The MOM Trotter’s 2017 Travel Year In Review

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2017 was an amazing year for our family, packed full of travel adventures.  This year, we traveled over 20 times. We traveled internationally 17 times, visiting 15 countries total (we visited some countries twice). We also traveled within the states 6 times.

My plan for our family was to take Aiden to a new country each month. amazingly enough we were able to meet this goal and more. It was tough, especially with me working full-time trying to juggle work and travel; however I am glad to be have made it happen.

We took advantage of error fares, used miles and points for a lot of our trips, so we were able to travel so much for almost nothing [Check out my post on How To Find The Best Flight Deals and Tips For Travelling On A Budget – With Kids for more].

Scroll down to see where we went and highlights of what we did. I hope you enjoy my 2017 year in review.

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JANUARY – Regardless of all the travel warnings and negative comments we received, we decided to visit Istanbul, Turkey. I am so glad we did because it was completely different from what we expected it to be. Turks are so nice, and their food is so yummy. Aiden attended school in Istanbul for a week and loved it.

FEBRUARY – We travel for Aiden’s birthday every year; this year we visited Paris and Milan. He actually turned 4 in Milan.

My big baby boy turned 4 today. ? He was excited to wear his ‘Birthday King’ shirt. What better place to take him for a Photoshoot than the Sforza Castle in Milan. ?. Have you been there? Did you like it? He walked up to it with excitement and said “Mom, I’m a King and this is my Castle”????? … . ? Happy Birthday to my # 1 Travel Partner. And here’s to many more Birthdays & countries to check off our list. . . . . . #SforzaCastle #BirthdayPhotoShoot #HappyBirthday #FourYearsOld #FamilyTravel #MomBlogger #BloggerMom #ParentingBlogger #TravellingToddler #TravelWithKids #theMOMtrotter #Blogger #Travel #FamilyFun #ThingsToDo #OneCountryAtATime #MustSee #GlobeTrotter #SeeTheWorld #TravellingWithKids #EuropeWithKids #Vacation #WorldSchooled #KidTravel #FamilyTrip #PhotoShoot #Castle #KidFashion #Dapper #TravelTheWorld

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MARCH – After all the cold, we were excited about visiting Mexico!!!

APRIL – We snagged an error fare to Chile FOR $165 RT per person with a long layover in Panama on Copa Airlines! We stayed in an AirBnB in Chile and it was super cheap. (Sign up via my AirBNB referral link and get $40 off your first booking)

2nd Stop – Panama City, Panama. — We visited the Miraflores Locks – Panama Canal today. I was amazed at how much interest Aiden showed in it. He was like a piece of foam, soaking in every bit of information, asking more questions than I could answer and just overall enjoying himself. — We started off by watching a video on the history of the Panama Canal, followed by exloring all the 3 floors of the museum and finally up to the observation deck. Unfortunately there wasn’t a ship passing through & Aiden was really disappointed he didn’t get to see the canal in action. — Just in case you don’t know, the Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile (77 km) waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #MirafloresLocks #Panama #PanamaCanal #SpringBreak #FamilyVacation #FamilyTrip #FamilyTravelBlogger #FamilyAdventure #TravelBlogger #BloggerMom #TravelKids #FamilyTravel #KidTravel #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #KidsWhoTravel #ThingsToDo #OhThePlacesYoullGo #OneCountryAtATime #MustSee #MustDo #SeeTheWorld #WorldSchooling #TravelGoals #KidsOnVacation #TravelPhotography #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #FamilyTravel #ShowYourKidsTheWorld

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Horseback riding along the Pacific Coast of Chile. ???? — Aiden was excited about riding and even got to pick which horse he wanted to ride. As soon as the horse started galloping, he changed his mind rather quickly. “Horses are still too bumpy for me Mom” – Aiden ???? . . . . . . . . . . #VinaDelMar #Valparaiso #SandandSun #PacificCoast #HorsebackRiding #Chile #SouthAmerica #FamilyTravel #FamilyTravelBlogger #TravelBlogger #BlackKidsTravel #MomBlogger #ParentingBlogger #TravelKids #ToddlerTravel #KidTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #KidsWhoTravel #ThingsToDo #OhThePlacesYoullGo #OneCityAtATime #OneCountryAtATime #SeeTheWorld #TravelGoals #FamilyOnVacation #BlackFamiliesTravel #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #AlwaysOnVacation

