OK, yes, this post should have happened...er...last year. But you know, reasons.

2017 was a dumpster fire in MANY more ways than one, not the least of which was the fact that health issues prevented me from taking a big trip with Jen. Look, I know #firstworldproblems and all that, but I learned in a very hard way that going a year without a proper vacation does terrible, terrible things to the time. So keep traveling, BBs!

That's kind of neither here nor there though. The point is, when I went to look back for my favorite posts of 2017, I thought the pickings would be sparse, but oh how mistaken I was. While 2017 wasn't blessed for me with a nice big trip, there were some big highlights (and solid comedy) peeking through the madness.

WASHINGTON D.C.: THE WOMEN'S MARCH (JANUARY 23)

The Women's March itself was a huge highlight of 2017 for me, and looking back on the post gave me warm and fuzzies. The dumb fuck in the Oval Office manage to kill my vibe only several days later with his Muslim ban, but I'm still so grateful to have been a part of such an inspiring, empowering moment in history. I'll never forget it.

BEST OF: THIS MONTH IN TRAVEL NEWS (MARCH 27)

Remember when a United passenger was LITERALLY dragged off a plane for refusing to give up the seat he payed for? That was only ONE of the ridiculous travel news stories in 2017. In fact, during one week in particular, United, the CIA, and MAGA hat-wearers sponsored some other insane but hilarious stories.

FLORIDA: ST. AUGUSTINE (MAY 9)

I may not have gotten to travel to Europe in 2017, but I visited Scott in Florida several times. On one of those trips, we took a day trip to St. Augustine, which was a delightful surprise to me. The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine feels like an old Spanish town and it's remarkably beautiful. Trust me, if you had told me I could find a slice of Europe in Florida, I would have laughed in your face. But it's true!

CHEERS! HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY, HTJL! (MAY 16)

Yoooo, we're almost on our fourth year at this point! The HTJL anniversary videos that Jen puts together are ALWAYS among my favorites. I genuinely look forward to them. They are a true glimpse into what it's like traveling with us -- lots of eating, laughing, and generally being asses.

EN ROUTE: BOAP (BABES ON A PLANE) (JUNE 8)

I really loved having my wife Carly guest post for us last summer. A new(ish) mom, Carly was able to offer insight into an aspect of travel Jen and I cannot -- traveling with kiddos. In truly Carly fashion, this post is very real and very hilarious. It still makes me actual-LOL. [Sidebar: If you're ever interested in guest-posting in 2018, please, get at us!]

THE BEACH: THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR (JULY 24)

Remember how I said 2017 wasn't without laughs? GODDAMN, THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR DELIVERED. I've never seen anything so trashy, so American, so tacky, so gluttonous, so horrifying in my life. But then again, I had never been to a state fair before.

THE MENU: BEACH SNACKS PART 1 (JULY 31)

I love snacks. Who doesn't? AND I FUCKING LOVE WAWA. Consuming processed food on the beach is one of my greatest joys in life. And this post's Instagram garnered a comment from Wawa asking if they could use my likeness on social media AND IN STORES (?!??!). YES, Wawa, yes you can. And can I get a lifetime of free soft pretzels and iced coffee for the beach? That's all I really want out of life anyway. #wawamodelvibes

What a year.

-Staci

Best Of: Staci's 2017 Picks