1. Book the direct flight. No matter what your husband wants to save.
2. For all you know, he might lose his passport.
3. And your brand new shoes will give you blisters from all the in-airport-sprinting.
4. If he loses it, kiss him extra. It’ll make you forget you want to rip his head off.
5. Pack underwear in your carry on.
6. There is no doubt your checked luggage will not make it.
7. Don’t let your husband pack his fan in the carry on.
8. It’s not an essential item, believe it or not.
9. Your underwear is.
10. Beware of all tiny elevators.
11. Those who might not normally panic, can, well, panic.
12. Oh, your husband will maybe pack 2 pillows, so make sure you pack lightly.
13. Said husband will also probably sweep you off your feet again, so no worries on the pillows.
14. Mediterranean weather is fickle. Pack jeans & a coat, but don’t forget the tank & flip flops, either.
15. I think everyone over there thought I was crazy.
16. I didn’t pack jeans.
17. So, when we walked down the 600 steps on the side Santorini (itself!) around hundreds of donkeys (and their poo), I wore t-strap sandals & a maxi skirt.
18. Classic.
19. Argostoli, Greece, took our breath away–we might go off-grid and move there.
20. Rome is magnificent
21. The Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica both brought tears to my eyes.
22. The Coliseum did the same for Matt.
23. I read 6 books on our trip.
24. It was the most enchanting, inspiring, electrifying time I’ve ever had.
25. Can I go back yet?
Oh, this made me giggle! I love the candid shots. I have never been on a cruise but I have heard so many great things about them. You visited some amazing sights, some of which are on my “must see” list. Happy Monday and thanks for sharing your sweet adventures!
I’m glad, Donna! Me too!
🙂
shaunna
Oh, what a wonderful time you both must have had! I am positively green with envy! But so happy for you – what a wonderful trip!
Glad you could keep your sense of humor intact despite no jeans and donkey poo (Sounds like a pet name – OOOH, Donkeypoo!)
It WAS a great time, donkey poo and all.
🙂
shaunna
Love this! So jealous too, maybe one day I’ll get to go with my hubby and see all those amazing things. Glad you guys had such an adventurous time!
Thanks, Paula! I’m sure you will–go for it!!
🙂
shaunna
Hey Shauna,
I love the pictures and am so happy for you that you got to experience this. I’d love it if you’d post or email me the cruise line you took,etc and whether you’d recommend it. My 50th is coming up soon and this looks like a winner.
Margaret
Hey Margaret–it was Holland America & we loved it! Definitely book early enough to grab a room with a balcony…roomy and worth it for the views of each port! Hope that helps!
🙂
shaunna
Oh, I’m so envious! My hubby and I celebrate our 30th anniversary this year and I want to go on a trip like this. Maybe next year…keeping my fingers crossed!
I hope so, Gina! We kinda went for it because we figured it would be a looong time before we could swing it again. Crossing my fingers for you, too!
🙂
shaunna
Hi Shauna,
your trip looks amazing. You managed to squeeze is loads of really fantastic European sights in one trip despite the initial chaos!
Just wondering if you suffered with motion sickness on the trip or after? My husband is looking at a cruise (I think it’s more or less the same stops as the one you went on) but I suffer with headaches and am worried that I’ll feel the motion of the water which will stress me out and give me headaches!! Not that I’m dramatic at all! I’ve spoken to friends who’ve been but have had mixed opinions – how did you find it?
Sam x
We did a little bit, Samantha. I wound up taking the non-drowsy dramamine every day that I felt a little funny…Definitely just take it the day you board, and keep it in your system. you should be fine, then. It also depends…Caribbean waters were smooth sailing, but we found the Mediterranean pretty rough. 9 foot swells one day! As long as I took the meds, I was fine….a little drowsy, but not bad. Better than sea-sickness! Have FUN!
🙂
shaunna
Your post made me cry; so sweet. I’m really glad you’re able to look back and smile on it all. 🙂
Aw, Staci! It was SO fun–and really one of the best experiences we’ve shared…couldn’t have asked for more fun!
🙂
shaunna
Loved this post! So sweet and so true! I won’t say your “Mother told you to always pack underwear in your carryon”! LOL!!! Love you!!!
Thank you, mama. Well, my mother also gave me her brain, which tends to forget things like that! lol
🙂
shaunna
It makes my heart happy for you two. Enjoy each moment. Thanks so much for posting the pictures.
Smiles, Alice
Thank you, Alice. We sure intend to!
🙂
shaunna
Oh Shauna, If ever you have any doubts at all about your relationship, take a look at the photo just above #20 – you look so beautiful standing next to your sweet hubby – only a girl in a GREAT realtionship can look that lovely! Love this post!
What a sweet thing to say, Jeannie!!! We feel quite blessed to have found each other…he’s certainly my person, if ya know what I mean.
🙂
shaunna
Shauna,
What a wonderful post! I loved your list, and I am happy you were able to roll with the punches. My husband and I love to travel and have definitely been through some “trying” moments of vacation, but in the end, it is so worth it. Your pictures made me smile, and you look SO happy! Thanks for the tour; I loved it!
Tracey
great shots of you and your man, it looks like you had a great time! My 18 year old son is leaving Thursday to tour Spain and Italy for ten days and I can’t wait to show him your pics, he’s going to get even more excited!
Too bad you can’t do a “25 things to make a mom feel better about sending her baby to the other side of the world” post! I’m a wreck!
Adorable photos! Planning a cruise right now. Thanks, Shauna. And have enough FUN for all of us @ Haven.
Shaunna…I have loved seeing your sweet pics! You & Matt seem to be having such a great time! Hal & I have not had a European get away and I so hope to be able to experience it with him someday!
My first trip to Europe was shared with my sweet Trent! It was priceless to be able to go with my child and see his wonderment and the realization of how big & grand our world is! Just so special seeing through the eyes of your child!
I felt the very same about the Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica! I was awe-struck, teary eyed & goosie bumpie all at the same time! 🙂
Greece looks spectacular!!! Your previous pics of the cityscapes & landscapes are gorgeous! Looks like an awesome destination!
Too crazy….I just returned from a cruise out of NYC with my sweet family! While approaching our final day on the ship, my husband and I decided to plunge noggin first and booked a Mediterranean cruise for next June to celebrate our 20th anniversary! What ship did you sail on and for how many nights? Would you recommend June or another month? Your post was adorable. Many thanks….