If I’d told my parents 10 years ago that they’d have the opportunity to stand on top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps, they wouldn’t have believed me.
For most of their lives, they operated a small family dairy farm in rural Wisconsin and were tied to its constant responsibilities. Because of this, their vacations were limited.
So, last year, when I learned my parents were ready to book their first trip to Europe to celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary, I was beyond excited.
It would be their first time crossing the Atlantic, their first long overnight flight, and their first taste of navigating customs and large international airports.
Having traveled throughout Europe before, I didn’t hesitate to volunteer to go along to ensure everything went well.
What I didn’t expect, though, was how much this trip would help me reconnect with them.
I loved helping my parents with the logistics, and seeing Europe through their eyes was incredibly special
My first task was researching tour options, comparing guided tour companies and self-guided itineraries, and figuring out which travel style would make them feel most comfortable.
Eventually, we settled on a 10-day guided group tour through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and the Czech Republic, so there’d be a balance of structure and free time to explore on our own and relax.
When we landed in Zurich, I talked my parents through customs step by step, answered their questions, and reassured them as they navigated unfamiliar signs and procedures.
Moments like this made me feel useful, knowing that simply explaining the process helped make the experience smoother for them.
The trip was also an incredible opportunity to see Europe through their eyes. While we were exploring Lucerne, Switzerland, it became clear that my dad had taken on the role of unofficial trip photographer. He’d stop whenever something caught his eye to zoom, adjust, and zoom again until the shot felt just right.
At first, his frequent pauses frustrated me, leaving us trailing behind the group, but as the trip went on, I found the habit more endearing than annoying.
Later that day, we ascended Mount Pilatus, taking in sweeping views of the alpine landscape below. As we descended the mountain on a gondola, my mom pointed out the small farmsteads below, while my dad took it all in.
Watching their expressions, which were filled with awe and joy, was one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Throughout my travels, I’ve seen many mountain views, but witnessing their reaction to the Alps made the scenery feel extra special and gave me a newfound appreciation for my travels.
Another highlight of the trip was celebrating my parents’ wedding anniversary at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.
We spent much of the day traveling by bus through the countryside, watching cows graze in green pastures and taking in the views of rolling hills.
For my parents, scenes like these felt both familiar and different at the same time, and spending the day with them reminded me of all they had worked for.
I’m grateful for the memories we made together
Throughout the trip, my parents leaned on me for small things like converting currencies and making sure we were in the right place at the right time.
Each time they told me they were glad I was there, I was struck by how rare it felt to be genuinely needed by my parents.
Before we left, I thought I was just tagging along to help them. I didn’t realize how much I’d gain from the experience, too.
For my parents, this trip was a dream finally come true. For me, it was a chance to rediscover not only the beauty of Europe but also the beauty of watching the people you love experience the world for the first time.
They reminded me of the joy of firsts — the first glimpse of the Alps, the first taste of Wiener Schnitzel, the first feeling of stepping into a new country — and for that, I’m grateful.
Traveling with my parents as an adult was a wonderful experience. Although I had to adjust to their pace and roll with their quirks, the memories we made together were worth every bit of effort in the end.
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