You can feel it in the air—summer is winding down. Families are wrapping up their last-minute getaways, teachers are heading in for workdays, and the back-to-school sales (and somehow Halloween decorations!) are everywhere.
This morning, my husband and I were reflecting on how our European vacation made this summer feel different. For the first time in years, he wasn’t dreading the return to school quite as much. We’re both teachers (I’m currently on hiatus to stay home with our son), and summers used to mean travel. But once the pandemic hit—and then parenthood—we hadn’t quite found our rhythm again.
Our last summer trip together was in 2019. The last time we traveled internationally? 2018. That’s a long time for two people who thrive on seeing the world.
This trip felt different—not just because we were traveling with our 4-year-old for the first time, but because of all the unknowns. Would he handle the flights? The jet lag? The change of routine? We had never traveled with a child before… and it was a huge success.
Our little guy was such a trooper. We were blown away by his “go with the flow” spirit. There’s something magical about experiencing the world through the eyes of a young child—the wonder, the joy, the pure delight in the simplest things.
We also planned smart. We stayed with friends in England, which gave us a comforting “home base.” We skipped the rigid itinerary and instead decided things day by day. Rainy? No problem—plenty to do indoors. Feeling like a playground day instead of a castle tour? Great—let’s save the hike for tomorrow. That flexibility made the trip so much more enjoyable for all of us.
It was the perfect balance of adventure and rest. And the very best part? Quality time with dear friends. By the time we got home, we felt refreshed and fulfilled—like we had truly done something with our summer. Now we have the confidence to keep traveling with our little #Rosenkid in tow.
Some summers will be full of adventures; others will be slower and more low key. But every season can be meaningful if you take a moment to reflect on it with gratitude.
“Travel isn’t about the distance—it’s about the memories you bring home.”