Stretching Our Legs
A Day Without Pressure

Brian Schwan
7/11/2025

Not every day on a big European trip is castles and cathedrals. Some days are for laundry, catching up on work, stretching your legs on a trail, or just wandering aimlessly through a town you picked off a road sign. This was that kind of day. And it turns out, we needed it.

While one of us stayed behind to knock out a few hours of work, the rest of us laced up our shoes and set off on a hike—no destination in mind, just a desire to move. Later, we hopped in the car and let curiosity guide us to a few small towns nearby, including Breisach, where the Rhine sparkled and the pace was just right.

It was a day without pressure. Without must-sees. And by the end of it, we felt more relaxed and more present than we had in days.

That morning, our group split—one stayed back at the house to catch up on work, and the rest of us set off for a low-key hike near the village. It wasn’t pre-planned—it was just a trail that wound through trees and gave us space to move.

After the hike, we returned to regroup, then headed out again by car, popping into small towns throughout the region. Most of them didn’t have major attractions—and that was exactly the point. We weren’t chasing photo ops. We were just… exploring.

Our favorite stop was Breisach, a town perched on the edge of the Rhine with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and an easygoing charm that made us wish we’d packed a picnic. We strolled, we ate gelato, and we reminded ourselves that this—this right here—is what slow travel is all about.

Stretching Our Legs

Sometimes, the best hikes are the unpopular ones. We found a quiet path near the village, tucked into the trees and gently rolling—not too hard, not too long, (although, admittedly harder and longer than I thought) - just right for a morning reset.

The boys ran ahead, racing each other and comparing terrain stats like it was a video game. I trailed behind, just glad to be outside, away from traffic and screens, watching them soak in a different kind of freedom. It wasn’t epic. But it was real.

Work Doesn’t Stop—Even in Germany

While we were off hiking, Jen stayed back at the house to catch up on emails, itineraries, and last-minute client questions. The setting was a little different from her usual workspace—sun streaming in, rolling fields outside, church bells in the distance—but the inbox? Still full. The cruise questions? Still coming.

Being a travel agent means you’re always thinking a few steps ahead—for your clients and your own family. And true to form, she used part of the day to fine-tune our scenic drive to Appenzell, scouting routes, flagging cool towns to stop in, and basically creating a better version of Google Maps with her own brain.

It’s not just her job—it’s her superpower. And the best part? She genuinely loves doing it. Even when her office is a kitchen table in Germany.

Let’s just say: when your travel agent plans her own road trips this carefully while managing yours from abroad... you know you’re in good hands.

Discovering Breisach

We hadn’t originally planned to stop in Breisach, but once we pulled in, we knew we’d found something special. The town sits right on the Rhine River, with views across the water into France and a peaceful energy that invited us to slow way down.

We explored a bit on foot—no agenda, just wandering. The boys climbed a few low stone walls, we peeked into shops, grabbed a well-deserved gelato, and marveled at how few other tourists we saw. Breisach doesn’t shout. It just gently invites you to stay a little longer.

Practical Tips

Embrace the reset days. Not every day needs to be packed. Give yourself permission to slow down.
Mix work and play mindfully. Traveling with remote work? Build in solo time to focus, then rejoin the group refreshed.
Let curiosity guide your route. You don’t need a must-see to make a stop worthwhile.
Small towns like Breisach are worth it. They might not be famous—but they’re full of charm, ease, and real life.
Dinner at home never gets old. Especially after a day of movement and quiet connection.

This wasn’t a flashy day. But it was a real one. A day where we each got a little space. Where the rhythm slowed down just enough to appreciate the quiet side of Germany—the open roads, the walking trails, the towns we couldn’t pronounce but didn’t want to leave.

It was also a reminder that travel doesn’t always mean checking out. Sometimes it means showing up in a different way—with hiking boots, a laptop, or a dinner reservation in a village you’ll talk about for years.

And yes—thanks to our in-house trip planner—the next day’s scenic drive into Switzerland was ready to go.

Want to keep following the journey?
Up Next: From soccer stadiums to waterfalls to a Swiss town party we didn’t see coming—this drive was anything but ordinary.

Part 14: This Was Supposed to be a Quiet Day!

Some travel days feel like transitions. Others feel like adventures with a steering wheel. This day was both.

We left our quiet rental home in southern Germany and hit the road with a map route, a packed lunch, and high hopes for some scenery. Our final destination was Appenzell, Switzerland—but getting there was half the fun. We wound our way through parts of the Black Forest, paused at one of Europe’s largest waterfalls, stopped by a soccer stadium (of course), and ended the day by pulling into a town that looked peaceful on the map… only to find ourselves in the middle of a massive festival.

So much for a quiet arrival...

by Brian Schwan
7/12/2025

Catch Up On Past Blog Posts

Part 12: Strasbourg and the Spaces In Between

There are some days on a big trip that feel carefully plotted, with tickets booked and schedules to keep. This wasn’t one of them. Instead, this day was about wandering. It was about letting the road decide. We’d been moving at a pretty steady pace through Italy, Switzerland, and now France—but this day gave us a chance to go slower, take a few scenic detours, and find joy in the in-between places...

by Brian Schwan
7/10/2025

Part 11: And Then There Were Four

After a big travel day—and a big goodbye—it felt good to slow down.

We had officially dropped off our daughter with friends in France, where she’d be spending a few days immersed in the local culture, sleeping under a different roof, and seeing Europe through someone else’s lens. The shift was real. Five travelers became four. We didn’t rush that morning. It was one of those quiet in-between days. Not a “bucket list” kind of day—but the kind that becomes memorable because it didn’t need to be...

by Brian Schwan
7/9/2025

Part 10: Some Trips Take You Further Than You Think

One thing travel teaches you—quickly—is how much can happen in 24 hours. Today, we woke up high in the Swiss Alps, took a gondola down from a glacier, drove through winding valleys into France, crossed into Switzerland again, cheered at a European soccer match... and then, in the middle of it all, said goodbye to one of our kids...

by Brian Schwan
7/8/2025

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