2023 Travel Recap

I’ve been collecting snippets from all of my travel vlogs this year with the intention to make a recap video like this one. And then the end of the year came around and I no longer felt certain I wanted to share it. In a sea of 2023 recap posts of sunshiny faces and amazing moments, I’ve felt so tired taking it in while wading through an intense season of uncertainty. I didn’t want to add to the noise if it meant contributing to someone else’s social media fatigue.

Ultimately, I decided to go ahead and share the recap and discovered that putting it together brought some much needed perspective and a serious wash of gratitude. I don’t share to show off - ever. My journey, just like every other single human being everywhere, is absolutely not a highlight reel. While I am did experience some amazing moments and saw so much beauty, I also grappled with loss, grief, heartbreak, and loneliness. I’m guessing so did most of you. Instead I share to show that it’s not all doom and gloom - that there is love, magic, joy, and peace to be found, even when the hurts are great.

I also wanted to let you know of some big changes coming up, at least for the immediate future. I shared this in a post on Instagram the other day and wanted to post it here, too, in case you missed it:

2023 ended with a bit of chaos thrown our way and I’ve had to make some unexpected changes to chart a new course for my little family. I’m taking a YouTube hiatus - not planned but necessary - for now and I’m sorry to share I will not be attending the runDisney marathon weekend or Disneyland half weekend as planned. I was so looking forward to meeting some of you there! It’s hard to say when I’ll be back to solo travel but I do hope to return and share with you once again.

While I may not be posting on YouTube for a time, I will still be as active as ever, if not more so, in my Patreon community where I share lifestyle content including weekly updates, a weekly exclusive video (think DITL vlogs, home projects, favorites, etc), and a monthly livestream. If you’d like to keep up with me and/or have a more direct way to connect, you can find the link in my bio.

I ask that you please respect my little family’s privacy as we navigate these changes and the uncertainty they bring. I will share more about my YouTube plans once I have a better sense of what life will look like beyond the next couple of months. I’m wishing everyone running in the next week or two the most magical miles! I’m cheering you on from home. And while I’ll miss being there and sharing the adventures on YouTube, my heart is happiest where my littles are. Leaning in, always. Take good care, friends ❤️

Here’s to another year of adventures, both near and far, inside and outside, personal and global in this beautiful world. May we all stay curious and open to magic wherever and whenever we find it ✨

* Some of the links provided are affiliate/referral links *

Camera Gear:

Today is a Good Day to Live by John T. Graham
While You Can by The Eastern Plain

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* Description contains affiliate links. This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own. *

[mrsrobinson]

A complete 180 from the person I started watching. Even though I miss your old content, I'm happy for you. You seem to be having a blast, and you seem to have grown, and you're brave for doing all these solo adventures. I can't even sit at a fast food place alone.

[HauntedManFan]

Jen, I have been watching you for a long time. I felt so much sadness for you when i saw your posting at the end about Winnie. I am so sorry about this heartbreaking loss.

[gabbing_with_gabbyf]

Oh Jen I cried. What a beautiful tribute to Winnie!

[tarte]

I don't typically comment, but I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed these travel vlogs this past year. I am carving out a few moments to express how sad I felt at the end of the video when I learned of Winnie's passing. You will be missed, Winnie! I remember when you would show Winnie drinking water out of her special water fountain, and it always made me smile. I have an almost 14 year old matipoo and I believe Winnie was similar in age too.

Wishing you an amazing new year filled with more happiness and joy ❤

[cynthia]

Oh Jen, I LOVED I hope it's another amazing year filled with awesome travel, and wonderful many blessings....thanks for all the joy you shared! Happy and Healthy 2024

[justbreathehappiness]

Hope everything is ok. Haven’t seen a new video in awhile ❤

[eshawk]

Ur such an inspiration Jen! I’ve been watching for years and it’s so awesome to see your evolution! You’ve really come into your self! Thank you for sharing your beautiful adventures with us all 🥰

[rosiecedillo]

Thank you so much for this recap. It was beautiful and emotional seeing all these wonderful places again. Nicely done. Looking forward to more of your travels. 🙂

[lisaboling]

what a beautiful I loved every minute of it!

[sophiawitkowski]

This is a great video loved seeing all your trips again and cannot wait for many more thank you for sharing xx

[GentleVista]

Been watching your content mostly from afar since around 2012 with your Disney Vlogs! Just want to say Happy New Year! I especially love your travel content!

[aaw]

Fellow mom in her mid 30s here 👋

You inspired me to do my first solo trip this past year! Thank you so much for what you share ❤

[fdibydt]

What fantastic experiences Jen, ravelling solo takes tenacity, self reliance and courage. Heres to many more of your adventures this year ❤

[leena]

Speechless! Wonderful video! Sorry for loss, Winnie was super sweet and loved so much!

[dulceisha]

So happy for you, been here since organized like jen. Happy to see you enjoy your life how you want it. you always been and you should. All the best in 2024.

[teresameyer]

I really enjoy your travel videos, you make them very interesting and informative. I always love seeing how much you loved Winnie. I'm so sorry that you lost her. Your children are adorable. Looking forward to your return to utube, will miss seeing your adventures.

[pamelabourassa]

I have really enjoyed watching your adventures this year. It reminded me of my younger days and has inspired me to get back out there. Not to mention ideas of different places I might not have thought of. Thank you, enjoy and I look forward to seeing more in 2024 ❤

[shandi]

I haven't been on vacation in 5 years! Looks like you're enjoying yourself.

[yoreliseday]

Such a beautiful and inspiring video. I got so emotional watching all your accomplishments. The picture of Winnie did it for me even more 😭The music in the video was perfect. Loved all of it. Happy New Year my friend and gorgeous family. Blessings ♥🙏

[imanjoseph]

Jen, do you ever think you’ll take a trip on the California Zephyr and take us along on the trip? I’d love to see you film that.