Milestone Birthday Trip: Paris, Barcelona & Family Memories

The Best Milestone Birthday Ever: Paris, Barcelona, and My Boys

This blog’s been sitting here since 2017—back when I copy/pasted something about a solar eclipse and thought I’d start writing more. Spoiler: I didn’t. But here I am now, seven years later, finally sharing a story worth writing about—because it’s one I never want to forget.

In 2023, I went to Paris and Barcelona with my sons to celebrate a milestone birthday. My son Mark was competing in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Tournament, which was being held in France that year. My boys decided to turn it into a family trip—because milestone birthdays should be celebrated. And what better way to do it than with travel?

We spent four beautiful days in Paris—sightseeing, eating with my son’s Jiu-Jitsu brothers, and soaking in the magic of a city I’d only dreamed about. Notre Dame was still boarded up from the fire, but we walked to the Eiffel Tower and took it all in.

And listen, I had never been much of an art person… until I found myself standing in front of real-life Van Gogh paintings at the Musée d'Orsay. These were pieces I’d only ever seen in books or movies—and they hit different in person.

 

But the one place I knew I had to visit—ever since reading The Da Vinci Code (yes, before Beyoncé filmed a music video there)—was The Louvre. I got to see the Mona Lisa, which is somehow so small and yet larger than life. Still, the piece that absolutely floored me? The Greek Goddess Nike of Samothrace. I’ve been obsessed with her since an art class in college. Seeing her in person felt... magical, like a reunion.

 

The people in Paris were incredibly kind and spoke English, which I was so happy about, since my French is limited to “oui,” “merci,” and “qua’san” (croissant, but in Toni-speak).

After Paris, we headed to Barcelona and stayed in the Gothic District, which was straight out of a movie. Tiny alleyway streets, a city that never sleeps, and a vibe that was part ancient, part electric.

With the tournament behind us, we had more time to explore. My two must-sees were the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. And let me tell you—they did not disappoint. Watching the intro video at Sagrada Familia gave such depth to the artwork, and seeing those elements up close gave me chills.

Now, about Park Güell… My sons thought we could just hop off the subway and walk there. What they didn’t tell me was that the walk would feel like hiking up a mountain. My legs almost quit on me, but I pushed through—and I’m so glad I did. The views, the colors, the energy of that place—it’s beyond words.

 

But honestly? The best part of the entire trip was the time with my sons.

No one tells you that as your kids grow up, you start to mourn the little versions of them. But then you realize that who they become as adults—the conversations you have, the laughs, the shared experiences—create an entirely new kind of love. Just as deep. Just as beautiful.

This trip was a gift in every way.

So if you’ve got a milestone birthday coming up? Go somewhere. Choose a place that’s lived on your bucket list. Celebrate with the people who matter most. Because you deserve it—and you’ll never regret the memories made.

Drop a comment if you've ever celebrated a birthday with travel—or if Paris and Barcelona are on your bucket list. I’d love to hear your stories, too.