Look Kids, Big Ben!

Every great trip begins with a story, and ours opened with a chaotic one. What was supposed to be a smooth departure turned into an unexpected scramble when our flight was canceled. For a moment it felt like the whole adventure might slip away before it even began. But travel rewards flexibility, and once we regrouped and rebooked, Europe welcomed us with open arms.

We lost a day in London, but we did not lose momentum. If anything, that rocky start made the rest of the journey feel even sweeter.

London: Shorter Than Planned but Packed With Highlights

Even with one less day, London delivered everything we hoped for. We made the Islington neighborhood our home base, and it was the perfect choice with walkable streets, great restaurants, and easy access to the Tube.

Over our whirlwind days, we checked off every highlight on our list.

We stood beneath Big Ben and Westminster. We wandered through the greenery of Hyde Park. We enjoyed pastries and tea aboard the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. We admired the Crown Jewels inside the Tower of London. We walked across the Millennium Bridge with St Paul’s rising ahead. We ended one evening with sweeping views from the top of The Shard.

And in a moment that felt perfectly on brand for our family, we even found a Lego version of Big Ben. Somehow seeing it in miniature made the real thing feel even more impressive. It was a tiny but memorable stop that added a bit of playful charm to our London days.

London may have been shorter than planned, but it certainly was not lacking.

Liverpool: The Best Small City Surprise

We boarded a train north and arrived in Liverpool, a city that instantly won us over.

We decided early on that open top buses were the best way to explore cities quickly, and Liverpool proved that theory right. The routes were easy, the commentary was fun, and the views were unbeatable.

A few standout moments included cruising along the Mersey on the ferry tour, watching the skyline unfold, admiring the Three Graces from the water, and wandering around Royal Albert Dock while soaking in the maritime history and waterfront charm.

Saturday was the day we had been waiting for. We spent it at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale cheering on our favorite golfer Cameron Young. The energy, the course, the crowds, all of it was unforgettable.

Glasgow: Murals, Markets, and Highland Cows

Next stop was Scotland.

Glasgow greeted us with creativity and color. The murals in Merchant City were a highlight, massive vibrant works of art tucked between historic buildings.

We took a peaceful detour to Pollok Country Park where we finally met the stars of the Scottish countryside, the highland cows. They were every bit as adorable and shaggy as we hoped.

Edinburgh: A Perfect Final Chapter

Our last leg brought us to Edinburgh where we checked into the BrewDog Doghouse, a hotel with personality, craft beer on tap, and a rooftop terrace that quickly became our favorite place to unwind.

We spent our days exploring the historic Royal Mile, the colorful curve of Victoria Street, cozy pubs, and shops tucked into centuries old closes. We even tried haggis for the first time and lived to tell the tale.

Edinburgh was the perfect finale, atmospheric, walkable, and full of charm.

Looking Back

Two weeks. Four cities. One canceled flight. Countless memories.

What began with frustration turned into one of our most meaningful family adventures. We saw iconic landmarks, discovered new favorite cities, cheered at a major championship, met highland cows, and tasted Scotland’s most famous dish.

Returning Home From a Magical Long Weekend at Universal Studios

There is something special about coming home after a trip that was equal parts joyful, chaotic, and full of memories you know will stay with you for years. Our long weekend at Universal Studios over Presidents Weekend was exactly that kind of adventure. We traveled with another family, which added an extra layer of fun, laughter, and shared moments that made the experience even more meaningful.

The parks were very crowded, as expected for a holiday weekend, but the energy was contagious in the best way. Even with the crowds, we were able to do almost everything on our list, including two early mornings at Epic Universe. Watching the parks wake up while the sun rose behind the attractions felt like a little slice of magic before the day fully began.

We stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which was the perfect home base for a busy weekend. The tropical atmosphere, the easy walk to the parks, and the early entry benefits made everything feel smooth and relaxed. The express passes that came with the stay were a complete game changer. They allowed us to move through Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure with ease, even on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

And yes, we rode Velocicoaster five times. Five. There is something about that ride that pulls you back in again and again. The speed, the drops, the views, the pure thrill of it all. It became our unofficial tradition of the trip.

We also made time for the Wicked experience, which was a beautiful break from the rush of the parks. It was creative, immersive, and a reminder of how much storytelling lives within Universal beyond the rides.

Food was its own adventure. We mixed fine dining with casual favorites and found something to love at every stop. Orchid Lounge for a relaxed bite, Jakes American for comfort food, the Red Oven Pizza Bakery at City Walk for a quick refuel, NBC Grill for a lively meal, and Bigfire for something a little more elevated. And of course, we ended the trip the sweetest way possible with milkshakes from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It felt like the perfect finale to a weekend filled with joy.

Coming home, we are tired in the best way. The kind of tired that comes from full days, shared laughter, and memories made with people we love. It was a reminder of why we travel in the first place. Not just to see new places, but to experience them together.