Traveling through Europe for 20 days sounds like a dream—and it is! I was recently in Spain and Portugal with my 22-year-old son, Matthew, where we spent 10 days hiking (100+ miles) The Camino de Santiago in the Galicia region of Spain. It was definitely a “trip of a lifetime.” And, along the way, we discovered our fair share of surprises, unforgettable experiences, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Here are my top 10 truths from this impactful, memorable, whirlwind trip with Matthew. This was a spiritual journey, for sure, but it also was very much a physical excursion, too. Turns out, the trip of a lifetime imparted some good and lasting life lessons. Spoiler: It was not all croquetas and castles, but it was all worth it.
1. Love Your Travel Partner? Great. Like Them? Even Better!
Spending nearly every waking (and sleeping) moment with someone for 20 days is no joke. I not only love Matthew—I genuinely like him. We laughed, we explored, we got lost together. That kind of connection makes all the difference. But each of us having our own hotel room was a game changer. Yes, it was more expensive but a little separation each night made a world of difference.
2. Pack the “Just in Case” Toiletries
You’ll reach for things you haven’t touched in a year. From Neosporin to Band-Aids (of all sizes!), from eyedrops to muscle rub. And don’t get me started on chargers! I never think about the charger for my electric toothbrush, but there I did. I ran out of more stuff than I expected. (Take a mini pharmacy with you—trust me.) Pack smart, and pack a little extra, too.
3. Your Stomach Will Stage a Protest
New cuisines like octopus and sardines are delicious and exciting … until your digestive system waves the white flag. Be adventurous but keep some antacids handy.
4. Tourist Traps = Pricey and Meh
The closer you are to major attractions, the worse (and more expensive) the food tends to be. Wander a few blocks away from the crowds—you’ll find better meals and more authentic experiences. (Thank you, John Howe, for this smart tip.)
5. Air Conditioning Is Not a Given
Don’t assume your hotel has A/C, no matter how many stars it boasts. Always double-check, especially in summer. Nearly half of the places we stayed in did not have A/C.
6. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Water is your best friend. Drink more than you think you need. Then drink some more.
7. Control Is an Illusion
I’m a planner. A control guy. But travel has a way of humbling you. Trains get delayed, weather changes, plans fall through. Let go and roll with it.
8. You Won’t Miss the Screens
After a few days, I didn’t miss TV, YouTube, Netflix, or even Apple TV. Turns out, Europe is pretty entertaining on its own. And it felt amazing to just unplug!
9. Pack Light. Seriously.
Susan, my wife, was right. You can wash everything you’ve packed into your carry-on in under two hours. Lugging a giant suitcase across cobblestones and through train stations? Not worth it.
10. Enjoy the Journey
It won’t all be perfect. But it will all be memorable. Embrace the chaos, the beauty, the unexpected. That’s where the magic lives.
Final Reflection
Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about the places we visited—it was about the bond we deepened, the laughter we shared, and the stories we now carry. Europe gave Matthew and me more than sights and sounds; it gave us time—uninterrupted, unfiltered, unforgettable. And if you’re lucky enough to travel with someone you love (and like), you’ll find that the real destination isn’t a place on a map—it’s the connection you build along the way.