With Father’s Day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate it than by sharing some of our favourite guests’ travel stories with their dads. From road trips gone awry to unforgettable adventures in far-flung destinations, these real life tales highlight the special bond between fathers and their children – as well as encapsulating the joy and fulfilment that comes with exploring the world together.
Following my family’s Italian roots – by Lauren
‘My dad had always wanted to go to Italy and see the country where his grandfather came from. This was our first family trip to Italy and this picture was taken in a water taxi in Venice. His family was from a town North of Venice so this was closest we got on this trip. We returned two years later and travelled to Treviso to visit the old family homestead.‘
Lauren on Italy Bellissimo
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Visiting Dad’s (Austrian) hometown – by Alexander
This moment was special for a number of reasons. My Dad was born in Austria, and moved to the United States when he was young, and had not been back since. Even from that early age, he had some amazing memories of his childhood and couldn’t wait to go back. A little over 60 years later, here I am with my Father on this magnificent trip of Switzerland and Austria, stopping in many of the places he visited as a child, including the very city he grew up in! Little did I know, a few short years later, I would be diagnosed with cancer, then lose my mother to cancer right as my treatment ended. This photo holds a special memory to me, not only to see my dad shining and so happy to be home, but because it reminds me of how important family is, and how valuable quality time, like on Trafalgar vacations, is. This is a trip I will never forget and I hold it near and dear to my heart, and look forward to my next adventure with my Dad.
Alexander on Switzerland and Austria
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Making cherished memories in Southern Europe – by Faith
‘This trip was very special to my sister and I. My dad was stationed in Europe many years ago and had always talked about his time living there. It was a trip of a lifetime made possible by Trafalgar. We made memories with our dad that we will always cherish. The Best of Italy and Greece trip was amazing! We got to see all of the sites and had very knowledgeable tour guides! We will always cherish these memories.’
Faith on Best of Italy and Greece
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Christmas Day strolls in Switzerland by Candice
‘Spending Christmas on a family trip in Europe, Dad and I took a walk through Lucerne on Christmas Day…as we stopped overlooking the town and valley, all the Church Bells started ringing at midday, echoing across the rooftops and lake. It’s one of my most magical memories of Christmas time!!’
Candice on European Highlights
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Ticking off Dad’s bucket list together – by Joy
‘Machu Picchu has been on my Dad’s bucket list for many years! During Covid he really questioned if he’d be able to make it, when he could still physically manage it. I got to go with him and this picture was when we got our first view. WOW! It was amazing, but even better was being able to watch my Dad soak it all in. Thank you for helping me be able to get my Dad there!!!!‘
Joy on Highlights of Peru
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Taking Dad back through Europe – by Dave
This was my Dad’s first time back to Germany since he was in the Army in the early 1960’s. My mom and Dad and I enjoying one of Germany’s finest!
Dave on Best of Germany
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Getting adventurous in Scandinavia’s fjordland – by Jennifer
‘This trip was one to remember! I had the incredible opportunity to travel Denmark, Norway and Sweden with my dad. We had many highlights throughout the trip, including the beautiful scenery, tasty food, and wonderful people we met on the trip! This moment was special because my dad and I love mountains and water and adventure, and the fjords offered it all!’
Jennifer on Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
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Living for the moment in Alaska – by Joel
‘My father & I had been planning an Alaska trip for years. Beginning around 2005 or so. We were ready to go in 2009/2010. Suddenly my father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The trip was obviously put on the back burner. Fortunately, the cancer was removed & my father continued to live a fairly normal life. After losing all 3 of his siblings in the following years to come via cancer & a brain tumor, travel just kind of fell to the wayside. Finally in 2019 we decided that tomboyish no guarantee so we booked our trip for 2020. Then, bam. COVID! We sat at for another couple years. My father was also diagnosed with black lung from coal mining for 39 years. Not knowing what the future would hold for him (or for anyone for that matter) we finally made our trip a reality this past July (2022). I traveled to Europe on my honeymoon several years ago with Trafalgar & had the best experience traveling that I have ever had. Therefore, we knew we wanted to travel with Trafalgar to Alaska. It was a stellar experience. Everything we dreamed of & more!’
Joel on Majestic Alaska
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Grandfather-grandson bonding in snowy bliss – by Gordon
‘As a Grandfather who had just been “Run Over” and buried with sheer glee by my Grandson’s toboggan in the pure Swiss snow, that’s a moment in time captured, and then stored as a wonderful memory locked within for all time. Thank you again Trafalgar.’
Gordon on Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
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Have your own tales of traveling with your dad that you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below