Hello !

It has been a wild first week and half for us, starting our journey under gray skies and drizzle, only to find that we are now driving through snowy mountain passes a few days later and basking in sunshine by the time we reached the Tuscan countryside.

That’s exactly how our adventure has unfolded so far! From the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the charming streets of Lucca, our travels have been a whirlwind of changing seasons, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments.

We’ve watched Georgia light up at Parisian carousels , marveled at Leonardo da Vinci’s genius in his hometown, and driven through landscapes that seemed to shift with every passing mile—farms, vineyards, snowy peaks, and golden beaches. Each stop has brought new surprises, delicious food, and memories we’ll cherish forever.

Here’s a roundup of our journey so far, with links to each adventure so you can follow along with us. Whether you’re dreaming of your own family adventure or just love to travel from the comfort of your screen, we hope you enjoy coming along for the ride!

1. Departure from Dover

Every great journey begins with a single step—or in our case, a ferry ride!  We left the White Cliffs of Dover behind as we set sail for Calais, full of excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead.

Read about our departure from Dover here.

2. Paris: The City of Lights

Our first major stop was Paris, and it did not disappoint. From the Eiffel Tower  to the Louvre , Paris offered a magical mix of art, history, and fun for the whole family. We loved soaking up the lively atmosphere, and we all indulged in some incredible French pastries while looking at the Notre Dame through the cafe window.

Discover our Paris adventures here.

3. From Paris to Roche-la-Molière

Our journey took us southward, transitioning from wintry drizzle  in Paris then blizzards to golden sunlight in Roche-la-Molière. The drive was an adventure in itself, with snow giving way to rolling hills sunshine and cozy villages.

Read about our drive from Paris to Roche-la-Molière here.

4. From France to Italy

Crossing into Italy brought its own share of surprises. From picturesque farms to snowy alpine passes, this leg of our journey was filled with scenic beauty. By the time we reached the Italian coast, we were greeted with blue skies  and the shimmering Mediterranean.

Explore our journey from France to Italy here.

5. Lucca: A Magical Day of Festive Charm

Lucca swept us off our feet with its enchanting streets and festive holiday atmosphere . The city felt like something out of a fairy tale, with its Christmas markets, twinkling lights , and warm sense of community. We all loved walking around the car-free streets, and we all agreed that Lucca has a magic unlike anywhere else we had been before.

Read about our magical day in Lucca here.

6. Florence: A Day of Art, History, and a Few Surprises

Florence dazzled us with its artistic treasures and vibrant streets. While it didn’t quite capture the magic of Lucca, the Vinci Interactive Museum  and a family carousel ride added highlights to our day.

Read about our day in Florence here.

7. Vinci: Exploring the Birthplace of a Genius

A short trip from Florence brought us to Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace. This charming town stole our hearts with its peaceful vibe, fascinating museums, and stunning views of the Tuscan hills worth a few hours to visit if you are passing .

Discover our day in Vinci here.

The Journey Continues

From rainy city streets to sun-drenched Tuscan hills, our adventure so far has been nothing short of incredible. Each destination has added a new layer to our story, and we’re so excited to see what’s next on this ever-changing horizon.

Next up, we’re heading to Rome for a few days to explore its historic sites, including the iconic Colosseum  and the grandeur of the Roman Forum . Stay tuned as we delve into the Eternal City’s rich history and vibrant culture!

Join Us on Our Journey
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the places we’ve visited so far—have you been to any of these spots? 

Let us know in the comments or follow along on our blog for more stories, tips, and updates.

Adventure awaits! 
Dennis, Ali, Georgia, and Dotty
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Tantrumming Trailblazers

The post Newsletter 1 | a whirlwind start to our adventures appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

After waking up in the peaceful town of Roche-la-Molière, we decided to spend one more day enjoying the area because Dotty wasn’t feeling very well, before continuing our journey. So we took a short trip to the Château de Bouthéon, and it was an absolute treat. The crisp, sunny weather made it the perfect day to wander around and explore everything the château had to offer.

