Film image by Judith Rae, Slovenia Snowy Winter.
This holiday season, our family embraces our European family holiday adventure by traveling light and focusing on meaningful experiences. Instead of an overly scheduled trip, we’re embracing spontaneity and focusing on what truly matters to us:
Creating memorable moments together.
Exploring.
Having fun.
Soaking up all the joy this time of year brings.
Our European holiday adventure takes us through Barcelona, Milan, Trieste, and Slovenia, and the one thing we know for sure? We’re keeping things easy, discovering hidden gems, and making space for laughs, great food, and new adventures.
New Traditions and Freedom to Flow
Over the past year, my daughter and I created a tradition that feels like a gentle anchor in all our wanderings, one we love: visiting a spa in every city we travel to. It’s become our way to relax, connect, and experience something unique in each place. This trip is no different! From thermal baths in Slovenia to tucked-away wellness retreats in Italy, we’re on a mission to find some of Europe’s most peaceful (and luxurious!) spots.
When thinking of a peaceful spot in Barcelona, we imagine a rooftop retreat where we can watch the holiday lights dance across the skyline. In Milan, perhaps a spa hidden within elegant corridors, offering a quiet pause, could be a memorable place for us to visit together. In Slovenia, we imagine thermal baths warmed by natural springs—how luxurious! This could become our favorite refuge from the snowy landscape outside.
It’s funny how traditions like this sneak up on you. What started as a one-off experience has become something we both look forward to—our shared moment of calm while exploring new places.
This ritual isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake—it’s about carving out a moment of calm and connection. Just as a single cherished photograph can set the tone for the space it hangs in, these spa visits set the tone for our travels:
- Restoring us.
- Reminding us to be present.
- Helping us appreciate the quiet amid the holiday bustle.
Along with exploring local spas, we’ll wander through hidden alleys, linger at local markets, and follow our instincts toward authentic and meaningful experiences.
First Stop, Barcelona: Festive Lights & Culinary Whispers
Our first stop, Barcelona, twinkles with holiday lights illuminating the Gothic Quarter and creating a sense of wonder as we meander through festive markets. As legend has it, Barcelona is older than Rome. With so much history, I’m excited to wander through neighborhoods and get lost while admiring architecture, culture, fashion, and art. I imagine we’ll sample fresh pastries, discover hidden cafés, and seek that perfect spa moment. By day’s end, we’ll have stumbled upon unexpected treasures—perhaps an intimate courtyard, a small boutique gallery, wandered into a local thrift store and then grabbed a corner table where we can watch the world drift by as we sip on our comforting drinks of choice.
Sometimes, the best stories are found when we slow down and let ourselves be surprised.
Barcelona may be famous for its sunny Mediterranean summers, but this enchanting winter offers special magic. With fewer crowds and a gentler pace, the off-season opens up a world of hidden lanes, intimate cultural experiences, and authentic flavors that can be savored without the hustle. Our stay in Barcelona will be a quietly luxurious prelude—a chance to unwind, explore, connect, and delight in some lesser-known corners of the Catalan capital.
What We’re Most Excited to Do in Barcelona on Our European Holiday Adventure
•Discovering Spas: I’ve heard whispers about a stunning rooftop spa with city views. Perfect for starting our trip with a bit of indulgence. My daughter shared that Aire Spa is a favorite place to experience thermal baths.
•Cooking Together: My daughter’s been exploring her newfound love of cooking, and we’re hoping to try a fun paella-making class together. There’s something so special about learning a new dish in the city where it was born.
•Wandering Without a Plan: Whether strolling through the Gothic Quarter or sipping hot chocolate in a hidden café, we’re embracing the beauty of unhurried exploration.
•Check out the skateboarding scene. My husband truly enjoys skateboarding, and Barcelona is known to be the top skateboarding city in the world. My research tells me that MACBA (Plaça dels Àngels) is arguably Europe’s most iconic skate spot. I also hear that the plaza outside the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) is a must-visit, as, I’m sure, is the museum itself! The plaza is known for its smooth surfaces, ledges, and steps—plus, it’s a gathering place where local and international skaters meet, swap stories, and inspire each other. Even if we want to watch the scene, I have learned that MACBA’s buzzing atmosphere makes it legendary.