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MAY – We stuck to domestic travel this month and visited Hawaii, Georgia and Texas on United miles. We paid for Hotels with our Hilton points too making for an almost free trip. (Don’t forget to save time and money on the best attractions by purchasing a CityPASS® or a Go City Card)

Aiden; “Yay, Mom. See, I am jumping on lava rocks.” —- One of the main reaons we picked The Big Island for our vacation. . Aiden gets an Earth Science/Geography 101 lesson as well as enjoy the beautiful beaches and yummy food. Just one of the perks of being homeschooled / worldschooled. ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . #Kona #Hawaii #LavaRocks #EarthScience #Volcanoes #TheBigIsland #JetsettingKids #FamilyGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTravelBlogger #TravelKid #ToddlerTravel #KidsTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #ThingsToSee #FamilyOnVacation #WorldSchooling #HomeSchooling #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #WeAreTravelMums #TakeTheKids #BringTheKids

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So far this year, Aiden has been to 5 countries already (a diff one each month). For the month of May we decided to stick to domestic travel. After a week in Hawaii we flew to Atlana, Georgia. A new state for Aiden to explore. —- Aiden asked to see fish so we visited the Georgia Aquarium. He had such a great time. —- There are plenty of kid friendly things to do here in Atlanta just incase you’re wondering! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #GeorgiaAquarium #AtlantaGeorgia #Aquarium #VisitGeorgia #JetsettingKids #FamilyGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTravelBlog #BloggerMom #TravelKid #ToddlerTravel #KidsTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #ThingsToSee #ThingsToDo #OneStateAtATime #FamilyOnVacation #WorldSchooling #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #WeAreTravelMums #TakeTheKids #BringTheKids

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JUNE – We got a super cheap fare to London, $360 RT per person, and then realized how close and cheap Egypt was to London. We also got a good Groupon Deal for Great Wolf Lodge and had a stay-cation there (Don’t forget to use Ebates when shopping for deals on Groupon. Sign up using my Ebates Referral Link and get $10 after your first purchase)

Because we are spontaneous travellers like that. Tickets were bought a few hours before we travelled. [Swipe right for more ?] —- Aiden: Mom, I just really want to go to Egypt and see the pyramids and ride a camel. It’s my favorite place ever. Me: Surprise !!!!! ?????? —- This is our first solo mom and son trip abroad and as exhausting as it is without my other half, I am also loving every minute of mom and son time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #SurpriseTrip #Cairo #Egypt #PyramidsOfGiza #CamelRiding #JetsettingKids #FamilyOnTheGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTrip #FamilyTravelBlogger #MomBlogger #TravelKid #ToddlerTravel #KidsTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #FamilyOnVacation #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #TakeTheKids #BringTheKids #WeAreTravelMums #KidsLoveTravel #BlackKidsTravel

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Aiden missed his cousins while we were gone, so as soon as we got back [like the day after, lol] I had to get them together. Not all of the cousins could make it, however the ones who did had a blast! . ??? I make cousin time a priority for my son. I grew up with my cousins and I am still very close to them. I want the same for my son. ? . After 10 days abroad and 2 countries, I was super jet lagged, but Aiden didn’t seem to be [what kind of drugs is my kid on ?]. Anyways, anything for the kids right !!!! ? . I figured a staycation would be great so I picked Great Wolf Lodge. I booked the room on Groupon and used Ebates. [If you don’t have Ebates, sign up via my referral code in the comment section for a $10 bonus] . . Have your kids been to GWL? Did they enjoy it? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #GreatWolfLodge #IndoorWaterpark #CousinTime #BlackKids #HomeschoolFieldTrip #JetsettingKids #FamilyOnTheGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTrip #FamilyTravelBlogger #MomBlogger #ToddlerTravel #KidsTravel #TravelKids #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #FamilyOnVacation #KidsLoveTravel #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #TakeTheKids #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #BringTheKids #WeAreTravelMums

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JULY – We snagged a super good deal to Japan for $340 RT on Air Canada with a long layover in Vancouver. We loveeeee, long layovers!

