Toys pass, memories remain. Our travel year 2025 – 17 flights, 9 countries

Happy New Year 2026! Every year, I take the first quiet eight weeks of the new year to reflect on the past one. What went well? What went even better? In my 2025 year in review, I'll be focusing this time on all of our material possessions and what travel means to me in that context. Above all, though, with regard to my family and the kids who reside with us at home because of it.

This year, I've mainly stayed in Europe, and outside the European Union. I also had a short trip to Asia on my itinerary.

In 2025, I flew a total of 17 times. That's 8 fewer flights than last year, and that's my personal contribution to the ecological balance. 😉

According to Google, I've traveled 52,396 km by plane, ferry, and even 1,344 km by train. I also drove around 10,000 km, mostly in rental cars. For reference, 53,000 km is equivalent to 1.325 circumnavigations of the Earth.

Now let's get started and have fun reading, getting inspired, and perhaps even commenting at the very bottom, after this great post. 🙏

Why smart parents invest in travel

We travel regularly every year. Naturally, we get to know many people this way. People from different cultures, like those from Switzerland 🙂 or Japan, but also emigrants and travelers from Germany. I always notice three or four different groups of people:

1. Families who are also traveling with kids
2. Solo travelers who have been exploring the world for years
3. Locals, residents, and Group 4, those who stayed home

Conversations with people from the first group are usually the most exciting for me. Here I can learn and develop the most. I also come up with new, clever or less clever ideas most readily. Solo travelers often understand why we travel to certain places and not others. But they have zero understanding or conception that traveling with kids is often significantly easier than traveling alone. Families often receive certain benefits and amenities. Sometimes an upgrade here, sometimes support there.

People in groups 3 and 4, meaning those who stayed home, as well as locals (since they are basically also home), often have no idea what traveling with kids actually does, depending on the country. We've been hearing the same questions for years. This prompted me this year to write something about traveling with children and what it's actually good for.

Some of the questions here may seem familiar to you:

1. Isn't this more for you than for the kids? They HAVE to go, they don't have a choice.
2. Do you think the children will remember any of this later on?
3. We didn't travel as much before either. And did that harm you?
4. What about school? Aren't they missing important material there?
5. If everyone did that...

These are perhaps the top 5 questions we've heard repeatedly over the years. I don't want to go into each question individually, but I do want to mention some of the advantages of traveling. Honestly? I haven't found a single disadvantage so far. Perhaps you know one and can write it in the comments below. In all my more than 40 years, I haven't met a single person who absolutely didn't want to travel or go on vacation, or therefore, never does.

Here are some of my personal reasons why I think traveling is a good investment in my kids' future:

1. What children experience quietly shapes their self-confidence and their trust in the world.
   
   What I mean is the memories of a trip and the experiences. And yes, of course, a child doesn't remember every single event, just as we adults don't either. However, a child will remember that they experienced this and that in a big city and therefore enjoys being in big cities. It doesn't matter whether this happened in Rome, Lisbon, or Tokyo.
   
   Children learn about other cultures not through explanations, but through observation. Through different eating habits, daily rhythms, different ways of laughing, speaking, and living. In my opinion, when children experience that people live differently, eat differently, and believe differently, yet are happy doing so, something shifts within the children themselves. Acceptance develops without much thought.
   
   Those who have experienced other countries, languages, and ways of life encounter the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.
   
   In short... perhaps they won't remember every country later.
   But they remember that „different“ was never anything to be afraid of.
   
2. On trips, your child sees who you really are
   
   This is a point that surely not many people think about. I also hadn't considered it for years. I don't even have an umbrella. What I'm talking about here is the fact that as parents at home, we are often more of a function than a person. We organize, remind, push, and correct. Between school and all the other appointments, our children only ever experience us in the parent role, but not in the personality we truly are.
   
   When traveling, things change. Suddenly, there are no familiar routines. Things go wrong, plans change spontaneously, no one is responsible for anything anymore. And it's precisely now that children see us for who we really are.
   
   You see how we as parents handle stress. Whether we swear or laugh, become frantic or remain completely calm. You also see if we give up or ask for help. In these moments, we are not Mommy and Daddy, but people with strengths, weaknesses, fears, and courage.
   
   Travel creates situations that don't exist at home, and that's exactly what remains. Not the place, not the hotel. But practically the feeling of having seen how a person deals with life. That's an image that kids carry with them their whole lives.
   
3. Travel creates shared stories and turns a family into a team
   
   This is my favorite point on the list because in everyday life at home, each of us lives a little for themselves. Everyone pursues their own activities. Be it school, work, hobbies, chores, and much more.
   
   When traveling, you are on the go together. We share everything on our travels: the adventure, the tiredness, the amazement, the small and big moments. This creates stories that we tell each other years later. These so-called „remember when“ moments.
   