•Wandering through the Quiet Charms of El Born and Gràcia. While the Gothic Quarter often steals the limelight, El Born and Gràcia are perfect for leisurely winter strolls. In El Born, we can explore narrow medieval streets where chic boutiques mingle with centuries-old architecture. We certainly love chocolate, and I think what a treat it will be to pop into the Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) and warm up with a thick, rich hot chocolate at Petritxol Xocoa. The nearby Santa Caterina Market, with its flowing rooftop and vibrant produce stands, offers a more local, less crowded alternative to the famed Boqueria. Here, we can discover winter specialties like hearty stews, seasonal seafood, and citrus fruits at their peak.
Gràcia, a former village absorbed into the city, retains its bohemian spirit. Its leafy plazas—such as Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Sol—feel more relaxed in winter, making them perfect spots to explore. I truly enjoy photographing and experiencing fashion, so the indie boutiques along Carrer de Verdi will be ideal for discovering Barcelona’s emerging designers and picking up unique accessories to remember our trip together.
•Uncovering Local Culture in Off-Season Museums and Workshops. Winter’s slower tempo makes engaging with Barcelona’s cultural side easier. Instead of battling high-season queues at the Picasso Museum, we’re considering smaller galleries and artisan workshops. The MEAM (European Museum of Modern Art) in El Born often hosts intimate musical performances and exhibits showcasing contemporary artists. Here, we can get a genuine feel for the local art scene, which usually goes unnoticed amid Barcelona’s big-name cultural icons.
For a hands-on family activity, we might even look into a ceramics or mosaic workshop. The city’s Gaudí heritage lives on in the intricate trencadís (broken-tile mosaics) technique seen throughout Park Güell and Sagrada Família. I’ve heard that many small studios offer short classes where crafting a personal souvenir together may be fun to take home—an experience that’s both creative and connected to Barcelona’s artistic DNA.
•Fashion Finds in the Winter Light
Barcelona’s fashion pulse beats strongly in neighborhoods like El Born and the Eixample, a great spot to discover high-quality locally made pieces. Visiting in winter allows for a more personal shopping experience. Visiting Carrer de l’Argenteria or Carrer dels Flassaders in El Born for boutiques stocking handcrafted leather goods, minimalist jewelry, and unique accessories sourced from local artisans.
•A Family Spa Day for Rejuvenation
Treating ourselves to a rejuvenating spa session between sightseeing and strolling—a family ritual that slows time and balances the senses. Barcelona’s spa culture is influenced by ancient Roman baths and Moorish hammams, making it the perfect place to unwind. We are considering booking at AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona, set in an 18th-century warehouse in El Born. Here, you can soak in candlelit thermal pools, indulge in massages, and let the city’s timeless atmosphere envelop you.
Alternatively, Rituels d’Orient, inspired by traditional Oriental hammams, provides a soothing environment for a family spa day. Warm steam rooms, exfoliating treatments, and nourishing massages will leave us feeling nurtured and refreshed—a delightful counterpoint to the crisp winter air outside. I can already sense the feeling of walking on clouds after spending time at one of these spa experiences.
•Savoring the Season’s Cuisine
Barcelona is rich in culinary experiences and distinguished by it’s array of Michelin-starred restaurants. For the foodie in each of us, Barcelona offers authentic delights.
These restaurants provide a glimpse into Barcelona’s rich culinary heritage, offering both avant-garde and traditional dining experiences.
Michelin Star Restaurants:
• Disfrutar: Renowned for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine, Disfrutar provides a dynamic tasting menu that captivates diners. The restaurant is celebrated for its creativity and technical excellence.
• Lasarte: Under the leadership of chef Martín Berasategui, Lasarte offers sophisticated dishes that blend traditional and contemporary flavors, solidifying its status in Barcelona’s fine dining scene.
• ABaC: Helmed by chef Jordi Cruz, ABaC presents a modern approach to Catalan cuisine, emphasizing high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
• Cocina Hermanos Torres: Operated by the Torres brothers, this restaurant showcases creative dishes in an open-kitchen setting, allowing guests to observe the culinary process.
