Was your 2015 magical too? 💫 _ Here's a quick recap with my 9 most popular snaps on Instagram this year. _ Thank you for sharing our journey through this year's 497 Instagram images and adding to the tally of over 167,000 likes. _ The #1 shot (top left corner) was a reflection of our adventures in the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2014. _ Most photos I share on IG are more recent (taken within 1 week before sharing) so you can keep up with our journey to interesting and fun places. But I ran a 14-part reflection which proved to be very popular (3 out of the 9 most popular images are from that). _ So I have a question for you... Do you prefer to see fresh, up-to-date photos of our travels or just the best of the best from the last 4 years? Or a combination of both? Share your feedback, I'm all ears.

via Instagram

Grand Central Terminal, New York. _ This is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, with 21.9 million visitors in 2013. With 44 platforms, it has more than any other railroad station in the world. _ The main concourse is a monumental space that inspires awe - 275 ft (84 m) long by 120 ft (37 m) wide by 125 ft (38 m) high. _ Did you know: the terminal is made primarily from granite. In fact, so much granite is used that the building emits relatively high levels of radiation on a regular basis. _ #amazingplacestovisit #newyorkcity

via Instagram

"I think the secret to happiness is having a Teflon soul. Whatever comes your way, you either let it slide or you cook with it." - Diane Lane _ Ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza... As quintessential New York winter as it gets. _ I admire those who can gracefully glide along the ice. That's one gift that eludes me. But this spot looks so romantic. _ Who would you like to go ice skating with? Go ahead and tag them in the comments below. _ #iceskating #newyorkcity

via Instagram

Where will you be this New Year's Eve? _ We will be a couple blocks from Times Square in a big party, watching the ball drop live on the big screen. Seems a bit more enjoyable than braving the cold for 6+ hrs with no bathrooms. _ Capturing the city of blinding lights... from the centre of the world's biggest party come December 31. _ ℹ If you are interested in the camera gear I use or how we have travelled the world with 2 kids for the last 4 years, check out the link in my bio @travelwithbender 😁

via Instagram

Radio City in New York City. _ Nicknamed "showplace of the nation", this leading tourist attraction has been entertaining the city since 1932. I love the art deco design, with interior elements incorporating glass, aluminum, chrome, and leather. _ The annual Christmas Spectacular show has been running since 1933 and one of the most popular attractions for the 8 million visitors that descend on New York every Christmas. _ #radiocity #famousplaces

via Instagram

Skyscraper into the clouds. _ View of a cloudy downtown Manhattan from the Staten Island ferry. _ "Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious." - Stephen Hawking _ As we count down the remainder of 2015 and reflect on an amazing year, it's hard to compared how much adventure and wonderment we fit into 365 days. From sunny tropical beaches in Bali to exploring remote glaciers in Alaska and now in the big lights of the Big Apple. Can't wait for what's in store for 2016. _ #motherofallroadtrips #newyorkcity

via Instagram

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." - Thomas Jefferson _ The iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City. 🗽 _ Thomas Jefferson (or as my kids call him, Jeff) is one of my favourite presidents as he created the first known recipe in the United States for ice cream. And anyone who is the American father of ice cream is in my good books. Thanks Jeff! _ Oh, and he helped write other famous stuff too. _ I picked up that little known ice cream factoid when we recently visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and they sell the very same ice cream using Jeff's recipe from the 1700's. 🍦 _ #newyorkcity #statueofliberty

via Instagram

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt _ The famous Macy's department store in New York City - the 2nd largest store in the world, covering 1.1 million square feet of retail space. _ We have another 2 weeks in NYC but we're not doing all the planning... our trip is INTERACTIVE! Tell us where to go and I'll take on your best suggestions. What's your favourite attractions, restaurants and locations? Share your comments below.

via Instagram

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." - Marcus Aurelius _ Happy Boxing Day! _ Big red Christmas ornaments at 1261 6th Ave, New York. _ Boxing Day is an English tradition that is also common in Australia. The day after Christmas Day was set aside for servants so they could spend it with their families. Meanwhile the aristocrats would eat leftovers from their Christmas feast.🎁 _ Spent the day with family experiencing New York City on @theridenyc - my 7-year-old daughter said it was "the most awesomest tour I've ever had". I have to agree with her, I haven't laughed and clapped this much on a tour before. If you're one of the 50+ million visitors to New York in 2016, make sure you check this out. And tell them Travel With Bender sent you (and give em a wink). 😉 _ #newyorkchristmas #merrybigballs

via Instagram

Merry Christmas from Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. 🌟 _ Took a lovely stroll around last night with family that flew in all the way from Australia to experience the big apple. _ There's nothing quite like Christmas in New York. 🎅 _ #merrychristmas #newyorkcity

