My family of 4 took an expedition cruise in the Galápagos Islands. We travel often, but it was unlike anything we've experienced.

The author's family went on a weeklong expedition cruise in the Galápagos Islands.

Courtesy of The Trip Wish List

My family has been traveling together since my two daughters, now 11 and 14, were small enough to nap in baby carriers as we navigated through airport terminals. Since then, we've ventured to more than 25 countries, exploring everything from Gothic cathedrals to jaw-dropping national parks.Yet nothing prepared us for what awaited in the Galápagos Islands. Even after all those adventures, our trip to the Galápagos Islands was unlike anything we had experienced before.

It wasn't the first time we'd seen wildlife on a trip.

The author and her family at Rancho El Manzanillo.