excited to be at the airport and traveling, but also bored at the same time. It’s a difficult situation.

I really hope you enjoyed this list of the 25 Best Travel Memes on the Internet? If you would like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.