Notes From Europe
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend time in London, Poland, and Switzerland.
The trip wasn't a traditional vacation. Part of it was work, part of it was exploration, and part of it was simply taking advantage of being somewhere new.
It reminded me of something I've believed for a long time. It doesn't matter why you're traveling. Whether it be a honeymoon, milestone celebration, work travel, or tracing your family history. Whatever brings you there, I've found that every trip has something fascinating to teach you, if you're willing to pay attention.
For Americans, Europe is especially interesting. Most of us can trace at least part of our family history back there. Walking through these cities isn't just sightseeing. In many ways, it's walking through chapters of our own story.
London: Sometimes the best moments are the ones you never planned
London was only a one-night stop, but it completely changed my perception of the city.
I stayed in Mayfair, one of London's most elegant neighborhoods. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and parks full of people enjoying the day.
As we wandered through Green Park, we realized the crowds were there for the King's Birthday Parade. Within minutes we were standing with thousands of Londoners, watching the royal procession pass through the city. It wasn’t something we had planned at all, but those are the moments that end up sticking with me the most.
Our hotel, Fleming's Mayfair, ended up being another highlight. The personalized service stood out from the moment we landed. Through Fora Reserve, our stay included a private airport transfer from Heathrow, and before I'd even finished my coffee after arriving early, the team had upgraded me to a beautiful suite that featured an honor gin bar!
While waiting for our room, I overheard the morning staff meeting. I overheard the team discussing arriving guests, VIP amenities, and personalized touches for each stay. You could tell exceptional service was part of the culture.
If you're looking for an upscale boutique hotel with incredible service and a fantastic location for exploring London on foot, Fleming's Mayfair is one I'll confidently recommend.
Poland: The destination that surprised me most
If I had to choose one country that exceeded my expectations, it would be Poland.
It's remarkably clean, incredibly safe, welcoming, and significantly more affordable than many of Europe's better-known destinations.
At the same time, it isn't trying to be southern France or the Amalfi Coast.
Oddly enough, driving through the countryside reminded me of Iowa. I actually sent photos to my family asking them to guess where I was. Several, including my daughter, guessed "Iowa!".
That similarity sent me down a rabbit hole thinking about immigration patterns. It suddenly made perfect sense why so many Europeans settled where they did. They found landscapes and climates that felt familiar. The Polish migrated heavily to the Midwest. Think about Germans in central Iowa, Norwegians in Minnesota, Italians in northern California, or Scottish communities in Appalachia.
While in Kraków, we stayed at the Sheraton Kraków, which I thought struck an excellent balance for first-time visitors. It's an easy walk to Wawel Castle and the Old Town, the breakfast was one of the best we had during the entire trip, and it offers the consistency Marriott travelers appreciate without sacrificing a fantastic location.
Poland is also a country that feels like it's building toward the future. It's one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, yet because it still uses the Polish złoty rather than the euro, it remains an exceptional value for travelers.
The most impactful experience of my trip was visiting Auschwitz. I've described it to friends this way: I spent three hours learning about the countless ways human beings found to torture and murder other human beings. It's emotionally exhausting, and it should be.
Standing where these events actually happened removes the distance that books and movies create. You leave with a much deeper appreciation for why these stories must continue to be told.
A few days later, we found ourselves in Wrocław and wandered into PRL Klub, a bar themed around life during Poland's communist era. Vintage furniture, propaganda posters, memorabilia from another era. It was a quick little stop, with a playful step back into one of Poland's (many) dark eras.
Switzerland: A country I'll never get tired of
This was my third trip to Switzerland, and at this point, it's becoming one of my favorite countries in the world.
Most people think immediately of the Alps, and they absolutely deserve the attention they receive. If you haven't seen them in person, add them to your list.
This trip, however, was centered around Zurich. One unusually warm afternoon, I joined hundreds of locals floating down the Limmat River through the middle of the city. It was a great way to escape the heat and experience Zurich a bit like a local.
I also had the chance to visit the small town of Bischofszell, a place most tourists never see. Walking through the historic center and learning how the homes themselves were built as part of the town's defensive wall reminded me that some of the best travel experiences can happen well away from the famous landmarks.
Switzerland continues to fascinate me for another reason, too.
If you know me, you know I love efficiency, and the Swiss do it well. It’s hard not to appreciate how seamless everything feels the moment you step onto a train. The transportation system is nothing short of remarkable. Everything simply works. It’s impressive to see how smoothly everything runs.
Why I travel
When I think back on this trip, I'm grateful for fitting in some really interesting experiences in between "work time". None of it was carefully planned or neatly listed on an itinerary, but that’s what made it meaningful. Travel sometimes is just about paying attention where you're at in the moment. If you’re going anywhere, give yourself the space to notice what’s happening around you.
If Europe has been on your list, I'd love to help you experience it in a way that fits how you like to travel. Whether that's boutique hotels in London, hidden gems in Poland, or scenic rail journeys through Switzerland, there's a version of Europe that's waiting to surprise you.
Happy travels!