   The story from Thailand, when suddenly a crocodile was on the path just a few meters in front of us (spoiler, it wasn't one, but an animal about the same size –> read for yourself). The story from Chongqing, the largest city in the world, and we were the only 4 Europeans there and how we couldn't read or understand ANYTHING for days.
   
   For me and for us, it's these stories that reawaken years later, in completely different phases of life. Exactly these "remember when" moments create such a strong connection that a family can always fall back on, consciously or unconsciously.
   
   Children often don't remember academic achievements or our daily routines. But they remember the feeling of being part of something. Of shared experiences. Of "us." And perhaps that's precisely why travel brings families closer in the long run. Not because everything is harmonious, but because we experience something together that is outside the ordinary.
   
   I once read the following rather philosophical paragraph somewhere
   
   Shared stories are what remain when everyday life moves on. They are the invisible thread that connects. Even when children grow up and go their own ways.
   
4. Time passes more slowly when traveling
   
   Time is our most precious asset. Money can be earned again, but time cannot. Therefore, this point is also essential to me, because in everyday life, time often feels fleeting. The days pass without really being remembered. What did I do the day before yesterday again? What was the highlight of last week? (Okay, by chance I know, because I booked plane tickets 🥳)
   
   When traveling, our perception of time noticeably changes. A single day suddenly feels significantly longer. Not because more is happening, but because we are more present. Everything is usually new and unfamiliar when traveling. Therefore, you have to be much more attentive. It's not just children who perceive their new surroundings more intensely; adults do too.
   
   It's precisely this intensity that stretches time. An afternoon lingers, a conversation is remembered, and a moment in an Asian supermarket carries much more weight than the last visit to Lidl. I believe this is also why travel memories feel so dense and full, as if they occupied more space in our minds than weeks spent at home.
   
   This is especially valuable for children. I believe that childhood isn't a matter of years, but of lived time. I generally see it that way. It's not how long something lasts that's relevant, but how consciously it's experienced.
   
   Especially nowadays, when everything is getting faster and faster, this awareness is something very precious.

Conclusion: Why Travel is Beneficial for Families and Memories Last

Children don't remember what you bought them. They remember where you took them. Travel builds confidence, connection, and a view of the world that money can't buy. A single day feels like a week. While time rushes by at home, a trip remains a lifelong memory.

Families drift apart without shared memories. Show your kids that you also get acrophobia, that you sometimes don't have a plan, and that you still find a way out. This bonds you and makes life easier, and perhaps also more beautiful.

And now let's get started, and I'll show you how and where we spent our travel year 2025.

9 countries in 12 months – 2025 Year in Review

A wonderful and great year 2025 has passed. We traveled mainly in Europe and even enjoyed the summer here. Not at home, because it's too hot for all of us. But we were in a country in the summer that mostly has bad weather, and we happened to catch the exact eight weeks of the year when it doesn't rain or snow there.

01. Malta / Gozo

Countries: Malta / Gozo

In 2025, we regularly had visitors from Germany and Switzerland. So we took most of our excursions with our visitors. That was great because I love showing people the sights, almost a little more than seeing new sights myself.

I've taken several boat trips to the neighboring island of Comino, and I also had some excursions to Malta planned. Last year, I became even more aware of how beautiful the island of Gozo is and how great it is that there are only two seasons: summer and winter. So, a brown island in the summer and an island in a lush green attire from about December to June.

For me, last year's best time was October and November, as these two months are perfect for hiking. I went on a hike or two, and precisely one day before my birthday, a hunter actually shot at me and my buddy. So I can't claim that no one has shot at me for 45 years. It's a long story, too long for the 2025 year in review. To put it very briefly, we walked into a zone in Gozo that the police affectionately call „The Dead Zone.“ You can't know that beforehand, even though more than 10 signs reminded us of it.

It's public land, but hunters have claimed the area as their own. Well, of course, it's illegal to shoot, but the bullet(s) landed in the ground 2 meters away from us. Lucky us! That's how exciting it can get on a small Mediterranean island.

Best time to visit Malta & Gozo – Why you should avoid July and August
Malta Travel Blog – 100+ Dreamy Pictures, Tips & Experiences from Gozo to Valletta

02. Japan – Nagoya, Kyoto, and Gifu

Countries: Japan

In March, I went to Japan, not with my own family, but with my mother. We visited her grandson in Nagoya. Among other things, we took the Shinkansen to Kyoto, and we also climbed a mountain peak, including a temple visit in Gifu.

Nagoya is an exciting city with a great center and countless attractions within walking distance. As in 2024, I was once again at the hotel The Royal Park Iconic Nagoyaand also a few extra days in Nagoya Tokyu Hotel*.

All in all, it was a great two weeks in the south of Japan.