The kids had the best time! Georgia loved visiting the small farm, where she got to meet the animals, while Dotty was completely captivated by the small aquarium inside the château despite not being very well. She spent ages watching the fish swim, her. The château itself, with its historic charm and beautiful surroundings, was a lovely stop for all of us. After an amazing day, we headed back to Roche-la-Molière for one last cosy night before moving on to our next destination.

Through the Alps to Parella

The next morning, we packed up and made our way to Italy, driving through the awe-inspiring Fréjus Tunnel. Passing under the Alps, we couldn’t help but marvel at the transition from France to Italy. The scenery on the other side was breathtaking, with the rugged mountains welcoming us into a new chapter of our journey.

We arrived in the quaint village of Parella on the 23rd, where snow from last Thursday (the 16th) still blanketed the ground. It was like stepping into a winter postcard! Georgia couldn’t wait to throw on her boots and play in the snow, building snowmen and tossing snowballs until she was rosy-cheeked and giggling. Meanwhile, Dotty preferred the warm indoors, happily exploring the house and peeking out at the snowy wonderland from the windows. Parella’s charm and the lingering snow made it a peaceful and memorable stop for our family.

Today, we’re heading further south into Tuscany. Our first stop will be Pisa, where we’ll visit the iconic Leaning Tower. Georgia is determined to perfect her “holding up the tower” photo pose, and Dotty is content to tag along and enjoy the sights at her own pace. After exploring the Piazza dei Miracoli and taking in the sights, we’ll continue to Lucca, a picturesque town famous for its medieval walls and charming streets.

Lucca promises to be the perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. We’re looking forward to strolling through its cobbled alleys, relaxing in its piazzas, and finishing the day with some delicious Tuscan food.

Follow Along on Our Journey

This trip has already given us so many unforgettable moments, and we’re only just getting started. If you’ve enjoyed reading about our adventures, dont forget to register for more updates, tips, and stories from the road.

Have you been to Italy, or have any questions let us know and stay tuned as we uncover more of Italy’s beauty and share it with you!

Learn more about Family Travel Adventure Italy!

Learn more about Family Travel Adventure Italy!

The post Our Journey from France to Italy: Farms, Fish, and Snowy Adventures appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

November snow? In France? Bonkers. We left Paris wrapped in a snowy wonderland and ended our day in Roche-la-Molière under clear skies. But let me tell you, the journey in between? Equal parts chaotic and hilarious.

November is supposed to be all about crisp autumn leaves and cozy scarves, right? Not for us. As we drove out of Paris, snow started falling like we were in a winter postcard. At first, it was magical—Dotty clapped every time snowflakes hit the window, and Georgia declared, “This is the BEST road trip ever!”

That enthusiasm didn’t last long.

The roads became slick, visibility dropped, and our car’s tires worked very hard to cooperate. The GPS kept recalculating, Ali took on the role of chief motivator (“We’ll laugh about this later!”), and Georgia yelled, “We’re in a snow race!” as if it were all a game.

The first flakes fell as we left Paris, and at first, it felt magical. Georgia pressing her face to the window, Ali declared, “This is going to be fun!” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. The snow slowed us to a crawl, with every turn feeling like a game of “Will we make it?”

After a few hours as we got closer to Roche-la-Molière, the snow slowly cleared. It felt like stepping out of Narnia back into the real world—no more ice, no more sliding, just open roads and clear skies. I was thrilled to see the sun, and the fresh air was the perfect antidote to hours of tense driving. Even though the snow was stressful, it gave us stories to laugh about over dinner—and a few tips for anyone attempting a snowy road trip in November (which we didn’t even know was a thing!)

And finally our 4.5 hour trip, took nearly 6.5 hours and we were all exhausted by the end of it, but we survived and have some great stories now too!

Driving through France in winter? Be prepared for the unexpected!

My Tips for Surviving A Unexpected Snowy Road Trip with Kids.

• Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, blankets, and entertainment for the kids. A few extra snacks can work wonders during delays!

• Winter-Proof Your Car: Ensure your tires are suitable for winter conditions, wipers are working well, and you have enough screenwash. Carry a scraper and de-icer just in case.

• Take It Slow: Icy roads mean less grip, so reduce your speed and increase your following distance to stay safe.

• Don’t Rely Fully on GPS: Snow can disrupt routes. Carry a physical map or download offline maps as a backup.