Silly me didn’t pay attention to the time change and booked our hotel for the wrong day. We got here and realized that our stay was actually booked for the day before ?. . ——– . #HiltonNagoya made us feel so welcome. They offered us a Japanese Suite, and even gave us a better deal on our stay than previously booked. . ——– . #HiltonHotels for the Win ??? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #KidsBedTime #JapaneseSuite #OffTheyGo #JapanWithKids #FlyingWithKids #ShowThemTheWorld #JetsettingKids #FamilyOnTheGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTrip #JetSetFam #FamilyTravelBlogger #MomBogger #KidsTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #KidsOnVacation #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #TakeTheKids #BringTheKids #KidsLoveTravel

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Long layovers mean we get to explore another city / country. . ? This time —> #Vancouver . ? It was sunny & beautiful, & the boys had a great day. We visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Stanley Park !! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #CapilanoSuspensionBridge #StanleyPark #FlyingWithKids #JetSetKids #JetSetFam #FamilyOnTheGo #FamilyAdventures #TravellingFamily #FamilyTravel #FamilyTravelBlog #BloggerMom #BlackTravelers #KidsTravel #TravellingWithKids #TravellingWithChildren #TravelWithKids #TravelKids #KidsWhoTravel #KidsOnVacation #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #ShowThemTheWorld #HaveKidsWillTravel #TakeTheKids #BringTheKids #KidsLoveTravel #BlackKids #BlackTwins #BlackFamilyTravel #IndustryKids

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AUGUST – I visited San Fransisco for the first time [The Dad Trotter & I were celebrating 6yrs of marriage], as well as traveled with 2 kids by myself – two achievements in one month, lol. Aiden and his cousin attended school in Mexico City and loved it.

This is how you solo travel with two 4 year olds. When we got to the airport, I asked myself – “Karen, what were you thinking?” But Oops, it was too late now lol ? You know what though, I was able to get through TSA (even with the exrtra pat down ?) and the kids slept most of the flight. ? Special thanks to @GBGlobalOfficial, @ospreypacks and to @BecoBaby for making that possible. Sounds like a WIN to me ?? However, I did spent all night unpacking from 4 trips ago & packing for this trip so I’m in desperate need of a nap ??? #GBPockit #BecoCarrier #SoloMomTravel #TravelWithTwins ——————– . . . . . . . . . My must haves: [aff] 1. A good ergonomic carrier —> http://amzn.to/2xdRjqK 2. A super lightweight stroller –> http://amzn.to/2vS3VV1 3. Passport covers for the kids (make sure you forget to get yours also, #momlife lol) –> http://amzn.to/2fTP3Sa 4. Kids Backpacks –> http://amzn.to/2xe2NLc 5. Your backpack –> http://amzn.to/2fUoIna And the most important ? 6. Money for some liquor on the plane ? #TravelWithKids #ShowThemTheWorld

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SEPTEMBER – Aiden attended the premiere of his first film at the Toronto Film Festival, WOO HOO. It was also the first time we experienced a CAT 5 hurricane while on vacation in Puerto Rico which was really unfortunate.

