Eighty & Extraordinary: A Family Travel Story
Our family outside the Esztergom Basilica in Hungary during my mother in law's 80th birthday trip -- a perfect reminder of how travel brings generations together.
At CuroNow, we celebrate the everyday ways families stay connected — through shared experiences, laughter, and the small moments that remind us what matters most. This summer gave me one of those moments.
More families than ever are traveling together across generations. According to the Family Travel Association, more than half of U.S. families now plan vacations that include parents, grandparents, and kids. And a recent AARP study found that nearly six in ten adults over 50 say spending time with family or friends is their top reason for travel. These trips aren’t just about seeing the world; they’re about sharing it.
This summer, our family celebrated my mother in law’s 80th birthday with a ten day trip through Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. My husband handled the logistics, my sister in law planned the dining, and my mother in law was happily part of the conversation. She didn’t need to make the decisions. She simply wanted to be part of the fun. What she cared about most was that we’d all be together.
She’s in remarkable shape for any age. She walks 5-7 miles a day, golfs regularly, and keeps a steady routine that grounds her. Even in the heat of a European summer, she stayed upbeat and full of energy. Her mornings always started the same way: several cups of decaf coffee, oatmeal if she could find it, and her daily New York Times Wordle. Once those were done, she was ready for the day.
What struck me most wasn’t how much she wanted to do or see, but how tuned in she was to all of us. She made sure everyone was comfortable, that we were enjoying ourselves, and that the moments we shared truly mattered. Her joy came from being surrounded by family and soaking up each day.
Watching her reminded me that living well at any age isn’t about staying busy or chasing the next adventure. It’s about finding joy in the present, keeping a sense of humor, and cherishing the people who make life full.
What I Learned From Traveling With an 80 Year Old
Spending time with her reminded me how powerful it is to keep showing up — for family, for experiences, and for the simple routines that keep us connected to ourselves. Her energy, curiosity, and steady optimism made me think differently about what aging well can look like.
A Few Gentle Takeaways From the Journey
Keep the routine. Familiar habits like morning coffee or Wordle bring calm and comfort anywhere.
Enjoy the togetherness. The best parts of travel are the laughter, meals, and shared memories.
Stay flexible. A little patience and humor go a long way.
Notice the small joys. A smile, a thoughtful comment, or a quiet walk can become the memory that lasts.
Capture the moments. Take the photos, jot down a few details, and remember how it felt to be there.
As more families embrace multi-generational travel — nearly three out of four, according to 2025 trend reports, it’s clear why. These trips aren’t just vacations. They’re time capsules. Traveling together reminded me that life moves quickly, but moments like these slow it down. We can’t hold on to time, but we can fill it with memories that will last long after the suitcases are unpacked.
At CuroNow, that’s what connection is all about — being present, making memories, and celebrating the people who make life meaningful.
Here's to making memories while we can, and to cherishing the people who make every journey worthwhile.
- Pat, Cofounder, CuroNow