via Instagram

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in New Jersey. _ At 77 feet (23 metres) high, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the United States. And the national park surrounding it is also one of the newest, established in 2011. _ This was the final pitstop before we reached New York City. Spent the evening time walking around the city that never sleeps. So many bright Christmas lights, decorations and of course, Times Square. It doesn't matter how many times I see it, that still makes my head spin. Amazing! _ Looking forward to the next couple weeks in New York. Plenty of gorgeous photos to come! Anything specific you want to see? _ #newjersey #waterfalls

via Instagram

"Enthusiasm is nothing: it comes and goes. But if one believes, then miracles occur." - Henry Miller _ Paulinskill Viaduct, New Jersey - constructed in 1910, it was the world's largest reinforced concrete structure at the time. Abandoned in 1982, it now gives off an eerie industrial vibe. The grey rainy weather seemed to match the locale perfectly. _ A random stop on our road trip across the US on our way to New York. There's always fascinating storied around every corner. _ #motherofallroadtrips #newjersey

via Instagram

Tep Wireless Review: The Travel Wi-Fi Hotspot You’ve Been Waiting For?

Reliable Internet access is one of our toughest challenges travelling the world. So we’ve put the popular Tep Wireless service to the test to find it it’s the right Wi-Fi hotspot for your next international trip.
Read more at our travel blog.

"When you are grateful - when you can see what you have - you unlock blessings to flow in your life." - Suze Orman _ Sunset cresting Trump Tower in Chicago. _ The Chicago River at the bottom of the photo, via a system of canals, is connected to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. As a vital transportation artery, it is attributed to the rise of this city's prominence. _ In 1887 the city reversed the flow of the river using canal locks which kept Lake Michigan remarkably clean by comparison to other major cities around the world. A marvel of engineering with incredible foresight. _ #chicagoriver #choosechicago

via Instagram

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Yves Cousteau _ King of the sea's shadow passing above me at Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. _ 🚩 Take a look at the latest post on travelwithbender.com - If I Could Spend Christmas Anywhere But Here… 🚩 We interviewed 29 expert travel bloggers and their answers may surprise (or inspire) you. _ #choosechicago

via Instagram

Sparkling Chicago. _ On our 2nd visit to the Windy City we spent 2 days at Alder Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum. 3 world-class educational attractions that our kids absolutely loved. _ This beautiful city skyline was captured from the balcony at Shedd Aquarium. _ There's so many family-friendly activities in this city it could make your head spin. Of course we stocked up on Garrett Popcorn and tavern-style pizza. I love Chicago! _ Do you have a friend who needs to visit Chicago? Tag them in a comment. _ @citypass @choosechicago

via Instagram

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - Martin Luther King, Jr. _ Pondering... _ Back at "The Bean" in Millennium Park, Chicago. There's something about this art installation which invokes reflection and meditation. Even my 5-year-old took a moment to ponder. _ During this festive season, find inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr and ask how you can help others. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas & New Year, filled with joy and laughter. _ We are continuing our #motherofallroadtrips today as we get closer to our final Christmas destination... New York City! ❄🗽 _ #choosechicago #bnw_globe

via Instagram

"Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel." - Augustus Hare _ The famous Chicago Theatre. _ Spent the last couple days in Chicago. Such a big difference after our first visit in Summer this year. I can't feel my face anymore after walking outside. I now know why it's called the "Windy City". 😉 _ #windycity #choosechicago

via Instagram

Staring at the sea life in Sea Life aquarium located within @mallofamerica Bloomington, Minnesota... America's largest mall. _ #moa #sealife

via Instagram

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." - Calvin Coolidge _ Merry Christmas from Lego Santa. _ In @mallofamerica in Bloomington, Minnesota. _ Escaping the cold winter weather. We spent 3 days here this week and barely did any shopping - there's just so much to see and do: aquarium, theme park, children's museum, Lego shop, and more. _ #minnesota #merrychristmas #moa

via Instagram

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go." - Hermann Hesse _ View of the beautiful namesake, Sioux Falls in South Dakota. _ At the moment the surrounding park is lit up in the evenings with gorgeous Christmas Lights. Well worth checking out if you're in the area. _ #southdakota #waterfall

via Instagram

If I Could Spend Christmas Anywhere But Here…

I asked 29 expert travel bloggers a tough question about Christmas, and their answers might surprise (or inspire) you.
Read more at our travel blog.

