30 Days in Europe: Lessons Learned

30 Days in Europe: Lessons Learned

Join us as we revisit our unforgettable 2010 30-day Europe trip—one adventure at a time!

Back in 2010, before parenthood and long before navigating life with palindromic rheumatism, we embarked on a whirlwind journey across eight incredible countries. With guidebooks in hand and curiosity as our compass, we immersed ourselves in the history, food, and culture of Europe, creating memories that still inspire us today.

Our 30-day route took us through:

  • England (London, Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath)
  • France (Paris and Disneyland Paris)
  • Italy (Rome, Florence, Brescia area, Pescara, and, most importantly, Sulmona)
  • Austria (Innsbruck)
  • Czech Republic (Prague)
  • Germany (Berlin)
  • Netherlands (Amsterdam)
  • Belgium (Brussels)

What you’ll find in this series:

  • Fresh reflections on how travel has changed since 2010.
  • Family reunions in Italy and our evolving connections to heritage.
  • Honest lessons learned—what went right, what went wrong, and the surprises along the way.
  • How we’d travel differently today as parents, including family-friendly tips.
  • Navigating travel with a disability, from accessibility to self-care.
  • Practical advice to help you plan your own multi-country European adventure.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own grand tour or just love stories of travel, growth, and geeky curiosity, join us as we reflect on the past, share lessons learned, and look forward to new journeys ahead.

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Train Pass in Europe

Learn how to get the most out of your train pass in Europe! Discover tips for scenic routes, booking seat reservations, and maximizing your Eurail pass. Perfect for families and first-time travelers looking to turn train rides into unforgettable adventures.

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How to Handle Travel Disappointments: Lessons from Disneyland Paris and Zurich

How to handle travel disappointments: The answer: You adapt, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected. No matter how much you

A Day Trip to Versailles from Paris
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Travel Lessons About Preparation and Perspective: Versailles and Napoleon’s Tomb

Explore the grandeur of French royalty with our guide to a day trip to Versailles from Paris. We ended up back in Paris at Napoleon’s tomb.

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Planning with Rick Steves’ Travel Books Made For Unforgettable European Travel

Planning with Rick Steves’ travel books transformed our European adventure into an unforgettable journey. A lot of these tips are still valid!

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