• Moments: Located within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Moments, led by chef Carme Ruscalleda and her son Raül Balam, offers innovative Catalan cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
• Caelis: Situated in the Ohla Barcelona hotel, Caelis, under chef Romain Fornell, blends French techniques with Mediterranean flavors, providing a refined dining experience.
• Koy Shunka: This Japanese restaurant is acclaimed for its authentic dishes and fresh ingredients, offering a unique culinary journey in Barcelona.
Now, If you (like me) are looking for an incredible paella, below are a few that stand out for their exceptional quality:
• Xiringuito Escribà: Located along the beachfront, Xiringuito Escribà is renowned for its seafood paella and scenic views, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors.
• Can Ramonet: in the Barceloneta neighborhood, Can Ramonet is one of the area’s oldest establishments, offering traditional paella in a historic setting.
• 7 Portes: A historic restaurant known for its traditional paella and other Catalan dishes, 7 Portes has been a staple in Barcelona’s dining scene since 1836.
Below are some delicious mom-and-pop restaurants to try. These restaurants capture the authentic spirit of Barcelona with their traditional dishes and family-owned charm!
•La Cova Fumada: Famous for its ‘bomba’ (spicy meatball and potato tapa). A hidden gem with a local vibe. Baluard, 56, 08003, Barceloneta
•Quimet & Quimet: Renowned for montaditos (small sandwiches). Standing-room-only bar with a rich history. C. Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004, Poble Sec
•El Xampanyet: Known for homemade cava and classic tapas. A vintage, family-owned spot since 1929. C. Montcada, 22, 08003, El Born
•Can Solé: Specializes in seafood and paella. A historic Barceloneta institution operating since 1903. C. Sant Carles, 4, 08003, Barceloneta
•Bar del Pla: A popular city-center tapas spot offering creative Catalan dishes and an impressive natural wine selection. Known for its lively atmosphere and innovative menu. Carrer de Montcada, 2, 08003 Barcelona.
•Cal Pep: A classic tapas bar famous for its fresh seafood offerings. Offers a dynamic menu based on daily market selections. Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003 Barcelona.
•Roig Robí: A family-run restaurant since 1986, offering traditional Catalan cuisine with a focus on truffle dishes. Features a romantic garden setting, ideal for intimate dining. Carrer de Sèneca, 20, 08006 Barcelona.
•La Pubilla: Known for serving one of the best ‘menu del día’ (fixed-price lunch menu) in the city, focusing on fresh, market-sourced ingredients. Offers a cozy atmosphere and creative presentations. Plaça de Llibertat, 23, 08012 Barcelona.
I’m excited to explore the city’s famous markets; I hear they are always worth a visit. We’ll also consider stopping into less touristy spots like Mercat de la Concepció or Mercat del Ninot for seasonal produce and local cheeses without the crowds.
•Embracing Barcelona’s Winter Festivals and Traditions
If your trip also falls around the holiday season, I hear the Fira de Santa Llúcia, a Christmas market in front of the cathedral, is worth exploring. Although the holiday festivities simmer down after early January, winter in Barcelona still feels celebratory. Strolling along Passeig de Gràcia to admire the modernist architecture, stepping into warm cafés for churros and chocolate, and listening for the whispers of centuries-old stories echoing down cobblestone alleys are all incredible ways to explore Barcelona in the winter.
Visiting Barcelona in winter reveals a quieter, more intimate city about subtle pleasures—hidden streets filled with craftsmanship, leisurely afternoons in tranquil squares, and layers of culture waiting to be explored. Whether discovering local boutiques, learning a new artistic skill, or soaking in ancient baths, wintertime Barcelona becomes a treasured prelude to our journey to Milan, Trieste and Slovenia. It’s an opportunity to create family memories that are as warm and personal as the city’s welcoming spirit.
