I’ve been watching for weeks. Checking multiple times a day, until my fingers can input the information without my brain getting involved. Clicking the find flights button each time with a nervous excitement similar to the kind I get when I pull the lever on a slot machine. No change in price. Maybe the next time.
Next time is the same. And the next time. My methodical patience is almost gone, replaced by a need to just move on. My less methodical and patient husband says today is the day. Why wait? Because prices may go down, but they may go up. But really, because once we buy the tickets there is no going back. We will have committed. And I may end up being committed, by the time the waiting and watching and planning is over.
My fingers know the drill; it’s almost done. Type in the names. Select the seats. I settle in for some research into the best ones, while Matt shifts in his chair next to me. He is amused by my thoroughness now, but in two minutes he will be annoyed. I cut my research short and pick the seats where the four of us will spend eight hours and forty five minutes, and then nine hours and five minutes two weeks later.
Your credit card will be charged. Are you sure? As this blunt query pops up on my screen, I turn to Matt for reassurance.
“Do it,” he says. He’s been saying that for two weeks, but I haven’t managed to get to this point until now.
Eight months ago, we are at Disney World, sitting in the theater in Epcot’s France, watching the stunning film Impressions de France. The kids are content to rest their feet and enjoy the panoramic views of a country across the ocean. I tour France through the filmmaker’s lens, and am in awe of the natural and architectural landmarks. It strikes me that comparably, my own country is in its infancy.
I imagine what it must be like to walk through castles that are a thousand years old. To gaze upon landscapes that have sheltered people for millennia. And for the first time, I have a desire to share that experience with my children. I don’t believe that we owe our children a trip to Europe; we’ve never been ourselves. But I want to be with them for these firsts. I want to discover and explore and learn together, before college and grown-up life steals our freedom to pick up and go.
Matt and I whisper to one another during the film, and by the end we decide that this is what we want to do. I spend the rest of our time in Epcot wandering in and out of countries, wondering what it would be like to be there for real.
Fitting all the pieces together for a family trip to Europe is complicated, even for a planner like me. I’ve already invested hours reading guidebooks and travel websites, and lurking in forums. How do I choose a two week itinerary when we could spend years exploring new places? I read and discuss and ruminate and change my mind again and again. Finally, when I can research no longer, we make our decision and choose our destinations.
Now my index finger hovers over the mouse, itching to click. “Do it,” Matt says. It’s expensive and unknown, exciting and scary. It’s an adventure that the four of us will go on together.
I do it. We are doing it. Italy and Switzerland, we can’t wait to meet you both.
Wow!! How exciting, Dana!! This sounds like the trip of a lifetime! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
Thanks Rabia – I’ll be sure to share!
Oooh, so exciting, Dana! I want to visit Italy too, only to eat all the yummy food you keep hearing about. How exciting! I’d love to go to Europe with my kids too, but I’m waiting until they’re old enough to remember and appreciate 🙂
My kids are at that age now, so I’m so excited to share this adventure with them!
That’s cool how a visit to Epcot can be like taste testing different countries to see which one you actually want to go to. How exciting! I would love to go to Italy and Switzerland some day…I’m the same way when it comes to booking trips, I hesitate in hopes something cheaper will come around.
I know – I just couldn’t wait anymore. But I haven’t checked airfare again since then – no sense in looking back now, right?
How exciting Dana – this reminds me of your earlier post about the importance of doing things that aren’t planned or expected. Good stuff happens with adventures! Good luck preparing, and try not to fret too much!
I’ll try, Julia. Just finished booking all the places we will stay, so most of the stressful planning is over. Now comes the fun part!
!!! So excited for you! This is one of the trips I am waiting for.. don’t know when, but I have patience and I know it will come.
When do you leave? Say Hi to Pope Francis from me : )
We go after school lets out, Aida. We are definitely going to visit the Vatican, so if I run into the Pope I’ll say hello. 😉
Italy and Switzerland? Awesome! I’ve never been to either place but love everywhere I’ve been in Europe. Funny that you mention watching the film at Epcot made you realize how young the US is. I felt that way the first time I went to EU (France) – walking around in utter awe at how OLD things were. OOH Dana I am so so excited for you!!! I love that you’re bringing your kids too 🙂
Me too – I think 😉
That’s amazing Dana!!! I’m inspired by your can-do spirit! Of course, it’s a great thing you thought about it thoroughly and researched a lot. It’s my wish to go to Europe! Can’t wait to read about it from you.
Thanks, Rea. I’m definitely a can-doer, although I can also get overwhelmed. I’m hoping to stay calm and collected for this trip!
How exciting!!! I love your description of your hesitation before committing because I can certainly sympathize. This is going to be a trip your family remembers forever, no doubt!
It definitely will be, Katie!
I love the way you describe your hesitation, your caution, your tentativeness… and then… you did it! I held my breath with you, my fingers hovered above my own keyboard as I read. And then so much happy excitement!