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." - Henry Ford _ Very cute squirrel monkeys at Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. _ I could watch these guys for hours bouncing, jumping and just being cheeky. They sure know how to have fun. _ #southdakota @visitsiouxfalls

via Instagram

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn _ Snow leopard at Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. _ #southdakota @visitsiouxfalls #bnw

via Instagram

"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact." - William James _ At Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. _ It's amazing to think that something as fragile and beautiful as a butterfly will only live 2-4 weeks. It went through such great effort and challenge to bring a little more colour into the world. And I'm grateful for that. _ #southdakota @visitsiouxfalls #RoadtoSiouxFalls @sbhmc #sertomabutterflyhouse

via Instagram

"Land really is the best art." - Andy Warhol _ I have to agree with Andy. The colours, textures, scents and sounds of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a work of art. _ #motherofallroadtrips #landscape_lovers #southdakota

via Instagram

#fromwhereistand in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. _ Or more like, #whereisit on the edge of a cliff. It's a few hundred feet down. _ Is your weekend just as crazy? _ If you're interested in planning your own epic US road trip, read our new article on travelwithbender.com, "US Road Trip Guide: My 10 Point Checklist". _ #motherofallroadtrips #southdakota #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha _ The world's end. _ The Badlands in South Dakota has a distinctly otherworldly feeling to it. _ The coloured bands in the landscape represent different eons when this region was covered by a shallow sea followed by a dense forest. Now it looks like a painted moonscape. _ The Badlands are so vast and desolate they can be seen from space. Definitely should be on every traveller's bucket list. _ If you'd like to take photos like this one check out my new "photography gear" page on travelwithbender.com (under "travel gear"). Perfect timing if you want to get yourself a special Christmas present. _ #southdakota #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

Best seat in the house... _ Exploring the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Located about 45 minutes east of Rapid City, the rugged beauty and the world’s richest fossil beds make this a not-to-be-missed stop on our epic #motherofallroadtrips across the US. _ The indigenous Lakota people called this place "mako sica" or "land bad" as vegetation is sparse. The barren land is so extensive it can be seen from space! Striking scenery includes sharp spires, gullies, and ridges - almost like walking on another planet. _ I loved it... Maybe because I'm a little "bad" too. 😈 _ #badlands #southdakota #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." - Helen Keller _ Into the darkness... _ Creeping through Wind Cave in South Dakota. This hidden world beneath the prairie is one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. _ Many of the walls are lined with a rare formation called "boxwork" - where mineral deposits form between softer rock and remain after the exterior is eroded. In fact 95 percent of the world's discovered boxwork formations are found in Wind Cave. _ Even though there are 140.47 miles (226.06 km) of explored passageways, 4 new miles of cave passages are being discovered each year. _ Settlers have been exploring the cave system since 1881. But the Lakota indigenous people knew of it as a sacred place, and the origin of their people when they emerged from beneath the ground eons ago. _ After exploring it myself I can see why. We live in an amazing world. _ #southdakota #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy _ Sunset over Main Street, Rapid City, South Dakota. _ The sunsets in South Dakota are spectacular. So vivid and bright. Nature's gift that I appreciate every day. _ #southdakota #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

"Sculpture is the art of the intelligence." - Pablo Picasso _ The mountain that needs no introduction. _ Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this landmark was completed in 1941. It cost $1 million to create - about double the original estimate due to delays and unforeseen challenges working with the granite from the mountain. _ The visionary sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, dedicated 14 years of his life to the project. When he died in 1941 his son, Lincoln, took over one more year. But the monument remained unfinished. With the United States joining WWII at that point, the government funding ran out. _ The onsite museum is really fascinating and sheds a unique perspective on one of the world's most renowned (and epic) sculptures. And the mountain is even more impressive in real life. _ #DoBigThings #mountrushmore #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

... To say "hello", of course! 😄 _ (part 2 of 2) _ The burros of South Dakota's Custer State Park are descended from domesticated donkeys. They were introduced into the area by humans and have reverted to a wild (or semi-wild) state. _ They sure know how to "politely" ask for food. 😆 _ One of our kids' favourite outings in the Rapid City region. _ #southdakota #wildlife #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity

via Instagram

The Mexican standoff. _ A begging burro in Custer State Park, South Dakota is staring us down, refusing to move out of the way. _ Why?... (see the next picture) (part 1 of 2)

via Instagram

Roam free. _ "My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long." - Buffalo Bill _ Wild bison in Custer State Park, South Dakota. _ And after roaming around South Dakota I can understand what Buffalo Bill meant. There's so much natural beauty and the land has a unique energy, a personality, a voice. You can hear it in the silence. _ Watching these wild bison from the safety of our car as we drove the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park was a real treat. They didn't mind us at all and observing the way they interacted with each other was fascinating. _ #bison #southdakota #visitrapidcity #DoBigThings

via Instagram

The largest mountain carving in the world... Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. _ This monumental undertaking commenced in 1947 by renowned sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, is still a work on progress. 6 of his 10 children and many of his grandchildren are working on it today. And 1 million visitors come to admire it each year. _ This photo doesn't so the massive scale justice. It's 641 feet long and 563 feet high. Absolutely breathtaking! _ #DoBigThings #visitrapidcity #crazyhorse

via Instagram

$50 Gander Mountain Gift Card

Gander Mountain is giving away a $50 gift card to use in any of their shops or online store. Everything related to the great outdoors can be found at Gander Mountain, from fishing to archery.
Read more at our travel blog.