Last year, a few hours after we arrived in Beijing, Aiden got a call from his agent that he had a call back. He auditioned for a role in this film the week before we left but we didn’t think much of it . •••• I was a bit bumped out when we told his agent he wasn’t going to make it because we were out of the country. But there really wasn’t much we could do about it. •••• A week after we got back we got a call saying the casting team was still interested and wanted to meet with him again . •••• Fast forward to a year later, here he is with the rest of the Kings Cast on the red carpet at the premiere of @KingsTheFilm yesterday at the Toronto Film Festival. He had such an amazing time with everyone. @HalleBerry @Lamarjohnson @reececody @issacryanbrown @serenitybrown @therealcallanfarris @whokr @serenityreignbrown @rachelonacloudyday •••• We are sooooooo thankful & he is So Blessed. I am just SOOOOO proud of my baby boy and soooooo humbled he was part of it !! ???? . ▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪ ▪ BTW The film was AMAZING!!!!! Watching it all come together. Wow. Very powerful story line too. (photo by George Pimentel @gettyimages) #TravelWithKids #IndustryKid #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF #TIFF2017 #RedCarpet #RedCarpetEvent #PreParty #FilmPremiere #KingsTheFilmPremiere #KingsPremiere #TravelWithKids #GettyImages #BestDressedKids #WellDressedKids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #HomeSchoolKid #HomeschoolBlogger #ChildTalent #ChildModel #ZuriKid #ZuriModelAndTalent #BlackTravelers #BlackBlog #TravelNoire #Travel #TravelGram #Instatravel #Travelphotography #Traveling #InstaPassport #BlackTravelMovement

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OCTOBER – We flew on 40K United miles and $16 to Accra. Our cheapest flight of the year!! We took the bus from Acrra to Lagos, Nigeria. Aiden attended school for the 3rd time this year in another country.

We made it to Accra, Ghana. Woo Hoo We got our tickets for this trip the day before we left. Trip paid for by 40K United Miles plus $16 in taxes each. I Love my United Mileageplus card!! ?❤? . Super quick flight with a minimal layover. First time flying South African airways and it was awesome!!! . #TravelWithKids #FlyingWithKids #IndustryKid #WorldTraveler #TravelTheWorld #ExperienceTheWorld #Accra #Ghana #GhanaTrip #AccraMall #SouthAfricanAirways #UnitedMileagePlus . . . . . . . . . #BlackTravelFeed #FamilyTravel #TravelBlogger #TravelBlog #MomBlog #BlackBlog #BlackTravel #BlackTraveler #InstaPassport #TravelNoire #BlackTravelMovement #Fun #Love #IGTravel #Travel #Wanderlust #GoingToAfrica #ItsTimeForAfrica

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Meet Uyo’s newest “Nursey 2” student ? . When we travel for a long period of time, we put Aiden in school for a few days to a week or more. This is the first time he’s had to wear a uniform, and loves it, especially the tie . He gets to socialize with kids his age, play, learn, etc & basically immerse himself in the culture . It’s also quite interesting to see how children in different countries learn. He said “Mom, there are no toys in the classroom” ? and I said “It’s Nigeria son, get with the program” ? . . #SchoolBoy #SchoolTime #KidsAtSchool #SchoolUniform #SchoolUniformSwag #Naija #AkwaIbom #AkwaIbomState #Uyo #Nigeria #VisitNigeria #SightseeingWithKids #ExploringTheWorld #LittleTraveler #BabyCanTravel #TravelMadFam #DigitalNomad #Wanderluster #GettingStamped #HaveBabyWillTravel #MomBlog #TravelBlog #JetSetFamily #TravelingBaby #TravelingKid #TravelFam #Travel #IGTravel #InstaPassport

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NOVEMBER – I visited Cameroon where I was born and raised after 14yrs of living in the USA. It was so nice to be home with family. Aiden attended French Immersion school in Cameroon.

Breakfast at Grandma’s !! ! .. She last saw Aiden when he was just a few months old, so they were both so excited. He also got to meet 2 of my cousins. .. What a beautiful morning; love, laughter and good food !! It’s so nice to be HOME ??? [only over 10yrs later right ???] . .. Time to show the Kid Trotter and the Dad Trotter, “Camer Style” ? #Usfie #SeeTheWorld #GrandmasKitchen #Breakfast #Grandma #Family #Love #Fun #AfricanFood #Cameroon #Cameroonian #Cameroun #Camerounaise #VisitCameroon #VisitAfrica #TravelAfrica #FamilyPhoto #FamilyTrip #SightseeingWithKids #ExploringTheWorld #LittleTraveler #BabyCanTravel #TravelMadFam #DigitalNomad #TakeYourKidsEverywhere #Wanderluster #TravelBlog #JetSetFamily #TravelingKid #TravelFam

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DECEMBER – The Dad Trotter and I took Aiden and his cousins to Sweden, France and the UK. It was the most amazing and the most exhausting holiday too lol.