I know it’s well in advance, and I will do so again in a few months time, but wishing you and your family safe, happy, wonderful travels and adventures Dana! Nesiyah tova, good journey, as I like to say 🙂
Thank you, Nicki. I’m enjoying the anticipation, and even the nervousness.
You have instagram, right? This is going to be EPIC 😀 (just please tell me you’re not going this September…)
I don’t do Instagram, but I will post pics on Facebook. And you can be sure I’ll share many on the blog when I get home! In plenty of time to welcome you 🙂
Yay, how awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time.
I’m sure we will, Amber – thank you!
OK. #1 I am so excited for you and your family. We made our first ever trip to Europe when our kids were about the ages of your kids. It was wonderful and magical and something we will always remember. #2 You have such an amazing gift for writing! I’ve said this before but I am in awe of the way you tell a story. You have such a knack for finding an interesting angle, a different voice from which to tell your tale. Just one of the many, many reasons that I am a devoted fan!
#1. Yay! I love hearing about other awesome European vacations. #2 – What a lovely compliment, Mo – thank you so much! And it came at the perfect time. I’m taking an online writing class (more of a “let’s get writing” than a “this is how you write” class). We are sharing in a private FB group, and I am in awe of the talent. I’m feeling quite inferior to the other writers, even though everyone is so encouraging and nonjudgmental. I don’t have that soulful, poetic voice that many of them do, and I’m self-conscious. So thank you for your kind words – they mean so much to me!
P.S. Visiting Chicago has now moved way up on my travel bucket list.
Ahhh!
So glad. “I do it” is such a great quote.
I’ve never left North America and I dream about it so much. I want to wait a bit because Des is two, and what will he remember anyway? The poor dear will be dragged to Disney World yet again in two weeks.
Although I think he’ll like it.
He will LOVE it. My kids are bummed that we aren’t going this year, but we are on an even-year-only plan.
So excited for you, Dana!!!
Thanks Nina! I’m excited for us too 🙂
Hooray! You are going to love it. So excited to hear all about it.
Thank you for all of your help, Kirsten – I really appreciate it!
Awww, I’m so jealous! With a 1 year old and a newborn on the way in March, hubby and I have been planning local vacations, and for a travel bug like me with itchy feet, it’s hard to be content with day trips, or even weekend trips for our “big” vacation, lol. Sounds like you guys are going to have a blast! <3
Anyhoo, I found your blog through a fellow blogger.. just thought I'd drop by and say hi! It would totally make my day if you stopped by my blog sometime.. or better yet, keep in touch!! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
So nice to meet you, Gingi – thanks for visiting! I will definitely visit you. And I understand what it’s like to have the travel bug. For many years we couldn’t do much either, but now my kids are at great ages to travel.
I just booked my vacation to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming LAST NIGHT, so now I can join in the happy travel bug jollies, lol… I would still prefer YOUR trip *grumble grumble* but I’m still jazzed, hehe. Thanks for stopping by my page! I look forward to keeping in touch! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Yay for you – I’ve never been to Yellowstone! That was on our list too, but we decided to go all out.
How exciting! That sounds like the trip of a lifetime. I would go back to Europe in a heartbeat, though I’ve never been to Switzerland. Can I stowaway in your luggage?
Can you fit in a 30 inch duffle? If so, hop in!
I cannot wait to see your photos and read all about your trip – it’s going to be amazing!
I really need to practice with my camera, Steph. I’m debating about bringing my good one. But yes, I will take plenty of photos and write a bunch.
That’s so awesome! I hope I can do this with my kids someday. I want to hear all about it!
You’ll hear about it, Sarah! My family is already tired of hearing about it – they just want me to plan in silence. I do all the work, as usual…
Where in Italy do you plan to go? We took our sons to Rome, Florence, and the Italian countryside right after our oldest graduated from college, and had a wonderful time! You will have a blast! When do you leave – after school is out? I hope you’ll share some of your adventures with your readers.
I will share more than you probably want to hear, Debbie! We are going to Rome, Florence, and Venice in late June. So I may pick your brain a bit if you don’t mind.
Wow! This is awesome news Dana. You are giving you and your kids the trip of a lifetime. I truly believe the bests gifts are experiences. I can’t wait to venture further from home – if we can afford to – when my youngest is a little older. Can’t wait to hear how it all unfolds!
I agree with you, Kerry. The kids will remember our experience forever, but I’m sure they couldn’t even tell you the material gifts they got for their birthdays last year.
WooHoo – so exciting!!! I hope you share all about your travels and experiences!!!
I definitely will, Kim! And I’ll share all the planning, too 🙂
how exciting!!! So awesome. That’s the way life is meant to be lived…with joy and adventure.
So true, Tara. I’m thrilled to be doing it.