NEXT Stop… Milan: Flavor, Family, and Flour-Dusted Hands
Milan is renowned for its rich history, vibrant art scene, and exceptional culinary wonders. In Milan, we are excited to meet up with my step-sister Rebeca. I’m eager to explore Milan, be inspired by its fashion-forward scene and culture, and learn some local recipes. Perhaps we’ll add some playfulness and take a pasta-making class. There’s something comforting about getting our hands messy—rolling dough, shaping noodles, and laughing about life together. This hands-on tradition ties back to creating moments that feel real and lived-in. Just as a photograph captures genuine emotion, the memory of kneading dough beside my husband, daughter, and step-sister will bring warmth to our family story for years to come.
What We’re Excited to Do in Milan During Our European Holiday Adventure
•Making Pasta from Scratch: One of my dreams has been to take a cooking class in Italy, and this trip feels like the perfect opportunity.
•A Day of Pampering: Milan is known for its luxury, and I’ve got my eye on a spa that combines traditional wellness treatments with modern flair. My daughter tells me that QC Terme Milano, is a special wellness retreat with thermal baths to experience.
•Living in the Moment: Whether people-watching in a piazza, wandering down cobblestone streets chasing the light, or checking out boutique shops, we plan to let the breeze guide us.
Milan boasts a remarkable culinary scene with several Michelin-starred restaurants to explore:
•Enrico Bartolini al Mudec: The city’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, offering innovative Italian cuisine within the Museo delle Culture.
•Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia: A two-star restaurant celebrated for its contemporary take on traditional Italian dishes.
•Seta: Also holding two Michelin stars, Seta provides a refined dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean flavors.
Family-Owned Restaurants:
•Trattoria del Nuovo Macello: A family-run restaurant serving modern twists on traditional Milanese dishes for over 60 years. Known for its innovative approach to classic recipes. Via Cesare Lombroso, 20, Milan.
•Ribot: Established in 1975, Ribot offers a romantic setting with a beautiful garden, specializing in both Milanese classics and Tuscan-inspired dishes. Famous for its osso buco and steaks. Via Marco Cremosano, 41, Milan.
•Beefbar Milano: can be found in the restored chapel of the former Archiepiscopal Seminary. Designed by Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet, the interior reflects 1940s and ’60s Milanese style, featuring terrazzo flooring, dark walnut paneling, and Verde Alpi marble tables. The menu focuses on high-quality meats and international cuisine.
•Carlo e Camilla in Segheria: Housed in a repurposed 1930s sawmill, this restaurant was created by Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco and art director Tanja Solci. The industrial-style interior has exposed pillars, raw ceilings, and brick walls, complemented by vintage chandeliers and communal dining tables. The menu offers contemporary Italian dishes.
•Cantine Isola: A historic enoteca operating since 1896, offering a cozy atmosphere with an extensive selection of wines. Known for its warm hospitality and vast wine collection. Via Paolo Sarpi, 30, Milan.
Trieste: Coastal Calm & Winter Trails
Further, along the coast of Italy, Trieste offers a quieter rhythm. Here, our love of the outdoors comes to life. We’ll search for a family-friendly winter hike or maybe even try snowboarding if conditions allow it. The promise of being active amid natural beauty feels right after our leisurely days in Barcelona and Milan. And when we’re ready to slow down again, a tranquil spa or a hidden café will welcome us, each adding a note to our ongoing holiday narrative.
What We’re Excited to Do in Trieste on Our European Holiday Adventure
Trieste boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to fine dining enthusiasts and those seeking authentic, family-run eateries.
Michelin-Starred Restaurant:
• Harry’s Piccolo: Located in the heart of Trieste at Piazza Unità d’Italia, 2, Harry’s Piccolo has been awarded two Michelin stars. Under the expertise of Executive Chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, the restaurant offers a creative cuisine that blends local and exotic ingredients, providing a unique gastronomic experience.
Notable Family-Run Restaurants:
• Hostaria G. Strehler: This cozy establishment offers a genuine local experience with a handwritten menu that changes nightly, featuring homemade dishes like polenta with various sauces. Its authentic ambiance provides a glimpse into Trieste’s culinary traditions.
• Caffè San Marco: Beyond being a café, this historic venue serves regional cuisine from the Gulf to the Karst region, focusing on seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Its rich history and unique Art Nouveau architecture add to its charm.
