The Boatwrights Abroad: A New Adventure

Well hello! I have not written on this blog in a long time, but after the trip we just took as a family, I wanted to document the adventure. Both for myself to remember, and to share for anyone else planning a trip.

Looking at this blog, I'm realizing that while I documented our last international trip via social media (Facebook and Instagram), I did not bring those posts onto the blog. The previous posts here are from a trip in 2013 (even though I posted about it in 2016). Not posted here--in April of 2016 Zach and I took Wilder, 2.5, and Felicity, 6 months, with us on a trip to Paris and to Florence. It was challenging, and also very fun. And it was the last time we went out of the country for 9 years. Not on purpose, that's just the way life happened.

Over spring break in 2025, Zach and I took Wilder, now 11, and Felicity, now 9, to London and Paris for 13 days. In the next few posts, I'll be sharing about our travel--where we went, what we saw, things we ate, et cetera. I hope this is interesting to you, and hopefully will spark some wanderlust! Without further ado, here is my first post.

Twenty years ago this year, I took my first trip to Europe, studying abroad in Angers, France. I visited London and Paris for the first time that year. Zach also has studied abroad and visited London and Paris before. Together, we’ve visited these places several times (including for our honeymoon and 3rd anniversary), but it’s been 9 years since we last went overseas, to Paris, with 2.5 year old Wilder and 6 month old Felicity. This March, we took Wilder and Felicity to London and Paris! It’s a trip we’ve wanted to take for a long time, and it serves as a 15th wedding anniversary, 40th birthday celebration for me, and really—just a chance to travel as a family with our kids this age. 

Zach and I both have so enjoyed traveling--separately, together, and as a family. We want to introduce our kids to other countries, cultures and history. Both of them have expressed interest in learning about and traveling to other places, so this trip was a great way to plan something fun together. 

As soon as we booked the trip, I immediately purchased the latest versions of Rick Steves’ London and Paris guidebooks. Every time Zach and I have taken a trip to Europe, I get these books, and they help with planning tremendously. I can’t recommend them enough! I also used Rick’s website, and his app for its great FREE audioguides for various sites.

Some items I purchased before our trip that made things more comfortable or convenient (Note, I don't have an affiliate link, I'm just sharing what was helpful!):

Travel adapters - this can work for a bunch of different countries. I would not use it for a device like a blow dryer. I chose to bring a universal hair diffuser (that broke on the trip so I wouldn't recommend it) and the blow dryer at the two places we stayed. Blow dryers use a lot of power and can get fried if you bring an American one to another country! I have ruined hair straighteners this way!

Wallet - this little wallet has scan-proof details. I liked the bright color and strap--made it easy to find in my black purse. Also, most places had tap technology so you rarely needed your wallet!

Wristlet for phone - I LOVED having a wrist strap for my phone. I had it out all the time, whether it was for map directions, going through turnstiles with the wallet app, searching for restaurants. But I wanted an extra layer of security from someone grabbing my phone. The wrist strap was so handy, and it also made finding my phone in my purse pocket easy. The tether itself just lies on the phone between the phone and the case, and it was fraying a bit by the end of the trip. But I really only needed it for the trip and it did exactly what I needed.

Lululemon festival purse 
This purse was the perfect size and design for walking around. I liked the folder top to keep things inside a little more secure

Adidas spezial shoes

Dr. Scholl’s tennis shoes - these were $48 on clearance from DSW, and looks like they're out of stock there. I liked the pink accents--they're still available in other colors for a lower price.

Motion sickness patches - we use these for car travel for the kids, and they've replaced zofran! We used them on the flight.

Folding tote bag - this was helpful in bringing lunches and jackets back home. We stowed souvenirs in our suitcases and used this for overflow. If our bags were over on the weight, I would have put items in here for that.

Here was our itinerary:

March 8: Fly to London

March 9: London - Harston visit

March 10: London - double decker bus tour, Thames river cruise tour

March 11: London - Harry Potter Studios

March 12: London - Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms

March 13: London - British museum, chocolates and dinner with Harstons

March 14: London -> Paris - Seine river cruise

March 15: Paris - Visit the Powells, dinner with Claire and family

March 16: Paris - Galeries Lafayette, visit Charlotte and Maxime

March 17: Paris - Arc de Triomphe, Louvre museum

March 18: Paris - Photo shoot, Musee d’Orsay, Musee l'armee

March 19: Paris - Marche President Wilson, Tuileries, dinner with the Gulledges

March 20: Paris - Notre Dame, Deportation Memorial, Montmartre

March 21: Paris -> DFW

As I'm writing, let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like me to talk about from our trip!

And away we go!