Congratulations! Italy is truly an amazing country, and I am sure Switzerland is beautiful. We just got home from a trip in September and we are already itching to go on another adventure. Traveling to Europe can be addicting!
I’m sure it can be addicting, Lisa. And I loved seeing all the pics you posted about your travels. I hope you get to go back soon!
That is so exciting!!! The only place I have been in Europe is Paris. I want to see London & Italy so much. And, I want to go back to Paris to see all the things we didn’t have time for before. My girls want to go se the world, too, but I am hesitant until they are just a bit older. Anyway, you will have a wonderful time, make so many beautiful memories, and it will all be worth it!
I understand about waiting until the girls are older. My kids will be almost 14 and 17, so I think that’s a great age. The only downside I’m finding is that discounted tickets for kids has a cutoff of 15, so we have to pay adult prices for Gwen.
Oh I am so very jealous and excited for you, all at the same time! I’ve always dreamed of Italy, and Switzerland…mmmmmmmm chocolate! I look forward to your photos and stories of your experiences! Congrats! You’ll have a great time and your children will remember this forever 🙂
Wow that sounds wonderful. It is always a breath holding moment to “confirm” after that it’s done and the real planning begins. I hope I get to experience a first like that with Christopher.
I hope you do too, Kenya. Somewhere WARM. I saw him all bundled up on FB today.
This is going to be the trip of a lifetime. Seriously I am in awe. More that your husband is as adventurous as you. David thinks we are world travelers when we cross the bridge. Europe sends him into panic mode 🙂
You should check out this site, http://smithsholidayroad.wordpress.com/ Bron travels with her family and last year did a six week trip through Europe. Her children are younger than yours (I think the youngest is 2) but she finds the most unique places to visit.
I cannot wait to read the posts of your adventure
I will check out that site – thanks, Kerri. And Matt is more adventurous than I am, although I’m a bit more adventurous than David! Matt promises to at least pretend to take charge, so I don’t have a meltdown from anxiety once we get there.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! So excited for you. YOLO, baby!
Yolo is right, Kris! Thanks for listening to me ramble on about this in person.
AW!!!!! What a glorious idea and such a beautiful post describing the very pieces that built each step toward clicking on those tickets!! Your family will cherish the trip and always treasure the memories. 🙂
I hope you are right, Chris. My kids are at a perfect age for this type of trip, and I hope it gives them the travel bug. College has so many wonderful study abroad opportunities, and I want them to take advantage of them!
Oh yay that is so exciting! My first trip to Europe was with my family also (and it was my dad’s first time). It is truly amazing to go somewhere with so much history.
I can’t wait! Gwen is really excited to explore the Jewish ghettos in Italy. She also wants to meet the Pope. 🙂
Italy and Switzerland are both WAY up on my list of places I want to go. I can’t wait to hear ALL about your trip. Two weeks is amazing!!
I know – we are fortunate to be able to take that much time. It will be our longest vacation ever…I hope we don’t kill one another.
Yay!!!!! I am SOOOOOO excited for you! It will be so awesome! I can’t wait to follow along every step of the way!!!
Thanks Leah! I’m so excited too.
This is so thrilling! I love that you are able to give this to your children and want to see their faces as they experience Europe for the first time. My childhood was filled with long car trips and train rides- I didn’t even fly until I was 16! Ha. Looking forward to following along as excitement builds and we hear more about your itinerary!
Thanks, Christy. I plan on posting lot of pics and tips. Now that we’ve booked flights, we’re busy looking at places to stay. But that’s more fun!
How exciting! What special memories this will make! Congratulations on hitting those buttons and making reservations. No going back now! 🙂
I know – and I’m finally over the anxiety of that and moving on to the excitement!
I am so happy for you, and perhaps a little jealous! I want to go so bad – but the air fare., grrr Saving up points. But we are a family of six and I don’t think Bear could do the long flight, so the first time will probably be mom and dad. ITALY!!!!!!!! I want to go. I can’t wait to read all about it and see your pictures. Yay!
Airfare is ridiculous – I was blown away! I hope Matt and I can take more trips as empty nesters, and it will seem inexpensive in comparison when it’s only for two.
Yaaaaay! So happy you pulled the trigger. All the research and hard work will be so worth it. You, Matt and the kids will have an amazing experience.
Thanks, Karen!
Ahhhh!!! So, so exciting. I absolutely love trip planning and going to Europe will be absolutely amazing. I dream of Spain and Portugal on a daily basis and cannot wait to take another vacation there when the boys are older. Good for all of you! It’s going to be great!
I know it will, Allie – despite my anxiety I know it will be awesome.
Dude! What an adventure to go on! We dream of traveling there with the kids when they’re older too! I can’t wait to read and hear more about it!
It will definitely be an adventure – so excited!
Absolutely awesome and so excited for you both. Seriously, cannot wait to hear how you like both Italy and Switzerland, too 😉
Thanks, Janine – I will definitely report back after we go!