These establishments offer a delightful journey through Trieste’s rich culinary heritage, from exquisite fine dining to heartwarming family recipes.
Slovenia: Snow, Springs & Storybook Scenes
In Slovenia, we’ll meet up with more of our family to explore nature and city life. With its alpine landscapes, Slovenia is where we’ll end our journey. Picture snow-capped peaks, thermal springs, and the enchanting surroundings of Lake Bled. This final chapter feels like a fairy tale—stepping into landscapes that inspire deep breaths, broad smiles, and a readiness to savor every last moment. It’s about balance: exhilarating outdoor adventures and warming spa visits that soothe, blending into a story we’ll carry home.
What We’re Excited to Do in Slovenia on Our European Holiday Adventure
Slovenia’s culinary scene has garnered international acclaim, featuring a range of Michelin-starred establishments and cherished family-run restaurants that offer authentic dining experiences.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants:
• Hiša Franko (Kobarid): Under the leadership of Chef Ana Roš, Hiša Franko was awarded three Michelin stars in 2023, making it the first Slovenian restaurant to achieve this honor. The restaurant is celebrated for its innovative use of local ingredients and commitment to sustainability, earning a Michelin Green Star as well.
• Milka (Kranjska Gora): Located in the Alpine region, Milka has been awarded two Michelin stars. The restaurant is known for its alpine elegance and exquisite dining experience, offering a unique blend of local flavors and modern culinary techniques.
• Pavus (Laško): Situated at Tabor Castle, Pavus received its first Michelin star in 2024. Chef Marko Pavčnik crafts dishes that highlight regional ingredients, providing a gastronomic experience that reflects Slovenia’s rich culinary heritage.
Notable Family-Run Restaurants:
• Gostilna Pri Lojzetu (Vipava Valley): Housed in a charming old manor, this family-run establishment is renowned for its creative menu utilizing seasonal local produce. Signature dishes, such as the “Dormouse in the Style of Vipava Valley,” are complemented by excellent regional wines.
• Gostilna Rajh (Murska Sobota): Operating since 1882, Gostilna Rajh remains family-owned, now managed by the fourth and fifth generations. The restaurant offers traditional Slovenian cuisine with a modern twist, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Gostilna Krištof (Predoslje): Combining rural ambiance with modern Slovenian cuisine, this family-run restaurant has been in the catering business for over 700 years. The menu, developed with ethnology experts, features historically inspired yet contemporary dishes.
• Gostilna Mihovec (Zgornje Pirniče): With more than 150 years of tradition, this family-run restaurant blends modern Slovenian cuisine and genuine rural hospitality. Many ingredients are sourced from the family’s own farm or neighboring producers.
Bringing the European Holiday Adventure Home
Just as we take inspiration from the places we visit, we can shape our environments to reflect what we’ve seen and felt. The comforting hush of a Slovenian spa might inspire a soft color palette in your living room. The laughter shared in a Milanese kitchen could remind you to hang a series of candid family photos that speak to togetherness over perfection. The quiet café in Barcelona might encourage you to choose artwork that celebrates subtle beauty and slow, mindful living.
For those who value storytelling—be it families looking to add meaning to their everyday spaces or creative directors curating extraordinary brand narratives for global campaigns—authentic experiences translate into compelling visuals. If you want to capture your travels, elevate a marketing campaign, or fill your home with art that resonates, I invite you to explore my print shop. There, you’ll find fine art prints that can be custom-framed to liven up any of your spaces. Please email me if you’re interested in a custom photography session or want help selecting images for your favorite spaces. Adding imagery that speaks to the heart of meaningful storytelling is a great way to elevate any space.
Embracing Traditions, Discovery, and the Freedom to Roam
We’re creating a holiday story worth remembering by stepping back from over-planning, focusing on traditions connecting us, and embracing adventure and relaxation. This season, consider letting go of strict itineraries and expectations. Leave space for the unexpected. Let new rituals evolve naturally. Whether you’re planning your next adventure across oceans or savoring quiet moments at home, I hope your holidays will be filled with experiences that enrich your life—and may you find the perfect way to share that story, one meaningful image at a time.
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