Welcome to FourSuitcases.com — a global family travel blog sharing detailed ski trips with kids, multi-country road trip itineraries, island vacations, and cultural journeys across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. From winter adventures in Japan and the European Alps to tropical escapes in Bora Bora to Iceland ring road drives, we document our routes, logistics, and lessons learned to help families plan unforgettable journeys.
Our journey began with a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo. After landing, we boarded the Shinkansen and headed north to Hokkaido, where we hit the slopes for skiing in Niseko. From Hokkaido, we flew to Osaka and used it as our base to explore the Kansai region — including unforgettable day trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe — before wrapping up the trip and flying back to Los Angeles.
We rented a car and embarked on a full Icelandic ring road journey, a land where fire meets ice. Along the way, we explored massive glaciers (even riding snowmobiles across icy expanses!), serene glacial lakes, mystical ice caves, and dramatic black sand beaches. Geothermal wonders bubbled beneath our feet, we soaked in steaming hot springs, and at night the sky came alive with the breathtaking Northern Lights. Iceland truly felt like another world.
During the summer, we started our Southern Hemisphere adventure in Sydney, then made our way to Canberra. We journeyed up summits to ski through the powder, then flew to Queenstown in New Zealand for more snowy adventures. The most memorable moments were the dazzling Milky Way stretching across the night sky and the magical Hobbiton. Finally, we relaxed for a few days in Fiji before flying back to Los Angeles.
We made a quick visit to Washington, D.C., wandering through seemingly endless museums and marveling at iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the National Mall to the historic monuments that define the capital. Every corner felt like a snapshot of American history and culture.
For spring break, we set sail on a Caribbean cruise, visiting seven stunning islands: Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Martin, St. Kitts, and Barbados. Each island offered its own slice of paradise, from sun-soaked beaches to vibrant local culture.
Our adventure began in Paris and unfolded into the heart of the Alps, from Geneva to Chamonix, where we skied beneath towering peaks. We rode a glacier train into a world of blue ice caves, then continued to Zermatt before crossing into Italy to explore Milan and Lake Como. After skiing in glamorous St. Moritz, we returned to Paris, completing a breathtaking European loop.
We explored Tahiti and Moorea, but Bora Bora completely stole our hearts. With its turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches, and iconic overwater bungalows, it felt like living inside a postcard. We spent our days there exploring the crystal-clear oceans, creating an once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Our visit was relaxing and comforting, and felt exactly like the tropical paradise we had been expecting.
We kicked off our UK family road trip in London, visiting Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard. A quick Eurostar ride took us to Paris to marvel at the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a Seine river cruise. Back in England, we drove through Cambridge, Newcastle, Manchester, and concluded at Windsor Castle, creating lasting family memories across iconic British sights.
Our Maui family adventure began in Kahului, where we snorkeled at the Maui Ocean Center and explored South Maui’s beaches. We drove the scenic Hana Road to catch a breathtaking Haleakala sunset, visited Kahekili Beach, and enjoyed island life. Each day offered new discoveries and quality family time, making Maui an enriching and joyful Hawaiian escape.
Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise was one of our coldest ski trips ever — with temperatures dropping to -20°C — but also one of the most magical. We based ourselves at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, skated on the frozen lake, rode a horse carriage through snow-covered forests, and hiked Johnston Canyon’s icy waterfalls. A highlight was driving to Abraham Lake to see the famous frozen methane bubbles hidden beneath the ice. We skied all three resorts in Canada’s “Ski Big 3”: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay.