Paris

My husband recently came back from a guys' trip to Paris, and with a wistful smile, he said the next time he goes up the Eiffel Tower, it’ll be with our daughter. I paused, saying—I’ve never actually been up the Eiffel Tower. He laughed and reminded me that, yes, I have. With him.

Oh right...

After a few gentle reminders of the details, the memory started to come back. But how could I forget such an iconic experience? Maybe the lingering smell of crepes distracted me?

I have come to believe that the best trips offer balance. There needs to be some structure and a plan, to keep travelers fed and happy, but there’s also beauty in soaking in a city's atmosphere without rushing to check off every sight on a list.

The thing about Paris is that La Ville Lumière invites you to slow down and savor each experience. The moments that stuck with me from that trip are the sweet scent of crêpes and jaunty music on the Trocadéro, and the light on the Seine at magic hour.

We all should be mindful when we travel so that we can absorb a place while staying alert and safe. We should also be mindful of how we travel and the impact we’re leaving on a location and its people who live and work there. Choosing accommodations and activities that are well-run, comfortable, and ethical are worth the planning effort so that you can settle quickly into a place and get the highest return on the time and money you’ve invested in a trip. I’m finding this especially true when our kids are along, but also when traveling with friends, family, and solo.

Paris has a magic that can captivate anyone—so I let myself get swept away. Now that I travel with young children, I have the best time with them whenever I can relax and let them get swept away as well. All of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings in a place are new to them and I get to enjoy it again secondhand by being with them.

Someday when we’re all in Paris, we’ll make that pilgrimage to the Eiffel Tower… but with a couple of crepes in hand this time.