This past summer, Christine Payton and her family set off on an adventure of a lifetime, their very first trip abroad. With their youngest son graduating high school, the timing felt perfect for a celebratory journey, and as an added blessing, Christine’s mother-in-law was able to join them.

The trip began in Barcelona, Spain, where the family spent two nights exploring the city’s vibrant streets and marveling at Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. From there, they boarded a 7-day cruise that carried them along some of Europe’s most breathtaking coasts.

Stops included Cannes, France, as well as several Italian gems: La Spezia, with a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa; Portofino, with its postcard-perfect harbor; and Rome, where they toured the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Vatican City. The trip wrapped up in Naples, where the coastline revealed beauty around every turn.

One of the family’s favorite excursions was a boat ride along the coast of Naples, exploring grottos tucked into the shoreline. Perhaps the most meaningful moment came in Rome, where Christine’s son celebrated his Golden Birthday, turning 18 on June 18 during a Jubilee year. Walking through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica made the milestone unforgettable.

Christine encourages anyone planning a similar trip to be proactive. “Plan ahead!” she says. “It took a lot of researching and planning to make the most of our trip.”

From boat rides along Naples to birthday blessings in Rome, the Paytons’ first trip abroad was filled with extraordinary memories and a reminder of the magic that happens when family, faith, and adventure come together.