If We Could Do It Again
Real Talk from a Family That Spent Two Weeks Traveling Through Europe

Brian Schwan
7/17/2025

Planning a multi-country European adventure for five people—including three middle schoolers—is no small task. And while we had an unforgettable trip filled with beauty, challenge, laughter, and gelato… there are a few things we’d tweak next time.

This isn’t a guidebook. It’s the kind of list we wish someone handed us before we left.

What We Got Right

Giving the Kids Ownership Without Overloading Them

We didn’t assign them PowerPoints or daily agendas—but we did give them a voice. When our cruise-obsessed teen dug into ferry schedules or our daughter wanted to try specific foods, we followed their lead. Giving them small but meaningful decisions made the trip feel like ours, not just something we were dragging them through.

Booking Local Stays Instead of Hotels

Airbnbs, guesthouses, and B&Bs gave us space to breathe. It also helped us feel more connected to the communities we were staying in. The Appenzell guesthouse, in particular, felt like home after just one day.

3. Using Grocery Stores Strategically

Some of our best meals came from European grocery stores. We saved money, let picky eaters make their own choices, and still got to taste local flavors. (Pro tip: German spaetzle and Swiss cheese go a long way.)

4. Slowing Down the Pace

We didn’t try to see everything. And honestly? That’s why we remember the small stuff—like mountain soccer games, park-side dinners, or laughing through laundry night.

5. Traveling With Layers and Real Shoes

From Milan’s 100°F heat to Mt. Titlis’ snow in the same week, our layers saved us. And we were grateful for every broken-in hiking shoe we packed.

What We'd Do Differently

1. Download Helpful Apps Ahead of Time

We didn’t know how useful the EasyPark app would be until we were already in the thick of it. Parking turned out to be relatively simple—once we knew how it worked. Same for public transit tools and local discount passes. Next time, we’ll do a tech check before takeoff.

2. Study the Driving Experience—Not Just the Route

While Google Maps can get you from A to B, it doesn’t prepare you for tunnels, roundabouts, narrow mountain passes, or signs that make you second-guess your entire existence. Driving in Europe isn’t scary—it’s just different. We’d brush up a bit more next time before jumping in. And carry a sense of humor!

3. Plan Better for Rental Car Size and Luggage

We thought we were getting a big enough car. Spoiler: we weren’t. Our luggage barely fit, even with careful packing. The European definition of “full size” is… optimistic. Next time, we’ll double-check trunk dimensions or pack a little lighter—or both.

4. Double-Check Rental Car Vignettes and Border Fees

We knew we’d need them, but didn’t fully realize how quickly those little border fees can stack up. Switzerland was by far the most expensive (44 Swiss Franc or about $55 USD). Worth it? Yes. But definitely something to budget for in advance.

Apps & Tools That Actually Helped

EasyPark – Once we had it, parking was a breeze.
SBB Swiss Rail App – Made navigating Swiss transit intuitive and fast.
Google Translate Camera – Saved us at that Ossuccio food festival.
Michelin Route Planner – Helped us find scenic routes we’d never have discovered otherwise.
Offline Google Maps – Came in clutch when signal dropped in remote areas.

The Biggest Lesson

You don’t need to be perfect travelers to have a perfect trip.

We made mistakes. We re-wore clothes. We took wrong turns (some of them on literal mountain roads). But the moments that stuck with us—the ones that made us feel something—weren’t the polished ones. They were the real ones.

The trick? Build in enough flexibility for spontaneity, pack a sense of humor, and remind yourself (often) that travel isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

Up Next: Top Moments From Our Two Weeks in Europe

Part 20: We Couldn't Pick Just One Favorite

After 14 days, 5 countries, 3 gondola rides, and more pizza than we’re willing to admit, we came home with a suitcase full of memories—and a short list of moments that keep coming up again and again.

Here are our top favorite moments, in no particular order (because honestly, we couldn’t agree on the rankings anyway)...

by The Schwan Family
7/18/2025

Catch Up On Past Blog Posts

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Part 17: The First Day of Looking Back

Every big trip has a day where it begins to end. You can feel it—the shift from exploring to returning, from wonder to reflection.

After two weeks of nonstop movement—Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Liechtenstein—our family woke up in Appenzell, Switzerland, and began the long journey back to Milan. This wasn’t just a travel day. It was the first day of looking back...

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Part 16: Border Hopping & Bucket Lists

There’s something magical about being able to visit three countries in a single day—without an airport, security line, or even much planning. This was that kind of day. A “check the box” kind of day. A “let’s squeeze one more memory into this trip” kind of day...

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