10 of My Favorite Accessible Travel Memories from 2015

2015 has been a pretty epic year for me travel-wise. I’ve visited dream destinations, taken part in life changing experiences, met some exceptional people, and traveled more than I ever have before. To be precise (and because I want to outdo these numbers in 2016), I have spent exactly 34 nights in hotels this year and traveled more than 22,000 miles. With several international trips already in the works for 2016, I’m certain that I’ll be able to beat this year’s numbers.

As the end of 2015 draws near, I wanted to reflect on some of my favorite memories from the past year. Here are my 10 favorite travel memories from 2015, in no particular order:

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway

I’ve been to Southern California a few times now and it is still one of my favorite places. There’s just nothing better than the California sunshine and the many accessible activities in the area. After speaking at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles, my mom and I headed to Santa Monica and Malibu for a few days to unwind. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, having brunch at The Ivy, and strolling along the 26 mile paved beach path in Santa Monica were highlights of our weekend… It was perfection.

To read more about my Southern California experiences, click here.

Speaking to more than 200 people

This year, I branched out and started giving travel tips and advice in person instead of just here on this blog. I spoke at four conferences this year in California, New York, North Carolina, and Indiana. With a combined audience of more than 200 people, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about giving speeches and I truly do enjoy it. The best part of these speeches however, was meeting many of you in person. I can’t wait to continue speaking about accessible travel (and meeting you!) in 2016!

Rolling out of my comfort zone at the No Barriers Summit

This was one of the most exciting and inspirational experiences of my life. I spent a weekend in Park City, Utah this past July listening to such speakers as former Olympian Amy Van Dyken and trying adaptive sports activities like rock climbing. I really pushed myself to the limit and found out that sometimes the most daunting experiences are the best.

To read about my experience in full at the No Barriers Summit, click here.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon

This is probably my absolute favorite memory from 2015. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon had been on my bucket list forever, so I had high expectations. In reality, it exceeded all of them. The Blue Lagoon was completely accessible with a private changing room (with a roll-in shower), shower chairs, and a hoyer lift that actually lowered me into the water. From the silica mud masks to the on-site restaurant, it was a magical experience.

To read more about my experience at the Blue Lagoon, click here.

Seeing the Northern Lights

Another big bucket list highlight from my trip to Iceland this past September was seeing the Northern Lights! We got really lucky and managed to see them on our first night in the country while on a tour with Iceland Unlimited. It took us a while to find the lights, but just as we were about to give up and head back to our hotel we saw them dancing around the sky. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

To read more about my experience hunting the Northern Lights in Iceland, click here.

Wasting away again in Margaritaville

My best friend Kela and I

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is only a few hours’ drive from where I live and has always been a favorite getaway of mine. When I found out that the Margaritaville Island Hotel was coming to Pigeon Forge, I knew that I had to stay there. Sooo… back in August, I did. I lounged by the pool (while sipping margaritas of course) and had such a fun time. The hotel made me feel like I was at the beach in a tropical location, even though I was really in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains.

To read more about my stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel, click here.

Seeing dolphins in their natural environment

This coastal eco tour with Wild Native Tours in #GulfShores was AMAZING! We saw sooo many dolphins playing! One of the coolest experiences ever. ??? #ALBeachBlogger #WildNative #dolphins #Alabama @gulfshoresorangebeach

A video posted by Curb Free with Cory Lee (@curbfreecorylee) on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:05am PDT

I visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama for the first time this year and had a blast. I’m already dreaming of my next visit to this Southeastern hotspot. I spent four days enjoying great food, beautiful beaches, and many attractions, but my favorite activity that I did was a dolphin cruise. At the beginning of our cruise, we spotted quite a few dolphins in the distance. A short while later, the dolphins were playing all around our boat. It was amazing to see these beautiful animals up close in their natural environment.

To read more about what all I got up to in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, click here.

Networking at TBEX

With Dave and Deb of The Planet D

My blog just turned two years old on December 9th, so I figured it was time to finally attend my first travel blogging conference this year. TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) took place in Fort Lauderdale this past October and I learned so much about blogging during this conference. There were various workshops during the day, but my favorite thing about TBEX was being able to meet so many awesome bloggers. I met Dave & Deb of The Planet D, Melody of Wherever I May Roam, Tamara of We3Travel, and so many others. The next TBEX will be at the Mall of America in May 2016 and I’m reeeally hoping that I’ll be there!

Discovering the Southeastern U.S.

Enjoying the ride

As a Georgia native, I’ve explored many parts of the Southeast in my lifetime. This year, I did do some firsts however. I visited the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC, Abraham Lincoln’s birth home in Kentucky, and rode the fully accessible Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This was a 26 mile train ride with views of the Toccoa River, and we even stopped for a couple hours in a small Southern town. Our guide told us the history of the area along the way and it made for a perfect summer day trip.

To read about my experience on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, click here.

Eating (too much) amazing food

Utah trout at Fletcher’s in Park City

2015 was full of great food. In every destination that I visited, I searched online beforehand to discover unique and tasty restaurants in the area. Most of them were spectacular, but there were two restaurants that really stood out; Fletcher’s in Park City, Utah and Resto in Reykjavik, Iceland. Every item at Fletcher’s was unbelievable, but I’m still dreaming of the trout. Definitely the best fish I’ve ever eaten. And Resto… Oh, what to say about this small and intimate, but spectacular, place?? If you go to Resto, order the scallops. They will change your life.
I’m so excited to see what 2016 has in store for me!

What is your favorite travel memory from this past year??