The 18 Best Nagoya Attractions with Insider Tips for Kyoto & Gifu

03. Germany and its Oldest City Trier

Countries: Germany

We visited beautiful Germany several times in 2025, and in April, we saw Germany's oldest city, Trier. There are some „oldest“ buildings there, like the Porta Nigra or the Basilica, also known as the Cathedral of Trier in expert circles.

In Saarland, which my wife affectionately calls Hobbyland because of the many rolling green hills, we've had many wonderful excursions. The forests there are beautiful, and there are simply trees. As island dwellers, that impresses us quite a bit now. 🙂

Experience Germany's oldest sights up close – 3 fascinating places in Trier

Switzerland – In Home Territory

Countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Unfortunately, in 2025 we'll only make it to beautiful Switzerland once. In September, just in time for perfect hiking weather, we'll pitch our tents in beautiful Graubünden. Well, we didn't actually go camping, but rather stayed in the lovely village of Trimmis, next to Chur.

We took a wonderful hike in the Principality of Liechtenstein. This time in Malbun, the highest located village at 1,600 meters above sea level. Here you see marmots everywhere and hear them all along the way. It's adorable, and we enjoy the peace and quiet up here and the good mountain air. Completely without the salty taste like at home by the sea.

So that our kids don't forget how to ride a gondola, we went to the Hoher Kasten. For me, this is one of the best places in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley to enjoy the view. From here, you can see not only all of Liechtenstein, but even Lake Constance.

Our Dream Trip Through England | 53 Days, 2 Kids, 1000 Highlights

Countries: England, UK

OMG, as the French say. That was a surprisingly great tour. Admittedly (what a long word), I had expected significantly less from this trip. We were ALWAYS positively surprised at ALL locations by the breathtaking nature, the hospitality of the English, and also their helpfulness. Even the food was great and not like it's always claimed. Because the English have many specialties depending on the region, and then there's always the popular Fish & Chips, which tastes excellent outside of London and near the coast.

We spent a whole 53 days in the UK and saw all of southern England, from Essex to Kent, to Oxfordshire, Devon, and last but not least, Cornwall. The latter was the scenic highlight. We have family in Cornwall and Kent whom we visited, and even friends from Barbados happened to be traveling in Kent at the same time. The kids were thus able to meet their „old“ school friends again, which was a very heartwarming and emotional moment.

You can see everything we experienced in England in the following travel reports. Otherwise, the 2025 year-in-review will simply be too long.

Our family vacation in Essex 2025 – Unforgettable experiences
Kids, Cows & Clever Minds – We 4 Geniuses on a Family Trip to Oxford
Kent with Children | Our Fairytale Family Holiday in the Garden of England 2025
10 Exciting Family Trips in Devon with Kids | Our Family Trip Through England
Cornwall with the Family | Our 4 Magical Experiences

Our Dream Trip Through England | 53 Days, 2 Kids, 1000 Highlights

Istria and the Switzerland of the Balkans

Countries: Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

When you emigrate, make friends with other emigrants in your new location, and they suddenly emigrate again, great opportunities often arise to get to know new countries. That's how we ended up in Istria in November. A region in Slovenia and Croatia where good friends of ours now live.

Although, or perhaps precisely because it is the heart of autumn in Istria, we are feeling perfectly comfortable. There are no tourists here (except us) and we can peacefully explore the wonderful area. We particularly enjoyed Slovenia, but we also only spent one day in Croatia and only saw Rovinj there. I can only recommend a visit to this small but picturesque town by the sea to everyone.

From Portoroz, we also made a side trip to neighboring Italy. We really liked the city of Trieste. Perfect for a shopping spree, which unfortunately was ruined by the weather.

Istria in Autumn and 5 Exciting Days Full of Surprises

Happy New Year 2026 🍀

| It's already February 2026, and my year has started off great. I love my year-end reviews every year because they give me the opportunity to order what I've experienced over an entire year. So much happens in the course of a year in far too little time. All the impressions, feelings, and beautiful moments quickly disappear if they are not reflected upon.

Primarily, I write these posts for myself, but I also want to inspire you. My posts always contain good tips for excursions, travel, and hikes. Sometimes good tips are also hidden between the lines. But above all, it's about showing you our beautiful world from my perspective and making it more accessible, because not everyone can travel every year.

In 2026, things will also be a little quieter for me. Our kids have what feels like 1000 appointments this year, are participating in several parades, and are acting in two musicals. They need our support on-site, practically every day.

However, the next trip is already scheduled for April 2026. I'm sticking to my motto: I ALWAYS have at least one plane ticket booked.

In this spirit, I wish you a wonderful year and travel year, as well as much success and good health. 🍀

My highlights in 2025 in pictures

At the end of my 2025 year in review, here are a few snapshots from the past year. Get inspired for your next trips or simply enjoy the great landscapes, sights, and impressions.