In the fall of 2016, my husband casually mentioned the idea of a sabbatical trip for the summer of 2017. His company offered a month-long sabbatical every seven years, and he had just become eligible. Although we had three years to take it, I was taken aback since we had just returned from a week-long trip to Turks and Caicos. Our family travel routine was driven by budget considerations and a belief that delayed gratification helped foster appreciation for life’s experiences. We wanted to instill in our children a sense of gratitude for the opportunities we could provide and the excitement that comes from anticipating something special. Early on, we decided that our vacations would take place once every other year.
I can’t tell a lie; I was over-the-moon excited when he gave me a serious nod and said, “Yes, why not? The girls are old enough, and it works for our family.” So, summer 2017 was our year to embark on our journey! The thought of taking on our first “real” international adventure—exploring Europe with our three children, including my middle and youngest daughters who suffered from severe food allergies—felt like an extraordinary challenge and a stressful one at that.
Never underestimate the power of travel journaling. On our 2017 sabbatical trip, I started my first travel journal, even on days when I was exhausted from sightseeing, and when I say exhausted, I mean E X H A U S T E D! ! I’m not much of a writer, but I committed to it because I didn’t know if we’d have another chance to travel internationally, in this capacity and for this length of time again. We truly cherished every moment of it. My middle daughter and I committed ourselves to spending a bit of our free time every day or every other day to journaling. It doesn’t take much time or writing skills—just collect items like menus, postcards, business cards, bags that you had your purchases in, anything to mark the place you were and just stick it on a page in your journal. Don’t wait until you get home; you’ll forget the details. Trust me, travel journaling is incredibly rewarding and helps preserve magical memories that you can look back on forever! Highly recommend it!!
Facing the Challenges of Safe Travel with Food Allergies
My daughters were diagnosed with severe food allergies at ages four(4)and six(6). I remember the adjustment to that foreign and daunting news. It was anxiety-inducing, overwhelming, and initially depressing. My mind raced through countless what-ifs. Despite the relief of finally understanding the cause of their conditions after an ER visit due to anaphylaxis, the learning curve was steep. We spent months educating ourselves and teaching our daughters to cope and feel in control.
Planning the Sabbatical: From Overwhelming to Rewarding
With the backdrop of our family’s food allergy challenges, I dove headfirst into planning our sabbatical. Initially, I thought of hiring a large international travel group based in Europe, expecting an authentic experience. However, their offerings were subpar and impersonal. Feeling like just a number, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I spent countless days at Barnes and Noble (my home office during this planning phase), sipping coffee for hours, snacking on sweets, devouring travel books, and head-first into my laptop. You name it, I was looking it up. Researching destinations, itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and, most importantly, how to travel with food allergies abroad. This process unwittingly revealed my love for travel planning—the personal touch, coordination, meticulous details, and the confidence that comes from creating memorable and immersive experiences. It was far more work than I had imagined, but equally engaging and rewarding.
Choosing the Perfect Destinations
After extensive research and discussions, we decided on the South of France (Nice) for a week, followed by a two-week Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity Cruises, renowned for their exceptional service and handling of dietary restrictions. Finding our flat on VRBO, just two blocks from the Côte d’Azur, and selecting restaurants with allergy-friendly menus was an intensive but crucial part of the planning.
Managing food allergies in France added complexity, but we were prepared. Equipped with food allergy cards in multiple languages—thanks to websites like Select Wisely, Equal Eats, and Allergy Translation—we set out with excitement and caution.
An unmistakable seaside symbol in Nice- where every snapshot captures the essence of the Cote D’Azur #rivieraicon #CoteD’Azur #quintessentialsouthoffrance
Experiencing the architecture and luxury of some of the hotels and bars in Nice, France is a sublime experience. Indulge In opulence with a visit to the famous Le Negresco Hotel, where history meets luxury in the heart of Nice, France.
Hotel Cap Estel- Eze, France
Experience serenity and sophistication at Hotel Cap Estel – Eze, France. We had an amazing lunch here at Le Ficus Restaurant. It is nestled in a garden of ficus trees, under the Mediterranean sun. We had the most lovely lunch and service that redefines hospitality. An unforgettable experience.
Unforgettable Adventures and Lifelong Memories
Our travels through France, Italy, Greece, Malta, and Sicily left a lasting impact. Despite a minor allergic reaction in France…. I mean, how can one turn down gelato in Rome? For our family, weighing the risk against the reward in such moments often leads to compromise. Despite the setback, we remained undeterred in our quest for unforgettable experiences. We embraced each moment with curiosity and resilience, from navigating language barriers to exploring new culinary experiences.
The enchanting city of Valletta, Malta, a walled city with much history. This was a gem of a city we visited on our cruise. Vallette is filled with a vibrant past and historical significance. It was a treasure trove brimming with antiquities and charm once inside.
Some stops along the way as we ate our way through Southern Italy, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast
The picturesque hilltop town of Taormina graces the eastern coast of Sicily, close to the active volcano Mount Etna. Visitors can explore a trail leading near the volcano’s summit. We were fortunate enough to witness an eruption late one night from our cruise ship balcony. We were the lucky ones that night!
The dreamy island of Capri is where the uber-wealthy Italians go to escape. I snapped this rather unusual picture of a sculpture of a woman resting on an innertube sunbathing. I thought she was so unique, not to mention beautiful with her sequence adorn swim cap. To me she represented the classic elegant Caprian woman. (Photo taken in 2017).
The Faraglioni – The three spurs of rocks which rise up out of the sea, within meters of Capri Island. Arguably one of the most recognizable and iconic mediterranean archipelagos.
Santorini stands alone among the Greek Islands with its stunning volcanic beauty. The juxtaposition of the stucco against the dramatic volcanic landscape creates a world-class blend of architecture, beauty and serenity that, in my opinion, is unrivaled in the Greek Islands.
Lindos is a must see when visiting the Greek Island of Rhodes. This photo (above) captures a moment while I was swimming in the bay below the famous Acropolis of Lindos – definitely worth the walk up the hill for the best view of St. Paul’s Bay. At the top, you can witness the rich history of the Acropolis and its significance while enjoying the stunning views of the water below. The crystal-clear waters off the bay offered a refreshing escape on this scorching hot day.
St. Paul’s Bay- Lindos, Rhodes
Final Thoughts
To anyone on the fence about venturing into the unknown, especially those managing food allergies, I offer this advice: do your research, confront your fears, seize opportunities, and embrace self-exploration! Travel enriches our lives, shapes our perspectives, and unites us through a shared love of discovery.
This singular, unforgettable journey sparked the inspiration behind my luxury travel venture, Malia Round Travel, LLC. It was a transformative experience that solidified my passion for crafting tailor-made travel solutions to meet diverse challenges. Each subsequent journey fills me with excitement and gratitude. I’m thrilled to share more of our past and future adventures with you in my upcoming blogs.
Are you considering planning a sabbatical adventure? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of family, multi-generational, or couples trip, free from whatever challenges your unique situation calls for. Whether it’s exploring Europe, embarking on a Mediterranean cruise, or discovering new bucket list destinations, Malia Round Travel, LLC is here to turn your travel dreams into reality. Contact us today to start planning your personalized journey.
Roam the World, Write Your Story,
Malia
