Recently updated on June 19th, 2023 at 08:51 am
Our Trafalgar Unlocked Awards has now closed, but we’re still enjoying sharing the beautiful stories we received through over 10,000 incredible entries from our guests.
One of these entries comes from Benedict, who shared his incredible story about taking a Europe tour with Trafalgar twice – 20 years apart.
Trafalgar will always have a special place in my heart. It was through Trafalgar and Mimi Gregor (& Driver Alisandro) that I was first introduced to Paris, Florence, Rome, and other beautiful European cities 20 years ago. It was one of the best trips of my childhood years. The historical attractions, the art, the culture, the scenery, the mouthwatering cuisine, and hospitality of our guides created so many precious memories for me and my family. The trip also marked a new chapter in my life as I had just graduated high school at that time.
Little did I know that 20 years later, I would be back to the same cities that I fell in love with as a young man once again as I turn another chapter in my life (what is with Trafalgar and new chapters in my life?) transitioning from singlehood to The World Of The Married! Yes I spent my honeymoon in Paris, Florence, Rome (Lucerne & Venice included) under Trafalgar’s European Traveler led by the enthusiastic Graham Smith (who wakes you up with his trademark GOOOOOOOOOOD MORNNNNNNING voice) and Driver Enrico and Fabio.
Just like before, the service was top notch and even better as the bus is now equipped with charging stations and WIFI! The Trafalgar experience remains unmatched because it allows you to visit the most countries within a short period of time under the comfort of a first-class motor coach and hotels. It was the best trip of my life so far as the combination of being in Europe for the first time with the love of my life and the nostalgia (visited roughly the same places) from the Trafalgar trip 20 years ago made it surreal.
I consider these memories as my treasures in life and they were all made possible by Trafalgar.
We talked to Benedict to find out more about his incredible Europe tour and how these destinations have changed over the last 20 years.
Tell us more about your first Trafalgar Europe tour. What are some of your favorite memories from this trip?
My first Trafalgar trip was truly special as it marked my graduation gift from my parents and my inaugural journey to Europe. Trafalgar fulfilled my long-held dream of visiting iconic movie locations like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs Elysees, the Roman Colosseum, and Venice. As a passionate food lover, I relished the opportunity to savor authentic Parisian, Italian, Swiss, German, and Dutch cuisine. It became evident that while European cuisine can be found worldwide, the most delightful and genuine flavors are truly experienced in Europe itself.
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Tell us about your second Trafalgar Europe tour 20 years later. Who did you travel with this time?
My second Trafalgar trip to Europe held a special significance for several reasons. Firstly, it served as my honeymoon. While gazing at the Eiffel Tower with my wife in my arms, I realized that the last time I stood in that spot was right after high school graduation. It marked a new chapter in my life, and it seems that Trafalgar journeys coincide with important milestones.
Secondly, the trip evoked nostalgia as I revisited landmarks I had seen 20 years ago, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Colosseum, and Santa Croce. The ability to compare “before” and “current” pictures was truly amazing. Lastly, this trip was my first time traveling since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced strict lockdown measures in my country. Being able to finally leave the confines of my home after over two years and find myself in Europe was surreal and filled me with a sense of gratitude.
GET INSPIRED BY: European Traveler
Why did you choose to travel to Europe with Trafalgar again?
I chose to travel with Trafalgar for our honeymoon because I wanted everything to be near-perfect and without any unexpected surprises. Having traveled with Trafalgar before in 1999, organized by Mimi Gregor and Co., I had complete confidence in their excellent track record. As anticipated, Graham Smith and Co. surpassed our expectations once again. Trafalgar efficiently allowed us to visit numerous destinations in a short span of time, all while enjoying the comfort of a first-class motor coach and accommodations. Our parents, who are naturally protective, were at ease knowing we were in capable hands.
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How have Trafalgar’s tours changed over the 20 years?
Trafalgar incorporated technology which was amazing. The bus now has a built-in WiFi connection and charging stations which allowed us to keep in touch with our loved ones at home. It also allowed us to share our experiences with them in an INSTANT as we were able to upload our pictures immediately through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. One final amazing feature was the headsets provided to us… Now everyone can hear the guides clearly during the walking tours.