• Break the Journey Into Sections: Plan rest stops to let everyone stretch their legs and keep spirits high.

• Keep Kids Engaged: Bring games, music, or even a road trip scavenger hunt to keep the little ones entertained.

• Stay Flexible: Expect delays and adjust your plans. Arriving safely is far more important than being on time.

• Capture the Chaos: These moments, however frustrating, make for the best stories later—don’t forget to snap some photos!

• Laugh When You Can: When the going gets tough, a little humor goes a long way in keeping the family mood light.

Have your own road trip chaos story? Share it with us in the comments—we’d love to hear how you survived!

The post From Snow to Sunshine: Our November Drive from Paris to Roche-la-Molière appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our second day in Paris was a whirlwind of sights and sounds—a journey through art, history, and iconic landmarks. From the captivating Louvre to the towering Eiffel Tower and the awe-inspiring Notre Dame, every moment felt like a page from a storybook.

The Louvre: Where It All Began

We started our day at the world-famous Louvre, stepping into a treasure trove of art and history. Georgia was thrilled to finally see the Mona Lisa in person, leaning in close to study her mysterious smile. Dotty, on the other hand, had a wonderful time twirling through the wide halls and admiring the shiny marble floors.

We didn’t try to see everything—the Louvre is far too vast for that—but we enjoyed wandering its grand galleries, pausing at sculptures and paintings that caught our attention. It was the perfect start to a day of exploration.

The Eiffel Tower: A View Like No Other

Next, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower, its iron frame gleaming under the crisp, sunny sky. After a morning on our feet, we decided to take the lift to the top—a choice that saved our legs and gave us more time to enjoy the incredible views.

The panoramic view of Paris was breathtaking. Georgia eagerly pointed out landmarks she recognized, and Dotty was fascinated by the tiny boats gliding along the Seine far below. It felt like the entire city was laid out just for us—a memory we’ll carry forever.

Notre Dame: A Cathedral Full of Stories

From the Eiffel Tower, we hopped on a train to Notre Dame. The cathedral, even in its ongoing restoration, stood as a testament to Paris’s rich history. Georgia had endless questions about the building’s architecture and the story of Quasimodo, while Dotty was happily entertained chasing pigeons in the square outside.

We found a quiet spot to enjoy ice cream and soak in the vibrant energy of the area. The combination of history, culture, and family time made this stop truly special.

The Train Ride Home

As the day came to an end, we boarded the train back home, watching the city lights dance in the distance. The girls were tired but happy, and we couldn’t help but reflect on how lucky we felt to be experiencing this journey together.

What’s Next?

Paris has set the bar high, but our world tour is just beginning. Where will we go next? Stay tuned to find out—you won’t want to miss it!

Follow our adventures and get family travel inspiration at tantrummingtrailblazers.com.

Have you explored Paris? What was your favorite part? Or if it’s still on your bucket list, what’s the first thing you’d visit? Let us know in the comments!

The post Bonjour, Paris! A Day of Art, Towers, and Trains appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Our family adventure has officially begun, and we couldn’t be more grateful to finally be here. The day started with an early ferry ride from Dover on Irish Ferries. The kids made the most of the onboard play area while Minions played on the screen, keeping them entertained and giving us a rare moment to pause and reflect.

Once we landed in France, the drive to the Parisian suburbs brought its own excitement. As we arrived at our Airbnb near Palaiseau, close to Lozère station, we were greeted by hills that offer a stunning vantage point over the area. The view is a perfect blend of city charm and peaceful greenery, making the long day of travel more than worth it.

Unpacking while the kids explored the space gave us a chance to breathe it all in. After so many months of planning, we’re finally doing it. This is the start of the adventure we’ve dreamed about, and being here feels like the greatest gift.

With the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre on the agenda for Wednesday, tomorrow is wide open—who knows what it will bring? But for tonight, we’re simply thankful for this moment, this view, and this journey we’re starting together.

Follow our journey! Whether you’re curious about family travel, need tips for your own adventures, or just love hearing about new places, join us here on the blog and on social media. Share your thoughts, tips, or even just say hi in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

The post First Day of Our Journey: From Dover to the Hills just outside Paris appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.