One Month In: Traveling in Europe as a Family of 6

TravelFamily

Jul 16

Written By GoLive

Why We Took this Trip + Where We’ve Been + What We’ve Learned So Far

An Introduction

Today marks one month since our family of six began an extended trip across Europe. It feels both like we’ve been gone much longer and, somehow, like we just boarded the plane. One month ago, we entered a deliberate pause — a choosing of a different rhythm for our family. And while there have been challenges (of course), I can say with confidence that this trip has been nothing short of amazing.

What a gift to be able to do this.
To have uninterrupted time with each other.
Time for conversation, for connection.
Time to explore new places and face challenges without being overwhelmed by frustration.
Time to learn and grow.
What a gift.

It’s been years since I’ve written in this way, but this feels like the right moment to return. A moment when our pace has slowed, distractions are limited, and my heart and mind feel refreshed and inspired. Whether I write one post or many, my hope is that this space brings you joy — and helps you notice the beauty all around you, right where you are. You can read more about that here.

Why We Took This Trip

My husband (a pastor) is on sabbatical this summer.

Full-time pastoral ministry is deeply rewarding, but uniquely demanding, often blurring the lines between work, worship, and family in ways that make true rest hard to find. After nearly two decades of church planting and shepherding, including nine years without extended rest, it was time for a purposeful pause.

A sabbatical offers space for spiritual renewal, family connection, and personal healing — not as a luxury, but as an investment in long-term health and sustainability. The goal is to return refreshed, restored, and more deeply rooted in our calling — as a couple, as a family, and as part of our church.

To truly sabbatical requires a break in rhythm and routine that can only happen, fully, outside the normal demands of life at home — hence, the travel and the length of time away.

This summer also marked a pause for me as well, stepping away from The Morning (read more about that here) and from my staff role as creative director and designer at our church. I knew that in order to truly rest, reflect, and be present, I needed to lay those responsibilities down too, for a time.

This season also aligned with some beautiful milestones: our 20th(!!) wedding anniversary, our son graduating high school, and his 18th birthday.

Traveling has always been one of our favorite ways to celebrate, rest, and reconnect. After several full and busy seasons, we were longing for margin — for presence, stillness, and time to linger. Together.

Why We Chose Europe

We love Europe.

We love international travel, especially Europe.

My husband, Aaron, spent summers in Spain growing up, doing church planting work with his dad. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy and fell head over heels. International travel has shaped both of our stories, and we wanted to continue to share that with our children.

We did consider other options, Montana, Wyoming, upstate New York, even a California road trip up the Pacific Coast (maybe one day!) but in the end, Europe made the most sense. Flights were actually less expensive, and we could travel between countries more easily and affordably.

What We’ve Learned So Far

What it looks like (in real time) to pivot, change plans, handle disappointment, and choose joy — together
The value of margin and giving yourself more time than you think you need (I refuse to sprint after another train or bus)
The importance of double-checking reservation dates, especially when there’s a no-cancellation policy
How magical even the simplest meal can be when shared as a family, especially while playing this game or this game

Where We’ve Been & Where We are Headed

London, England
The Cotswolds (Chipping Campden)
Normandy (Honfleur, France)
Paris (with bikes and baguettes!)
Aix-en-Provence (slow days, flower markets, afternoon naps)
Girona, Spain (currently)
Pineda de Mar, Spain (our last stop)

thank you.

Thank you for being here, truly.

I hope this becomes a space where I can share what I’m learning, how I’m being challenged, and how I’m finding joy, right in the place God has me. I hope it brings you joy, too.

I’m so grateful to be here. With you.

With grace,
Ashlee

P.S. If you’d like these notes delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for my weekly-ish letter, Notes from Ashlee — it’s free.

P.P.S. Is there anything you would want me to share about more, related to our travel? Leave a comment and let me know!