First time visiting a Christmas Market in Europe. We got there by ferry. We walked a few blocks to the ferry and it was just one stop away. Easy Peasy! . Soooo beautiful; Lots to eat, buy and great music to dance to. One thing though, it was C❄❄❄LD. I was prepared for it, but my toes weren’t ? . Skansen is considered Europe’s biggest outdoor museum. It is great for kids. Plenty of play areas, and a small Zoo too. I highly recommend it #Stockholm #ChristmasMarket #Skansen #Sweden #Scandinavia #EuropeWithKids #StockholmWithKids #KidDestinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #blacktravelfeed #travelisthenewclub #soultravel #travelnoire #followmytravel #wegotoo #essencetravels #toddlertravel  #babytravel  #littletraveler #theblacktourist #dametraveler #aftertheaisle #TravelNoire #Homeschoolfamily #Homeschoolblog #Homeschoolkids #Travelingclassroom #Blackhomeschool365 #KidBlog #KidBlogger #KidBloggersOfIG

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We woke up this morning, got ready and told the kids we were going to a surprise place…. and voila ??? – Paris . The kids had been talking about the Eiffel Tower some time now so I figured this would be a great surprise for them. [2 of the kiddos had birthdays today too which was really awesome. Happy Birthday Ethan & Milania” ????] . They loved running around chasing the birds at Trocadero where this photo was captured After that we walked down to the carousel for a few rides, and finally much closer to the Eiffel Tower so they could really see how huge it is. They were in Awe. There’s just something about Paris ? #Trocadero #ParisWithLove #ParisWithKids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #littlefamiliesofig #familytravelblogger #awanderfulchildhood #outdoorplay #outdoorfun #explorerkids #ourtribetravels #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmoms #homeschoolblogger #homeschoolkids #familytravel #getoutstayout  #livetoadventure #family #letsgolittleone #traveller #exploretheglobe #traveljunkie #traveladdiction  #letsgoeverywhere  #forahappymoment #exploreyourworld  #wonderfulplaces #postcardsfromtheworld #exploringtheglobe #blogging

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After the kids spent one whole morning watching “London Bridge Is Falling Down” videos, I figured it’d be perfect to take them there (Btw I know this is Tower Bridge, but it’s the bridge used in the London Bridge song. Plus London Bridge itself is pretty boring. Those who’ve seen it can attest to that lol) . ???? . They ran around, chased birds, sang London Bridge really loud and annoying (lol), bought some souvenirs from the shops, used the restroom at starbucks a million times, bumped into people, grabbed a bite …. basically, they just had fun. ? #London #LondonWithKids #LondonBridgeIsFallingDown #TowerBridge #LondonBridge #TravelEurope #HappyHolidays . . . . . . . . . . . . #kidtravel #familytravelblog #familytraveltribe #familytravelmoment #familyonthego #familytravels #travelfamily #kidsaroundtheworld #kidsonthego #wearetravelmums #toddlertravel #parenthood #familyadventures #familyadventure #theblacktourist #essencetravels #travelingwithkids #travellingwithkids #travelingwithchildren #travellingwithchildren #kidblog #kidbloggersofig #travelfamily #kidsfashion

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Our family is blessed to have been able to travel this much as well as travel with Aiden’s cousins. Our travel goal for 2018 is to visit more states as well as to do more local travel and enjoy what is around us, and so I am looking forward to it.

Happy New Year y’all & may all your wishes come true !!!!

Kay, The Mom Trotter

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