A Mother-Daughter Journey-Europe
Europe Through Her Eyes: A Mother-Daughter Journey Through World War II History
My 13-year-old daughter loves World War II history. This summer, I got to follow that curiosity with her through Amsterdam, Paris, Normandy, London and Belgium. I have always loved history, too, but I had no idea just how much this trip would teach both of us—or how much I would treasure the time we spent together.
Amsterdam to Paris: History and the Little Moments
In Amsterdam, we visited the Anne Frank House. My daughter knew Anne’s story, but walking through the rooms where her family hid gave us a different sense of its reality. It was a moving start to a trip shaped by the places and people she had learned about.
We took the Eurostar to Paris, where we made room for the other things we love about travel: wandering, discovering new corners of a city and shopping. I loved exploring a Paris passage with her—and, of course, I had my own mission to investigate the French pharmacies for skincare and makeup.
Normandy: The Part She Still Talks About
From Paris, we went to Bayeux for an overnight stay and joined Overlord Tours for its Band of Brothers tour. Our guide, Thierry, brought the history into focus as we visited places connected to the story. The tour was absolutely amazing.
Then came a moment none of us could have planned: at one of our stops, my daughter met Ross McCall, the actor who portrayed Joseph Liebgott in Band of Brothers. He happened to be there, and meeting him became the highlight of her entire trip.
London: Churchill, Codebreaking and Big Ben
London gave us time to enjoy the city’s familiar sights and continue following her interest in the war. We toured the Churchill War Rooms, then traveled to Bletchley Park to learn more about the codebreakers and their work on Enigma messages. I went in thinking I knew quite a bit about World War II. I left realizing how much more there is to learn.
Belgium: The Ardennes and Bastogne
In Belgium, we rented a car and drove into the Ardennes, staying in Bastogne. We explored sites connected to the Battle of the Bulge, including the Bois Jacques, the 101st Airborne Museum and the Bastogne War Museum. We could easily have spent longer there. Seeing the landscape alongside the exhibits helped both of us understand the history in a way a book alone could not.
What I’ll Remember Most
As much as we loved the historic sites, I will remember the smaller moments just as clearly: riding the train together, laughing in Bayeux, navigating new places and trying unfamiliar foods. My daughter is not the most adventurous eater, but she tried quite a few new things, and I was proud of her.
I loved watching her interests guide our travels. I loved learning beside her, and having the kind of one-on-one time that can be hard to find at home. We returned with a deeper understanding of World War II, new experiences in four countries and stories that are ours to share.
Travel has always been an education for me. This trip reminded me that it can also be a wonderful way to connect with your child. And if my daughter has her way, Normandy will be on our itinerary again soon.
Is there a place your child dreams of seeing? Whether their passion is history, art, nature or something entirely their own, I would love to help you plan a trip around it.
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