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What was it like to visit some of the same destinations 20 years later on your Europe tour?
Visiting the same places after 20 years evokes a sense of surrealism, as the memories from that time remain vivid, leading to nostalgia and a longing for my parents who accompanied me on that journey. The noticeable changes are quite striking. Venice has become more “commercialized” with an increase in vendor stands selling souvenirs, fewer pigeons in St. Mark’s Square, and the presence of traffic during gondola rides. The gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower now allow picnics, whereas in 1999, there were railings. Notre Dame is different due to the scaffoldings following the fire. Eugene Delacroix’s painting “Liberty Leading the People” is now adorned with a more beautiful frame. There are fewer trees around the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Lastly, entry to Santa Croce and the view of Machiavelli’s tomb now come with a price tag. These are just a few observations I made during my visit.
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What is your all-time favorite travel destination?
When it comes to choosing my favorite destination, it’s a tough decision between Paris and Rome. I have fallen equally in love with both cities and their unique charms. Paris holds the top spot as the most popular European destination in my country, thanks to its romantic atmosphere, elegant architecture, sophisticated cuisine, and excellent shopping opportunities.
However, I cannot dismiss Rome’s allure, especially when I reminisce about its old-world charm, the picturesque terracotta roofs that blend beautifully with the sunset, and the incredible cuisine crafted from simple ingredients, among many other highlights. When I have the opportunity to return to Europe, I am determined to visit both cities once again, as they have truly captured my heart.
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What is the best thing about traveling with Trafalgar?
One of the things I truly appreciate about traveling with Trafalgar is their dedication to integrating modern technology into the journey. It’s not just about the nostalgia and new experiences they offer, but also about staying connected in the digital age. Their state-of-the-art buses with WIFI and charging stations allowed us to easily stay in touch with loved ones and share our adventures on social media.
Being able to capture and document our experiences in real time added an extraordinary touch to our journey, creating lasting memories that we could share with the world. Moreover, the provision of headsets ensured we didn’t miss any details during our walking tours, as the guides provided crisp and clear audio commentary. With Trafalgar, it’s not only about the destinations themselves but also about embracing technology and connectivity to enhance the overall travel experience.
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Why is it important to travel and experience new places and cultures?
One of the reasons I cherish traveling is the way it broadens my perspective on life. Exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures allows me to see the world in a whole new light. Witnessing the beauty of historical landmarks and engaging with the warm and hospitable locals has had a profound impact on my outlook. It not only deepens my appreciation for the diversity and richness of our planet but also instils in me a sense of positivity.
Through these experiences, I am reminded of the inherent beauty that exists in the world, and it inspires me to approach life with a more positive mindset. Trafalgar journeys have truly enriched my life, allowing me to embrace the wonders of different cultures and fostering a greater sense of optimism within me.
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Where else is on your bucket list?
For our next travel destination, we are considering revisiting Italy, France, or Spain and participating in a Trafalgar tour that allows for an extended stay in a single country. This way, we can fully immerse ourselves in the local culture and experience the true essence of the destination, rather than rushing through multiple countries with limited time in each.
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Is there anything else you’d like to share about your wonderful Europe tour?
This Trafalgar trip also allowed me to fulfil a long-awaited desire. During my previous visit to Lucerne in 1999, I missed the opportunity to go paddle boating on the beautiful lake due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, on this trip, I was determined to make it happen. I convinced my wife to join me, and together we embarked on a memorable paddle boating adventure.
It was a remarkable experience as we glided across the lake, taking in the city and its landmarks from a unique perspective. Finally being able to cross this activity off my bucket list brought me a sense of satisfaction and closure. I’m grateful to Trafalgar for giving me the chance to revisit Lucerne and fulfil this long-awaited dream.
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Thank you to Benedict for sharing your fantastic story about your Europe tour. You can read more stories from our Trafalgar guests on The Real Word blog.