Love shows up in many forms — shared meals, unhurried conversations, and memories made far from home. Last summer, the Kuipers family discovered just how powerful those moments can be during an unforgettable trip to Greece, where ancient history, sun-washed coastlines, and time together created memories that will last a lifetime. In honor of our February "Love" Issue, their journey is a reminder that some of the most meaningful expressions of love are found experiencing the world as a family!

 

What inspired you and your family to choose Greece as your summer destination?
As our boys have gotten older, we’ve leaned more into international travel. After an incredible trip to Italy the year before, we wanted to explore a new destination. Greece was especially appealing because it offered stunning scenery, island-hopping adventures, and amazing Mediterranean cuisine.

Which cities or islands did you visit, and did you have a favorite stop along the way?  We started in Athens, where we explored major landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora. From there, we traveled to Milos—an up-and-coming island known for its unique beaches, colorful fishing villages, and charming towns. Next was Santorini, the most iconic and “Insta-worthy” stop of the trip. We ended our journey in Paros, where we enjoyed a slower pace of life, wandering historic towns and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Each island had something special, but Milos and Santorini were definite standouts.

Traveling with two sons must have been fun—what were some of their favorite experiences?  As a family, we love water sports, so sailing excursions topped our list. The sailing catamaran trips were a highlight—stopping along the coast for swimming, cliff jumping, and exploring coves only accessible by boat. The boys especially loved the adventure and freedom of being out on the water.

Greece is known for its food—did you discover any new favorites or memorable meals?  One of our most memorable meals happened during an island food tour in Santorini led by a guide who was born and raised there. He offered to take us to either a popular restaurant or a local spot in his hometown—we chose the local experience and invited him to join us. He ordered a family-style meal filled with dishes we might not have chosen ourselves. Everything was fresh, light, and flavorful. Saganaki became a favorite, along with traditional Greek salads and lamb dishes we ordered repeatedly throughout the trip.

Were there any cultural experiences or historic sites that stood out?  We loved seeing the contrast between the bustling energy of Athens and the relaxed island lifestyle. Visiting the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Agora was incredible, and watching the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a powerful experience.

How did you balance sightseeing with downtime and relaxation?  We try to plan one or two activities each day but leave room for spontaneity. It’s important for us to build in time to explore on our own, relax, and recharge—whether that meant returning to our lodging for a break or lingering longer at a beach or café.

Did you have any funny or unexpected travel moments?  Traveling on the high-speed ferries was an adventure in itself. Between luggage storage and the chaos of finding assigned seats, it ranged from anxiety-inducing to laugh-out-loud funny. Once we figured it out, though, it became a very convenient way to travel between islands.

What was the highlight of the trip for you personally?  As a family, we’d agree it was a toss-up between the incredible beach experiences in Milos and the sailing catamaran excursion in Santorini. Milos offered dramatic landscapes, cave swimming, and cliff jumping unlike anything we’d experienced. The catamaran trip in Santorini was equally special—sailing along the caldera, swimming near the volcano, and taking in the breathtaking views made it unforgettable.