Spring Break Adventure: Exploring Europe Through a Child’s Eyes
This year for Spring Break, my husband and I are taking our two kids, Henry (6) and Edie (3), on an adventure to some of Europe’s most iconic cities.
The inspiration? Their growing curiosity about the world—fueled by their school lessons and one of their favorite books, Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World. If you know, you know—it's a book bursting with charming little stories set in different countries, filled with whimsical illustrations of famous landmarks, bustling city streets, and quirky characters from around the globe.
As parents, planning a trip like this is both a challenge and an adventure. The way we see it, every great trip starts with one big question: What’s our goal?
For us, the answer is clear. We want our kids to:
Experience different cultures—even in the simplest ways, like trying new foods or hearing new languages.
See famous landmarks they recognize—the red double-decker buses in London, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty in Paris (yes, the original, smaller one!).
Most of all, have fun—because at the end of the day, our hope is that they fall in love with the adventure of traveling.
Planting the Travel Bug Early
My husband and I love to travel, and we want our kids to be bitten by the travel bug early—not just for this trip, but for years to come. We want them to grow up knowing that the world is big, fascinating, and full of endless things to explore. Travel is more than just sightseeing—it’s about discovery, curiosity, and connection.
And while it’s easy to assume kids won’t remember trips at this age, I believe that the feelings of travel stick with them—the excitement of a new place, the magic of a towering cathedral or a busy city square, the joy of running through a park in a new country. Even if they don’t remember every detail, the experience shapes them.
Travel as a Source of Design Inspiration
Beyond the excitement of seeing the world through my kids’ eyes, travel has always been one of my biggest sources of design inspiration. Every region is steeped in its own aesthetic, craftsmanship, and approach to space—whether it’s the ornate detailing in historic European architecture or the modern, minimalist sensibility of Scandinavian design.
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to take in the textures, the materials, the way light moves through a space—all of which influence my own design perspective. Whether it’s the perfect shade of blue on a Parisian door, the pattern of an ancient tile floor, or the unexpected mix of old and new in a boutique hotel, I absorb as much as I can.
The Adventure Awaits
As we get ready for takeoff, I’m excited for what this trip will bring—for my kids, for our family, and for my own creative inspiration. Design is about storytelling, and what better way to add new stories to our lives than through travel?
Have you traveled internationally with young kids? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips! Let’s keep the conversation going. ✈️✨
