Why We Named Our Site Family Fun Year
- Jennifer Wolfe Forrester
- Mar 14
- 2 min read

The Inspiration Behind the Name
When we set out on our journey, we knew we wanted to call it something that truly captured the essence of what we were doing. Our goal wasn’t just to see the world—it was to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with our children. "Family Fun Year" perfectly sums up what that year meant to us: a time dedicated to adventure, discovery, and, most importantly, togetherness.
A Year of Family Travel
With our 12-year-old twins turning 13 during the trip, we knew we were entering a tricky stage of parenting. The teenage years can be tough—kids are gaining independence, friends become more important, and family time can sometimes take a backseat. But by spending an entire year traveling together, we found a way to keep that closeness. Shared experiences—whether marveling at the Great Wall of China, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, or simply laughing over a meal in a tiny café—became the foundation of our bond.
The Gift of Time
In our everyday lives, we are all constantly pulled in different directions—work, school, errands, social commitments. It’s rare to have uninterrupted time together as a family. Our year of travel gave us the luxury of time—time to explore, to relax, and most importantly, to just be together. We weren’t rushing from one activity to the next or squeezing in a quick dinner before bedtime. We had long train rides for playing cards, lazy beach days for storytelling, and countless nights just talking under the stars. That time together was invaluable.
Chasing Our Bucket List Dreams
For us, this year was about making our dream come true—visiting as many bucket list destinations as we could. From African safaris to European castles, we checked off places we had always wanted to see. But a "Family Fun Year" doesn’t have to mean traveling around the world. For another family, it might mean weekend camping trips, road trips to national parks, or spending summer vacations visiting different baseball stadiums. It’s not about where you go; it’s about making the most of the time you have together.
Every Family’s Journey is Unique
What we learned is that family travel—no matter where it takes you—is an incredible way to create lasting memories. Whether you have a year, a summer, or just a few weekends, the important thing is finding time to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. "Family Fun Year" isn’t just about our journey; it’s about inspiring other families to find their own way to make the most of their time together. Because at the end of the day, the greatest adventure of all is simply being with the people you love.
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