Phase 4 #motherofallroadtrips: Western Canada

Phase four of our epic 12-month road trip included our discovery of Western Canada with a quick side trip to Alaska. This region is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and we savoured every minute here.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow." - Helen Keller _ Worn, old shack near Swan Valley, Idaho. _ #idahogram

via Instagram

Share your encouragement! _ This was my first attempt at skiing (with the helpful guidance of a wonderful ski instructor) at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. _ Although I was relieved to finish the day in one piece, my kids took to the slopes for the first time like a fish to water. _ It was one of those moments as a parent when you realise you'll never be as good as your kid at something. 😫 _ Has that ever happened to you? _ #skilessons #VisitJacksonHole #FindYourInnerWild @VisitJacksonHole

via Instagram

Elk antler arches in town square in Jackson, Wyoming. _ These are collected by Boy Scouts every season from the Elk Refuge and assembled into an intricate, beautiful decoration. _ In the background is the glowing neon sign of the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar which uses saddles as bar stools. _ Isn't Jackson, WY just gorgeous? _ #beautifuldestinations @VisitJacksonHole #VisitJacksonHole #FindYourInnerWild

via Instagram

"Wisdom begins in wonder." - Socrates _ Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. _ On a wildlife safari with Jackson Hole's leading naturalist, Kurt Johnson. He literally wrote the book on Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. _ We spotted big horn sheep, elk, moose and a coyote. This part of Wyoming is stunning! _ #grandteton @VisitJacksonHole #VisitJacksonHole #FindYourInnerWild

via Instagram

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller _ A rare atmospheric phenomenon called a "sun dog" over Jackson, Wyoming. _ When sun light interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere at just the right angle it creates this partial halo. _ Absolutely beautiful. _ #sundog @VisitJacksonHole #VisitJacksonHole #FindYourInnerWild

via Instagram

"Good friends are like snowflakes. All different and all beautiful." _ Trees of light. _ Our glimmering front door at @tetonlodge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Beautiful! _ Located within the world famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. I'm so excited to be taking our first ski lessons tomorrow morning. We sure picked an awesome place to take the plunge. Wish me luck! _ #wyoming @VisitJacksonHole #VisitJacksonHole #FindYourInnerWild

via Instagram

"One of the very best reasons for having children is to be reminded of the incomparable joys of a snow day." - Susan Orlean ❄ _ The kiss of winter. _ The last few days in Idaho and Wyoming have been the coldest we've ever experienced in our lives (reaching -13°C). The temps may seem tame to locals, but remember we are warm-blooded Aussies 😄 _ My very cheeky 6-year-old daughter asked me to bend down and come close before blowing a handful of fresh powdery snow in my face. _ Is it just me or are your little ones just as cheeky? _ #motherofallroadtrips

via Instagram

"Who says soul has only one colour?" - Joss Stone _ Silky smooth sunset. _ Pulled over on the side of the highway as we drove through Washington state to admire this cloudless sky painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, pink, aquamarine and violet. _ The melting gradient of sunset colours was so smooth and blemish-free it almost looked impossible. The only thing that could complete the was a bare tree, poised to embrace the frigid winter. _ #washingtonstate #sunsethunter _ #🌄

via Instagram

Driving into the sunset. _ The next stage of our epic US/Canada #motherofallroadtrips will be jam packed. _ We kicked off a few days ago departing from Kelowna, British Columbia and headed south of the border to Idaho via Washington & Oregon. Then next we are going through Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota. Following up with Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and finally reaching New York in time for Christmas. That will be over 3000 miles in 3 weeks! _ Phew! I look forward to sharing more gorgeous photos from this leg of our 1-year road trip. But as a taste, here's a stunning sunset we witnessed as we drove through Washington state on Highway 97 late last week. _ #washingtonstate #sunset_pics

via Instagram

US Road Trip Guide: My 10 Point Checklist

So you are flying to the United States for your very own #motherofallroadtrips. Excitement levels are high. But what do you do right now? How do you prepare? Here’s our simple 10-point US road trip guide to help you plan the drive of a lifetime.
Read more at our travel blog.